Day 2 of gratitude

Today I need to turn a different direction from family for one of my things. We had stake conference today which included a new Stake Presidency. So first on my list is...

1. Past and Current Stake Presidents. Today President Sorenson was released as the Stake President of the Richland Washington Stake. He's a great man. I have grown up with him in my ward. As a youth he was my Bishop. He spent 10 years as Stake President!! Those who know him know he loves the river. As a Bishop he took the youth on many boating activities and still continues to do so. He's the one who taught me how to water ski. He's a great leader and just an all around fun guy. And along with him I'm also thankful for the new incoming Stake President. President Pulsipher. I don't know him quite as well but enough to know that he's a great man also. I had to chuckle to myself as all these men being released and called and were asked some share their testimonies, Pres. Pulsipher is "vertically challenged" compared to the other men. They had to lower the podium a bit when he stood up. Just gives him great character. I'm thankful for the gospel in my life as it helps me strive to be a better person, mother and wife. It's always nice for me to hear the testimonies of others and to hear it from many great men today was nice. I decided to have a little alone time and left Harley and the boys home while I went to Stake Conference by myself. Sometimes I just need that!

2. My Mom. I have to second everything that my sister said about our mother on her blog. Check it out here. I'm always amazed at the things that my mom can do. From parenting, grandparenting, sewing, cooking, gardening and all that stuff. She has very patient with all her grandchildren and always has something for them to do when they come over. Just the other day they had a blast washing windows. Then there's her gospel knowledge. She gave a talk not too long ago and as I sat there and listened and watched her give her talk I realized that she gave the whole talk and only looked down at her paper like 3-4 time!!! She just speaks from her knowledge of the gospel!! It was amazing. She's a great woman and I love her.

3. My Scrap Room. I know, doesn't compare to wonderful Priesthood holders or my mother but sometimes I just need to be able to go down there and be creative all by my lonesome. It's funny because it's still kind of new and the kids don't think right away to look down there for me. So I can here them walking through the house looking for me and then they finally remember that I might be downstairs. That just gives me that little added time. :)