Thanksgiving 2009

I really love Thanksgiving. It is probably my favorite holiday - well, almost because I really, really like Christmas too. But back to Thanksgiving - there are so many things I really love about Thanksgiving. I love that Ryan gets to take TWO days off work and be with us. I love that we take the opportunity to remember the things that we are thankful for and all the blessings that we have.

But my favorite part of this Thanksgiving was my boys. They took some time to make lists of what they were most grateful for this past year.

Connor was especially thoughtful in his thoughts. He was grateful for Jesus Christ, his mom and dad, his home, the temples and that his mom and dad were married there so that the family can be together forever, and his brothers and sister. He never ceases to amaze me. That boy is so very loving and kind and thoughtful. We have been reading Christmas stories each night before bed and without fail he has gotten teary eyed and been touched by the kind things people do for one another. I love that about him and I love that he is such a big part of our family.

Tate was grateful for McCall, primary and our home. Maybe he was grateful for more things, but I don't think he could write them! Tate is also a kind little boy and shows it each day with his sister. He plays with her all day and dotes on her, giving her everything she could possibly want/need. She is so very spoiled by him and her other brothers as well.

We aren't sure Gage got the idea of the activity - he was probably just grateful to be able to stay up late and have candy.

But I have much to be grateful for in my life. The first being our Savior, Jesus Christ. I can't imagine what my life would be like without the Savior. It's just not possible. I also have the most wonderful husband, not sure how I scored that, must have done something right in the previous life or really tricked him, but I'm so glad I did. Of course, our children. They are amazing and I love them so very much. Some days they drive me crazy - but it's a short drive, but mostly I just am in awe at the things that they can accomplish and do, at their sensitive spirits, at the kindness and thoughtfulness they exhibit. The truth is, I have so much to learn from them and I am so grateful to be a mother - their mother. Our family brings me so much joy and gladness.

I am also very grateful for my family - my mom and dad, siblings, in-laws, nephews and nieces. We are a big crazy group, but I love them all and I love that we get to add more all the time. What an amazing life we have. Heavenly Father truly loves us, knows us and wants us to be happy. Trials come and go, we all get them, but everything we have denotes the existence of a Divine, Supreme Being who loves us and delights to bless us. I am very grateful for that knowledge, to know that I am a daughter of God, that He loves me, and He wants me to be happy. I am truly blessed, we all are. Thank you for the gift of life and everlasting happiness.