Thursday, November 27, 2008

I AM THANKFUL FOR

Everything!



Before we could dive into our Thanksgiving feast Alyson said, "we all had to say one thing we are thankful for". When we got to her, she said "everything, I really am thankful for everything". She said that with her big brown eyes sparkling, and her cute little irresistible dimples on those rosy cheeks of hers just begging me to doubt her. I couldn't. I knew she meant what she said.



It left me thinking and pondering all that I take for granted.



My health. I have been doing a lot of reflecting about this lately. One of the teachers I work with was just diagnosed with breast cancer. One day she was fine, the next day she was given this tragic news. I have thought a lot about this. How I tend to take my health for granted.



I had Cole into the doctor last week. After the visit, the doctor asked if I wanted to have him get the flu vax while we were there. He also told me that I should bring the girls in too. We have been going to him for a year now, and the girls have not been in. I explained to him that they just don't get sick very often. What a blessing! I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. I know that I often take for granted how blessed we are to not have any major health problems.



My Family. I really, truly am blessed with the most amazing family. When we got married, I had this little plan for us. I was going to have lots of kids, and I wanted them to be about 2 years apart in age. No where did having multiple miscarriages fit into my plans. Or having 5-6 years in between each child. Adoption? I hadn't even thought of it, or imagined I would one day be a foster parent. None of those things fit into the little plan I had made for Jim and I.



I am thankful that God's plan was better than my own. What a blessing each of my children are. I can not imagine my life without any of them. Adoption is an amazing way to build a family.

I am blessed to be a mother (and mother in law) I could not have made a better plan than the one God made for our family.



My Husband. For all of you that know Jim, know that I am one lucky girl! He treats me better than I deserve. I can have a terrible day, and he knows just what to say and do to make it all better. He never judges me. He only supports me and takes such good care of me. He can build and make just about anything. I love how talented he is, and how he makes any project seem easy. He is a great father, and we are all blessed to have this great guy in our lives. I know we take him for granted, and don't tell him often enough how amazing he is. I love you Jim! I am blessed to be married to you forever.



The rest of my family. 3 Years ago we moved from Utah to Arizona. I was not prepared to feel so homesick. I have a wonderful family. There are a lot of us. 2 parents + 12 children + 12 spouses + 50 nieces and nephews. 8 of the 12 all live in Utah. I know I took for granted the blessing of having family close by. I am thankful for the love and support we all give each other. Even with many miles between us, I know that any of them would do anything for me.

My parents are here to spend Thanksgiving with us. It has been so nice to have them here. It has made the holiday perfect to have FAMILY here with us.

My Friends. I am blessed to have such great friends in my life. Friends that know all of my deep dark secrets, and still love me. I am also blessed to stay connected with my friends and family through the Internet. Recently I reconnected with http://jennysdailyblessings.blogspot.com/
We had lots of good times together when we lived in Massachusetts.
I think I also take for granted the friendships I have. I need to be better about showing my gratitude to my friends.

My list really could go on, and on. I have so many blessings in my life. I am thankful for EVERYTHING. I am thankful for that little brown eyed girl that insisted we all take a minute to tell what we are thankful for.

3 comments:

Becky said...

Great List! I'm thankful to have met you, even if it is over the internet. :) Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Unknown said...

Jane, you are SO sweet! I can feel the genuine love and gratitude for the list of things for which you are thankful... what a beautiful list, and a true window into your heart. I am SO glad we've reconnected again, and am also grateful for our friendship! (and for the word 'for')
:)

Carol Dunton said...

I can't tell you how much your family means to me..and how thankful I am to have been a part of your beautiful family for almost 4 years now. Jane, I do think you show your gratitude to your friends! How many times have I opened my door to greet my kiddos only to have a brownie, some awesome pears, an apple, or some other token of love given with a dimpled smile?? Thank you, for loving me...though ups and downs and all through the years. I am grateful to have you, your children and your whole family in my world!! : )
VB