Reflections From A Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving is in just two days! I really love this holiday. Not especially because of the food, even though it is great, but I just like the feeling that comes with it.

There are so many things I am thankful for, but each Thanksgiving, I like to look back on the last year and think of the things I have learned to be even MORE thankful for.

So, here is my list of things I am more thankful for this year.

#1 Health....I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. Let's just say that the weeks I am completely healthy are gems to me.

#2 Insurance/Ben's job.....these things have been literal lifesavers for us this year. I am extremely grateful for both of them.

#3 Good friends....I spent a good 14 months without a good friend to be seen. That was right before we moved here. It was terrible and so lonely. We moved here and BAM...friends everywhere! I cherish all of my wonderful friends near and far. My friends have been a great source of happiness and support for me. I thank the Lord every single night for blessing me with so many wonderful people in my life.

#4. Visitors....I only see my family twice a year. My parents were never able to come visit us when we lived in California, and up until June, they hadn't been here either. This can be so hard for me. I am very close to my family and I get lonely for family easily. My mom was able to come here in June and stay for a week. Even though I don't remember much of it, she left her spirit here and our home feels more like home knowing that mom was here. Jolene also makes frequent visits to our home, and we look forward to each and every one like it was Christmas!
I LOVE having company in our home and it always leaves our home feeling happier and more full of love. I am so thankful for visitors.

#5. Ben....yeah I know, everyone says their spouse, but Ben has been my rock this year. We have had some great times together, lots of laughter, some rough times, some tears, and some wonderful bonding experiences. I feel closer to him than ever and I am so thankful for such a supportive, loving and always so tender husband.

#6. A home....this is our first home we have lived in since our marriage, and I absolutely love it. I love driving right into the garage, having a yard, having so much space, and having a cute home to decorate. It has been so much fun. I am very Thankful for a home, and especially the one we have now. I love the location, the ward we are in, the neighbors, the cute little porch, and just the whole package.

#7. Blogging, facebook, email, ect.....As mentioned earlier, I don't get to see family much, or my friends back home. It has been wonderful to feel so in touch with everyone via "cyber world." I am grateful to be able to reconnect with old friends, keep up with the new and current, and feel like I know what is going on with everyone on the days where I feel so far away. It is a great way to stay saine and somewhat adult while living in "kid world" 9 hours of the day.

#8 Pregnancy...I have never been a fan of pregnancy. I am a huge fan of what you get out of it in the end, but I really do not enjoy the journey. It is so uncomfortable.
Now, I don't take much for granted. Hearing the heartbeat is all the really matters to me now. I am VERY thankful to be pregnant at this time and I am also thankful for a wonderful and caring doctor who has been there through it all.

So there it is folks. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Peace. Love. Happiness. And Pumpkin pie!