Giving Thanks

I've read so many wonderful thankful posts recently and wanted to add my own to the mix. I have much to be grateful for and I love this time of year for reminding me of that.

I'm thankful for the gospel in my life. I am often touched by the Spirit during scripture study, lessons, Conference talks, and testimony meetings. I feel loved by my Heavenly Father and elder brother, Jesus. And I love that we can feel His spirit so often through His gospel. He is mindful of each of us and knows what we can handle and what we cannot. It's always a good reminder for me to trust him in that.

I'm thankful for Ben. He struggles a lot with his health and yet he still goes out to work each day to support our family. I know it is very difficult to do that. I am grateful for the plan of salvation and look forward to the time when he will be made whole again with no pain. He is a good daddy and the kids just love him so much.

I'm thankful for Emma. She has such a zest for life and loves to learn and experience new things. She is strong, spiritual, creative, compassionate, and fun, with a big heart. And I love talking to her about everything.

I'm thankful for Rachel. She gives the tightest hugs and I can't get enough of them! She is a sweetheart and loves to be with her family. I go to her when I need some sunshine--that sweet little voice always brightens my day!

I'm thankful for Luke. He can be a handful these days, with his constant desire to put EVERYTHING in his mouth and destroy each and every room. But his mischievous grin wins me over and his chuckle cracks me up every time. He is my cuddle-bug and I love watching him learn about this world.

I'm thankful to be a stay-at-home mom to my 3 precious kids. They light up my days, bring me so much joy and laughter and fill my life with love (and chaos and messes too). :)

I'm thankful for my extended family: my parents, siblings, in-laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They all have such wisdom and teach me how to love unconditionally, endure trials happily, and give of myself. Not to mention, I LOVE my family and enjoy being with them as much as I can.

I'm thankful for my friends. I read somewhere that having close friends helps you live longer. I totally believe that! Being able to laugh together, share stories, and experience each others' life events (new babies, holidays, sicknesses, etc.) deepens that bond so much and makes your life so rich.

I'm thankful for this beautiful world. Being outside brings me so much joy as I see and hear all the wonderful parts of nature. I'm thankful for the comforts of life we enjoy and sometimes take for granted (I don't think I could ever be a pioneer!).

There are many more things to be thankful for, of course, but I'm sure I've rambled enough already. It's always good for me to write down the things that matter most to me and the many blessings I have.

Happy Thanksgiving!