So Thankful

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Indiana again. Since we've moved out here we haven't been able to spend the holidays with family, but we are getting used to that. We still have a great time, though we miss everyone just the same. We are so lucky to have so many great friends that we are able to spend the holidays with. We had Thanksgiving dinner at our home and it turned out to be really fun.

Holly and RJ...

Caleb and Anna...

Brielle, Kiah, and Evan...

Daniel and Sarah...

I was there too... and the food was excellent :)

I have really enjoyed reading so many of my friends blog posts this past month. So many of you have been writing about the things you are grateful for. I love hearing such positive words and I also wanted to express all that I am grateful for as well (though I don't want to bore you so I will limit it to a few specifics :))

The first thing that always comes to my mind is family. I love my family, both the one I grew up with and the one I am raising now. They will always be my best friends and the first people I go to for help and advice. Thanks you guys... you are the best! I am also grateful for Dallas' family. They are wonderful! And I miss them very much.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mom. It's hard. But I love it with all my heart. I can't picture my life being any other way. I love what I do.

I am grateful for my husband. He is SO patient with me and the kids. He loves the gospel of Jesus Christ and he has a wonderful testimony. He has worked so hard in school and now in his new job. I love that he loves me :)

I am grateful that Dallas was able to pass his exiting exam so he can graduate from Purdue. I am grateful that after many job rejections Dallas was blessed with a job. I am also grateful that he likes it :)

I am grateful for our experiences here in Indiana and the chance that we got to live here. I am also grateful that we are able to stay for a while longer. (I just wish that I could re-locate West Lafayette to the Western United States :))

I am so grateful for the friendships that I have gained while living here. I would have packed my bags and moved back to Utah if it wasn't for all of the wonderful people we met when we got here. Thank you for helping us and being our friends!

I am grateful for my calling as a Sunday school teacher in my church. It is hard and it will continue to be hard, but it is what I needed. I am now finding the importance of scripture study and it is starting to change my life. It is wonderful that the Lord knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

Finally I am grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I feel that I don't express my religious beliefs enough on this blog. That is sad considering how important the gospel is to me in my life. I am grateful for Christ and his atoning sacrifice and the chance that I have to live forever with my family.