for the temple

I couldn't think of a better way to end this month of gratitude than with a trip to the temple this afternoon with Mike. This is what happens when I attend the temple: My love for my husband increases. I have a greater desire to leave the things of this world behind and seek for the better. My dedication to my family is strengthened. My spirit is lighter, and my joy is greater.

I am thankful for these blessings. I am thankful for the perspective that attending the temple gives me, and for the peace it brings.


I have so enjoyed this month of gratitude. I hope it has been a happy one for you. I know it has been for me! Thank you for reading, and for playing along. You guys are the best.


For more information on Mormon Temples, go here. If you live in Arizona, and would like to go inside a Mormon Temple, you are in luck! The new Gilbert Temple will be open to the public before it's dedication starting in January. Find more information here. Email me (barefootstephanie@gmail) if you'd like a friend to go with you. I'd be happy to!

for amenable children

I've wanted to take our Christmas card photos for weeks now, and finally today we had about five minutes before it was going to be too dark outside. So I quickly dressed the children and sent them outside. Taking family pictures, even just in our backyard with a tripod, can be stressful. But these kids had good attitudes and were patient with me as I adjusted their positions and straightened their hair and made them stand still and smile. I am thankful for their easy going natures and I hope we got a good shot! (Otherwise, we're doing this all over again after church on Sunday. And I really don't want to have to do that.)

Also, please know that I would never send out Christmas cards without our heads attached to our bodies. I just didn't want to ruin the surprise. :)

And now let's eat some more pie.

It's how happy people live.

Mike and I were going to run the big, official Turkey Trot this morning. But then Mike injured his ankle a few weeks ago and our training schedule went out the window. So we ran a less competitive (but SO fun) neighborhood trot together instead. Thanks to Mike, I even shaved a minute from my best time (49:01 today!). The race was bright and early and we were home before it was even time to fry the turkey. While Mike gets his frying station rigged up, I am going to make my mom's sausage stuffing and bake the rolls.

All month long I've been talking about what I am thankful for, and this morning as I was working in the kitchen, all of those things and more washed over me and my heart was full. I have a happy life, and I am so thankful for it.

I saw this video a few days ago and wanted to share it with you. I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

for a perfect pie crust

Last year I decided that I was going to learn how to make pie from scratch. After several attempts, I realized that making pie crust is not one of my talents. So this Thanksgiving I am back to store-bought pie dough, and I feel really good about it. This pie crust was filled with pumpkin and spices and is currently baking in my oven. I can't wait to have a slice tomorrow afternoon. I have another crust waiting in the fridge for a German Chocolate pie on Friday. Or maybe Coconut Cream. We'll see.

So today I am grateful for my talents, but also for the knowledge that I don't have to be good at everything. And thankfully, store bought crust is there to save the day.

What pies will you be eating tomorrow?

for hurried mornings, too

The hour before the kids leave for school is typically the busiest of my day. There is a warm breakfast to cook, lunches to pack, homework to sign, a Stella to wake, etc. A lot of days it leaves me feeling frantic. This morning, I took one look at Stella's sleepy, rosy cheeks across the breakfast table, and I decided to be grateful for it instead. I am grateful that I get to spend this hour with my children, and that I am able to send them off to school with a wholesome breakfast in their stomachs. I am grateful that once he is ready for school, Oliver likes to sit at the piano. I am grateful that most mornings, Mike doesn't have to leave for work until after the kids have gone. I am especially grateful when we take a minute to say family prayer before everyone leaves.

And then I am thankful for the quiet left behind for me and Elliot to enjoy.

for good books

I'm in the middle of reading Lark Rise to Candleford at the moment. It is less of a story and more of a description of life in the small English hamlet of Lark Rise in the 1800s, so it isn't quite what I was expecting, but I am enjoying it anyway.

While I finish it up, I thought I'd share a few other books that I've read lately. I really love to read, and good books are definitely something that I am thankful for. I love that quote that says when you read you become a thousand men and yet remain yourself. It is so true. When I read a good book, I live another life, full of fascinating people and interesting places, all while staying put in my little living room here in Arizona. And as grateful as I am for my own good books, I am even more grateful for children who love to read. Sometimes I feel like the best part of our day was spent reading together on the couch.

