Today at my church, talks were given on being thankful, and gratitude. Something that one of the speaker's said, caught my attention. He said something like this," Yes, we all say we are grateful, we all say we know we are blessed, but if I asked, could you quickly give me a list, or tell me why you are grateful for those things..." So, being the week of Thanksgiving, here is my list of the things I am thankful for. And for the things I count as my personal blessings.
1. My Religion. Its the backbone of my life. Through it I find the strength and the motivation to keep going and to be a better person.
2. My Husband. Somebody may have had him first... but he was made for me! I could not ask for a better man to spend my life with. He is all I ever dreamed of, and more then I could of ever hoped for.
3. My Marriage. I purposely listed it separately. My husband is incredible, but or marriage can be tough. But, I am grateful for those ups and downs. And, I am grateful that during those tough times, that we both fight to keep us going. Marriage, not the easiest thing... but the greatest of blessings.
4. Kaylie and Landon: They challenge me each day to be a better person and a better parent. Through them I have learned more about Love then any other person. We all had to choose to love, and I know its not always easy. And I know, that somewhere, long ago, in a different world, that I promised them, that I would be here for them. I just hope that I do not disappoint.
5. Parker: Nobody brings a smile to my face like this kid. Though, he and I have our moments, he is the first person I ever experienced unconditional love with. Even if I get upset with him, I am the one he wants to console him. There are not words to explain that.
6. Brylee: A coo or a smile melts my heart. Looking into her eyes, I see, that to her, I am the best mommy in the world. It is a wonderful reminder on those tough days.
7. My Mom: Aka My Hero. She gave up so much to give her kids the best life they could have. I have her to thank for everything! I only hope I can be as good as Mom as her. And even now, when I am sick or upset, she is the one I turn to. Thanks for being there mom!
8. My Dad: Though not actively present most of my childhood, he instilled more in me then he will ever know, or ever take credit for. To me, you were the best Dad you knew how to be. I love you!
9. My Siblings: The people on earth that know me best. And, my favorite people to be with. With you, I can be whoever I want to be. Our memories together are some of my dearest. XOXOXO
10. My In- Laws: So, accepting, so loving. From the day I met all of them, I have been loved and accepted. Though I was a decade younger then their son and brother, and the second wife. They are all fantastic people and I am grateful that my kids have them to learn from.
11. My extended family: Nobody gets us. And I think its just perfect. To my grand-parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins... thank you for all your support and love. Each one of you is a blessing and brings happiness to my life. Though my trials, ups, and downs, my family has stood there, ready to give me love, support or even just a hug. Even today, they attend all my crazy birthday parties, births of my babies, and their blessings.
12. Friends New and Old: Some friends I don't talk to for months, and with a phone call those days float away, and it was like we were hanging out just yesterday. It is such a comfort to know that you are there, if I need you. And friends new, its great to discover our similarities and have the excitement of building new memories together.
13. The Harvey Family: The Harvey's are my husband's ex-in-laws. Wow, what can I say. The Harvey's have been a great example to me, of acceptance, and of love. Though their daughter and sister is my husband's ex, I have always felt loved and welcomed in their home. They even display a picture of Bryce and I and the kiddos. I was so touched by this. They even go as far as to refer to themselves as Parker's and Brylee's other grandma and grandpa. My kids and I are so lucky to have the Harvey's as part of our lives.
14. Answers to Prayers: Though I receive this blessing on a daily basis, my largest reminder of how close my Heavenly Father listens to both Bryce and I, lives across the street. When we made the decision to move 2 years ago, we prayed that our new neighbors would get us, and accept our unique family situation. Not only do we have neighbors that we love, and love us, but he gave us the Grants! Their family situation is identical to ours. So, not only do I and Bryce have someone who gets us, but our kids are also fortunate to have someone as well. Even if it s a few minutes in the yard, its so comforting to know, that they just know. And I honestly can not explain it better then that.
15. Forgiveness: I am not perfect, and therefore make a lot, I am talking, a lot of mistakes. I am thankful for those close in my life for their forgiveness, and willingness to love me despite my short comings. I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and all the second chances he has given me.
16. For all of you, reading this blog: I am thankful for you, and blessed that you care enough to take time from your day to show interest in me and my family. It is your love and support that we feel daily. Thank you. And may you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
2. My Husband. Somebody may have had him first... but he was made for me! I could not ask for a better man to spend my life with. He is all I ever dreamed of, and more then I could of ever hoped for.
