A time of thanksgiving...a time to rejoice!

I had the day off from work today, and I've been taking some time to reflect on my life, and to ponder all of my blessings. I am grateful first of all for Bob... my husband. Yesterday we celebrated his 21st birthday (ha, ha!) . We had dinner together with his family (lasagna, his favorite!) and spent the evening laughing and enjoying our time together. All night long I couldnt help but stare at my husband's handsome face. What a precious man he is. We've been married for 12 incredible years. He makes me laugh everyday. He takes care of every need I have, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He gives me his shoulder to cry on. He blesses my life with the priesthood. He works hard to provide for our family, to care for his brothers, to be there for all of his family members. He never complains. He is strong. He longs for children of his own, and I long somday to provide that need for him. He is my strength and my all. Again, he makes me laugh every single day. He is my best friend.

I'm grateful for my family. I love my mom and my Dad. No matter how old I get, I still need them desperately in my life. They have loved and supported me. They have turned me into the woman I am today, a woman of great love and faith. They taught me well. My four sisters have been my greatest friends. I can turn to them when I need love and support, or simply a shoulder to cry on. I watch them, and I learn from them. I love how they each love the members of their own families. I love watching them live their lives, and growing more beautiful each day. My life would mean nothing without them. And I'm grateful to be an aunt for all of their children. I love each child as if they were my own.

I'm grateful for my in-laws. I never had any brothers growing up, and now I have seven of them, including the three men in my sister's lives. Like my own family, they have always been there for me. And I have a couple of other sisters whom I love with all my heart. Annie is my best friend, she listens and she cares. Mom and Grandma are just like my own flesh and blood. How I love them for letting me "borrow" their son and brother. The Justus family is truly my eternal family.

I'm grateful for my friends. I always have someone I can count on, through the good times and the bad. So many precious faces fill my head when I think of my friends, and they all know exactly who they are. The list would be too long. I love and cherish them dearly. I could never get through this life without my friends. I'm so thankful we are all in this life together, and we can all turn to each other in times of need. ;-)



I'm grateful for my pets. I'm grateful for my home, my church and my God. I am grateful to have a prophet here on earth. I'm grateful for my health, for my job, and for public transportation. I'm grateful for all my experiences on this earth, both the good times and the bad. Yes, I'm even grateful for the trials that push me, and shape me. It's a wonderful world, and I am truly a blessed person. These are my thoughts at this glorious time of feasting and thanksgiving.

Tis the season to be happy, to love and to rejoice. Happy Happy Joy Joy, and to all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The holidays came early! ;-)

I love my eternal family...

>This was the best night I've had in such a long time. All week I'd been stressed out, having to work many hours of mandatory overtime, having no time at all to clean my home or spend time with my precious husband. I'd come home from work grumpy and tired, not feeling like doing much. Bob was so loving and so supportive, and he took such good care of me.

On Sunday night, my mother wanted to have us over to help set up and decorate her Christmas tree for the holidays. Only I had no idea exactly how much fun this night was going to be. >

Having all of my sisters in the same room at the same time is extremely rare. We were all together. ;-) It was so much fun just to catch up on each other's lives and bond with my sisters all over again. I love them with all of my heart. They are my life!!

Heidi brought Ally and Conner. Johnna brought Austinn (and my newest nephew will soon be joining us in a matter of weeks!) Heather and Rachel brought their contagious laughter and their beautiful smiles. Eggnog and brownies, and even more treats, complements of Mom, Grant and Bob. ;-) It was a wonderful night, and it made all of my stress from the week fade away into the darkness. I've got the best family in the entire world, and that's the truth... ppppppppppptththhtthh!! ;-)

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!