May the Road Rise Up to Meet You - Oh, I loved this book! It follows four different characters, from very different places, as the country is heading into the Civil War. To see the different story lines finally come together was so satisfying. A must read. Five stars (out of five).

The Snow Child - This is the interesting story of an older, childless couple and their adopted "snow" child in the wilds of Alaska. Sad and sweet and full of love. Four stars.

I'll Watch the Moon - This story takes place in a boarding house during a polio outbreak, soon after the end of World War II. It is touching and tender. Four stars.

Jim the Boy - I had read the sequel to this book, The Blue Star, years ago without knowing it was a sequel. I was so happy to finally read this first book. It is quiet and sweet. I loved it. Four Stars.

Mrs. Mike - I mean, I had to read this one, right? It was a fun, quick, romantic (but clean) read, following a handsome Canadian Mountie and his young bride. Four stars.

The Shoemaker's Wife - This is the sort of book where you wonder if the main characters (two Italian immigrants) are ever going to get together. And then they do! And they have a happy life. I really enjoyed it, but felt like the last quarter or so was rushed. Still, it was a great story. Four stars.

The Sandcastle Girls - This book dealt with a subject that I was completely unfamiliar with - the Armenian genocide that occurred right before WWI in Syria. It follows a modern-day woman of Armenian descent as she uncovers the history of her family. The story is well-told, and manages to be hopeful despite such tragic circumstances. Three stars.

What have you read lately? I love hearing your recommendations.

for our ward/neighborhood

We live in a particularly densely Mormon populated area of Mesa, so our ward (congregation) boundaries are some of the smallest outside of Utah. (Fun fact: Mormons do not get to choose their congregation, but are assigned depending on their geographic location.) I wasn't particularly excited about the idea of small ward boundaries when we moved here from California, but Mike and I both had an overwhelming feeling that this was where our family was meant to settle. It turns out, though, that having such a small ward area is actually pretty great.

I love to watch our neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon, especially on the last Sunday of the month when men are hurrying to finish their Home Teaching, or women their Visiting Teaching. It is a busy place! Because we live so close to the church building, children are walking to and from church, adults are walking to choir practice or to various other meetings they might have. But my favorite thing is the sense of extended family that exists here. Elliot's nursery leaders love him, and he loves them. Our Bishop is a friend. Because I serve in the Relief Society, I have a true feeling of sisterhood for the other women in our ward. But these feelings of love and friendship don't end with our ward members. Because our boundaries are so small, those same feelings extend to all neighbors, regardless of religion. I love all women in my neighborhood and feel a special kinship with them. There is real love and concern, genuine friendship, and a desire to serve and help each other. And that makes this neighborhood just about the best one on earth, I am convinced.

I am so grateful to live here.

for my dream car

Everyone should get the chance to drive their dream car at least once in their life. I was lucky enough to drive mine for over two years. We had a good long run together, but it is time for her to retire to Georgia. She's off to be displayed at one of the largest after market Jeep parts manufacturing companies, or something like that. They said we could even come visit her if we want to! (Which, we totally might do someday, if we ever find ourselves in Georgia.)

I am thankful that I had two good years with her, but I am even more thankful to know that things (even the most beautiful dream cars) don't really bring lasting happiness. And thankfully, I have plenty of the stuff that does.

for motherhood

I started thinking about this post at approximately 4:02 am, minutes after Oliver came to tell me that Elliot was throwing up. Why would I be grateful for motherhood at a time like that? Because motherhood makes a woman willing to do anything for her children, even get out of a very warm bed on a very chilly, rainy night to clean up a mess.

This life is better than I ever dreamed it would be. Sure there are tough moments, and long nights, and sick kids. But there is so much joy in caring for these children. Being their mother is one of my greatest blessings.

I let Stella stay home from school today. Kindergarten plumb wears her out. Plus, it hasn't stopped raining since last night and I couldn't bear to send her out into this cold, wet day. So we are hunkering down, watching movies, and trying to get rid of the throw-ups. Maybe we'll bake some cookies for the big kids when they get home.

