Saturday, December 31, 2011

Support of Family & Friends

This, the last day of the year, I want to share one of my deepest and most important gratitudes.  I'm grateful for the continuing support of family and friends, particularly this year when I was often in survival mode with the Postpartum Depression and didn't think I could keep on going. I would call my husband, mom, sisters, or closest friends and just cry. They were always understanding and patient with me. I wanted so badly for my body to be normal again and the chemical imbalance to work itself out. Healing has come this year, little by little, physically, mentally, spiritually...and I feel like I am coming home to the old Catherine, the bubbly, energetic, fun me.

As I was putting up these Christmas cards, I felt so happy to have these special individuals in my life, and I realized there are so many others who touch my life and care deeply about my happiness. How grateful I am for each of them! How grateful I am for YOU! Many of you who read my daily gratitude blog are family and friends. And if you are a stranger that just needed a pick me up everyday as you've followed my blog, then you're now a friend because you've come to know and understand me. Thank you everyone for your support. It means so much! I wish I could reach through the computer screen and give you a hug on the other side. Happy New Year friend for I believe it's going to be a happy new year for all of us if we make the choice to let it be. Loves to you!

What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, December 30, 2011

The Magic of Christmas Through a Child's Eyes

I'm grateful for the magic of Christmas through a child's eyes. It's so fun to play Santa even if it is tiring the next day trying to catch up on sleep from staying up till 2am. Now we know what OUR parents went through for us.  ;)  We try to keep things simple with 1 main gift from Santa for each of the kids, 1 main gift from Wade and me, and the rest of these are from grandparents, Nick, Summer, and their kids who had our name for Christmas. We felt very blessed!
 The kids were giddy about leaving cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and in the morning discovering they've disappeared.
 The baby was sooo sleepy, but could tell THAT baby doll was hers. She was so cute cuddling her dolly from Santa. She took her and immediately sat on her new green learning chair from us ($12 at Kid to Kid). Man, I love a good deal!
 My son loved his GeoTrax from Santa ($23 at Kid to Kid...wahoo) and Monster Truck set from us.
And my daughter was excited I gave her my old America Girl Doll and Santa brought her outfits to match. It was a magical morning, and I'm so grateful my children help make it that way.

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas Eve Tradition

 I'm grateful for our Christmas Eve tradition of acting out the nativity story about baby Jesus found in Luke 2. Since I was born right before Christmas, my parents nicknamed me "angel," and I naturally always played that part. This year, I had 3 other darling little angels join me.
The boys took their role as the shepherds and later as the wise men very seriously. My son even insisted to the bigger boys that they all kneel before baby Jesus.
Austin and Ruthanne were the perfect Joseph and Mary with their new little baby boy being Jesus. It was such a special evening! Thanks Jason and Margaret for welcoming us all into your home, providing dinner, and a beautiful atmosphere for my favorite Christmas tradition.

What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Stoney Family Christmas Party

 I'm grateful for our annual Stoney Family Christmas Party, and I'm going to warn you in advance for the picture overload, but I couldn't leave some out. Just check out these two hotties! Can you blame me for keeping this one in? ;)
 decorating cookies
 getting ready for the infamous Stoney white elephant exchange... we've had some goodies in the past (used gift cars, odor eaters, Suzanne Sommers workout equipment, etc)
 Can you feel the anticipation? ;)
 Lucky Great Grandma Stoney gets one of our gifts which we received at the Prosperity Tribe Christmas Party white elephant exchange from Gerald and Jana Rogers. It was too cute not to share! Grandma is actually excited to have the wig and glasses in her dress up drawer for grand kids.  :)
 My 4 year old was a little disappointed from receiving an old microwave when he expected a toy! Poor boy! Everyone was busting up laughing (although we all felt bad for him, too) I guess we didn't have the "PRE-white elephant gift exchange talk" with him about these being silly gifts and not REALLY FUN gifts.
Instead of making or buying gifts every other year for one another, we all donate money and shop for one or two families in need. It's been the sweetest way to bring a step family together as ONE.  I'm grateful mom and Keith have such big hearts and have created this tradition for all of us. It's precious to hear everyone's feelings and experiences regarding this true gift. It's what Christmas is really about anyway. 

