Grateful

Tonight, I am grateful....

for so many things, that I get overwhelmed when I think about all that I have to be thankful for!

Here are just a few of the things that I am most grateful for:

• adversity.... I never thought I would be grateful for adversity, but I am, because I see now that it pushes me to grow and it helps me to be the person I want to be.
• the scriptures
• my family.... each one of my kids and a husband who is continually trying to be a better husband/father.
• honey crisp apples & peanut butter... my favorite snack lately
• good parents... parents who love me and want the best for me. They have taught me which sources and tools to use to over come challenges in this life. They are good examples of living what they teach.
• good health... healthy kids/healthy husband
• my siblings and their spouses... I love all my siblings and am grateful that I have each of them in my life. They are each good examples to me and my kids in their own different ways.
• mormon messages/lds website/conference talks
• my community and awesome neighbors!
• the atonement... I am thankful that the atonement allows me the opportunity to ask for forgiveness and fills in the gaps when I need it the most.
• gardening
• good friends... I am thankful for my friends. They are always there for me, to lift me when I'm down. They help me keep perspective and keep my eye on what matters. And most importantly, they are excellent examples of what I want to be more like.
• the apple store/iPhone
• prayer/personal revelation
• to be a member of this amazing gospel... my faith gives me the tools that I need to find happiness and peace in this life. It doesn't always take away the pain, but it is my guide map and helps me to know who I am and where I am going. It's the best news on earth... and I am grateful to be a part of it.
• my mac computer/ photoshop
• nature.. I love nature. I love flowers, rainbows, an amazing sunset and especially fall leaves!
• great in-laws... I love my in-laws and all that they do for our family. We are here in California staying with them right now and I love this beautiful country that they live in. It's breath taking. This is right out their front door.

and all around their property.
I love it here, especially this time of year.

• a beautiful daughter who enjoys nature as well. I love that she notices and observes natural beauty. On our way here, she was rolling down the window and taking pictures of the beautiful sunset and trying to get the other kids to appreciate it with her.

• a daughter who is a great subject for me to practice my photography skills on...

• my new nephew, Ivan... I am thankful I was able to witness his arrival into this world. You can feel his sweet spirit, is so strong!

I am just all around grateful and very full tonight...