A time for giving thanks . . .

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; time to reflect back on the past year to the things my family has to be thankful for. We have faced some financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, and a move. We have grown stronger as a family and our faith in the Lord has been strengthened. At this time of year I want to express my deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to my family. I want my husband to know how much I love him; he is my best friend. We have endured much in our marriage that has brought us closer together despite the arguing, fighting, and stress of it all. I am thankful for his strength and comfort. I am thankful for the way he stands beside me in every decision and all that I do. I am thankful for the way he makes me laugh. I am thankful for the wonderful father that he is to our children. I am thankful for each one of my three children; they truely bring joy to my life. I am thankful for the way they look at me and state simply that they love me, then wrap their little arms around my neck. I am thankful for their smiles and laughs that makes any day better. I am thankful for the house I have to clean, the dishes I have to wash, the laundry I have to do, and the job I have to go to everyday; that means I am alive and have the neccessities to raise my family. I am thankful for the church and the important role that it plays in my family. I am thankful I can fight with my children to sit still and be quiet during sacrament meeting because it means we are where the Lord wants us to be. I am thankful for the ward we are currently in and the seeds of friendship that have been planted and begun to sprout there. I am thankful for the calling I have as the Young Women 1st Counselor and for Brian's calling as a teacher in the Elder's Quorum. Jerome has been the best thing to happen to us! As I prepare to feast tomorrow, I shall reflect on all of these things and thank my Heavenly Father for it all.