I Am Thankful for Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! I had a good day and I hope all of you did as well. I spent my day making blackberry and pumpkin pies. The blackberry was for my dad and turned out even better than last year, and the pumpkin was for my mom.

Mom and I had dinner together and it was fabulous as always. Nobody can make turkey or stuffing quite like my mom. Then I went to Dad's to hang out for a couple of hours.

We watched Kung Fu Panda which was super cute. I hadn't seen it before but I wanted to. Then, we got to play Guitar Hero on the Wii. I've never played Guitar Hero before but it was a blast!! I played with Dad and Fallon and after I got the hang of it, I was doing fairly well. Of course I kept myself on the easy level...

I also got to spend some time talking with my aunt and my grandma. I always enjoy chatting with my aunt, but I rarely get to talk with Grandma. Since our conversations are few, I always have a lot to catch her up on about my life. I was thinking after I got off the phone how much I cherish our talks. Not only does Grandma give good advice, but she usually lifts me up and always tells me how proud she is of me. The thing I like best about catching her up though, is that it reminds me of all my blessings. I have been so blessed to have come so far in just a few short months. I don't always recognize the Lord's hand in my life, but I could not have recovered so much so quickly on my own. Talking with Grandma not only recaps my life for her, but it recaps my blessings for me.

I Am Thankful Parts One and Two (aka two days of gratitude rolled into one long story)

Part One

I was given two tickets to the Dallas Mavericks game last night. It was totally last minute but I was super grateful that one of the bank customers would think of me when he had tickets to give away.

I had actually decided I wanted to ask a guy out. Yes there is a particular guy... I wanted to ask him to something that would be a fun, no pressure kind of date where I could get to know him a little and see if we could even be friends. I decided to pray for an opportunity to ask him out. I know I sound like a dork but the idea of dating TERRIFIES me. So, when I was given the tickets, I immediately knew I needed to call this guy. Trouble was, I didn't have his phone number...

So I emailed him. No response. I figured he was busy or wouldn't get the email in time or didn't want to go, so I started calling other people. No one wanted to go!! Not even my own parents!! I started offering them up to couples I knew. Since no one wanted to go with me, maybe they'd want to go with their boyfriend. Still, no takers. Finally I admitted to a very close friend my original plan. She happened to have the phone number to THE GUY.

So I called him. I left a message and he called back almost right away. He couldn't go. It was pretty late by this time and he had plans to go out with some friends to a movie. I ended up not going to the game and stayed home with my puppies. I watched NCIS and finished my laundry. I was a little sad I couldn't find anyone to go with me, but I wasn't sad THE GUY said no. I wasn't scared to call him either. I think it was because I had been asking for the opportunity and I jumped when the opportunity presented itself. And, even though it turned out as a no last night, it may not be no in the future....

Part Two

I went to FHE on Monday night. We had "Kindergarten Thanksgiving" which was pretty cute and fun. They served mashed potatoes and chicken nuggets and we made brown bag vests and/or Indian headdresses so we could be either pilgrims or Indians. I even got talked into staying and playing volleyball. (Which was really me just standing in my place, ducking and screaming if the ball came toward me...)

Anyway, my friend Kristi was there, and we really haven't had a chance to hang out since she's been back except for at church. So I mentioned to her that we needed to get together. She told me, perfect, I could come with her to karaoke night on Wednesday (that would be tonight). So even though I had no intention whatsoever of singing karaoke, I said I would go so I could hang out with Kristi and some of the others from the ward.

So I showed up at Sneaky Pete's tonight for karaoke. Guess who else was there. Yep, that's right, it was THE GUY. And somehow, there just happened to be an open seat right next to him. I don't know how Kristi pulled that off, and I am very sure it wasn't planned because I haven't told her about my little crush. Then again, I am an open book. Maybe she already knew. We ended up moving tables to get better seats and so I sat across from him. We chatted a bit but it was hard because the place was so loud. Plus there were other people I wanted to talk to. I don't want this guy to know I like him. And, Kristi brought another friend I really like whom I haven't really gotten to see since before I was married. So I spent a lot of time talking to her. We all had a lot of fun, but then other patrons began to get drunk and very strange so our group decided to leave.

He had earlier asked me how I enjoyed the Mavs game. Since Kristi and the others were listening I gave him a hard time (not too hard a time) about me not being able to go since he wanted to go to a $0.50 movie versus a free Mavericks' game. As we were walking to our cars, he said, "Seriously, Marilyn, if you get tickets again, I'd really like to go." So whether that means he's interested in me because I might have a connection to Mavs tickets or because I am cute and fun, I don't really know or care. Maybe it's a little of both.

But I am grateful that I went out tonight even though I didn't really feel like it. I am grateful Kristi would think to invite me when she makes plans. And I am grateful that I went ahead and called THE GUY last night even though I was sure he would say no. It all worked out in the end.

