Giving Thanks

I'm pretty in touch with my emotions today, and I think it's appropriate to take a minute and express thanks for some of the many, many blessings in my life. Please forgive my indulgence.

As I sat at the kitchen table this morning and listened to Brayden "talking" back and forth with Chris down the hall, tears swelled up in my eyes. I love both of those guys more than anything and I am so grateful to have them in my life. They are my life. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for guiding me to such an amazing, strong, spiritual, smart, dedicated, driven, patient and kind man that I get to be with for eternity. I could have never imagined, or asked for, a better "fit." Chris, if you're reading this I know you're thinking this is so cheesy but I mean it. And I adore you.

Next comes sweet, spunky, loveable Brayden. There is just something about him that just melts my heart. He's growing so fast and seems to learn something new every day. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be called his mother. It is humbling (and sobering) to think that such a sweet and noble spirit will rely on me to help teach him. Watching him has made me thankful for the simple little things in life.

I'm grateful for family. For my Angel Mother whose presence I felt even just this morning as I was rolling out pastry dough (and who I'm sure got a kick out of my frustration when it stuck to the counter). I miss her more than words can express but I'm grateful for the knowledge that she's permitted to be with me once in a while and for the fact that, if I live worthily, I will get to see her again and we'll make up for these years apart. She and Chris will get along famously. They've got the same sick sense of humor ;).

I'm thankful for my dad. He's been through so much in his life...so many trials...yet still has a positive outlook on life. I'm thankful for his wisdom and his strength. I'm thankful for his Christlike example. I'm thankful also for Annette, for the many sacrifices she has made in becoming an "instant mom." I shudder at the thought of how we may have turned out, growing up without a feminine influence in our home.

I'm thankful for my brothers and sisters. I'm especially thankful for the closeness Dana and I share and for the fun we have together. She's the only person I know who is as certifiably insane as I am, so it makes me feel good to be around her. Haha. We're definitely cut from the same cloth. I'm thankful for my brothers' wives and the way they both make them even better than they were when they found them. It means a lot to me to see them both so happy. That goes for Scott, too.

I am so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws who have stepped in and helped fill gaps I very much needed filled. I get along so well with my mother-in-law and I know our relationship will continue to grow and be something very special in my life. I am eternally grateful for doing such a great job at helping Chris become the incredible person he is.

I'm thankful for the amazing examples I have all around me. I see friends, and people in my neighborhood and at church who seem to just have infinite ability to give. They have such incredible talents and they constantly use them to serve others. I am surrounded by so many amazing hearts.

Last but certainly not least I am eternally grateful for the birth, life, and Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Only through his sacrifice and resurrection am I given the opportunity to live with my Father and Mother in Heaven one day, and to be with my family for eternity. What an incredible gift. I love him with all of my heart and I pray that I can show my gratitude for Him and for all of my other blessings through my actions, and the way I treat others. I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving, and I wish you a very happy holiday season!