Thanksgiving

Today I thought I'd post some of the things I'm thankful for. When you take a step back to look at your blessings, you realize how very abundant they are. So, without further ado...

I am thankful for:

Jared - truly the world's best husband. I don't think there are many men out there who would be willing to go to work all day, then come home and cook, take care of kids, take care of a pregnant wife on bedrest, keep the house clean, and still be happy. And he did this for two pregnancies in a row! Jared is truly an example to me. He is so thoughtful and caring. He has so much faith and is so strong. He treats me like a queen. I appreciate his ability to make us all smile and keep a happy and light atmosphere in our home. Hopefully someday I can be a little more like him.

Emily - she taught me how to be a mom. She has a very special place in my heart because she introduced me to the wonderful world of motherhood. I am amazed that she is so full of life and vigor. She is creative and adventurous. She is a great example of strength and persistence. She is soooo helpful, sometimes at the expense of her own enjoyment. She knows how to just enjoy life.

Josh - he keeps me laughing. You never know what he may say or do to make us burst into laughter. He is a sweet and tender person, and he reminds me frequently how important hugs are. He is so kind and loving to everyone. He is very good at doing what I ask the first time I ask. He is a real man in the making.

Rachel - she truly is the sweetest and most easy-going person I know. She is a daily reminder of God's hand in our lives. I will always look at her know that my happiness and well-being are important to Heavenly Father.

Caleb -just a bundle of sweetness! I have to admit - the dimples get me every time! He is a sweet reminder of faith and trust in God's plan, not mine. I can't imagine life without him!

Parents - I am lucky enough to have been taught and raised well. Even though my dad has passed on, I feel and see his goodness. And I am lucky enough to have my mom close enough to continue to experience her goodness. I'm also lucky to have a wonderful set of in-law parents who are great examples.

Health - even though I struggle in this area, I look at others and realize that my situation isn't so bad. It helps me get through those days when I feel just lousy. And I'm so thankful for every day that one of our kids isn't sick!

Not being pregnant this year!!! Don't get me wrong -I love each of my children dearly. But I'm so glad I can actually ENJOY the Thanksgiving meal this year!

Our home - we are so blessed to have such abundant space, and now we have the basement finished too! I wonder how people managed to live in such small homes and not kill each other?!?

Jared has a great job

We have 2 vehicles to get us where we need to go

The gospel - the older I get, the more I treasure my membership in the church and the blessings that come with it. I don't know how people make it through this life and all of its difficulties without the perspective and peace of the gospel. How blessed I am to know of my Savior and to have the gift of His atonement.

Spring - I love this season because it reminds me that there's always something good and beautiful just around the corner. You can't beat the beauty and freshness of newly blooming tulips, greening grass, and sunshine.

I could keep going, but at the risk of completely boring anyone reading this, I'll stop. I am truly blessed! I'm so thankful to know that I am a child of God and that He loves and cares enough about me to give me all these wonderful things that I truly don't deserve.