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

17 Miracles and My Own Little Miracle

 I'm grateful for 17 Miracles and my own little miracle yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst case of the flu I've ever had. I experienced intense stomach cramping, fever, chills, constant vomiting all day, the whole nine yards. I was a sick puppy! :( I put on 17 Miracles that was a Christmas gift from Wade's mom and step dad. As I struggled to endure my own sickness, I was humbled watching these faithful pioneers trying to cross the plains, many of them just as sick as I was or worse.  65 died one by one, including a handful of babies and children. It was heartbreaking to watch, but miraculously helped give me a little more STRENGTH, when I needed it so badly.  I'm so grateful for the sacrifices, faith, and miracles of those Mormon Pioneers to help bring the TRUTH to my generation today. "Happy Day, All is well"

I also want to mention another little miracle or two. After several hours of constant vomiting and dehydration, when I didn't think I could make it any longer, I received a priesthood blessing from Wade and our good friend, Ken Rasmussen.  Immediately, I felt some physical relief and peace of mind that this sickness was only temporary.  When Wade needed to leave for the day, I pleaded with Heavenly Father to know who I could call for help to care for the children so I could rest. I have several wonderful young women in my neighborhood and after some time, I finally found a sweet girl, Kenzie, who came over right away and spent the rest of the day with us. She even tidied up the house, washed the dishes, and helped me care for my two older children who also became sick. After she left, I cried with deep gratitude. I felt so blessed.

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Tree

I'm grateful for our Christmas tree and how it brought a soft glow of the Christmas spirit when we would sit around the living room or kitchen table close by. And I always felt those colorful lights through the window welcomed us home happily each time we pulled into our driveway at night.  This is a picture of our tree with just a few gifts as it was for most of the month before Santa came.  It's not a fancy tree, but I think the homemade ornaments my children created add character, and I like it that way. :)

What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Jerusalem Supper

 I'm grateful for the Jerusalem Supper we have every year with friends to reflect on Christ this time of year. We set the table and eat the kinds of foods Christ may have eaten in Jerusalem. We have pita bread with fish (tuna), grapes, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, cheese, dates, pita chips, hummus, and grape juice, etc.  Our friends, David and Bonnie Campbell, who've spent time in Jerusalem, introduced this idea to us when we were first married, and we have continued the tradition since then.  After dinner, we sit around the living room and each share who we relate the most with in the nativity story (Joseph, Mary, the Innkeeper who finally found a place for Him, the shepherds, wise men, one of the animals, the star which led others to Christ, etc.) It's always a sweet and spiritual experience.  
What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Lights at Temple Square

 I'm grateful we were able to see the lights at temple square earlier this month. It helped us start the Christmas season off right and focus on Christ. It's just beautiful there, and I'm glad we live just minutes from this lovely and peaceful holy ground.
What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Inspiration

I'm grateful for this Christmas inspiration my favorite blogger, Shawni Eyre Pothier, shared recently quoting William B. Smart. It's completely changed my whole perspective on Christmas. I love this beautiful truth. The older I get, the more I recognize how desperately I need my Savior, Jesus Christ, because I am deeply flawed and rely on Him daily and the cleansing power of His atonement. I sometimes feel that repenting, changing, giving up my "favorite sins" can all seem a little intimidating, but when I try to have a repentant attitude and continually strive to be better little by little, I feel closer to Him. I hope you enjoy this bit of inspiration as much as I did...

"For Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. We love the excitement, the giving spirit, the special awareness of and appreciation for family and friends, the feelings of love and brotherhood that bless our gatherings at Christmastime.

In all the joyousness, it is well to reflect that Christmas comes in three levels:

Let’s call the first the 'Santa Claus level.' It’s the level of Christmas trees and holly, of whispered secrets and colorful packages, of candlelight and rich food and warm open houses. It’s carolers in the shopping malls, excited children, and weary but loving parents. It’s a lovely time of special warmth and caring and giving. It’s the level at which we eat too much and spend too much and do too much–and enjoy every minute of it. We love the Santa Claus level of Christmas.

