The Spirit of Thanksgiving

This week I'm excited to celebrate one of my most favorite holidays. Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday filled with two of my favorite things, family and food!!! Matt & I have commented to each other that in the rush to get to Christmas, Thanksgiving and the spirit of Thanksgiving seems to get a little lost in the shuffle, even in our own household. So for our FHE, Matt decided to discuss the things we are thankful for as a family. I loved hearing what the kids are thankful for, which included numerous friends, their toys, our church, and our family.

So in keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving, I decided to make a list of the things I am personally thankful for, something I should take time to do more often.

-My wonderfully, amazing husband. He truly is my better half.

-My beautiful children! They consume me, they ground me, and they bring me so much joy.

-The gospel of Jesus Christ...it guides our life as a family and is a constant source of peace and happiness. I could make an entire list of gospel principles that I am grateful for but that would be a post all it's own...a prophet on the earth, the Book of Mormon, the temple, my testimony and that of others, callings and the opportunity to serve in the church, the plan of salvation, and the list could go on and on.

-Our lovely home, as crammed as it may seem at times, it holds so many memories and is a refuge from the world.

-Our extended family who gives us so much support and love.

-A mother who is my best friend next to my husband. She is one of the most selfless people I know. She knows me, she listens to me, and she bends over backward for our family.

-My conversion...I often ponder on how miraculous it was that so many people and things fell into place in order to bring me into the gospel. I will for ever hold a special place in my heart for Sister Pack, Sister Ormestan, and my dear friend Erin. They are angels in my eyes.

-Genealogy...I'm thankful for my family past and present and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to learn of and become familiar with those that have come before me. Their lives teach me and definitely define who I am today.

-Matt's job...we are so lucky he has always had a steady stable job that has allowed us to own a home and have children, provide for our needs, and has allowed me to be a stay at home mommy. I'm also grateful for a husband who has worked so diligently through school and in work in order to provide for our family. He is a wonderful employee and I know that has served him and our family well.

-Health...I'm grateful for a healthy bodies not only for myself and my husband but also for my children. I hope we never take health for granted and always try to keep our bodies healthy and clean.

-Our ward and neighborhood...we literally live in the best neighborhood anyone could ever ask for. Our ward family has truly become an extension of our own family, and we have made life long friends here. We have also learned and grown so much by watching the examples of our wonderful neighbors and friends. They have taught us the true meaning of service.

-All the men and women in the armed forces...I am thankful for their service in order to keep us free and safe. I'm grateful for all they sacrifice in the service of others.

I feel that this list could go on for days...and by writing down all the things I am thankful for, I am reminded how truly blessed I am. What a wonderful, amazing life I have!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!