It’s been two days without a post (who knew pre-Thanksgiving would be so busy?) and I have some fun posts lined up for next week but I wanted to take a few minutes and write a post about what I am grateful for (in no particular order, really!).

1. My husband, who is willing to do many things most husband’s aren’t. Plus, he’s a “real” man and comfortable in his own skin. Except he gets nervous at any drive-thru which still cracks me up after 17 years of marriage. He likes to weigh his options!

2. My children, of course. Although today I said something like, “Really. I do not want any more children.” Even though yesterday I was SURE I wanted another baby. Or two. Meanwhile, Bennie is crying for me from his bed. Better go check it out… [Next morning] I love boys who have crawled in bed with you Thanksgiving morning – their cold toes don’t bother me a bit.

3. Food. Yes, I’m really thankful for food. I could get specific: avocados, bacon, artichokes…but the list would be too long. I once taught a gospel doctrine lesson for the New Testament in which the biggest thing I was grateful for was that after he was resurrected, Christ ate with his disciples! I was so relieved that in the next life we’ll get to continue eating if we want to!!! I’m not really sure on that but the passage gives me hope that we can if we want to! Plus, I’m thinkin’ the preparations will be a whole lot easier.

4. Extended family and Thanksgiving at my house. Yes, sometimes I would rather go somewhere else and have them prepare everything (we thought about dropping in on the Halls this year…where are you today, Annette?) but I love the ease of having it here for my kids. When we move to Texas, I’m guessing I’ll get to do the whole thing myself but I love having family come and bring items to share. This year for me: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, rolls, homemade bread, cream puffs. My mom is bringing: salads, pumpkin pies, green bean casserole and a relish tray. My cousin and Aunt are bringing chips and drinks. Another set of cousins are bringing themselves. Love, love, love feasts with family. My only concern is how to protect the new carpet. We are still trying to sell our house, after all!

5. Missionary work and temple work. Wow – I’d have never thought missionary work would make a personal gratitude list in my lifetime, but I do love it. I get so much joy from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with anybody and everybody. I’m sad that I never served a mission but I thoroughly enjoy going with the sister missionaries in our branch now. They have taught me so much and I look forward to the time when Don and I can serve a mission (or two) later in our life. Temple work is great – it’s like missionary work without the slamming doors. I have had a wonderful time getting to know relatives young and old, alive and no longer living, near and far away (thank you, email!) while doing family history. I’ve come to know that my ancestors were very hard working, loving and interesting people and I look forward to meeting them someday!

I’ve got many more things to list but it’s pretty sappy and it’s time for me to go rearrange furniture now for our feast. Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo, Lizabeth