Giving Thanks..

I love Thanksgiving, not only because my dad is an amazing cook and we have food galore but because I am reminded of all the blessings in my life. It is so easy to get down in everyday life and greedy for things we want but don't have. Especially in these times I can not think of anything I want that I don't have. I have everything that makes me happy, and these are a few of them:

1. My Beliefs - Oh what would i be without the knowledge of who I am, why I am here, and the knowledge that there is a God and he loves us.

2. Prayer - Again, what would life be without the ability to get on your knees once or twice a day and give thanks and know that you are communicating with a Heavenly Father. The comfort, peace, and guidance is something I need to give thanks for everyday.

3- My Husband, the Love Machine- The LM is a hard worker who loves us so much. I give him a hard time because my expectations for him are so high but he is an amazing husband even though he is not a hopeless romantic. My hubby makes me laugh non stop when i am stressed, things are tense or I am in one of my moments he just knows how to make me smile. I love you baby!

4- Oh my son. The toddler. He makes me laugh, cry, and pull my hair out, but nothing can compare to the joy I feel having him in my life. His personality is coming out more & more each day. I want so many more just like him (well ones that will sleep at night though. :) )

5- My Parents - I think life is general is so much better with a wonderful mom and dad. My parents, even though I wasn't the perfect daughter, I know shocker huh, gave me a safe, secure, loving environment to grow up in. I attribute my wonderful, quirky, strange, unique personality on the fact that I was allowed to be who I was in my home. Everyone who meets my parents loves them right away, accept maybe some ex-boyfriends along the way! :) My mom and dad have the kindest hearts, non-judgemental, and most open loving people I have met. I am grateful for their examples.

6- My Siblings- I get a kick out of telling people I am one of eleven children. It makes the holidays so much better and louder. I would prefer to be with my sisters any day over friends. And, having so many sisters means lots of girlfriends to confide in and get advice from. I would have to say though Tami is queen of advice and I love it. I can say, "Oh Tami I am having a bad day." Right away she is there to console but to quickly remind me of all i do have, to buck up, and smile. Then she apologizes for giving advice right away but honestly that's why I go to her. Kristy, well, Kristy has an even more special personality then me. I can count on her for random comments that make me almost pee my pants because I am laughing so hard, and she also has a brain wheel that never stops. She has idea after idea, pretty crafty lady!! Even though I named 2 I love them all, and my two wonderful sister-in-laws, Rachel & Stacy.

7- Maryann & Robann- Maryann saw me typing this and asked if she would be on my thankful list. Of course. I look forward to having the girls because it gives me an excuse to go do fun kid things and go to movies like High School Musical 3. Of course i used the excuse Robann wanted to go but the truth is I was dying to see that movie. It has been fun chatting with the girls about the Twilight books. They have both read all the books several time. I enjoy Robann's laid back personality, she is happy to anything or nothing at all. And Maryann keeps me on my toes with all of her comments and questions. So of course I am grateful for you girls!

8- Friends - Oh my old college buddies. We have all been friends for 14 years plus. I can not think of a better group of ladies to be so close with. Amy, Jen, Deanna, Jamie, Brandy, & Laurie each bring something fun to my life. Especially Amy with her nick name for me which is Buffalo. Yes I thought it was because of my size too, but actually when she named me that I was quite smaller. Jen, with her perfection in everything she does. Deanna..oh Deanna, we were roommates on and off right up until I got married. In fact she lived with us for a few months while we were married, good times! And to all my new friends, you all teach me something new. I love my neighborhood ward friends.

Other Random things:
my home
my huge SUV
shower and hot water
oh THE INTERNET...so grateful for that.
chocolate to keep me sane
a healthy body!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, i hope you enjoy spending time with those things and people you are grateful for.