Gratitude 2011

With Thanksgiving coming up this next week, I thought it appropriate to list some things I am grateful for.  Experts say it makes a difference when you write it down.  Because I know that my blog is more of a journal than a web page destination for others, this is pretty much for my benefit. I am not sure these are all in the correct order...but here is a list anyway;

1. My Family  I don't know what my life would look like without Shawn & my kids.  I love them so much.
 Shawn: He has shown me the world, and opened my eyes to so many things, peoples, and cultures.  After 22 years, he knows to change the channel when the news has a story about child abuse so I won't have nightmares, he puts up with the early morning running & marathons, is willing to play country music occasionally because he knows I like it, brings me chocolate,  makes me laugh, balances my parenting(one minute IS late for curfew),  helps me laugh at myself, encourages me to pursue my passions, loves my family, plays Legos with Gavin, takes food supplies to Jocelyn @ college without being prompted, is appropriately amazed by Marissa's passion for cupcakes and people, challenges Tiffany to learn and think, goes to Lake Powell (because we love it), provides a home for us, gives priesthood blessings willingly, and stayed married to me even after he witnessed my competitive nature on the basketball court.  He tells me I am like "Modern Family's" Claire, and since she is cute and likes to run I take that as a compliment--although I think he means I am like her in the way that I think and parent.  He has taught me to be kinder, more patient and find a better balance in most aspects of my life.  I am a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend because of him.
Jocelyn: She is such a joy in my life.  Her free and kind spirit are like a light to a fire.  People are comfortable being themselves around her because she is comfortable with herself.  She writes stories that I love to read, and has a way with words that makes her a "facebook favorite" of my friends  She makes me laugh with the way she sees and notices things.  She has one of the strongest testimonies of the gospel, a fun competitive nature and inspires me to be better.
Marissa: She is the smile that warms an entire room.  She sees each person individually, makes emotional connections and has a HUGE desire to help others.  She is so talented in the kitchen.  Her willingness to try new things, and her work hard & play harder attitude make people love to be with her. She is not afraid to stand up for the underdog or for what is right--even when there are not others to stand with her-- she inspires me.
Tiffany:  Is intelligence and beauty in one.  She processes and thinks through more things in a day than anyone else I know.  She notices things that escape others, is willing to accept challenges and knows more about Ben10 and Star Wars the Clone Wars than any first grade boy in order to connect with her brother.  She encourages people around her to do their best and when she decides to do something there is no stopping her. I love to be with her and she inspires me to be a better person.
Gavin: He completed our family--even when we were unaware that it was lacking.  He is a free spirit, who sees the world in a unique way.  He is so curious and physically capable that he gets himself into all kinds of unusual situations.  He is confident enough to instigate conversations with kids & teachers at his school, 18year-old friends of Marissa's, Tiffany's swim coach, and Grandma's cardiologist, as though he is as mature, smart and wise as any of them.   He gives me loves, tells me I am the best mom, and makes me want to be better. 
2. My parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews.-- Three different times this week I have been told by different friends that I am so blessed to have the childhood I did.  The older I get the more I truly understand how great of a blessing that is.  Thank you Mom & Dad!  I love how close our family is.
3. The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The decision to be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, affects almost every aspect of my life--daily.  It helps me try to be a little better each day.
4. My Health  Running this past year with several friends that have sustained injuries, and knowing so many who struggle with health issues, this has to make the list.  I am so grateful for my health.
5. Simple Joys  A clean counter-top, smell of Gavin's head after a bath, clean sheets, Frozen Yogurt (had to get that in somehow), an opportunity to run or have lunch with friends.
6. A Home  More than a house, a place where my family and I feel safe, and sheltered from the world.  A place to gather, laugh and play. 
7. Beautiful photography.  Probably because my mind is going...I appreciate a "snap-shot" into a moment in time.  I SERIOUSLY could look at pictures all day long.  (Kinda like Shawn feels about You-tube)
8. Cars and Gas to Fuel them  Because I come from a "truck driving family" (as Shawn describes our willingness to drive whatever distance at any time of day or night), a car that runs well and the ability to fuel the car to get to events and family makes my list.
9. Airplanes  Haven't they changed the world?  It is amazing how many things you can learn and understand better by simply putting yourself in a different place in the world.
10. The Internet Simply the greatest invention of my generation--and arguably of all time.  It has revolutionized the way we communicate, travel, live, and learn.

And there is so much more....