Thankful Reflection

THANKFUL

Tis the season for us to slow down our lives and reflect on what we are thankful for. I've seen some other friends and family post similar ideas, so I wanted to get my ideas out there as well.

1. My wife. What an awesome individual she is. She has the most amazing personality that I have ever found in a person. She is a dedicated wife, and will go out of her way to be there for me, or help me when I ask. She is an incredible mother to our 4 (soon to be 5) children. She certainly has that "mother's intuition" and seems to stop time to accomplish all the tasks she has as a mother of 4. She completes me (yeah, cheezy Jerry Macquire line). She compliments my faults, and helps me to strive to be a better person. I love our talks at night when I have questions about being a father, and she teaches me. She has the hardest job of them all, and I don't give her credit enough for the awesome job that she does. Sometimes I wish mother's would get monetary value for all their hard work in raising our kids, because Michelle would make us multi-millionaires. I love you bebeh, and can not tell you or anyone else just how much I appreciate you and love you ten million universes, and back.
2. I am thankful for Kaden, Camdon, Halle and Jasmin. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I married into an instant family, but I would not trade the experience for the world. These kids have taught me so much about myself, and have changed me for the better. I love seeing the smile on their faces when the lightbulb goes off in their heads when they learn something new everyday. I miss the three older kids when they go to their biological father's house, and although the break is nice, its fulfilling to be around them again. I get frustrated with them, but their innocence reminds me of why Heavenly Father trusted me with them. I am excited for our new baby, and to continue the life long mission of bettering ourselves, and be as little children.
3. I am thankful for my family, and extended family. My family isn't the "perfect" family, but I will defend them as if they are. I don't feel we are a close family, but I am thankful that I have them if I need them. Although I am a little jealous when I see or hear other families and how close they are. Thankfully my in-laws are that close family. I actually love my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Not many people can say that. They are truly my second set of parents. I have learned so much from them since being married to Michelle. I love all of Michelle's siblings and their families. I truly feel bonded and welcomed into their family.
4. I am thankful for my health. I don't have the best diet and exercise program (ok, I don't even have one) but Heavenly Father has blessed me to still be around. I constantly hear that I need to start getting out and exercise (maybe that is the Spirit "whispering" to me). I am just having a hard time trying to juggle everything and using time management skills to do everything I want to.
5. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The love and comfort I feel from them, and for the perfect example He has set for us. Although it is not a joyous feeling to know that we are weak and struggle, it is comforting to know we can turn to Him for guidance. I have never had to rely so much on The Lord in my life, as I have since being married this time around. I have learned that I can not do everything on my own, and need to let The Lord into my life, marriage and everything I do. Thank you!
6. I am thankful for my friends. Not just the recent ones I have made over the years, but the lifelong ones I made in high school. Dewey & Meshan, Britt, Danika, Annie, Travis, Charlie, Sara D., I LOVE YOU GUYS! Without you, I would not be the person I am today. You all were such awesome examples to me in a time that we were most influential. When our friends were out partying, and getting in trouble...we all clung together and made it through the rough seas (aka high school). I was the first in my family to serve a mission, and stay on the straight and narrow path, but I give you all the most credit for helping me and being the best friends anyone could ask for.
7. Finally, I am thankful for technology. What a wonderful tool it is for us in these days. The opportunity we have to listen to our prophet and apostles speak to us, and to follow their words. Even this blog site, which has helped me connect with so many loved ones, and to feel a part of their lives again. (Enter in "I Love Technology" by Kip Dynamite)