Janice Journal Entries

11/24/2008 from Cambria, CA

Laurel sent an email requesting a statement on why I am grateful or what I appreciate about every member of the family – serious stuff!

Richard – Ever since he embraced the gospel, Richard has been steadfast and immovable. Whatever the prophet says we should do, he does to the best of his ability; ie have family home evening on a weekly basis with no exceptions!

Alice – Alice is no less stalwart than Richard as far as the gospel goes, but she amazes me with the many talents she has such as sewing, gardening, quilting, etc. She is also a computer guru.

Rebecca – Like her mother, Rebecca can do anything. Best for me, one of her great contributions has been family history. Because of Rebecca, some 12,000 Piccolo and Giuliano ancestors have been identified and have the opportunity to leave spirit prison if they accept the gospel.

Norman – Norm is a willing giver. He can do most anything and is willing to do it. Recently he replaced a sink faucet which took much longer than I thought, but he stayed with the job until it was completed.

Stephen – Stevie Boy has always been helpful and sensitive to others’ needs. He wants to do what Heavenly Father wants him to do in all things which sometimes causes him great anxiety. But he won a heavenly jackpot by marrying Laurel and having Kate.

Laurel – What a wonderful blessing to have Laurel in the Piccolo family. She brings many talents and a strong testimony of the gospel. I look forward to more Piccolo men!

Matthew – I am grateful that Matt went on an Italian speaking mission which has been an enormous asset to me and the family as we have discovered and met relatives in Italy. And that includes some French-speaking Leboffes, but Matt can handle it!

Rachel – I appreciate Rachel’s effort to stay in touch even tho she is miles away in Taiwan. I need to do better from this end to let her know she is loved and missed.

Alessandro – I don’t know Alex very well even tho they lived in our basement for a short time. I’m grateful that he loves Rachel and is a worthy Melchizedek priesthood holder.

Angela – I’m grateful that Angie loves the Lord and wants to serve a mission. That would be awesome; it would be difficult sometimes, but she would grow spiritually in ways she can’t imagine.

Melissa – Melissa is a hard worker and a good student. I’m grateful she has an opportunity to attend BYU and thru classes and a student ward meet lots of people who have testimonies of the gospel.

Adam – Adam is a sweet boy who is developing several talents while in his senior year of high school – track, trumpet and singing tenor. I’m grateful he’s planning on serving a mission in about 15 months.

Samuel – The baby of the family who may be shorter in stature, but makes up for it by his willingness to help wherever needed, and by his love of family. Sam is also planning on a mission in a few years.

Linda – Hard working both at BYU and as a Primary president. A dear and trusted friend for more than 25 years.