25 November 2007

Giving Thanks

As the annoying girl who always carries her camera around, you wouldn't believe that I forgot to take it with me all weekend!! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Jeff's grandmothers home, with tons of food and pies. Jeff got to play football Thursday morning and is still recovering. Jill and I have been enjoying the cooler weather with extended walks (Jill wants to walk and not be pushed in the stroller) and playtime in the backyard. Last night we went to a party put on by Jeff's dad's family for Caitlin's fiance Ben. It was a blast. Good food, good people and good fun.
Jeff can attest to the fact that I'm not always positive about living in Arizona. I need to express my gratitude more often. Here's my top ten thankful list:

1. My husband JEFF. He's a worthy priesthood holder. He's very patient with me. He's a great cook. He has a desire to provide for us and works hard at it. Best of all he's amazing with Jill. Quick side note: I worked last night so I had to meet Jeff and Jill at church after my shift. He had Jill dressed in a shirt, tights and socks over the tights. The shirt is one of the longer shirts that you wear tight pants under and Jeff thought it was a dress. It was hilarious!! I'm blessed to have him on my team.

2. My sweet baby girl JILLIAN. Lately she's really started to hug and kiss us with purpose. I knew having a family would bring happiness but I never knew how fulfilling it would be. I will do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.

3. The new BABY IN THE BELLY. As a pregnancy that I've been slowly warming up too, I can now say that I'm getting excited. Jeff and I have been so blessed by Jill, I can't wait to see what joy a second will bring. btw, I had an ultrasound at work a couple weeks ago and the tech thinks it's a boy! I was only 12/13 weeks so I'll do it again in a few weeks for the final word. The tech took measurements and counted fingers and toes. . . all is in order, which brings me to...

4. Good HEALTH. Jeff, Jill and I have been very healthy and safe. I am grateful for my body that is able to protect and nurture my babies. I'm also grateful for Jeff's health that allows him to work hard and play hard.

5. My JOB. I was fortunate to get a great education in Nevada, that allows me the opportunity to make money where ever and when ever I may need it. As much as I complain about going into work I really enjoy being a nurse.

6. My HOME. Plenty of space, A/C, and keeper of my family.

7. My SAVIOR. Of-course this is #1. I have been studying the life and teaches of Jesus and I feel as though my love and gratitude for Him is 10 fold. Along with this I love my calling and am thankful for the primary children.

8. FAMILY and FRIENDS. Jeff and I both were raised by exceptional parents. We both have wonderful siblings that have growing families. Jeff and I also have good friends that are concerned about us and love us.

9. SLEEP. I love how I feel after a good nap. More than that, I love climbing into bed after the day and just relaxing. I look forward to this daily.

10. DANCE and EXERCISE. I've been able to take a couple dance classes and I still relish being in a studio. Allowing my body to move through space and feel the beat of music. . . I will never grow out of this. I also love to exercise and I am grateful that my body allows me to do so.

4 comments:

nettie said...

lol! we ARE the same person. I especially laughed at NO pics on thanksgiving.

I think you have a great list. When I was making me list, I was thinking to myself--"these are so generic and cliche" but they are truly things I am really grateful for.

#9's a good one. I love getting into bed every night. Many nights I say to jeff or myself as I climb under the covers..."this feels so right"

the outfit Jeff had jill in made me smile. socks and tights--remember we used to do that on purpose!!!

nettie said...

I forgot one more thing...calvin is praying that the new baby is a boy!

Poppa and Grandma Netty said...

A grateful heart is a happy heart. You certainly show that you have a happy heart. We love having you in our family. I laughed out loud when I envisioned Jeff dressing Jillian in what he thought was protective and appropriate. You should have been forwarned by looking at some of his teenage pics. (when he started dressing himself) I had to look the other way most of the time. But ....I am thankful for the smile it brings to me now.

Poppa and Grandma Netty said...

P.S. you have to remember that Jeff was born in 1980 and witnessed the entire decade with it's fashions at a very vulnerable age. Long sweaters, stirrup pants, scrunch socks....I think he got it right, don't you? Her hair isn't ready for the big bangs yet...