A Grateful Heart

I couldn't let Thanksgiving come & go without listing a few things I am grateful for.  I have many blessings but these a just a few (sorry if this post is too long to read- I am doing this more for my benefit).  These are in no particular order.

1. Friends- I have many good friends but few extra-ordinary friends. Here is to highlight 3 of them.

Stacy & I have been friends for about 10 years or so.  I don't think I have ever known anyone that lives so close to the Spirit.  I asked her once if she has EVER missed a day in studying the scriptures (family & personal).  She said maybe once when I fell asleep before I had a chance to study.  This means when you're sick, the day you have your baby, etc.  That's commitment to the Lord.  She truly inspires me to be a better person in every way.  She reminds me of the scripture found in 2 Nephi 25:26 which reads..." we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ..."  She is not without hard trials but continues to be so valiant.  She is my forever friend, I love her so much.

Shawna is the kind of friend that comes around only once in a lifetime.  If I were to cross the plains in a handcart in the snow, heat or rain I would definitely want Shawna by my side.  The words that best describe her are stalwart, steadfast, strong, unwavering, determined, persistent, happy & kind.  When she sets her mind to something it doesn't matter how much sleep she has had, how busy she is, she keeps her commitments.  She inspires , motivates and makes me takes a good look at my life and evaluate what I can do better.  She is the kind of person that loves babies & children with Christlike love.  She makes everyone feel special.  She has a magical touch when she hold babies.  Her Spirit speaks to children in a way no one else can.  She brings out the best in you and knows how to ask all the right questions to really get to know someone.  I love her a million times over.
Michelle is the kind of friend who loses her life in service.  Just yesterday she just brought us dinner because she knew I had been having trouble with my back.  She is more than willing to do anything that will lighten your load.  I can't even count how many times our family has been the recipient of her amazing cooking.  She volunteers to watch my kids without even being asked.  I am definitely not the only one she does this for.  She is happy and never complains.  I have never met anyone that is so easy going as Michelle.  She has her priorities in the right place.  Her home is a house of learning.  She is always seeking for opportunities  to teach her children.  She is the best cook and is so patient.  How many people do you know that would take 5 children (3 her own & twin neighbor boys) under the age of 5 on a train ride into downtown Salt Lake for an all day excursion and not think anything of it?  I still have a lot to learn from her.

2.  I am thankful for children & their excitement for the simple pleasures of life.  (Riding the train up to Salt Lake)

3.  I am grateful when I get help in the kitchen.  

(Joshua learning how to make a salad for the first time using a real knife).

I wasn't quite sure if they would eat any of this poor guy after watching me prepare him for the feast.

The night before Thanksgiving we had quite a show in the kitchen with Stan & Spencer's cooking show ( I should have gotten it on film).  It was pretty hilarious hearing them talk about the different cooking terminology.  Press & set ( how do you do that?)  Cool (with a mini fan).  Moisten ( with a little spit).  Whip ( who writes these recipes anyway).

4.  I am thankful for amazing parents who taught me the important things in life & how to love the Lord.
5.  I am grateful for time alone in my bedroom to search, ponder & pray.

6.  I am thankful for sleeping boys

7.  I am grateful for a beautifully set table & family gatherings

8.  I am thankful for a husband that thinks he is still young (no one has told him otherwise).  This is a picture of how he sleeps at night with all his infirmities (a neck brace, an elbow brace & a wounded finger).  

The ward football turkey bowl Thanksgiving morning landed Stan up in the emergency room with a major laceration on his finger.  All the skin on his finger was totally ripped back.  They couldn't even stitch it they just had to cut away the skin.  I said out loud the night before, "I wonder how long it will be before he retires the football on Thanksgiving morning?"  He didn't even last an hour.  This guy will be playing football in his 90's (at least in his dreams).
9.  I am thankful for good food.

10.  I am especially grateful for Joshua's guardian angels last Monday.  Joshua had a close call as he was riding his bike to school.  He was riding on the sidewalk and a car in our neighborhood was backing out of their driveway.  Neither one of them was looking.  The man's wife screamed and he slammed on his brakes.  Joshua smashed into their car with the side of his face and then hit his head on the concrete.  Luckily he had his helmet on.  If it had been 1 second sooner Joshua would have been run over.  Pretty scary.  It shook him up a bit.
11.  I am thankful that the pilgrims & the native americans became friends


12.  I am grateful for smart children.

13.  I am thankful to be able to go the temple when ever I want to.  This is one of my favorite places to be.

14.  I am especially grateful for a patient & tolerant dog.

 

Who is truly a real princess