Thanksgiving in my own way

This Thanksgiving will be a much smaller crowd than I am normally used to. In some ways, that is good because there won't be as much noise or stress. On the other hand, that means more cooking on my part. That's fine, cause I like to cook. I am excited that it is small because I can also focus on my family instead of worrying about being a good hostess. It will be nice to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. I have been watching Glenn Beck lately and he has been emphasizing the need to de-commercialize these upcoming holidays. To get back to the roots of the season and take advantage of the spirit of each-he may not have said it like this but this is what I got from it. So tonight we are starting with a family night lesson about the first Thanksgiving and what it was all about. On Thursday I plan on going around the table before we eat to say what we are thankful for.
I wanted to do my thankful list early and start here. I am grateful first and foremost for my life. I am so grateful that I have a healthy, working and functioning body. Even if I have a ways to go to fit in my jeans again, I am so grateful that my body works in the way it is supposed to with no other major problems. I have been hearing of so many people facing issues lately with family members dying from health related causes or accidents. I am so glad that I am not dealing with those things in my own life at this time. I know they may come in the future, but for now, we're good and I am grateful! I am grateful for the gospel in my life. the knowledge of the truth and the peace, comfort and blessings I am so fortunate receive on a daily basis. I am grateful for a loving husband who has really been making an effort this past year to be more patient, to communicate and ponder on things before becoming angry and for taking the time to show me he loves me and he loves his children. I am grateful for each and everyone of my kids. One small thing about each cause I could probably write a chapter if I don't limit myself. I am grateful for Kaleb's sense of compassion towards everyone and everything. I love watching how concerned he gets about complete strangers as well as the ones he loves. He has such a big heart and cares about everyone. Karly has been growing so much lately. I am grateful for her sense of awareness. She recognizes things that many her age wouldn't and I am grateful for that. I am also grateful at how hard she works-when she wants to-with helping out around the house. She is a great helper. I am grateful for Tanners love for his little brothers. We have our struggles at times but he tries to teach Evan and he loves to care for Ryan. I am grateful for Evans love for me. He is a bit attached. I love watching him think about things because he really does try to understand. I am super grateful that he has potty trained himself and taken that chore off my list!! I also love him and tanners singing! What can I say about Ryan? He is such an absolute joy in our lives and makes me smile all the time. So precious! He is such a great baby and so much easier than some of the past ones. Love Love Love my family. With that said, I am grateful for my parents, for all they have taught me and continue to teach me through their examples. I am grateful for my siblings and their love and understanding. I am grateful for my Primary class and the wonderful spirit they each bring every Sunday. I am so grateful for my "good" friends. I have a number of friends but my "good" friends are priceless and I am grateful that I can count on them at the drop of a hat if ever needed. I am grateful that my husband has a job and can provide for my family. I am grateful for comparable price shopping and coupons!! I am grateful for my growing food storage and the peace of mind it brings me. I am grateful for the trials that I have to go through and the blessing of relying on the Lord and his plan. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and look forward to the increased knowledge I will gain from future trials. I am grateful for my home and my beautiful view that brings me so much peace and calm. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to live in Utah and to live in a country that I can be free to make my own choices and have the freedoms I have. I am grateful for all those that serve in all capacities to benefit my life and that of my families-military, police, fire, government-not all, but those upholding the constitution-and those serving the church as missionaries or as servants of the Lord like the leadership of the church.
I could go on and on, probably all day, but I think this is enough for now. There is so much gratitude in my heart for all these things and more and I hope to continue this through the week and on through the Christmas season.