Blessings

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Ours was quite relaxing. We had Spencer's older sister and her husband and precious baby girl, Anna, as our guests. We didn't do a whole lot, just enjoyed each other's company. I even got out of making a turkey again this year because, we went up to the church for Thanksgiving dinner. I did make some pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread out of our garden pumpkins! YUM!

In my seeming endless list of new things I am learning to do, I learned how to make 'Turkey Frame Soup'. So now my gallons and gallons of pumpkin puree now have companionship in the gallons and gallons of turkey broth!!

On Friday I got up really early, 3:00! I get my shopping bug bad this time of year. I always say I am not going to go Black Friday shopping, but then I get too excited about it and have to go! I may have a problem :) I could barely sleep, it was just like Christmas Eve when I was little!! Anyway, I was in line at Wal-Mart by 3:45. I hardly saw a car on the 30 minute drive in, but when I turned the corner and saw the parking lot...WHOA! I had somewhat convinced myself that no one was going to be shopping at the Manchester Wal-Mart. I was way off!

So I spent an hour and some minutes in line with a lot of other nuts like me! We were laughing so hard! I had a great time! I love the camaraderie that you feel with other people in situations like this. It is just fun! I did miss my sisters, they are my best shopping buddies and this is our tradition. I always wish I was with them on Black Friday. I did get to text with one of them as we told each other which store we were at and what deal we were getting. That had to be enough this year!

Overall a really nice, fun weekend. Now as for this Monday...we will have to see.

This year has been a L-O-N-G year for us so far. Despite the misfortunes, we have felt truly blessed. I am very thankful for many things.

1. My husband. He works very hard and puts up with me! He knows when I have reached my limit and encourages me to take time for myself. Not many husbands are as awesome as that!

2. My children. Benjamin is smart and helpful. Seth is perfect and my reminder to do all I can so that I can live with my WHOLE family forever. Matthew is a total crack-up and very tender hearted. Caitlyn is beautiful and loving.
Some days it just hits me 'Heavenly Father sent these children to me. They are for me to care for. He trusts me to do the best I can.' WOW, I am suddenly stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibility.

3. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They love me, they watch over me, they help me, they believe in me when I don't.

4. The Gospel. I know it goes with the 3rd one but I am grateful to have been raised in the church. I was meant to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is all that I am and all that I hope to be.

5. My parents. For joining the church while they were young. My mom was 16 and my dad was 18. They are the only members in their family. That took a lot of strength.

6. My other mom and dad (in-laws). I could not have asked for a better family to marry into. They are supportive, compassionate,and loving.

7. My siblings. All of them, the ones I grew up with, the ones that have married in and the ones I married into. They are some of my best friends. I love talking to them all.

8. Friends. God has blessed me with many wonderful people in my life. Some have been friends since middle school and others I still have to meet. I seem to have met the most wonderful people. Friends that are sincere and loving and would do anything for me. I hope you all know that I would do ANYTHING for you!!

9. Compassion and Service. For all the people that have sacrificed to help me when I have been in need. For all the people some church members, many not, that came and helped us when we lost our home. I am in awe of the love that was shown by entire communities. It was amazing!

10. Prayer. The way in which I know that Heavenly Father hears me and listens to me. The prayers that other people say or have said for us. The prayers I say that are answers for others.

11. The Holy Ghost. My constant companion. He has prompted me and comforted me many times. What a sacrifice he has made to forgo a body, for now, in order to be a service to us here on Earth. He must have an unconditional love for us all.

12. A Sense of Humor. Some people get it some don't. At least I think I'm funny. I seem to make myself laugh a lot. Humor is in many ways my coping mechanism.