Thanksgiving

We had such a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. It is always nice when everyone is home for a few days and we aren't all running different directions. We didn't do anything special or accomplish much but we had tons of family time. We went to the Fielding's again for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful day. It is nice to have friends that fill in the gap of being with family. Once again it was surprisingly one of the best holidays ever. It was probably because of all of the butter!!! John got to play in the branch Turkey Bowl which consisted of lots of people falling down in the mud. It rained for two days straight so it was quite the game! The night before Thanksgiving we went to an underground cave and drove around to look at Christmas lights. It reminded me of Utah and doing that with family. We missed having family but it was super cool to be driving under Louisville. We had a great time. After Thanksgiving we also went to Charlestown and looked at lights and went for a horse and carriage ride. It was freezing but the kids had fun. It is almost December and I am ready for the Christmas festivities to continue!!!

I love this time of year and the opportunity to ponder on the many things to be grateful for. When I start to think of all of my blessings I am overwhelmed by the love of my Father in Heaven. I ask myself all of the time why am I so blessed? I don't fully know why Heavenly Father placed me on the earth at this time in this land with my family and a knowledge of the gospel. I am grateful he did. Those blessings and that of a healthy family come to me simply because he saw fit to bless me with them. When I think of other blessings I enjoy I can directly see that it was because I obeyed a commandment. The Lord truly does bless us when we do what he asks. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that directs my life. He is mindful of me. He wants me to be happy and he shows me the way. I am grateful for my Savior. He is real. He died for me so that I can experience peace, happiness and eternal life. I too have been born of goodly parents. I don't know why I was so blessed but I will be eternally grateful for their example, influence and teachings. I am blessed with a worthy priesthood holder who presides in our home. He is thoughtful and kind and is always teaching our kids gospel truths. I am amazed and humbled to have found such a man to spend eternity with. I have three healthy happy kids who call me mom. This blessing is one I don't take lightly as I know it truly is a privilege, one I am grateful for. I am grateful for freedoms and opportunities that I have had in my life. I am grateful to be on this journey here in Indiana with my family. To live near a temple, to meet with other saints, and to have friends I consider family who help me and make me want to be better. I have extended family that continues to inspire and amaze me by there testimonies and examples. I am blessed. When I think of my life the resounding theme is this "Where much is given, must is expected". I know that in my life much has been given and I need to be one that Lord can expect much from. My life is rich and I am humbled to be so blessed.