Gratitude List

A couple of weeks ago we were challenged in the Parenting class to keep a gratitude list. Here is a start and 50 things that I'm thankful for this Holiday season!

1. A healthy, happy family
2. A wonderful, supportive husband and father to our kids
3. Two beautiful, spirited children who bring so much joy and purpose to my life! I don't know what I would do without those little buggers!
4. A strong and healthy body
5. The gospel of Jesus Christ!
6. The opportunity to live in Boise, ID, The United States of America (and not in poverty)!
7. My calling in Young Womens-those girls teach me so much and I'm grateful to serve them (and the Lord)
8. My parents-they are truly amazing and I look up to them SOOOO much. They are what I hope and strive to be someday! Plus, they are awesome grandparents!
9. My testimony-though imperfect and struggling at times, I'm grateful I have it, can share it, and for that, I cherish it immensely
10. My two sisters-they are my best friends!
11. A warm house to live in (in a safe, great neighborhood!)
12. My husband's job and the fact he loves it
13. The scriptures, esp the Book of Mormon-they inspire me, uplift me, and bring so many answers to my prayers
14. My husband's family-I'm so blessed with TWO great families! I love the McEvoys, it was a reason I married Eric!
15. GREAT, AMAZING friends! I am so grateful for so many wonderful friends who live all over who have touched my life and given me unforgettable experiences!
16. My talents-esp for the ability I have to help improve people's heatlth. I'm grateful to share my knowledge/guidance to all and know it is something I am blessed to share
17. The blessing to stay home with my children and raise and teach them
18. This beautiful country we live in and the blessings and opportunities of living here!
19. A husband who is worthy of the Priesthood, honors it, and teaches me so much through his example. He makes me want to be better in every way!
20. The opportunities I've had to travel all over and make great memories with family!
21. To be born into my family and into the gospel
22. Our prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson and all the other prophets before him
23. My education and the opportunity to finish college when so many don't have that opportunity
24. The beauty of the mountains (and earth) which always inspire me and remind me of how much our Heavenly Father loves us
25. Food and such a variety of it
26. A car that runs and gets us to where we need to go
27. Laughter-esp hearing my kids laugh. It's the greatest sound in the world
28. The way my husband treats me and makes me laugh
29. The fact that Austin is alive, when he could've easily slipped from us after he was born. What a miracle he truly is!
30. For two, easy and normal pregnancies and deliveries with both of my children!
31. The challenges and trials I've had throughout my life-they really have shaped me into a better person and taught me to be more grateful!
32. Every time one my kid's smiles! It always melts my heart and puts a smile on my face, even when they're trying my patience!
33. Family prayer and scripture study
34. The Spirit in our home
35. The conversations I have with Austin, which make me smile/laugh often, or make me realize how bright and wonderful he is
26. Carson's sweet spirit, his happy-go-lucky nature, and the fact that he LOVES Mom! What a little cuddle-bug he is, always smiling, and still the easiest baby I've ever known. How blessed I am to have him!
27. Eric's patient, humble, loving nature that is always CONSTANT (and the fact that he always makes me feel beautiful!)
28. Our marriage, though not perfect, I'm grateful for the communication we have, our great friendship, and the desire we both have to serve each other and make the other happy
29. I'm grateful that Austin always makes friends with everyone and is so non-judgemental of others
30. Date nights, though not as often as we would like right now, they really are a treat and a chance to not be interrupted by "noise"!
31. The opportunity to live near a temple and go there often
32. Austin's sweet side, esp to his brother and Mom. I love watching the two boys together. Carson is always fascinated and excited to see his brother, Austin's always protective, helpful, and sweet to his little bro
33. A GREAT ward with many friends and amazing people in it
34. The law of tithing and how it has always blessed our lives
35. My bike-I know that is silly, but I've been able to put a lot of miles and races on that thing and it hasn't let me down yet!
36. The ability to bear children-how often I take that for granted
37. The things my parents have taught me and continue to teach me through example
38. My past callings in the church and the experiences I've had-esp with the YW
39. The beautiful, four seasons-I love each one for different reasons. Fall for the crisp air and the breathtaking change of colors all around. Winter for the quiet, snow storms that blanket the earth (and for skiing!) Spring for the flowers and warmer weather. And summer for all the outdoor activities, BBQ's, vacations, longer daylight hours, and of course warm sunshine!
40. This blog, which is my journal. Now I don't have to regret not having SOME kind of family history. OH, and a camera and photos to capture all the moments of life-one of my most precious posessions
41. Power, electricity, running water, TV, internet, and so many other things we take for granted
42. Good books which often inspire me or just entertain!
43. The Parenting class I just finished taking, I learned so much and can't wait to take another course!
44. Exercise-it is my daily drug and saves me from losing my mind sometimes! I love how it makes me feel physically and mentally
45. The knowledge and comfort of the plan of salvation and the fact that we can see our loved ones that have passed on again
46. The leaders of our country today and for the founding fathers
47. To be born in this time and era!
48. For so many conveniences that most countries don't have
49. That I am sealed to my husband and kids for eternity
50. And lastly and most importantly, for Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and the love he has for ME personally. I'm also grateful for the Atonement so that I can return to Him someday!