152. Today I am grateful to be Scottish

Today is Robbie Burns’s day which celebrates the birth of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. One of the most well known is Auld Lang Syne. Typically the traditional “Burns supper” consists of haggis and alcohol, both things that I have no intention of ever trying. It’s also an evening to celebrate Scottish traditions for those in Scotland and abroad.

I thought it would be a good idea to also share my gratitude for each of my ethnicities. Growing up I feel that I was most influenced by Scottish culture, likely because my mom is from Scotland. Here are some things I love about Scotland: Music (including the bagpipes, I especially love amazing grace that includes the bagpipes, I also love the Loch Lomond song), kilts, dancing, shortbread, I love British sweeties. I know there is more that I am missing. I am also grateful for the opportunities that I have had to go to Scotland (6 times, although I only remember going 4 of those times). It is interesting to note that I spent my 9th and 19th birthday in Scotland and went soon after my 29th birthday. I think that is a tradition that I should stay with.

I also love the beauty of Scotland!  The Highlands are one of those most beautiful places I have seen. There is so much history there and it is neat to know that some of my ancestors are part of that history.  

Click on the video below to listen to Scotlands unoffical National anthem, "Flower of Scotland":

151. Today I am grateful for Census mistakes

I am continuing to find more information about my ancestors and family members to add to my family history database; particularly in finding children of more distant relatives. The 1911 England census includes the number of children born to each woman and how many of those children have died, as well as the number of years married couple have been married. While it is useful to know that a family may have had more children than are listed, it still leaves one to find the names, birthdates and genders of those children. I am grateful today to find the names, gender and birth years of children, from one family, who had died listed on the census form. It seems the form was misread by the person filing the form out, likely the father or mother and the entries crossed out with a single line by the enumerator. However, I believe that it was not really a mistake but guided by divinity to ensure that this family will be sealed together as an eternal family prior to the millennium. 

150. Today I am grateful for each and every day

Sometimes there doesn't need to be a writeup of specific things to be grateful for. Through working on this project, I also love coming across motivational quotes and poster-type photo's that express gratitude.

This quote also reminded me of a statement made by Pres. Uchtdorf during last years Relief Society Broadcast:   

“The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.”

149. Today I am grateful for the Sacrament

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to come to church and renew the covenants I made at baptism by partaking of the sacrament each week. As I eat a small piece of bread, symbolizing the body of Christ and a small cup of water, symbolizing His blood I take the time to remember that the Savior gave of himself for us and determine what I can do to become a better representative and disciple of Christ. I am also grateful for the quiet moments I have to reflect at this time.   

148. Today I am grateful for my 'baby blanket'

I have a  little quilt that I have had since I was a newborn baby. It is soft and pink and I sleep with it almost every night. It has been on many road trips and camping trips with me. In the summer time when it is warm sometimes it is the only blanket I sleep with and when it is winter and cold I love to wrap myself up in it.

147. Today I am grateful for the 1911 Census

The 1911 British Census is now available to search! I paid for some credits today with www.findyourpast.co.uk to see what I could find. My grandpa Harry is included in this census as a 5 year old boy living with his family in Fulham, England. I have also been successful in finding new bits of information. I am grateful for the technology that has allowed family history work to become so much more efficient than in times past. I am excited to see what I can find in the next few days.

146. Today I am grateful for a block heater

I can tell that it has been a cold week with my updates. As well that I am learning a lot about winter driving. My Dad lived in Edmonton for about a year back in his early 20s, which he often says was the worst year of his life. Hahaha. He said that one of the first things he noticed were that cars had plugs and place in parking lots to plug them in. He had no idea what they were for until winter came. He makes sure to tell me that story often. My car was originally bought in Edmonton by its first owner so it already has a block heater installed, which I am grateful for. Being that I know very little about car maintenance, anything that will keep my car running more efficiently is great.