154. Today I am grateful to be Irish

Continuing with the theme of being grateful for the various ethnicities that make up who I am, I am also grateful to be Irish. My 3^rd Great Grandparents Robert Burrows and Margaret Henderson were both born in Ireland and came to Scotland with their families. Both came from Co. Tyrone, part of present day Northern Ireland. So far my genealogy research ends at both of their parents who were also born in Ireland. However, I think that with the exception of one ancestor, the others families somewhere back came to Ireland from either Scotland or England. However, I will claim the Irish heritage, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. When I see the colour green, clovers and rainbows, I think of Ireland. When I hear of leprechauns or a pot of gold I think of Ireland. I hope to learn more about my ancestry in Ireland and would love to visit someday!

153. Today I am grateful to be English

My last name, Johnson, is English so I also identify strongly with my English heritage. In 2001 my whole family travelled to Britain which was a really fun trip! Everyone flew to Glasgow except for me and my Dad; we flew to London and spent a few days there before taking the train up to Dumbarton. It was fun to see all the world famous sites such as Buckingham palace, the tower of London and the London Bridge.

However my favourite was driving through the countryside on our way to Binfield in Berkshire which is the village where my Johnson ancestors come from. It did seem like I was stepping back in time, especially when I went to the little Old Saints Church that my ancestors attended, where their babies were baptized, where they married and where a few are buried including my 3^rd and 4^th great grandparents. It’s one thing to see names, dates and places on a microfilm or a piece of paper but a whole new experience to stand where those events took place. I was also able to see the grave of my great grandfather who died during the first World War and where my grandpa's ashes were laid. I am especially grateful for these experiences. It was also wonderful to meet a great aunt and one of my Dad’s cousins.

What are some English things I love? I’ll say British candy again ....Jelly babies, galaxy chocolate, Mr. Kipling cakes ... sooooo good! I also love HP sauce and Yorkshire pudding; those are the “English items” I grew up with. I am also really excited for the London Olympics this summer!

During the hoopla of the recent royal wedding I thought it would be neat to trace my connection to the Queen. As far as I can tell, Queen Elizabeth is the 10^th cousin 12 times removed of the husband of my 1^stcousin 14 times removed. Therefore, there is no blood relation.

Britain's National anthem: God Save the Queen:

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.