But the thankfulness for the things in my life has not.
In spite of the trials that I (and my family) have had- I am thankful for them. They have helped me grow. Without trials we will never be as strong as we can become. For that, I am thankful.
I am thankful for Chip. He is truly my best friend. Such an amazing man. He has an amazing personality- and his humor is top notch. I don't know how I got so blessed.
I am thankful for Alli. The one who first made me a mom. She is so eager to learn and develop talents- and quick to pick things up. I love this "almost a grownup" stage- she is trying so hard to figure out her place in life. I am thankful she is ever mindful of the commandments and strives to keep each one. I am thankful for the good role model she is for her siblings, and for her classmates.
I am thankful for Maggie. She can be the biggest handful or the biggest helper- all depending on how you talk to her. This kid is 100% in all of her moods and actions (be it for good or evil) She is the best snuggle buddy ever- and so sensitive. I love her ability to include everyone. She is also a super nurturer.
I am thankful for Miles. He has such a fun way about him. His smile melts me. That twinkle in the eye- ohh goodness. I love how he is loyal to his brother at all times. He is a laid back guy when it comes to clothing, but when it comes to who's cup is who's... you better not cross that line. I also think his 'sneaky' way of doing things is pretty darn cute- although upsetting at times. FYI- he likes to hide things in his pants. I love his big giant hugs- and the fact that he always calls me 'Maw-Maw'- I hope he never grows out of either.
I am thankful for Dexter. He is a sweet boy. My snugly guy. Also loyal to his brother... but deeply attached to Maggie as well (he calls her mommy kitty.. sweet, right?) He is pretty laid back on most things.... except for clothing. Which is great, because it's opposite of Miles. Dex will pick out his and Miles clothes daily. I love his little laugh. He also does the "Ha! Ha!" thing like that kid on the Simpsons... which is funny.
I am thankful for my parents- They are strong people who are great examples of service. They are loyal and kind. They are thrifty and resourceful. They are my friends. They are just amazing.
I am thankful for Chip's parents- Valiant and stalwart. They are quick to see good and talents in others. They encourage development in all areas. They claimed me as a daughter on Chip and my first date. I have never felt 'unwanted' in the family. They are also amazing.
I am thankful for grandparents. I love that I can say- and fully believe- that I am my grandparent's favorite grandchild ... I might not be the actual "favorite", but they always made me feel like it.- so if you other grandchildren are reading this.... and you believe you are the favorite too, then I think we've got some pretty awesome grandparents. (p.s. I am the real favorite. I promise.) And for Chip's grandparents too... I never met one of his grandpa's, and the other grandpa passed away when Alli was only 9 months old, so I never got to see the ins-and-outs of these men... but Chip's grandma's? such dear women. I love them to pieces!
I am thankful for a place to live. It's not a palace or even a stand alone house, but it is where we are. We have made some great friends out of neighbors, and as much as I complain about the crazy nature of our neighborhood- I am thankful we were lead to live here.
I am thankful for working cars. Nuff' said.
I am thankful for my faith. I am thankful for scriptures. I am thankful for a latter-day prophet and the knowledge that God didn't leave us alone and 'blind' in this world..... that he loves and cares enough about the people in this day and age to send us guidance, just as he did to the people in the olden days. I am thankful for my church family. They have loved us and taken care of us, and truly have become part of our family.
I am thankful that Chip has a job that allows me to be a stay at home mom and raise our children. We may not be rich (in fact, we aren't.), we may not enjoy luxuries like a big screen TV or even a flat screen one at that..... and we may have to pinch pennies, BUT- I am ever so grateful that I get to be with our children 24/7.
I am thankful for friends. You have been there through thick and thin. Some have quickly passed through my life- and some have stayed forever (I am still friends with two girls who I met when I was 5 and 6!) Each have touched me in a profound way.
I am thankful for my talents. I am fully aware at how much I have to grow in a lot of things, but I am also thankful that I have abilities to sew, cook, record memories, etc.
I am thankful for modern day medicine.
I am thankful for our health. We are a relatively healthy family.... with very few visits to doctors, and no medication taken on a daily basis.
I am thankful to pay tithing. I know that our health and a billion other blessings in our lives are directly given to our family as a blessing for honoring this principle.
I am thankful for indoor pluming/washing machines/electronics/the internet/everything that makes my life easier- and hopefully more sanitary.
I am thankful for my twins club, and for others with multiples- who make me remember I am not alone, I can get through this stage (at whatever naughty stage it is), and I can do it all and then some. Plus these ladies are amazing.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I am thankful that forgiveness is out there- for when I make mistakes, and also the healing that takes place in my heart when others have wronged me. Life is too short to carry such a heavy burden like grudges.
I know there are a million things I am leaving out.... well, maybe a million and 12, but who's counting. The point of this whole post is: I. AM. THANKFUL. I am fully aware of the Lord's hand blessing me in my life. Even on my lowest days, I feel His love and know he is there (even if all I want to do is wallow in self pity).
Anyway... for reading this long winded post, I shall delight you with something we made on Thanksgiving.
Gobble Gobble.
(p.s. it's not that I didn't want to take part in the picture, it's that my turkey mask broke right before we took pictures. Boo. I guess felt isn't what it used to be.)
