Giving Thanks!

Well, my dessert is almost done, my ham is going to start in a half hour, my green bean casserole doesn't need to be started for a few hours, the kids are watching TV, and Brian is off playing football. That leaves me with a few minutes to think about all that I have to be grateful for this beautiful Thanksgiving Day!

As this month has gone on we have been talking with the kids a lot about what they are grateful for. We have gotten a lot of standard answers my family, my friends, my toys, and school. We have also gotten some unusual answers like my teeth and bunny rabbits. It has been fun and I really think the kids have learned even more the importance of "thank you" not only to friends and neighbors, but also to our Heavenly Father.

I have also been thinking about all the things that I am grateful for and to be honest my list looks a lot like the kids. I love my family dearly. Brian is amazing and works for hard me and the kids. He does more for us each day then would be possible to thank him for and I love him dearly. Ethan is the best big brother, always ready and willing to help when it is needed. Olivia is just as beautiful as can be on the inside and out. She loves more then any child I know, and is so caring to others. Kai brings so much life and laughter to our family. He will do ANYTHING! I feel so blessed that I get to spend each and everyday with these four great people. I am also grateful for wonderful friends to laugh, cry and confide in.

This year I have also thought of things that are difficult for me to be thankful for. For instance, "I am thankful for Brian being out to sea" has never been apart of my prayers. I know last March when I lost a baby that the word "thanks" wasn't anywhere near my prayers.

While I recognize the difference between being thankful "in" hard circumstances and being thankful "for" hard circumstances. I have come to the conclusion, through searching the scriptures, we are asked to be both.

This year I want to try and be grateful for things that I am not really grateful for in hopes of learning lessons that need to be learned, growing closer to my Father in Heaven, and actually being grateful for things that well, I just don't want to be grateful for.

I know that one day I will understand the big plan and that everything will make since to me. While I wish that day was today, I know it is not. But I do know that if I put more faith in my Lord and Savior things will slowly become clearer in my mind. And that knowledge alone is something to be grateful for.

I hope everyone has a great day! Enjoy the food, family, and friends!