I Am Grateful For My Grandfather

Though he passed from this life November 25, 1996, today, the Monday before Thanksgiving, marks the day that I remember as the anniversary of my grandfather's death. His name was Ramon K Ostenberg and he was my hero.

Keep in mind my memories are those of a child; he died when I was barely 13 years old. It broke my heart when I lost him.

My grandpa loved me perfectly. I barely remember any conversations we might have had, but we were always aware of each other. He didn't care that I was chubby or obnoxious. There never seemed to be a time when another grandchild was more important than me. He never minded if I wanted to sit next to him while he watched TV and he let me talk his ear off. He never complained.

He never complained when he got sick. I remember him asking us how we were doing. He seemed able to read my mind, offering me words of comfort. I always saw my grandfather as larger than life and then there he was, this tiny, fragile man, lying in a hospital bed with just weeks left on this earth.

My grandpa was a wonderful example of charity. He was quiet and patient and always ready to lend another a helping hand.

If there were problems in the family, I never knew it from him. If he disapproved of something or someone he gave no indication to me.

He liked to take us to Pizza Hut for BBQ chicken pizza.

He made a tire swing and hung it from a large tree in his front/side yard when he knew the grandchildren were coming and would never tire of pushing us on it.

One year he bought us sparklers and those things you throw to make the loud popping sound for the 4th of July.

I remember sitting outside one day blowing bubbles.

He hated the cat. (And so did I after she scratched my face. He was the only one who noticed that too...)

He loved my dad. I look back now and realize just how lucky my dad was to have a father-in-law like my grandfather.

He commanded respect without asking for it. He was dignified.

He had a hearty, infectious laugh and his eye would squint when he smiled.

He was honest.

I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and for the knowledge that I have the chance to be reunited with him someday. I miss him with all my heart. I love him so much I could burst. I am so grateful for his amazing example of a Christlike disciple.

Grandpa, I love you.

I'm Super Tired but Super Happy

So when I stress out, I can't sleep. Literally can not sleep. Last night after I finished my script I was so happy to lay down in my comfy bed and get some much deserved rest.

My brain had other ideas. It would not shut off... I lay in bed thinking about the program, my mom, my sister, and who knows what else. Finally I got up around 3:30 still wide awake. I decided to go ahead and shower and bake the brownies I'd promised the choir. The brownies would not bake!! They cooked on one half and not the other. I flipped the pan around and tried to cook them longer but the side that got cooked in the first place only got cooked more, and the other half was still a gooey mess. (I broke the sabbath and bought cookies from Walmart. I promised the guys if they showed up to choir there would be food...) Still wide awake I did a load of laundry and finally was tired. I think I fell asleep around 6:30 am. I had to get up at 9!!

So I am grateful for Heavenly Father sustaining me today. No one at church would have guessed I'd had no sleep. I was happy and energetic. I made it through choir pretty well and was only slightly dizzy on my way home. But I wasn't done yet. I still had to go visiting teaching!!

Luckily my super awesome VT partner was driving. We had a lot of fun chatting on the drive and with our friends once we got to their apartment. I even managed to give a coherent lesson.

The drive home was a little more fuzzy. I do remember getting some chicken soup from my mom when I got home and then I was passed out. I am also grateful that Maggie and Maia were happy to nap with me so I didn't have to stay awake to keep them in line.

For those of you who have been asking, I don't know if my Christmas program has been approved yet. It's pretty simple, but that's the way I feel about the gospel. What comments can I make beyond what has already been said? The prophets of the Bible and Book of Mormon have already told the story so eloquently, I just basically put in some transition statements and picked out songs that went along the lines of the the story of the Savior's birth. We are performing December 14th.

We are performing two of our songs for stake conference on December 7th as well as at the Frisco Nativity.

So I also have some gratitude to make up. I think I am behind one or two days, but I have plenty to be grateful for. I am grateful we've had some chilly weather. I've gotten to enjoy hot chocolate, wearing sweaters, and best of all, it was even cold enough for a couple of days that I got to wear my super awesome leather jacket that was a Christmas present from my Aunt Mar last year.

In doing research for the Christmas program, I found my very favorite Christmas carol and purchased the Mtab version from iTunes. It is called "Angels' Carol" and if I had enough time and could find the sheet music, I would make the choir sing it for our program. However I do not have enough time or the sheet music, so I will just have to enjoy it by myself. As a matter of fact I have it looping on my computer as I type. (Yes I am breaking my rule of no Christmas music before Thanksgiving. It is THAT good.) If I could figure out how to post it for you to hear I would.

I am also so grateful I am discovering my place in my ward. I am coming out of my shell. I think my calling has given me a sense of purpose and forces me to meet people. I am relaxing and having more fun.