But there’s a higher, more beautiful level. Let’s call it the 'Silent Night level.' It’s the level of all our glorious Christmas carols, of that beloved, familiar story: 'Now in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus…' It’s the level of the crowded inn, and the silent holy moment in a dark stable when the Son of Man came to earth. It’s shepherds on a steep, bare hill near Bethlehem, angels with their glad tidings, a new star in the East, wise men traveling far in search of the Holy One. How beautiful and meaningful it is; how infinitely poorer we would be without this sacred second level of Christmas.

The trouble is, these two levels don’t last. They can’t. Twelve days of Christmas, at the first level, is about all most of us can stand. It’s too intense, too extravagant. The tree dries out and the needles fall. The candles burn down. The beautiful wrappings go out with he trash, the carolers are up on the ski slopes, the toys break, and the biggest day the stores in the entire year is exchange day, December 26.
The feast is over and the dieting begins. But the lonely and the hungry are with us still perhaps lonelier and hungrier than before.

Lovely and joyous as the first level of Christmas is, there will come a day, very soon, when Mother will put away the decorations and vacuum the living room and think, 'Thank goodness that’s over for another year.'

Even the second level, the level of the Baby Jesus, can’t last. How many times this season can you sing 'Silent Night'? The angels and the star and the shepherd, even the silent, sacred mystery of that holy night itself, can’t long satisfy humanity’s basic need. The man who keeps Christ in the manger will, in the end, be disappointed and empty.

No, for Christmas to last all year long, for it to grow in beauty and meaning and purpose, for it to have the power to change lives, we must celebrate it at the third level, that of the adult Christ. It is at this level–not as an infant–that our Savior brings His gifts of lasting joy, lasting peace, lasting hope. It was the adult Christ who reached out and touched the untouchable, who loved the unlovable, who so loved us all that even in His agony on the cross He prayed forgiveness for His enemies.

This is the Christ, creator of worlds without number, who wept, Enoch tell us, because so many of us lack affection and hate each other–and then who willingly gave His life for all of us, including those for whom He wept.

This is the Christ, the adult Christ, who gave us the perfect example, and asked us to follow Him.
Accepting that invitation is the way–the only way–to celebrate Christmas all year and all life long."

"The article waswritten as a Church News editorial by William B. Smart, and appears in his book, Messages for a Happier Life (Deseret Book, 1989), pp. 33-34." 


What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Reed Family Christmas Party

 I'm grateful for the Reed Family Christmas Party. Jeff & Elizabeth hosted it at their house this year, and they always do such a great job preparing their home and just a nice atmosphere for the rest of the us. And Dad & Claudia are always so generous! The kids were thrilled with their surprises, and Wade and I were so grateful they helped us pay for our fun new Nikon S8200 I took these pictures with.  Our old digital camera was 7 years old, (I know ancient for any electronic item, right?) lol It's been sooo nice to have our new one a few weeks early so we could use it for all these Christmas parties.
 The baby is pretty crazy about her Princess rider.
 Our son gave Grandpa Reed the biggest hug after his excitement over his Lightning McQueen Pillow Pet.
And our daughter was instantly caring for her Pinkie Pie My Little Pony. Thanks Brandon & Diana, Jeff & Elizabeth, and Dad & Claudia for such a memorable afternoon. We always enjoy spending time with you guys!

What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Dance Recital

I'm grateful for my daughter's Christmas Dance Recital a few weeks ago. It's fun to see her improve each year in dancing, performing, and confidence. She's a beautiful little girl, and I'm crazy about her!


What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Olive Garden and Spa Time


 I'm grateful for Olive Garden and spa time with my sisters last week to celebrate my birthday. It was so relaxing and fun to chat with Margaret and Ruthanne for hours and feel pampered with new, pretty nails.  I can't wait till we do it again next month for Marg's special day. I love these girls!
What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, December 19, 2011

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert

I'm grateful for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert we attended Friday to celebrate my birthday. It was spectacular! No worries, I took this photo after the concert ended since picture taking is prohibited during the concert.  The whole production just blew me away! The set, lighting, falling snowflakes, costumes, orchestra, dancers, choir, Nathan Gunn, Jane Seymour, and just the beautiful spirit there was all so exquisite. I will never forget this night! 
Thank you Wade for suprising me with such a memorable evening and thanks Norm and Jeni for joining us and spoiling us with delicious greek goodness before the show. It was a real treat!

