Give Thanks

In case you can't tell what this says, cause I know the lighting is bad, it says "Give Thanks." And instead of doing my usual paragraph post I decided sometimes I write too much and go on tangents and it becomes hard to read so today I decided to just do a list, of things I am thankful, and while I could go on for probably 100 items, I am going to start with only 10.

In no particular order:

1. My crazy, lovable, sweet, adoring, thoughtful, smart, brave, strong, faithful, handsome HUSBAND.

I am so thankful for a husband who is always considering my feelings, who sacrifices hunting trips with the boys when I am feeling neglected, who takes care of me when I am sick, and works so hard to support our little family, he would do anything for me and I know that. Most of all I am thankful for a husband who is temple worthy, and holds the priesthood, who presides over our family, that is an amazing feeling.

2. I am thankful for my crazy, sarcastic, loving, fun FAMILY.

I am thankful for an amazing family that has stood by me for, let's face it, my whole life. We have been through fun times, trials, tribulations, laughing and crying and our bond gets stronger every day. They understand my emotional, fun, crazy self. I don't think I would have made it through Kenny's deployment without my wonderful family taking me in and understanding. This include not only my immediate family, but my aunts, uncles and cousins who are so great as well!

3. I am thankful for the Gospel, and most importantly Jesus Christ, my SAVIOR.

I am thankful that He died for my, that I may repent and live again. I am thankful that He bore the sins of the world, and knows the paid that everyone of us has been through so that we are not alone in ANY situation. I am thankful that He loves me and knows me individual and is watching over me as I live my life. I can't wait to see him again someday.

4. I am thankful for this energetic, sometimes annoying, fun and loving puppy ADDIE.

(if only she was still this little) Addie has definitely become a part of our little family. She has kept me company all the nights and weekends Kenny is working or camping/hunting. She protects me from harm, and makes me feel safe when I am home alone. Without her I think I would go crazy.

5. I am thankful for my FRIENDS.

This one in particular has been through thick and thin with me. Our friendship was kind of a random unexpected one, in fact we went to elementary school and high school together and did not meet until we were in college. We survived a deployment together and without her I don't know where I would be today. She is definitely one of my best friends!

6. I am thankful for my CAR.

Although it may not run well, and it literally just gets me from point A to B, I am thankful that I have it to get me to work, school and other activities. I am thankful that I don't have to walk everywhere or share my car with someone else. I often take this for granted, but recently I have been reminded that having a car truly is a blessing.

7. I am thankful for my EDUCATION.

Although I often complain, and hate having to spend the gas to drive down to ASU-Tempe, I am thankful for my education. I am thankful that I am able to learn and grow and mature. I am thankful that I will have a degree in order to fall back on and further my career as I am starting out.

8. I am thankful for a SHOWER and HOT WATER.

There is nothing better in my mind than relaxing in a hot shower. I am thankful that we live in a country advanced enough to have running water and hot water.

9. I am thankful for my FREEDOM.

Not only my freedom but also the people who fight for it everyday. I am thankful that I can worship freely, speak freely and live as I want. What a wonderful country that we live in!

10. Lastly, I am thankful for the CLOTHES on my back, the BED I am sitting in and the PILLOW to rest my head on. These comforts I enjoy everyday and often take for granted. I am so thankful for these things that keep my comfortable every night.

I hope that everyone else remembered their blessings and came up with things that they were thankful for. *On a total side note, if you have not yet seen Blindside, it is a MUST SEE. It helps to remind you what you are thankful for. Definitely worth your money.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Veteran's Day

I have to admit, growing up all Veteran's day meant to me was a day of school, usually resulting in a three day weekend, often spent up north to a weekend get-a-way. Wow have times changed. Although I am still grateful for the day off and usually it does fall on a Monday, the meaning of Veteran's day has definitely changed for me as I have grown older, as I hope it has for you. Now as most of you know, I am a proud Army Wife, my husband is in the Army Reserve and has served one tour in Iraq. As you can imagine, this brings a whole new meaning to the event of Veteran's day. I am excited to celebrate all of the soldiers who have fought for this country, past or present. Especially for the one's who have lost their lives fighting for this country. I greatly enjoy the freedoms that come from it and don't know what it would be like to live in a country were freedom is not practiced regularly. I have experience the stories my husband has shared as he described the war torn country of Iraq, how they live and die, and how the freedoms we so often take for granted are not the same to them. On this Veteran's day I hope that you will take the time to thank a Veteran, for what they have done for us and this country. I hope that we remember this day not only as simply a day off from school, but a day to truly remember those who have lived, died, and fought for this country. I also pray that we would keep special mind of those killed in the recent attacks at Fort Hood. What a sad situation, those young lives should be remembered. Parent's I encourage you to teach your children the real meaning of Veteran's day, fly your flags high and be thankful for this freedom that we enjoy every day.

Thank you baby for serving our country, for sacrificing all to keep us safe, for this I am truly grateful and am so proud to call you my husband.