Gobble Gobble...

Happy Thanksgiving~
If you would have given me a glass ball last year and shown me my 2012...well, I don't know what I would have done. I'm sure it would have involved repenting later...

I'm forever thankful that this year is almost behind me! I thought 2011 proved to be difficult, and apparently we had just started our ride. Things have been super stressful this year. Our debt-free creed sort of flew out the window. Everything that could break, pretty much did. And continues to do so. My car wreck has made life delightful. But...when I think about everything that's happened this year...the highlights, the things that I will remember most about this year...are NOT the difficult things. In fact, while this year has indeed sucked(which is a word I don't allow my children to use)...its been beautiful beyond beautiful...

I've learned a few more things about myself. I have some sharp edges that still need refining. And, its likely that next year when I recount my blessings, atop the list AGAIN will be my grattitude that I've not just been struck down AGAIN. Apparently I'm a slow learner :)

But, I'm incredibly blessed. And, I acknowledge my Father's hand, whole-heartedly, in my life.

First and foremost...I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a child of God. I am a daughter of a King. I know who I am. I know God's plan, and I'll follow Him in faith. I cannot imagine living a life without the precious knowledge that every single day, I am working towards something. I'm a work in progress with an eternal purpose, yet I'm entirely capable of blundering as a wife, mother, daughter, friend and just about every other role I cherish! It is my understanding of the purpose of this life that provides value and meaning to every single aspect of my life. The reason things are important to me are because I understand where they fit in my eternal perspective of things. This doesn't mean I've accepted my 'lot' with no complaints! Heavens no! But, I recognize that He sees something in me...and I'll keep working towards it.

Secondly, I am incredibly thankful for Nate. We are different in so many ways...and the same in the ones that really matter. I treasure his committment to the gospel. You NEVER ever ever have to wonder whether Nate's heart is in his service! A woman I love and respect said it best when she announced that I had 'done good' in marrying him. Amen! He's the best. He may be wild. Loud. But he has energy for children when mine is gone. He is black and white...no in betweens with him. When my panic rises, he calms me with his ever present faith. He is good through and through. He stands by our little family. He is the perfect patriarch of our home.

Kids. Kids. and more kids. Life would be incredibly boring, and terribly sad without each and every one of my five kiddos. I am amazed at how Nate and I's DNA has produced five children who are alike yet so very different. Our home wouldn't be the same without the craziness of every day. I won't lie and pretend I appreciate every single moment. I don't. But...the times where the children play and help and there is love and peace in the home make the others bearable! My  children have come power packed full of sass, determination and independence. They are funny, and smart and 100% the loves of my life. There is no role...no job...that I would prefer over being their mom. You'll never find me advocating the rights of womanhood outside the home. I don't feel inferior to men. I simply feel that my gifts are different and that I'm blessed far beyond what I'd find somewhere else, by being a mother.

Parents. I pretty much got this one in the sack: I've got THE.BEST.PARENTS.EVER. I read somewhere once that love wasn't boughten with money, but time. My parents epitomize this truth. I can't say that I at any point felt rich growing up. But I can say that I always had more than enough. I always felt safe, and loved and treasured. My parents have supported me, chastened me when needed, pitched in and helped when asked and when they just noticed a need. They have laid the map for how I hope to be as a grandparent. Kolbe wrote a poem for english class about his favorite grandparents. It was a riot! He said they are 'definately lacking'....and after I stopped snorting over his honesty and his funny commentary...I was grateful that he knows what he does. That my parents adore the kid. That they'd give up anything to be a part of his life. Love is bought with time...and how my parents have 'time' to offer any one else beyond what they give me, is a mystery!

Quality of life: There are constant reminders in simple things that help me to remember my blessings. The sky. Its absolutely beautiful every morning and every night. My children have learned that its one of my favorite things EVER and they point out the colors to me and claim the prettiest to be their handiwork. Our recent trip has reinforced how grateful I am to have been born when and where I was. I know freedom and peace and happiness even in a world that is generally chaotic.  We have a nice, comfortable home that meets our needs. Plenty of food. A WICKED fireplace :) and everything else we NEED to be happy and safe.

Friends. I have always had one or two good friends. And Heavenly Father has blessed me with some goldies that will be on my side from now until the end! I need friends. Not lots of friends. But I need to have someone to confide in...to share with...to lean on...and then return the favor!

I could list my blessings one by one. I've been doing it in my head all month! But...simply put, these are the main focuses...the central reasons I feel incredibly blessed this year.

In the next few months we'll add another child, one of His choicest spirits to our home. And with that challenge will come more blessings than I, Nate, or our kids will be able to count. While I can't claim to always love the path I walk...I do always look back, after completing a challenge, and feel grateful I've been given the chance to walk and grow.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012!