Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,

But the realization of how much you already have.

Phoenix Zoo today....

Someday I want to be this close to a real African elephant.

I've always had a fascination for elephants. Not Asian elephants as much as African elephants. Maybe because when I was little I learned you could tell the difference between Asian 'phants (that's what you can call them when you are a cool 'phant lover like me) and African 'phants, by their ears. Asian: small ears. African: large ears the shape of Africa.

Phoenix Zoo today, Mozambique someday!

Grandpa is cool! *even in the Arizona heat!

Recently we were in Arizona visiting our kids and grands. Every morning we would wake to the pitter patter of little feet climbing out of bed and running around directly above us. We were in the downstairs guest room, the little feet were upstairs. (I guess anything you don't have to endure everyday is a novelty.) These little ones are pure joy to their grandpa and me. It is especially fun for me to sit back and watch as these children idolize their grandpa. In their eyes he can do anything. He truly does have boundless energy, patience, and love for all of our grandchildren. It's one of the things that makes him so darn attractive to me! Of course one of the traditions whenever grandpa is around, is to make chocolate chip pancakes with the kiddo's. Everyone has a turn helping and everyone is important in making the worlds best chocolate chip pancakes!

TA-DA!

A week or so ago I posted about the (3x ) reincarnation of the headboard I was making. Well we finished it- (can I get a big AMEN!)  just before we left for Arizona but I didn't have time to post. So here it is! Nothing fancy, but nice clean lines. Ron raced to get it up before I changed my mind about anything else on it. A big ol' THANK YOU to my honey!

An Attitude of Gratitude

This month gives us an opportunity to stop and think of what we are grateful for. If you are able to read this on your computer, you know you have a great deal to be thankful for. My little series of Thankful Me was a snippet of each of my grandchildren. I love them so much, and I love spending time with them. They truly make me laugh and warm my heart. A friend of mine had me do a little exercise of thankfulness. Set the timer for 5 minutes and write down everything you are thankful for. My problem is I write one down and then think about all the reasons I'm thankful for it...which slows you down. So I'm sure there are more things I could have written down, but I ran out of time. This is my five minute list.
Ron, our kids, our grandbabies, my testimony, The B.of M., Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, The Atonement, my friends, my home, good neighbors, beautiful Washington, the changing seasons, healthy food, flowers, my dentist, books, being able to read, warm clothes, my car, my health, make-up, laughter, music, my eyesight, my siblings, hair color, chocolate, candles, computers, deodorant, toilet paper, school, church, kindness, a hot shower, grocery stores, farmers, traffic lights, being able to walk, my hands, police officers, Maxalt, my parents, a toothbrush, color, heated seats in the car and shade.
I wouldn't want Freud to analyze my list in the order I put things in. I'm pretty sure I'm more thankful for my parents than I am for hair color or traffic lights or even my dentist....eeesh! What are you thankful for?

Thankful Me

I am thankful for sweet Ella. She is smart and fun to be around. Being the oldest grandchild, she holds a special place in my heart.

Middle-aged Mormon Man: PDA's: Parental Displays of Affection

I borrowed this from Triple M. because I thought it was full of great wisdom and just exactly what I want my kids, grandkids, steps, and friends to hear. Go to this link for the full (and short) post.
Middle-aged Mormon Man: PDA's: Parental Displays of Affection: My kids hate to see my EC and me hug and kiss. They cringe and avert their eyes. They say "C'mon you guys!". But, I know it's just for show...