Legacy to Live Up To

My grandpa, my mom, and I outside the tunnel on the mountain

My maternal grandfather is my hero. For as long as I have known him, he has been hardworking and very spiritual. He is in his eighties now, and still goes to work everyday, at least 40 hours a week. He knows the meaning of hard work.

He calls me Puddin. I have no idea why, or how I got that nickname, but I love it.

He has been involved in several projects in our community, county, and state. He values the heritage we have in the Four Corners, and is very involved with helping preserve ruins and the culture of the Native Americans here. He has also helped preserve the legacy of the Hole in the Rock pioneers, and has always reminded us that we are part of that. He has been a good example of how to emulate their lives.

My "gramps" has a love for our country. He has instilled in me the "American spirit" and a love for patriotism. Although I know he disagrees with a lot of political people/things, he always does his best to work with them, and fight for what's right.

He also supports our armed forces. This particular picture is taken in Arlington Cemetery while he is waiting for my mom and a couple of others to come welcome the Run for the Fallen crew, and to visit my brothers grave there.

I love my grandpa, and I am so thankful that I have a part of him in me. He is my biggest cheerleader. He helped me make the decision to serve a mission, and it was the best decision I have ever made. He never had the opportunity to serve, and so he has always been supportive of those who want to, sometimes even helping pay for their service. I remember taking my mission call over to show it to him and my grandma after I got it, and he cried. I have never and will never forget that moment.

 I don't know if I will ever be able to live up to his example, but I am sure going to try.

'Tis the Season... To Be Grateful!

Everyone is posting what they are grateful for on Facebook. And, I suppose, that's a good place to do it, since people actually read my Facebook posts, and no one reads these posts. However, I got thinking this morning that I have this blog, and it's a gratitude blog, and I should probably just post things here. Let's be honest, I might as well....
So, here it goes for this week:

• I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings I have because of it are innumerable. Every minute of my life is affected by my decision to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God is good. 
• I love my family. I am so grateful for them, and the things that they have taught me. I love how huge my family is. I love how loud we can get. I love it when we are all together, playing games, and just hanging out. It is a good time... 
• I have the greatest friends. They are always there to listen to me complain, and then tell me to buck up and deal with it. 
• I am so grateful for the area I live in. Woo hoo for San Juan County! The most gorgeous place on earth. I am grateful that every time I look out a window, I am reminded that God created this earth for us.