This is the life, I tell you!

for a good night's sleep

We are big early-to-bed-early-to-rise-ers at our house. Last night I fell asleep even earlier than usual, though. Sort of embarrassingly early. But then when I woke up this morning (by myself, before the kids, which is the best), I felt fantastic! I am thankful for a good night's sleep. It improves my attitude, my health, and my happiness.

And then Elliot came and snuggled with me and this day was off and running in the best possible way.

for my religion

 

I am thankful to be a Mormon. I was raised by parents who sought out truth and joined the Mormon church on their own as teenagers. Their individual conversion and the strength of their testimonies was the basis upon which they built our family. Growing up in their home, I never had the need to question my faith. It was firmly planted in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What are these teachings? The video above gives a brief synopsis of what Mormons believe. I hope you will take a look. 

Being a mormon affects every aspect of my life, and informs my every decision. It gives me hope when things are hard, and courage to continue on. Because of my beliefs, I have confidence in my chosen path and so much joy in my journey. 

for Oliver

This morning I had a quick errand to run across the park. Oliver was dressed and ready for school, so I asked him to do it for me. Here's the thing about Oliver: he is always willing to help. He is such a kind, obedient boy.

If Elliot is upset about something, Oliver will get him to laugh instead. If Mabel is working on a school project, Oliver will be there to assist her. If Stella needs someone to play with, Oliver is her guy, even if that means playing with Barbies. He is such a good sport.

When he was four years old, he was inches away from being hit head on by a very large pick up truck that was barreling down the road. I still can't even really think about it. But he was saved that day, saved for something special, I just know it. I can't wait to see where this life takes him.

I am thankful for his calm presence in our home.

for a fresh start

Sometimes Elliot catches me at a weak moment, and I let him watch a movie to start the day. I almost always regret this, because when it is time to turn the movie off and do something else, he falls apart. Today was no different. He watched a movie. I finished my chores. And then his little world ended. I'll be honest, I wasn't in the best mood at that point, either. But I took a deep breath, and in my most patient voice, I convinced him that a trip to the park was what we needed. And it totally was! He ran around with his friends. I read my book in the sun. We both came home with a smile on our face and played a little baseball in the backyard.

Today I am thankful that no matter how a day begins, a fresh start is always possible.

for Mabel

Mabel played the piano in Sacrament Meeting today (in front of hundreds of people!), with only a few days to learn the music*.  Oh, she did such a good job! She was nervous, but her hands were calm and steady and she played beautifully. I am so proud of her.

I am thankful for this brave, compassionate girl. She is reliable and level headed and very artistic. She has a better sense of self than I ever did at age 11. Being her mother is a complete privilege.

p.s. Mabel will be participating in the East Valley Millennial Choir and Orchestra concert in December. If you are local, I hope you will consider coming. It is a wonderful, powerful way to kick off the Christmas Season. Tickets are on sale now!

*Special thanks to our fantastic piano teacher, Sara. She arranged the music for Mabel to play and I am sure that was key to Mabel's success. We are grateful for her.

for our Stella

I can't believe it, but this girl is six today! In my mind, she is still a pudgy two year old with a cute little bob. But then I see her long, lean legs, and her flowing, golden hair and I realize that she has gone and grown up on me. Stella is a friend to everyone, she always has some sort of ailment that needs attention, and she is as stubborn as her mother. She knows what she wants, and she knows how to make things happen. I can't imagine our family without her.

She had two of her favorite cousins and her best kindergarten friend over for a little tea party this afternoon. There was a fashion show, brownie sundaes, and a princess movie with popcorn. Perfect for a girl turning six, I'd say.

for our school

There has sort of been a lot of drama at our school this year. Blah. Some of the parents and teachers aren't happy with some of the things the principal has done. It is unfortunate, because I think it is the children who suffer in these situations.

However, drama aside, I am grateful for our neighborhood school. Our family has had nothing but the best experience there, with the most wonderful teachers who work so hard on my children's behalf. I feel very lucky each morning as I hug them goodbye, knowing that they are safe and happy at school. (And right around the corner, too, so they can come home for lunch if they want to!) I am grateful to live in a country that educates all of its children. Sometimes I think we take that for granted, but it really is such an amazing thing.

