Gratitude

Every Tuesday night we feed the missionaries. I figure that if I make sure another mother's son is getting fed every week, then hopefully someone else will return the favor with each of my four boys in 13-20 years. The set of Elders we have right now are really good guys. The kids enjoy having guests for dinner as well. During dessert each week the missionaries like to share a message. It is usually very short and adds a positive spirit in our home. Then we end with a prayer and send them on their way. This week their message included a challenge. They talked about how as we are nearing thanksgiving we have a great opportunity to make ourselves aware of many of the blessings the Lord has blessed us with. They challenged us to make a list and to share with our family and friends the fact that we are grateful to our God in Heaven for the many things he has given us. Next Tuesday, after dinner we will discuss with them the list we have made. I thought this would be a great place to post my list. I am aware that my Heavenly Father has blessed me in more ways than I can possibly imagine or list, but here are some of the things that I have recognized.

Our Eternal Family(Not only our marriage, but each child that has come into our family)

The Temple

A Home (especially in these economic times)

Jeff's Job (it's frustrating at times, but we are glad he is employed)

Good Health (this includes having access to the best doctor and Nathan's improved health)

Scriptures (the actual books and family scripture reading time each night before bed)

Primary Songs

Our Prophet and inspired leaders to help guide us as we try to become more like the Savior

Extended Family that is such a great support (parents, siblings, grandparents, and many more)

The Morgan Family (They really are dear friends and amazing people, and have helped us numerous times)

The Phelps Family (The originals and their "replacements")

Countless others that have touched our lives

The opportunities that have helped Jeff gain his educational degrees

A New Church Building (and a country that allows us the freedom to worship in it)

My Children's Teachers - All three of the older children have great teachers this year. It brings such peace of mind when you send your child into another's care that you trust.

My Freezer- This is an example of my Heavenly Father's individual concern and love for me. When I found out I was expecting a fifth child, I was really concerned with how I would handle everything. One of the concerns I had as I prayed was how I would even keep food in the house, it was getting more and more difficult to go grocery shopping, and I couldn't even complete a simple task such as keeping enough bread in the house for a week. We looked at our finances and as much as I wanted a freezer we could not find a way to afford it. Then a friend of my mom's who was moving asked my mom if one of her kids could use a freezer because they would not be moving it. I know my freezer was an answer to the plea of a discouraged mother, and I am grateful that Heavenly Father hears my prayers even when it is as strange of a request as a giant freezer.

There are a million more things but if I waited until I had time to post them all then this would not ever get posted.