Happy Thanksgiving

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with our families in Utah this year which was unexpected.  We shared Thanksgiving dinner with Travis' parents, grandparents (Sam and Mirian) and his two siblings.  We ate at the Garden House, and it was so great to visit with them all.  I have so much to be grateful this season. Here are a list of the some of the things that I am grateful for:

1. Travis.  He is the best husband and father.  I feel most of the time I am not worthy of him, but am so grateful everyday he chose me.  We have grown a lot this past year with having new, fun and trying times which were new to us.  He is so steady and consistant and me and his children are always his top priorities.  It sounds so cliche' but truly I am the luckiest girl in the world.

2.  Adelyn and Boston.  I never thought I would like being a stay at home mom, but this past year it has worked best for me to be at home, and I am so grateful.  I love playing with them daily, and I find so much joy in them.  They both are so fun loving and strong personalities, our days are rarely dull.

3.  Our Families.  Being thousands of miles away really makes you appreciate the time you get to spend with family.  We are so grateful for the family support we have received this last year while moving TO Florida and being in Florida.

4.  The Gospel.  I learned more about the organization and formalities of the church this last year than any other year in my life.  I have definately gained a greater appreciation for active members in the church, for the knowledge I have been so greatly blessed with all my life, and the simple formalities that make a ward run the way it should.  I learned so much more this last year about things I never thought about.  It is hard to put into words.

5.  Friends.  People really make or break a place I have found.  I found some amazing friends in Vero Beach, some of which I would have never thought to be my friends are some of my lifelong besties.  I am grateful for the friends I have made in college, high school, and already in California.  I hope I can be a better friend to everyone. Truly... people make the difference.  And even one person can make a huge difference.  I hope I can be that person.

6.  Dreams and Hopes.   It is so great for me to be able to see Travis reaching his dream in his career.  In my journal in college I wrote that I wanted to be a stay at home mom while my kids were little.  I am living my dream right now.  Travis is such a dreamer and such a positive person which is one of the things I love about him.  We are constantly dreaming of the day we will be able to this and that.  And we are realizing we are fulfilling some of those dreams now.  What a cool thing.

7.  Sunshine.  We have had the privilage of living on both coasts this year where the sun is always shining.  I love the beach and realized I truly love the mountains I took for granted all my life.

8. Perspective.  This last year I realized its the simplier things of a lifestyle that I truly find joy in. I am so grateful I can leave my door open and have no lizards or frogs or huge bugs come in. I am grateful I can go to the park and have my kids play without being bitten by bugs, or dying from the humidity.

9.  Health.  This is really higher on my list.  I am grateful for Travis', Adelyn, Boston and my good health.  One of my besties is blessed with an angel who has spina bifida and a daughter who also has serious health issues.  She is amazing and I think the best parents are given the most special children to care for.  She is one of those.  It really has made thankful for good health.

10.  Love.  I have felt more this year than almost any year the love my savior has for me and my family.  We have been taken care of in our travels thoughout the country.  My love for Travis and our children has grown immensely this year also.  My love and appreciation for my parents and siblings has grown also.  I have been blessed this year with love, and for that I am grateful.

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!