This morning, Elliot and I watched Mabel and her team dominate the Battle of the Books. They got a perfect score, and are in the lead as they head into the next round in February. Yay, Mabel!

for a tidy home

My best days don't start until all of the beds are made. Once I shoo the kids off to school, I clean up the breakfast dishes and then I make the beds. All of them. Even when I know that Elliot is going to crawl right back into mine to watch a show on my phone. It sets my day on the right course. If I start with a tidy house, then I can better handle whatever other business the day will bring. Is this true for you, too? I talked a little bit about my house cleaning schedule back here. A cleaning schedule is one of the smartest things I ever did for myself, as it completely takes the stress out of maintaining my home.

I am thankful for a house to tidy, and for the peace that tidiness brings.

Bonus gratitude: In the wee hours of this morning, I found myself stripping Elliot's bed and throwing his sheets in the wash. I was sort of put out by it all as I crawled back into my own bed. But then I realized how lucky I am to have a washer and dryer. In my house, even! Just think if I had lived 100 years ago. Oh, that would have been such a pain. Instead, I was able to toss the sheets in the washer, and when I woke up this morning, they were magically clean. What a blessing!

for health

This morning I woke up at dawn and ran four miles, alternating sprinting and jogging. Then I met up with the walking group in our neighborhood and walked a brisk loop. After the kids went to school and Mike left for work, I used our new push mower to mow the lawn. These things were not easy. My lungs burned and my legs quickly tired while I was sprinting. Muscles that I haven't used in a while stretched while I walked. And my arms wanted to fall off a little bit while I was mowing a particularly dense patch of our winter grass.

But my body did it. It does all that I ask of it, every single time. Good health, for myself and especially for my family, is something that I am keenly grateful for.

(Now I'm going to go take a nap.)

for enough

Another side effect of gratitude (besides happiness) is contentment. When I am grateful for what I have, what I have becomes enough. I know this to be true.

Here's another thing: we have always had enough food to eat, and a comfortable roof over our heads. Our needs have always been met and that is a blessing I will never, ever take for granted.

for lazy mornings

I love mornings when I don't have to rush about or pack lunches, when I don't have to hurry Stella, the world's slowest morning-mover, along. I love mornings when the kids wake up and start playing together and I don't have to interrupt them or tell them to get dressed. I am thankful for slow mornings like this.

Today we are thinking about all of the servicemen and women and their families who have blessed us with their devotion. We are thankful for them, too.

for sewing

I am grateful that my mom signed me up for sewing class when I was 10. My sister, Leslie, and I would lug our mom's heavy olive green machine to the local fabric shop for our lessons. We made tote bags, if I remember correctly. I made my first dress a couple of years later - a large floral print on a dark green background with the world's widest collar.

This navy dress was my prototype for a dress commissioned by a friend. It had been sitting in my mending pile for months. I finally fixed it yesterday and it is now ready to wear to church once again.

Wearing a dress that I made myself is so satisfying. And seeing others in a dress I've made for them always makes my heart beat a little faster. I am thankful for these skills that I learned early on, and for the years of practice between then and now.

for dates and for Mike

And for dates on bikes! Last night, Mike and I rode our bikes to Mango's for nachos. We've done that the past three Fridays. We might be stuck in a rut, but I don't even care. I'm just grateful for a night out with my Mike. I love him so. He works hard to make our life better, every single day. I admire his ability to evaluate and improve. It seems like he is always coming up with a new plan, or a better way to do things around here, and I am grateful for his efforts.

for runs

I never thought I'd be a runner. When Mike started running a few years ago, I thought he was crazy. But then I could see the difference it made in his health. Elliot was a baby, and I was feeling puffy and so out of shape, so I decided to give it a try. Almost three years later, here I am on my third pair of running shoes, loathe to miss a run. When I started I could barely run a mile. Now I've gone 10. Running is hard, but it feels so good to push myself. Doing it with Mike makes it even better. I am so thankful for our runs together.

for fresh air

This is when I love living in Arizona. Our windows and doors are wide open all day long, letting in as much fresh, cool air as we want. For free! It's incredible. We go to the park at least once a day. We ride bikes and sit in the sun. Life is easy when the weather is nice, and it doesn't get any better than November in the desert. I don't ever want it to end. Good weather will always be at the top of my gratitude list.

for less

Lately Mike has been riding his bike to work. We traded in our lawn guys for a push mower. We removed the data plans from our phones. (I sure am thankful for wifi!) We canceled Netflix. My car is loaded to the brim with donations for the DI. I've cleaned out closets and cleared out drawers. We want less. Less stuff. Less noise. Fewer distractions.

