"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate or value into your life." -- Christiane Northrup

I am grateful for an appreciation of history, especially America's history. Our country has an amazing story to tell that more people need to know about. If I could have a wish it would be that everyone who lives in the United States would appreciate and love this country and study its history.

"Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be, in that coat of many colors, my Momma made for me." -- Dolly Parton

I have been having a difficult time keeping up with my gratitude blog this week. I have been participating in a national convention for genealogical research since Monday. The days start early in the morning and end late at night. I have been exhausted by the end of the day so missed some of my blog entries. I will write an entry tonight before I collapse into bed : )
I am grateful to go to conferences such as this one. The classes are excellent and help to build on the skills that I need to find my ancestors. It has been well worth the effort to attend!

"Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank-you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf." -- prayer

I am grateful for my ancestors! As I do more family history research I realize how much they did for me before I ever arrived : ) They showed courage and strength during difficult times and left a legacy that I am blessed to be a part of!

"I murmured that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." -- Persian Proverb


I am grateful when I am surrounded by family. I don't always have that opportunity since they do not live close by so when the big events in our life happen (birthdays, holidays...) I cherish them. I appreciate being able to be together with my family!

"Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all" --William Faulkner


I am grateful for my good heath. I feel very blessed to be well most of the time! I too often complain (alot : ) when I am sick or hurting when I should appreciate how often I am doing well. I hope to improve my attitude and always be grateful for my health.

"There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from." --Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I am grateful for the hugs and kisses of my grandchildren! They are so genuine in their love. I am truly blessed by having them in my life.

"You have no cause for anything but gratitude and joy." --The Buddha

I am grateful for the unconditional love that we get from our pets. They love us just as we are! They find their way into our hearts and fill them with love. What a blessing it is to have them in our families : )

"Whenever we are appreciative, we are filled with a sense of well-being and swept up by the feeling of joy." --M.J. Ryan

I am grateful for the joy I feel when I experience nature. The beauty of the trees and flowers, grass and meadows. It nurtures my soul : )

"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." --Sam N. Hampton


I am grateful to have an awesome sister! We have been through a lot together and keep each other strong. She is also a good friend. I appreciate and love her so much!

"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy. " -- Albert Clarke

I am grateful for my son-in-law Rafael who ran and finished his first marathon today! He participated in the Salt Lake City marathon which started from the University of Utah and finished at the Gateway Mall. All of my children and grandchildren were there to see him finish. I am so blessed to have such great kids (and their spouses : )

"O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness. " -- William Shakespeare

We went to the Oregon Zoo today. I love to see all of the animals! I am so grateful for the many kinds of animals there are on our world. They make everything so interesting and fun (even the unusual ones : ) Taking in the majesty of a huge tiger or the antics of the chimpanzee is such a blessing!

"I thank God for my handicaps for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God." --Helen Keller

I am grateful for the quote above by Helen Keller. It is true that our handicaps, adversity, trials ect., will help us to find out who we really are if we let them. We will also learn more about God and what work he has for us to do. I do not like to have hardship but if you look at it with the perspective of gratitude you do find yourself. You become a changed person.

"Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies." - Charles E. Jefferson


I am grateful when a person is responsible and follows through with their commitments. My parents felt very strong about this value and taught it to my sister and myself. We had to finish what we started and do it well. I appreciate that they did this and tried to do the same with my children.

"Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines. "--Leroy (Satchel) Paige

I love spring! Everything is so clean and fresh and colorful! I am so grateful for all the beauty that goes along with it : )

"Life is a paradise for those who love many things with a passion." --Leo Buscaglia

I am grateful for Netflix! Any movie that I could ever want to see (from the beginning of movie making until now) I can rent from them. It is a mindless pleasure I know but still fun!

"Life is a paradise for those who love many things with a passion." --Leo Buscaglia

I've been incognito for the past week but am finally back! I have been having major pain in my hands and wrists and decided I needed to stay off the computer as well as my other hobbies for awhile. I just started back today and am still hurting. Looks like I will have to head to my doctor soon. I have to say what I am most grateful for is what I don't have right now, pain free hands and arms : )

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it --Richard Bach


I am grateful for my home and a cozy bed to curl up on (and read : )

The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude --Friedrich Nietzsche

Today is Easter and my gratitude is for Jesus Christ and what he did for me!

"For me, giving thanks is a sign of appreciation and gratitude that also brings about a deep sense of peace." - Wally Amos

I am grateful for the kindness that is shown to me, especially when I least deserve it. Many thanks to my wonderful husband who cares so much!

"Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. " - Oprah Winfrey

I am grateful for good music! I love to listen to my favorite mix of songs on my ipod. They bring back so many memories : ) Music also touches my soul and brings me closer to the spirit. It is an important blessing in my life.

"Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people." - Samuel Johnson


I am grateful when I look for the good in every situation. I admit that I don't always see it but when I do I can see a "silver lining" in the individual storm clouds of life. I guess I think of the "good" being the shelter that we find after we have been out in the rain. It may only shelter us for a short time but helps us to dry out and then continue on. Recognizing that good in any situation helps to strengthen our gratitude.