Thankful

I thought about not posting today- I would be thankful in other ways. But as I was up at 2 am with a baby that has such a raw bum that it was bleeding (in several places), I decided to post.

Things I am thankful for:

1. My testimony. All that I am now pivots around one night as a lonely teenager when I offered up the most heartfelt prayer of my life. I am thankful to know that God loves ME. I am SO saddened when I see people who are lost and don't have this same knowledge. If there is ONE thing everyone in the world should know, it is that God loves them individually and knows them.

2. My husband. He is truly a selfless person. I love him so much. He has so much patience and love for me. He is a great head of our family. He has the great gift of charity. I am thankful that I was led to him and that he didn't chicken out before we got married. Now, he's stuck with me...forever.

3. My children. I LOVE my title of MOM. I worry about my children- what I need to teach them, what they need to figure out on their own. The biggest thing we are considering as we decide where we will move next summer when we are done with school is - Where would our children do the best? I love them so much!

4. My parents. I am thankful for a mother who didn't "compete" with other ladies in the area. I am thankful that she never beat herself up because of things she did/didn't do (at least not in front of us). My mother's faith is the greatest of anyone whom I know. Life is black and white to her. I miss her. I am thankful for a father who is the head of our house. Worthy to hold the priesthood. A great leader. I am thankful for those evenings when we meandered into his room and he would tell the stories of the scriptures. He would make these stories come alive. I hated when those evenings ended and I looked forward to the next time.

5. To live...where we live (remember, I'm being "safe"). I love our ward. I really like the people here. I love that we live so close to the Nauvoo temple. I am so thankful for all the wonderful experiences I have had here.

6. Humor. I know I come across as pretty somber. I must have much more of my mom's dad in me than is apparent. I love DRY wit. This is what I look for in really good friends. All of my close, close friends have a dry wit. And they understand that I love a good zinger- getting and receiving one. Life would be boring without humor.

7. Friends. The first time we moved from Utah I was sitting in my ward in Colorado. I looked around wondering who I would end up being friends with. As I looked at one particular gal, she turned and smiled at me. I got a strong spiritual impression that I should get to know her. She is one of my dearest friends.

Where we are now, I have been blessed to have met several life-long friends. I remember hearing once that we are blessed if we get to the end of our lives and have 3 or 4 friend "soul mates". We shouldn't worry about having dozens of "soul mate" friends. I am thankful to already have met my small quota of soul mate friends and look forward to adding more.

And, I would hate to leave out, that some of my greatest friends are in my family- born and/or married into, as well as Alan's family. Thankfully our siblings are wonderful and they have married wonderful people.

And, now I am going to cook- sweet potato casserole, some pies, check the turkey, and have a great day. Happy Thanksgiving.