There is nothing that makes me more grateful for what I have than realizing that we have far too much. And getting rid of the excess is completely liberating. I am thankful for this change we have made, and for Mike for initiating it. I can already feel a difference.

for thunderstorms and little sisters

Last night we went to sleep with our windows open and a thunderstorm brewing outside. It was fantastic. And when we woke up, the world was washed clean. Living in the desert really makes you appreciate any little bit of rain that falls. I am thankful for last night's storm.

Bonus gratitude for today: My little sister, Julianne. She is beautiful and generous and brilliant. (And she's expecting her first baby! Huzzah!) Happy birthday Jooj! Love you.

for my little elliot

Everyday for the last week or so, Elliot has wanted to wear a white undershirt "like dad". So after we sent the big kids off to school this morning, our first stop was Wal-Mart for a pack of plain white tees. We picked up a few other things on our list, smiled at the cashier, and then headed across the parking lot to the scout shop. On our way we sat for a minute and watched the men in the cherry pickers put up the shopping center's huge Christmas tree. It was very exciting. We ended our morning with a trip to the park, a quick bite of pb&j, and then books on the couch and hugs on the bed. Now he is napping and I am realizing what a good morning we had together. I am so thankful for my little Elliot, and for these days where it is just the two of us. I feel like he has practically grown up overnight, and that makes me sad and excited all at the same time.

for bright mornings and close church buildings

Just through that gate, across the park, and down the block is our church building. We are so lucky! This morning was beautiful and sunny and bright. I snapped this quick photo and then rounded up the kids to head out the gate to church. When the weather is nice, like it was this morning, we try to walk to church. That means being ready to leave just a little bit earlier. It doesn't always happen, but when it does, I can feel the difference it makes to our Sabbath day. Not only does it get some wiggles out before we sit down for our long meetings, but it helps me focus and prepare my spirit to be taught. It takes away a little of the pre-church rush and helps me to slow down and listen to the quiet. I am thankful for the closeness of our church building, and for weather that allows us to walk there. I certainly needed it today.

for baking

This evening is our neighborhood's annual Chili Cook-off. It is one of my favorite events of the year. There are carnival games for the kids, and then all of the chili and cornbread you can eat. It is so much fun.

I spent the afternoon in my kitchen, baking a double batch of cornbread and Ellen's apple crisp for the party. Baking is one of my favorite things to do, and since I've started limiting my sugar, I haven't been baking as much as I used to. I miss it! So I happily signed up to bring some things this evening, knowing it would give me an excuse to use my baking muscles. Boy, was it fun. I am grateful for baking. Silly, but true, it makes me very happy.

What have you baked lately?

my secret to happiness

I hung my Thanksgiving banner before the trick-or-treaters had even stopped ringing our doorbell last night. I sort of want to keep it up all year long, I love it so.

Hooray for November! It is my favorite month. Not only is the weather in Arizona fantastic, but I make a better effort during this month to be thankful, and the immediate benefit of that effort is an increase in my happiness. It is simple, it is true, and it happens every time. The idea that gratitude is the secret to happiness is nothing new, I know, and it is certainly not earth shattering, but I feel like I have stumbled upon the answer to some great mystery. Everyone wants to be happier, don't they? Well, I know that in order to be happy, I have to be grateful.

And so today, on this first day of November, I am grateful to have a heart full of gratitude. It lightens my loads and makes my burdens seem less burdensome. This hymn describes it so well:


When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven or your home on high.

So amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.


Every day this month I will be posting something I am thankful for on my blog. I hope you will play along, either in the comments here or on your own blog. It doesn't have to be anything big. In fact, I think recognizing and being grateful for the small things is just as important as the big things. If you do, I promise that your happiness will increase, just like mine has.

What do you think? Are you ready?