Better Late Than Ungrateful

A couple of days before Thanksgiving I got to help put together some Thanksgiving boxes from food members of our church ward donated to give to those who needed a little extra help making Thanksgiving happen this year. James begged to come with me. He had a lot of fun helping me sort cans and boxes. I'm not sure he really got the concept of what we were doing, but it made me happy that he was so excited to serve. 

 

Thanksgiving Day was pretty laid back. We had the missionaries and our good friend, Andrea, over for dinner. 

I loved having Thanksgiving with the missionaries because they were so grateful and shared such wonderful thoughts of what it meant to be really thankful.

The kids were thankful Andrea came. She's one of their favorite people. 

After dinner the kids pulled the wish bone. 

James cried that he didn't get a wish. Kate wished for a baby. Unfortunately for her it might be a while. 

So, what am I grateful for?

Lots.

1. I'm grateful for this year. It definitely wasn't an easy year. With a job loss, two moves, and a lot of illness, it won't be going down as the most fun year in the Kelsey history. However, it was a year for a lot of learning and growth. I feel like I've prayed harder and received more answers this year than I have in the past. I feel like Christian and I have grown closer together and depended more on each other. I believe that because of this last year we are more willing to take life as it comes and try to make what's really important a priority.

2. I am so grateful I get to stay at home with my kids. I know it's not easy for Christian to make one income cover all of our expenses. He works VERY hard to make that happen, and I'm thankful he does. I love being there with my kids while they explore life. I love that my life revolves around story times, play groups, and potty breaks. I can't imagine anything I'd rather be doing.

3. I'm grateful for my parents and sisters. I've seen my sisters deal with some really rough stuff this year and I am constantly amazed at their strong will-power, their faith, and their resiliency. My parents, as always, are always so willing to help me and my little family whether it is drive with us from Denver to Arizona (and then back again), house us for three weeks (or longer if we would have needed), giving us a truck, letting me call at midnight for medical advice, or any number of other things. They are wonderful people.

4. I'm grateful for my in-laws. When I spent three weeks in Utah this summer I was reminded what an amazing family I married into and how much my kids are loved by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. They are also wonderful people.

5. I'm grateful for friends. They're the family I need when I'm not near family. They watch my kids, have girls-nights-out with me, have us over for dinner, spend long hours on the phone with me (even if it ends up being 1 in the morning, Sydney), go to the gym with me, and so much more.

6. I am grateful that 12 years ago I met a goofy teenage boy who stole my heart. I'm grateful we didn't lose each other in the 3 and 1/2 year we were separated on missions. I'm grateful my dad emailed me a million times on my mission telling me how great Christian was. I'm grateful we didn't hesitate to get married when I got home. I'm grateful that Christian makes me laugh every day (today he almost had me in tears because I was laughing so hard at a text he sent me). I'm grateful I still get butterflies when he kisses me. I'm grateful we're learning and growing and changing in the same direction. That man makes me so happy!

7. I'm grateful for church. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ. I'm grateful that death is not the end. I'm grateful there is more to this life than it appears. I'm grateful for the scriptures and the comfort they bring.

8. I'm grateful for hot chocolate, a garage, pomegranates, museum passes, a washer and dryer right next to my bedroom, a dishwasher (sorry Emmy......someday!), the HOA that shovels our driveway, hot showers, audiobooks, and peanut butter.