3. My Marriage. I purposely listed it separately. My husband is incredible, but or marriage can be tough. But, I am grateful for those ups and downs. And, I am grateful that during those tough times, that we both fight to keep us going. Marriage, not the easiest thing... but the greatest of blessings.
4. Kaylie and Landon: They challenge me each day to be a better person and a better parent. Through them I have learned more about Love then any other person. We all had to choose to love, and I know its not always easy. And I know, that somewhere, long ago, in a different world, that I promised them, that I would be here for them. I just hope that I do not disappoint.
5. Parker: Nobody brings a smile to my face like this kid. Though, he and I have our moments, he is the first person I ever experienced unconditional love with. Even if I get upset with him, I am the one he wants to console him. There are not words to explain that.
6. Brylee: A coo or a smile melts my heart. Looking into her eyes, I see, that to her, I am the best mommy in the world. It is a wonderful reminder on those tough days.
7. My Mom: Aka My Hero. She gave up so much to give her kids the best life they could have. I have her to thank for everything! I only hope I can be as good as Mom as her. And even now, when I am sick or upset, she is the one I turn to. Thanks for being there mom!
8. My Dad: Though not actively present most of my childhood, he instilled more in me then he will ever know, or ever take credit for. To me, you were the best Dad you knew how to be. I love you!
9. My Siblings: The people on earth that know me best. And, my favorite people to be with. With you, I can be whoever I want to be. Our memories together are some of my dearest. XOXOXO
10. My In- Laws: So, accepting, so loving. From the day I met all of them, I have been loved and accepted. Though I was a decade younger then their son and brother, and the second wife. They are all fantastic people and I am grateful that my kids have them to learn from.
11. My extended family: Nobody gets us. And I think its just perfect. To my grand-parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins... thank you for all your support and love. Each one of you is a blessing and brings happiness to my life. Though my trials, ups, and downs, my family has stood there, ready to give me love, support or even just a hug. Even today, they attend all my crazy birthday parties, births of my babies, and their blessings.
12. Friends New and Old: Some friends I don't talk to for months, and with a phone call those days float away, and it was like we were hanging out just yesterday. It is such a comfort to know that you are there, if I need you. And friends new, its great to discover our similarities and have the excitement of building new memories together.
13. The Harvey Family: The Harvey's are my husband's ex-in-laws. Wow, what can I say. The Harvey's have been a great example to me, of acceptance, and of love. Though their daughter and sister is my husband's ex, I have always felt loved and welcomed in their home. They even display a picture of Bryce and I and the kiddos. I was so touched by this. They even go as far as to refer to themselves as Parker's and Brylee's other grandma and grandpa. My kids and I are so lucky to have the Harvey's as part of our lives.
14. Answers to Prayers: Though I receive this blessing on a daily basis, my largest reminder of how close my Heavenly Father listens to both Bryce and I, lives across the street. When we made the decision to move 2 years ago, we prayed that our new neighbors would get us, and accept our unique family situation. Not only do we have neighbors that we love, and love us, but he gave us the Grants! Their family situation is identical to ours. So, not only do I and Bryce have someone who gets us, but our kids are also fortunate to have someone as well. Even if it s a few minutes in the yard, its so comforting to know, that they just know. And I honestly can not explain it better then that.
15. Forgiveness: I am not perfect, and therefore make a lot, I am talking, a lot of mistakes. I am thankful for those close in my life for their forgiveness, and willingness to love me despite my short comings. I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and all the second chances he has given me.
16. For all of you, reading this blog: I am thankful for you, and blessed that you care enough to take time from your day to show interest in me and my family. It is your love and support that we feel daily. Thank you. And may you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
4 comments:
the funny thing- I was reading your list thinking "dang, this could be my same list!" and then I got to #14... you are so sweet and feel the same way!
You said it all perfectly! I ditto everything! And we love the Smiths! And Charlie especially loves Bryce.
sorry- I meant to say "and WE feel the same way!"
I think that is is so great to express these things Michelle. You are one of a kind and I am so glad to know you. Thanks for being so wonderful!
We all have so many things to be grateful for! I loved reading your list! You are such a great person! Happy Thanksgiving!
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