Sunday Gratitudes 2007

The last Sunday of the year. You'd think I'd readily come up with something new for my gratitudes today. but I can't help but think about everything that has happened this year that deserve extra thanks:

Moving here. I love this area that is perfect for families. Its not too big of a city or too small. It has been fun to explore and we've only scratched the surface.

I love my house. I REALLY love my house! I love the room, the finishes, the gorgeous kitchen and the formal dining that is begging for dinner parties. My kids love having their own rooms. I love how there is a place for everything (now if I would just get organized and get everything in its place..)

I love that we aren't too far away from visiting family (and hopefully having family visit us often, hint-hint!)

I'm ever so grateful for good neighbors. They look out for each other here. We haven't met all of them yet but as soon as the weather warms up I am hoping to host a few block parties.

I'm grateful that DH has been promoted and has the opportunity to grow and be challenged. He works so hard for us. He is constantly blessing my life. He shows my sons by example how to be a good husband and father.

I am thankful for healthy children and for good kids. My kids are not perfect, but neither am I. My DSs gets the Teen 'tudes once in a while, even the ones who are not teens yet. DD has started saying naughty words she learned from kids at school. But they are basically good kids who are trying to choose the right and learning from their mistakes. DD will someday need heart surgery to replace her Mitral valve. Personally I hope the Second Coming happens before then so I can stand in line with DD and ask Jesus to heal her. I really do not want to go through surgery. But right now she is healthy. That is definitely something to be grateful for.

I am grateful that our local school has the resources for DD so she doesn't have to be shipped to a different school away from her brothers. I'm grateful for the good teachers there.

My cousin died this past week. Joey was so young. We don't know what happened. He had a headache on his construction job and died there. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. I know I'll see my cousin again along with my two grandpas, my little brother. I am looking forward to a huge family reunion party when I get there.

I'm grateful for good parents who taught me well. They are doers of the word and my constant example. Check out their link and see what Christmas is like in The Congo. Their mission has been much more work and energy than anyone anticipated but there has been no complaint from them. They are so positive amid all the pain and struggles they see. I am sure their hearts break when they see the homeless children begging in the streets, and the disabled without wheelchairs or other basic necessities. They struggle with finding the things they need to accomplish the humanitarian projects they are working on. They admitted being a little homesick on Christmas but their testimony of the work they are doing is so much stronger than and discomforts they feel. I am so proud of them.

I'm also grateful for my in-loves. I was bragging to DH's mom about something wonderful he did for me and she told me "He better! I taught him well." Oh, yes she did. And my father-in-love, too. I'm grateful for the hard work they do in family history. When we visit they have the most amazing stories from their research. They do not just work on our family lines, they generously devote their time and talents to anyone who needs it.

I'm grateful for my online Cookies, my group of women who started out swapping recipes and became kindred spirits. We are from all walks of life. We celebrate all the successes and happy news, and we bear each other up when our burdens seem too great. These women are my sisters and I thank God for them.

Finally, I am grateful for my Savior. He is my strength. Every good thing in my life comes from Him.

My blessings in 2007 were more than I can count. I am greedy enough that I hope for more in 2008.