Giving Thanks

We had a nice Thanksgiving.  

The kids helped me cook and bake all morning (and watch movies intermittently)

They were worried about their daddy, who had to work:

Noah - where's daddy?

Me - he had to work today, remember?

Alex - (with a dramatic gasp and hands to her cheeks) but he will be so lonely!

Noah - (worried) but daddy has friends at work, right mommy?

Me - yes he does

We spent the afternoon with good friends

The food (mine and everyone else's) turned out great

The kids loved the pinata

and best of all...

Paul showed up that evening 

He got a kiss from me, a cheer and a hug from Noah, and a squeal and a tackle from Alex

I was surprised, given how busy he'd been at the hospital that day.  

His response, "I hope I didn't kill anyone."

When I think about what I'm grateful for it all comes down to this:

The gospel

My family

People

But I wouldn't want you to think I'm taking the easy way out so here's a more specific (but also short and sweet) list

I am Grateful...

When my husband says/does something I know is not part of his nature but he knows I need it/want it

when my kids make me wish I could freeze time and keep them that way, in that moment, forever

when my friends make me laugh so hard I cry

when I remember that Heavenly Father is directing my life (when I let him)

I am grateful for where we are in life, right now.  

I'm grateful for my 2 kids and the ages and stages they are in right now and all that we've been able to do and enjoy because of it - yes we want more kids

I'm grateful to be living in Rochester - yes we miss our families

I'm grateful for Paul's residency (I think) - yes, we'd love to have him around more.  But I think (I think!) we are learning, stretching, changing, and growing 

On a daily basis, there are always things I wish I could change about my life.  But when I look at the whole picture...I don't want to change it.  I don't want to rewind or fast forward.  I like it here.

Hope you do too.

Happy Thanksgiving