Wednesday, November 25, 2009
An Attitude of Gratitude
To borrow from the words our beloved President Monson:
Accentuate the Positive
Eliminate the Negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mr In-Between.
Good advice then, good advice now. This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that work, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.
We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative though and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude may be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the most noble of virtues.
As life is what it is, I ofter find myself bemoaning my life and my current circumstance. However, during this season of Thanksgiving I reflect on the countless things that I have to be thankful for.
I am grateful for my husband: All of those who know Todd are able to appreciate the wonderful man that he is. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for blessing my life with his love and companionship!
I am grateful for my family: I truly have the most fabulous and loving family! How thankful I am to have been born to the parents I have and for my siblings and extended family...I couldn't ask for better!!!
I am thankful for the gospel: As I interact daily with people who are not blessed with the gospel in their lives, I feel guilty for not sharing more openly this most precious gift that I have. I am grateful that so many people are intrigued by "Mormons" and feel so comfortable in asking me about my beliefs and this gospel. I pray that I may be the example that helps lead someone to investigating and accepting the gospel one day as I know with all of my heart that it is true!!!
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a doctor: More days than not, I am often rather disheartened and unhappy with my career for a number of different reasons. I am more tired that words can express and often feel unappreciated by the people I work for and those I take care of. However, I think back on the day that I opened my acceptance letter to the University of Utah School of Medicine feeling that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I am grateful for all those who made it possible for me to attain my education and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have to change people's lives and help them many in their greatest time of need.
I am grateful for my temporal blessings: Although I often complain to Todd that I am anxious to live in a house, how selfish I am for these feelings. I am grateful for the wonderful roof I have over my head, the food in my fridge, and the car I have to drive. We are blessed with the ability to go out to dinner, to go shopping, to go to movies and sporting events, and to fly home to Utah frequently. In a time of recession, how grateful I am for my job and a husband who works so hard to support us.
I am grateful for good friends: As excited as I am at the prospect of moving to Utah when residency is completed, I do feel sorrow at the dear friends that we will leave here in California. Todd and I are blessed with many wonderful friends from both church and work that we love and appreciate.
This list could go on and on, as it is truly endless. How thankful and grateful I am for all of my blessings!!! I hope that I can adopt an unwavering "Attitude of Gratitude" and recognize my blessings, big and small, daily.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cancun---A week in PARADISE!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Vacation to Utah...
Yes, another week off of work == another visit to Utah.
Along with being able to spend much-longed for time with our families, Todd and I were also able to meet with physicians, administrators and recruiters from McKay-Dee Hospital and discuss future job opportunities.
Even more exciting was the blessing of having Laurel and Paisley visiting from Pittsburgh!!!
I was able to leave LA a few days before my dear hubby. I arrived in Utah on Saturday, September 26. I was met at the airport by Daddy, Mommy, Grammy, Laurel and Jocey and we headed straight to Provo for the BYU-CSU game. Thankfully BYU didn't disappoint (hard to believe this season I know) and provided a win!
Sunday is always a wonderful day when home. I was able to go to church and hear Dad's fabulous Sunday School lesson. It was then off to Devin's for a celebration of all of the September Birthdays!
Only our best sides please!
Sweet Sisters minus Emily.
Princess Paisley is requesting no pictures at this time...
Mommy and Daughters...we miss you Emily!
Me and my Princess...she really isn't scared of me...
She was really supposed to be mine...see the resemblance???
How how I love and adore this little girl!
Don't frown just because you are losing!
Thursday was a day at the salon...mommy and I were able to have Auntie Emily beautify us. That night, the Grunander Family got together to officially celebrate Christine's Birthday. Enjoyed a yummy dinner at Timbermine!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
10 Years of Truly Wedded Bliss!
I can't believe that Todd and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary today. I t seems like just yesterday that we were sharing our first kiss by the WHS tennis courts during a Halloween stomp! What absolute utter joy that you have brought into my life...more that I could have ever dreamed possible! Heavenly Father has truly blessed me with the most amazing and wonderful husband imaginable and I would be utterly lost without you! You sacrifice so much on my behalf...and I know that it is not equally returned! You never fail to provide for my needs whatever they may be. You go out of your way to cook, clean, do errands, grocery shop and ensure that the laundry is always done despite how busy you are. You carry me to bed when I am absolutely too exhausted to walk the short distance from the couch to bedroom, never forgetting to get my alarm set for the next morning. You allow me to stay in bed and answer intern and resident endless pages and phone calls all through the night even though you may be on call the next day. You are loving, kind, thoughtful, supportive, a worthy priesthood holder and exercise that power within our home, and despite how tired or stressed you may be feeling, you never fail to bring a smile to my face when all I want to do is cry...and if I do cry, your supportive shoulder and listening ear are always there! How blessed I am to be your wife. If asked to make a list of the qualities I hoped and looked for in a husband, my best list would have fallen very short of the man that you are. I love and adore you more than I ever imagined possible! You are the love of my life..I can't wait to embark upon the next 10 years of our marriage!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Vacation in Utah...
Brady showing off his wakeboarding skills...
Teaching Cannon wakeboarding...
Todd slalom skiing...yummy!


Dinner at Sonora Grill...so good!!!
Thursday morning I was able to meet with Trauma/SICU/General Surgery group at IMC to discuss future job opportunities. I then met Mom, Grammy and the sisters for lunch at La Ferovia. That afternoon I was able to meet with a general surgery group at McKay-Dee to also discuss future job opportunities while Todd met with an orthopedic group who is actively pursuing him to join their practice when he is done. Then, off for more fun at Willard Bay followed by pizza and cards with Grammy Char...what a fantastic way to spend the day!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Happy Birthday Emily...a few days late!
Although my sister Emily's birthday was last week, I did want to let her know how much I love and admire her. She is the most perfect mother and wife..I am in awe of how she is able to keep up with 3 very busy boys, always cook a wonderful meal, her home could be a picture our of a magazine, all while serving her ward and neighbors endlessly!!! Happy Birthday a few days late...so grateful that you are my sister and my friend!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Harbor-UCLA and USC graduations
Every year in June was are able to attend celebration dinners in honor of the graduating chief residents. Here are a few pictures from our respective program graduations...
USC Orthopedic Surgery Graduation
Mike (Todd's co-resident) and his fiancee Judy