Today for example, I needed to talk to the brethren. As part of my calling, I have to coordinate with the leaders of each auxiliary to make sure they have a chorister and pianist so they can sing in class. I also need to know about other musical talents so I can arrange for special musical numbers in Sacrament meeting. I told the brethren (and the sisters but that story isn't funny) about this part of my calling and told them I would be passing around a sign up sheet next week. I wanted to give them a week to think about their talents and decide it would be okay to share them with us. I put my email address on the chalkboard for them to email me with questions or concerns about performing before I send around the sign up sheet. Part of my email address includes my birth date. One of the guys (I had my back to them at the time), said, "What are those numbers?" I said, "It's my birthday, so now you guys now when it is time to buy me presents." Which got them laughing. Then somebody said, "Are you sure? It kind looks like an area code. Are you sure that isn't your phone number?" And without skipping a beat I very saucily replied, "Oh no, you guys aren't getting my phone number." They thought that was funny too. Or at least I did, but they were laughing too. I thought about it on my way to choir and if I had it to do over, I would say, "Oh only guys who come to choir get my number." Or something like that.

So yes I am stressing. I will be very glad when the Christmas program is over. But yes, I am very happy.

Don't Worry

I am grateful for many things! I know I am behind and I promise an update TOMORROW to make up. I haven't forgotten!! I just need to go to bed or I will not wake up in time for church!!

I will say that for today's gratitude, I am grateful I FINALLY finished the Christmas program. Now if only I can find enough time to get the choir prepared...

A Day Out With Friends

On Wednesday I got to spend the day with a very cherished friend of mine named JJ. I've known her since I was six, and even though we occasionally lose contact (sometimes for a couple of years...) we always pick up right where we left off. We get each other.

I got to help her along with another friend of hers to pick out wedding dresses. JJ is planning on getting married in September. We had so much fun, and I think we might have found the dress.

JJ's friend Dana brought her son Caleb who is about 18 months. I don't think he was aware of what was going on but he was so sweet and cute. While we were searching the first boutique, he kept calling out, "I do!" I asked Dana if she thought she might've started Caleb's training a little young. It was adorable.

I am thankful for the time I got to spend with JJ. I am grateful she would let me participate in the planning of her wedding. I am grateful that she seems to have found a guy who gets her too.

At the End of the Day

I am glad this day is over. It wasn't a bad day, but it wasn't a good one either. It was long and stressful and it is over!!

I am so grateful I made it through the day and that I get to start over tomorrow.

FHE

I am grateful for FHE. I have been feeling very stressed for the past few days and wasn't really sure I wanted to meet up with the singles for FHE tonight. And though I am still tired and stressed, I am glad I went.

We had a chili and cobbler cook-off. I'd never made cobbler before so I thought I'd give it a try. I made blackberry cobbler, and I think I'll be tweaking the recipe a bit more in the future, but it tasted pretty good (even though it was super ugly). It was fun to try the chilis and cobblers and chat with some of my friends.

I am especially grateful for JJ and Kristi. They were both able to talk to me about two separate issues and give me some great advise. Even though things are not resolved, it was good to talk to someone and straighten out my thoughts.

Sustaining Callings

I suppose I have never really given much thought to sustaining someone's calling. I know that I am to support or help them in anyway I can, which I think I've done a fairly good job of most of my life.

But since I hadn't given it much thought, I had given even less thought to the other end of the spectrum. What does it mean when others sustain me in my calling?

It means that when I asked for one or two volunteers to read for the ward Christmas program I got six. It means that when I asked for six volunteers to sing in a group I got nine. It means when I asked people to attend choir so we could practise for our stake program and sacrament program, many people showed up.

I was so touched today by everyone's willingness to help me in my task. I am so grateful for the members of my branch who are so supportive of my efforts to have a good music program.

My 100th Post!!

I have been blogging for a little more than a year now, and today I write my 100th post. It's a neat milestone that I am excited to celebrate during gratitude month.

Today I am grateful for inspiration. I have been struggling with putting together a rough outline of the ward Christmas program. I have been praying for guidance and doing a lot of studying, but didn't really have anything to write down other than a few songs I liked. I drove all the way out to the LDS bookstore to try to find some choir music which unfortunately turned out to be slim pickings. I did pick up one booklet, but I'm only using one song (assuming it's approved by the branch presidency). I've been feeling a little stressed out since I am supposed to have the outline to my branch presidency tomorrow or rather later this morning. Again, I began reading scripture, The Mortal Messiah, and hymns, hoping I would come up with something. Finally, around 10:30 tonight, ideas started flowing onto the paper. I had been asked to come up with a program that would take up approximately 40 minutes. I was a little daunted by that amount of time. Now, I am worried that 40 minutes is not enough time!! I might have to cut down a bit on my program.

Of course it is a very rough draft, but I am relieved and excited to have some measure of order to my thoughts. We'll just have to see what the branch president says!