What are YOU grateful for?

Sunday, December 18, 2011

My Birthday


I'm grateful for my birthday! Some years, it's tricky having a birthday so close to Christmas, but I know my family always tries to make it extra special, and this year was no different. My sisters took me to lunch and the spa, Wade surprised me with tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert, watched Anne of Green Gables with me while massaging my feet, bought me flowers, helped the kids make an ultra cute HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign, and served me my favorite homemade cake. The cards, phone calls, and messages with birthday wishes from all of you also brought a smile to my face. Thank you!

What are YOU grateful for?

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Flash Mob Dance


I'm grateful for the Flash Mob Dance Mandy Allfrey, Harmony Williams, and I created at the Christmas Party Wednesday. Mandy started dancing to "I got a feeling that tonight's going to be a good night.." Then Harmony joined her, then me, and then the 3 of us slowly started pulling everyone else into the middle, and soon EVERYONE was dancing, and it was AWESOME!

I love these friends and their families. Good times.

What are YOU grateful for?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Talent Shared at the Party


I'm grateful for the talent shared at the Christmas Party Wednesday night. We had Ashley Ludlow sing her original song, "Wake Up" which was incredible!

Ammon Bowman played "Jingle Bells" on the trumpet. I was his group leader at the first Live BIG Jr, so I have a special connection with this sweet boy.

Melissa Jones Bamfo sang, "Things That Matter." Loved it!

Milly Gilson and Phish did a Rumba and Lyndy Hop. It was so entertaining!

And the lovely Jana Rogers and her group, "Gloria" performed several numbers for us. I especially liked the different version of 12 Days of Christmas where my true love and I had a fight and basically destroyed all those gifts he had given me. haha So funny!

What are YOU grateful for?

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Prosperity Tribe Christmas Party


I'm grateful for the Prosperity Tribe Christmas Party last night! It was a blast to hang out with these amazing, positive, enthusiastic individuals. I'm grateful Gerald Rogers started this personal and business development group so we could surround ourselves with like-minded creators. As I mentioned Monday, I've spent a lot of time preparing for this party with the personal phone calls to all the tribe members, picking up decorations and supplies, setting up, cleaning up, and I've loved every minute of it. And as you can tell from the smiles above during the white elephant gift exchange as well as the other photos I'll post, we sure know how to how fun! What a memorable party!

What are YOU grateful for?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

New Recipes

I'm grateful for new recipes. My daughter is quite the cook and impressed all of us one day with her new recipe she whipped together, which included hot chocolate, stevia, chocolate milk mix, marshmallows, and a few cheerios. She mixed and mixed for 15 minutes and just kept adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that till her recipe was complete. If anyone's interested in taking cooking classes from this sweet chef, registration will begin soon, so be on the lookout. ;)

What are YOU grateful for?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

KSL.com

I'm grateful for KSL.com, my favorite stop for news, weather, and free classified ads. We haven't watched TV for years, just movies, so it's nice to take two minutes and catch up on the news online. KSL also had helped us find solid renters for our basement apartment the last 6 1/2 years, buy toys or clothes still in good condition, or sell our old stuff when we need cash. Most of the time, we donate our stuff to D.I., but once in a while, it's nice to make a $100 from some sales, like I just did this weekend. And now, we can use that cash to buy Christmas gifts for others. Sa-weet!

What are YOU grateful for?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Phone Snatcher

I'm grateful my baby didn't steal my phone today as much as she usually does because I needed it for work. I was on the phone for 6 hours today inviting Prosperity Tribe members to our upcoming Christmas Party, planning the party, decorations, food, gift exchange, talent show, etc. Wow, are we going to have a blast or what!

I'm also grateful Gerald Rogers allows me the awesome opportunity to get paid to do what I love to do most--talk and connect with amazing people! If anyone wants to come to this rockin' party Wednesday night, it's not too late to join the Tribe. :) It's only $97 a month for massive results in your business and personal development. Message me for more details. I love it!

What are YOU grateful for?