I saw that quote this morning as I sat down to blog and thought it was fitting for how I've felt about life in general lately. Even though I'm not feeling 100% today with allergies and a cold, I feel happy and grateful for so many things.
Here are just a few feel-good examples:
Rhiannon went to Disneyland last week and had a wonderful time with her friends in concert band. They went to a workshop in the morning and then had 6 hours to "play," and then they got home around 11:30pm. It was a long, full day, and she was exhausted the next day at school but survived! She made me happy when she pulled out a Perry the Platypus stuffed animal for Wade that she'd purchased with her own money. I was blown away by that--a small gesture but so kind and thoughtful!
On Friday Jason and I went to Wade's final school assembly of the year and watched him "walk the red carpet" three different times for completing 6th grade math objectives, competing on the 3rd grade Battle of the Books team, and reaching the Classic 2 goal in the Accelerated Reader program. We are so proud of him!
On Saturday the kids helped us out in the backyard all morning as we cleaned up patio furniture and pool accessories, swept, and worked on the pool. We celebrated by going to see Into Darkness, the Star Trek movie, in the afternoon. It was really fun!
On Sunday night Jason rounded us all up in the truck, including Oscar, and drove out to a dark road in town so we could see a rare Dance of the Planets. Just on top of the mountains, at sunset, we were able to see Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in a triangle. It was AWESOME!!!
The good times continued yesterday. We went to our ward's Memorial Day pancake breakfast--there was a great turnout! I loved the picture of me and Rhiannon with my friend Vilma--thanks to the Parkers for taking it! Rhiannon looks so tall here, ha-ha! :)
Our friends Howard and Sandi had us over for dinner that night--we loved the food and enjoyed catching up with them! Sandi made a wonderful meal of grilled pork loin, potato salad, toasted bread, and green beans. It was delish!!!
I also wanted to thank my brother Logan for making the following available to me, a citation to Owen Sheen, my grandpa Max's brother who died in WWII:
Owen C. Sheen Date of death: August 2, 1944
Place of Birth: Idaho, Paul
Home of record: Paul Idaho
Status: KIA
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Owen C. Sheen (MCSN: 338605), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Squad, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. With his squad pinned down by shattering small-arms fire emanating from two well-concealed hostile pillboxes, Corporal Sheen voluntarily pressed forward against the withering barrage to conduct a lone reconnaissance and, after locating the emplacements, returned to organize an attack. Boldly charging ahead of his squad, he led an aggressive strike against the strong point, personally destroying the initial pillbox with his accurately placed grenades before he was fatally struck down while assisting in the destruction of the other. By his superb leadership, valiant fighting spirit and cool courage maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Corporal Sheen contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: August 2, 1944
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 6th Marines
Division: 2d Marine Division
Our family is very thankful for all those who've served and are serving our country!
