Its that time of year again, not that I'm not grateful everyday for the blessings (and trials) I have in my life, but Thanksgiving is a fun time to remember some of those things I am truly thankful for. Here's my top ten...
1) The Love of My Life, Gregor. I really can't believe I lived 25 years on this earth without this man. He is my best friend, my sanity, my helper, my protector, my Love! I am so grateful for his desires to serve and be a good example. He keeps me on the straight and narrow and helps me be a better person in every way. I am grateful that he is the father of our baby boy. I know he's going to be an incredible dad. I love you, Gregor! With ALL my heart!
2) The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I forget sometimes how lucky I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is His church. It is His Gospel. I know that have a Father in Heaven who loves me and is guiding my life. I am grateful for my potential and for the opportunity to go to the Temple to learn more about who I really am. I am grateful for modern revelation and most importantly, for the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is real and He love us.
3) My family. I think getting married has given me a different perspective of my family. I am so lucky to have grown up the way I did. I have the best parents and the closest siblings in the world. Each of them is an amazing example to me and show me how to be a better person. I am grateful for my new family, the Greiners and for their love and kindness toward me.
4) School. Yeah, I know. For as much as I complain about it, I really am appreciative that I have the opportunity to get a Masters Degree. I look around the world and see so many places where women are oppressed and don't have the chance to gain their educations. I know its not the dark ages anymore, but I am grateful that I live in a free country that allows me to pursue those things that will make me a better person. I'm grateful for my learning team at school and for the professors who have spent to much time on my behalf.
5) My home. Gregor and I have such a beautiful place to live. Its warm and safe and clean. I am so grateful for a roof over my head and food to eat and clothes to wear. We are so richly blessed, especially in the cold weather, to be safe and protected. I hope to be able to provide warmth and shelter to those who don't have it.
6) My body. Being pregnant this year has been such an eye-opening experience for me. Its harder than anything I've ever done, but also the most rewarding. I am so thankful to have a body that is healthy and strong and able to support the growth and development of this beautiful baby boy (nicknamed Hammer!). I am grateful that I can still run and be active. I can walk and talk and move the way that I want to, even with a growing belly! I hope to always take care of this great gift that my Heavenly Father has given me.
7) Family pets. We have been lucky in the Smith family to have great animals live in our home. Right now my parents are hosting my dog, Oakley, at their place along with Princess, their dog. Those two have bonded in such a way that I don't think I'm ever getting Oakley back, but I am grateful that they get along so well. I am also grateful for Scotch the cat and Peaches the cockatiel. They are funny animals and provide me with a lot of love. I'm also totally in love with Carly and Logan's giant puppy, PJ. He's a stud!
8) Transportation. We have been blessed to pay off our cars this year and it has been so nice to own something that has made moving from place-to-place so convenient. My aunt and uncle also let us use their truck during the time we were getting one car fixed. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! It saved our lives!
9) The beauty of this world. Gregor and I have explored a lot of cool places since we've been together. Hawaii is beautiful, Utah is great. We've been to Tahoe, Idaho, and Texas. We've spent a lot of time outside enjoying nature and learning about the world around us. I look forward to exploring a lot more with my sweet Husband. Growing up in a very active home also taught me a lot about nature and loving the outdoors in spite of the season. There is beauty in everything, we just have to find it!
10) Music. Every year my sisters and mom participate in the Messiah. This music is so incredible and it brings the Spirit of Jesus Christ into the lives of those who hear it. I am so thankful for a mother who taught us to play and love music from a VERY young age, I will be forever grateful.
There's this years list. There are so many more things that I am grateful for in this world, but not enough room on this blog to list them all. Above all I am grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. He is my King, my Friend, and my Advocate with the Father. I know that He lives. I know that He is real. The Church of Jesus Christ is the true and living church on the earth. I am so looking forward to this Christmas season, and am truly thankful for all the amazing blessings I have.
