Giving Thanks!

Today I sit here with my heart over-flowing--unfortunately my eyes start to do the same!! :) I wanted to post this tomorrow, but this morning I have a quiet house all to myself so I'll do it now. This year has been such a whirl wind of emotions! I think back to January and packing up our house that we loved so much in Meridian. We left with many mixed feelings. It was hard to say our good-byes to those we love so much--wonderful neighbors, amazing schools and teachers, and dear, dear friends. We packed up and said our "see you agains" and headed for the place that we hold near and dear to our hearts--Spokane Valley. We thought we had a house right where we believed we wanted to be. At the very last second that fell through so we ended up where we are supposed to be. We have renewed friendships with some wonderful people and made some new dear friends. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father knew where we were supposed to be!! Our children have blossomed here! I sit here in my house in the sunshine and feel so happy that we didn't end up where we thought we were supposed to be.

I am so grateful to be alive and know that I will have many wonderful years ahead of me. I am grateful for my wonderful doctors and all of their staff at Cancer Care Northwest. They have truly been an answer to prayers! Dr Moline's skilled hands have been a blessing! Dr Nichol's wisdom has saved us much trial and many hard times! Dr Lamoreaux's inspired advice will be a blessing for years to come! I am so grateful for the referrals I got for these wonderful doctors. I'm grateful to know many people who have gone through what I've gone through who weren't afraid to share what they've learned with me. I pray each day that I will have people put in my path that I can help as these people have helped me!

I am grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ! I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been blessed with to grow closer to Him and strengthen my faith in His ability to help me. I know I could not have done this without HIM!! I am grateful for the beautiful world that He created for me. I have enjoyed looking at it while I have been recovering. It is such a blessing!

I am thankful for so many angels--both here and the ones we cannot see. I have had people help me in ways that I never could have dreamed of. I am so grateful for everyone who has come to my rescue during this hard time. I am so grateful for the prayers, hugs, emails, phone calls, cards, meals, help with kids, warm bread, help with all of my nasty tasks (drains, baths, helping me dress--thank goodness only a couple of people had to do these things!) rides for kids, help with YW activities and lessons, etc, etc, etc!! I hope to live long enough to repay everyone!

I'm so thankful that I can be a mom to 5 amazing kids! I'm also very thankful for the wisdom to know when to be done having kids. I can't imagine going through this with my arms full of little ones!



Sam, I'm thankful for your sweet smile, for your bright little mind, for your willingness to help out, for your cute excuses in the middle of the night (well, maybe I'm more thankful for the nights I don't have to hear those little excuses!) for your quick wit, and for your never ending love. I'm grateful that you're in first grade and loving every minute of it (and blowing your teachers away!) I love you little buddy!!

Emilee, I'm so thankful for your willing attitude! You always want to do everything you can to help me. I am so thankful for this! I'm thankful for your determined spirit that never gives up and keeps everything going smoothly. I'm so thankful that when we so badly wanted another boy that you used your determined spirit and came. We are so grateful that we got to have you in our family! I love you Em!!

Julia, your sweet and cheerful attitude have really helped us all through! Your always cheerful disposition (even when you're disobeying) is a boost to all who are around you. You are kind and thoughtful to those you know. People are always wanted to be your friend because everyone feels happy when they are with you. Thank you for keeping me going! I love you Julia!!

Jed, thank you so much for always doing everything you are asked to do right when you are asked. That is truly a mother's dream!! Your compassion has been so wonderful! You are wise beyond your years and a joy for me to watch as you learn and grow and grow and grow! I knew you'd be my red-headed buddy before you came, but somehow you've turned into my big red-headed buddy. Thank you for being such a good big brother to Sam! He loves you and wants to be just like you. Keep being the good example that you are! I love you Jed!!

Victoria, you've turned into such a beautiful young woman! I am so proud of you and all that you've become! I know that it has been hard for you to help around the house, but I'm so thankful for all you've done. I'm so impressed with your determination to train for the half marathon. You will feel so good for your whole life if you keep it up. Thanks for sitting by me and making me laugh. It's been good medicine! I love you Victoria!!

Last, but not least, Scott (or Sweetheart as I call him.) You have been so good to me during all of this upheaval this last year! Not very many husbands would do what you've been willing to do for me, and for this I am so grateful! You have cried with me, laughed with me, and told me to move on and quit crying when I needed to. Your strength and wisdom are amazing! Thank you for giving everything you have for your family. We all love you, but I love you so much!! Thank you for being the man of my dreams!

Sorry for being so mushy! My heart truly is overflowing, and so are my eyes, but I couldn't let this day pass without counting my blessings. I have way more than I even listed. I didn't think that anyone would want to read a post that long! My love goes out to each of you. Hopefully over the next 6-7 weeks as I sit on the couch I will be able to get my Christmas cards sent out. If I don't I'll post them here and you'll all know that I am thinking about you even if my energy doesn't allow me to send one to you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! I said last night that this will be my best Thanksgiving ever--I keep getting told to gain weight. When does that happen? Enjoy your loved ones. I've learned that not much else matters!!