I Am Thankful For . . .

I like to think that every elementary school student will write something this week finishing the sentence "I Am Thankful For . . ." I think every person has much to be grateful for. Sure everyone has their struggles, but aren't things always so much easier when we focus on what we do have rather than on what we don't. So not surprisingly, as I prepare for another Thanksgiving holiday, I have found myself in a reflective state pondering all kinds of things including my blessings, my struggles, and that for which I am most grateful. In no particular order, here's how I complete the 2008 "I Am Thankful For" assignment.


I am thankfulf for my HUBBY and that he is home this holiday season!! Thanks for being patient with me all those years ago when I wasn't sure sweetie. I'm so glad that you're home from summer camp and that we're celebrating the holidays in the same geographic locale. A girl couldn't ask for a better guy to take care of her!!

I am thankful for two strong SISTERS who have been kicked around and beat up pretty good the last couple of weeks due to the free agency of others. I found this comment on a blog I was reading this week. Though it's referencing a woman's fertility and adoption journey, it made me think of both E & J and the circumstances that have found their way into their respective journeys. "As we started the adoption process 3 years ago someone told me 'God doesn't give us anything we can't handle.' I remember thinking 'well then, I wish he didn't have so much faith in me'." I'm sure you both are feeling this way about now. But I know that God knows you both and is aware of your struggles. Be strong sisters!! You are my inspiration!!

I am thankful for ADOPTION!! I am thankful for BIRTH MOTHERS!! I am thankful that through this miracle we expanded our family and are now a more complete and ETERNAL FAMILY unit!!

I am thankful for a MESSY HOUSE!! For anyone that knows me, a messy house is not my usual method of operation; however, I've determined that it's a good thing as it is a continual reminder of this sweet 15-month girl who is part of our family. I can't imagine life without KAITLYN. How grateful and lucky I am to be her MOTHER.

I am thankful for PARENTS who drove 3 1/2 hours just to see me and my family for a few hours while we whirlwinded our way to and from Utah for Chris & Robyn's wedding. (Landed in SLC @ 4 p.m. Friday and departed SLC @ 10 a.m. Sunday.) It was nice to know Kaitlyn was with Grandma & Grandpa O and BROOKLYN while we were at the temple and luncheon that day. I didn't worry about her for a minute and I knew she was having a great time (milkshaking at McDonalds & carouseling at South Towne Mall). G&G and Brook also spent the entire evening at the reception chasing after my cute daughter who so doesn't want to sit still. I was tired before it even started so thanks for being there and keeping it all together for me!!

I am thankful for dear FRIENDS. For afternoons at the pool and Sunday dinners. For shopping trips to Target & Big Lots. For text updates to the BYU/Utah football game Saturday nite. For spending an entire evening at a family wedding because there was no other time to see us. For a telephone call every single night I was alone the year Jeff did his internship in Boise. For covering Jeff's shifts in Iraq so he could go to church. For lunch dates with the girls. Oh, that I might be this kind of friend!!

I am thankful for my HAIR LADY. She is cute, she is trendy, she is fabulous, she is consistent, she is in the know . . . I could go on and on. I'm lucky to have found her and look forward to my standard 4 week appointment. Love it!!

I am thankful for the best Christmas PRESENT ever!! Jeff is taking me home a few days before Christmas to see baby Justin, the new house, and to participate in my most favorite holiday tradition. I'm so looking forward to seeing old friends and playing in the MESSIAH on December 21.

I am thankful for my EXPLORER. May seem silly, but this car has been the best friend a girl could ask for. Going on 11 years old and pushing 150,000 miles she's still going strong and we're hoping for a long and prosperous relationship for years to come!!

I am thankful for MUSIC MAKERS. I have good friends in Boerne, and look forward to taking Kaitlyn once a week where we sing songs, play games, and tell stories with other moms and kids from the Boerne wards. It's a fun outing and it's been fun for me to notice Kaitlyn developing even since September when it started as she will now [usually] sit through singing time (though after that her attention span is pretty much gone).

I am thankful for YOUNG WOMEN. It's been a learning and growing experience to serve in the Boerne 2nd Ward Young Women. How I love the girls and the YW Board and will be everlastingly grateful for the opportunity to rub shoulders with them!!

I am thankful for randomly RUNNING INTO PEOPLE YOU KNOW!! I love to see friends when I'm out - especially here in Texas as it means that we're making friends in our new home.