Thanksgiving

I am so grateful for many many things. Here are a few I thought I would share:

A job – I feel like this has to be at the top of the list. I’m really grateful to have a good job.

My health and Insurance – fortunately I haven’t had to use my insurance much because I’ve been so healthy. I know that this is a constant struggle for so many, and hope I don’t take my health for granted.

Strength to do hard things – Thanks to Devin for the inspiration he has been for many years to me in this regard. And thanks to Holly and Jenny for the reminder of the confidence that Heavenly Father has in us.

Windshield wipers – So mine need to be replaced. Soon.

Chocolate – It’s just a given. :-)

Testimony – It’s a blessing. A gift from God. And an opportunity. We can learn and read and pray and exercise our faith and be blessed. Or not.

Music – Right now I’m thinking of Christmas music, but the silly songs James sings aren’t bad either! Bell choir performance tonight!

A clean house – I love having a clean and orderly house. I don’t mind doing the picking up or cleaning, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time. My handsome boyfriend vacuumed my house this weekend. I’m so lucky.

Running water – Often James will do the dishes while I am putting the food away or otherwise finishing up getting ready to go. I know he doesn’t mind doing the dishes, but on occasion I make sure that I am the one to clean up.

Bacon – I have mixed thoughts about bacon. I like it, but it’s not very healthy. My Grandma Johanson loved bacon. I was living with her towards the end of her life and she requested it daily. While I have some great memories of my grandmother, bacon is more bittersweet since I associate it with her passing. For Thanksgiving I had some bacon enthusiasts over to the house and I must admit that it was quite enjoyable.

Positive RSVPs – I had several more male friends who came to Thanksgiving dinner. I was happy to find another single girl to help balance things out. I she didn’t mind all the attention! Now… if I can only get a few friends from the ward look at their Evite and respond…. :-)

Prayer - We had a great FHE lesson where the comment was made how much Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him in prayer. I was thinking how frustrated I sometimes get when people I care about don’t call me back, let me into their life, or are concerned enough to find out what’s going on with me. The comparison was a humble reminder of how precious and powerful prayer can be.

Being an answer to prayer – I was recently in a position to help someone out financially. I knew the family had some unexpected expenses and was able to surprise them with some money. It was so sweet and humbling to hear how she and her husband had been praying to know what to do, and felt prompted check their bank account and things would work out. They were skeptical that looking once again at their bank account would provide any solutions and laughed about how funny it would be if money “magically” appeared. Yet they were faithful and they were surprised to find the money they needed. And they were quick to thank the source of that blessing.

Quotables – the funny and great things people say….

Unintentional jokes– I was recently at a friends’ birthday party, and there was an unintentional surprise gift in the bottom of a recycled gift bag. Very, very funny!

Surprise gifts – I was surprised with flowers this morning. Who doesn’t like that?

Parking spaces – Driving to DC can be frustrating because of the traffic and lack of parking. James and I got a perfect spot outside the Kennedy center for swing dancing recently. Seriously…. the closest street parking spot just opened up. It was late enough that is was free. Awesome.

When things are easy and just work out well – James and I got a later start than planned in looking for our Christmas tree. The first tree that we opened looked pretty darn good. It was so nice to have such a quick and easy trip to get the Christmas tree with great results. It of course doesn’t happen all the time, but I’ve been feeling extremely blessed and enjoying how much it has been happening lately.

Family, pianos, cherries, sweaters, lights, candles, the knowing and happy smiles of friends, smiling babies, sunsets, beaches, traditions, mistletoe, kisses, tears of joy, tears of sadness, cute pictures, shared meals, roommates, seeing the joy of others, completed assignments, lipstick, Mexican food, deals, success, stars, and so much more!

Being able to share part of the joy in your heart – priceless