I feel blessed

It makes me sad that we "market" or set aside a certain time of year to be grateful. I think we should be grateful all year long. I have several friends who keep gratitude journals or blogs to help them see the good in every day. Okay. That was my soapbox moment. Do with it what you will.

I do feel truly blessed right now in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. Here is a list that I came up with.

I am thankful for my husband who is my best friend. Without him I don't think I could get through this life and it's crazy twists and turns. We have been through a lot together and I love him to infinity and beyond! I am so glad we were sealed in the temple and that we are an eternal family.

I am honored to be the mother of two beautiful and special daughters. Sometimes I do not feel worthy and get discouraged because I am quick to temper and not always patient enough when they do carry on. But I love them so much. I don't even think they know. It's deep and never wavering. It's constant and supportive. And I cannot imagine my life without them. They make me a better person. I have always wanted to be a mother and it's hard work but it's the best hard work I've ever done aside from my mission.

I am thankful for the knowledge and testimony that I have that Jesus is the Christ! God loves each and everyone of his children. We are never alone with him on our side. There is nothing we cannot do.

I am proud to be a Mormon! A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunity in 1994-1996 that I had to serve our Russian brothers and sisters. No words can describe the love I have for them and for the growth of the gospel over there.

I am thankful for good, wonderful friends. They are great examples to me of mothers, friends, strength, faith, determination, etc. You make me a better person. I am grateful to have always been surrounded by good people.

I am grateful for my parents. Life wasn't easy for our family but we still have each other. I don't want to ever let a day go by that you don't know that I love you. That you taught me so many wonderful and precious things. I am made from both of you! I like to think that I got the best of both of you. And a great step-mom to boot! Thank you for always caring about me even when I was a brat. :)

I am thankful for my sisters. I love them so much. I miss them so much because they live in other parts of the world and we do not get to see each other often enough. I admire them for their talents and what they have done with their life. And we all miss Jaymee. She is never far from our thoughts and I cannot wait to see her one day again in heaven.

I am grateful to my in-laws. They have helped us out a lot with our girls and me having to work. I love them for the many kindnesses I am shown and for their care.

I am grateful for my grandparents both the ones living and those who have passed on. I feel their strength in me and knowing that I come from strong stocks of faith.

I am thankful for a job to help support my family. I am grateful for our home and money to buy food for our table and clothes on our back. 

As you venture out this Thanksgiving to spend time with your families and loved ones remember that it's not just about this one day a year. It's about always remembering to be grateful.

God bless you all and your families.