More Thanks

Day Eight:  I am thankful for my Husband.  He has always stood by my side no matter what, through happy times and sad, through my good moods and bad.  Chris and I have experienced many challenges together and, despite them all, he is still here supporting my crazy ideas and actions whether he agrees with them or not.

Day Nine:  I am thankful for peppermint.  Yep - peppermint.  It tastes yummy and reminds me of the Holidays which makes me happy.

Day Ten:  I am thankful for "football families".  I'm sure everyone has heard it before but until you actually live it you don't understand "football families".  Our Bingham football family was with us through the birth and death of our daughter and my scare 10 days later, our HAVOC football family has played an important part in Parker's growing and development and self-esteem, and our Herriman football family has always been there for us with smiles, hugs, welcoming arms, encouragement, and friendship.  We have been so lucky to have incredible Coaches and Parents and friends who treat our family as their own.  So blessed!

Day Eleven:  Thankful for my kitty, Lily.  Lily came into our life VERY unexpectedly and everyone that knows me knows I am a DOG PERSON.  However, since I work from home most of the time now, me and "Lils" have gotten pretty close.  She snuggles, kisses, and gives me unconditional love - even when I might not deserve it.

Day Twelve:  My sweet boy, Caleb.  Caleb is the happiest, most loving 6 year old I know.  He loves to snuggle, gives me numerous hugs and kisses every day, and always has a smile on his face and a song on his lips.  He LOVES to bake with me and is always looking for ways to serve others.

Day Thirteen:  My big, strong 12 year old, Parker.  He has always been such a good kid.  He is so caring and kind to everyone.  He has friends of every type.  He knows right from wrong, makes good decisions, and is an example to those around him.  He always has a hug for his family members, a smile or joke for his friends, and encouragement for teammates.  Even though he is only 12 he acts so much older.  He is not only my Son but one of my best friends.  I love you, Parker!

Thankful Days 6 and 7

Day Six: I am thankful for a beautiful, safe neighborhood/community to live in.  I have done a lot of traveling in my life and I have seen many different types of neighborhoods - some much nicer than mine, some the same as mine, and others way worse than mine.  I am so thankful for a beautiful neighborhood that is safe for my kids to play in, walk to their friends houses in, and for us to LIVE in. 

Day Seven:  I am thankful for my friends.  Friends who have been there through many challenges, friends who are new, and friends who are old.  As I have gotten older I have realized how very special those friends are that are there no matter what.  Those that I can call out of the blue because I need to talk.  Those that I can call at the last minute and ask for help.  Those that I know would be there - no matter what.  How lucky am I to say that I have people like that in my life????  I love you, my friends!  <3 p="p">

Thanksgiving posts (Days 3 - 5)

Day Three:  I am thankful for a good job.  Everyone has those days at their job where they wish they weren't there.  There are even those moments when I wish soooo badly I could quit my job and focus on being a better Mom and spending more time with my kiddos.  However, despite those thoughts, I know how very lucky I am to have the job I have.  I have had it for over 23 years and I do know what a blessing it is to be able to help support my family and provide for their needs (and some of their "wants").  Not only that, it gives me the opportunity to learn new things, see new places, and keep my brain working.  Thankful for my job with Xerox Services.

Day Four:  I am thankful for my sweet Angel daughter, Bailey.  I miss her every day of my life but also know that she is watching over us at all times.  Thinking of her makes me remember to try to be a better person.  Without the experiences we went through when she left us to go to Heaven, we wouldn't be the family we are today.  I love my daughter and know that she is watching over all of my family and waiting for the day we will be able to hug her again.

Day Five:  I am thankful for trials.  This goes along with my Day Four "thankful" but expands.  Yes, I am crazy .. I am thankful for trials.  Without them we don't have the opportunity to learn and grow and become stronger people.  While I may not be thankful for them when I am going through them, I have looked back on more than one "trying" experience in my life and been able to realize that there really was a reason for going through what I went through and, believe it or not, I have learned from it.  I have also had so many opportunities to be able to take what I have learned through trials - big or small - and been able to help someone in the future.  Without "living" through things, we can not always support those we love.

Month of "Thanksgiving"

So, many of my friends have decided to do a post a day about what they are thankful for on Facebook.  I decided I would rather do it here.  I'm a day behind so here is Day One and Day Two to start.
(P.S. These are in no particular order - just whatever comes to mind on any given day.)

Day One:  I am thankful for a warm house in which I can be comfortable and know my family is safe.  A place used not only for shelter but for gathering family and friends.

Day Two:  I am thankful for a good head on my shoulders.  Does this come from genetics, upbringing, education?  I don't 100% know that answer.  What I do know is that I am thankful for Parents who taught me right - to learn all I can, think rationally, and use common sense.  They taught me to have a good work ethic and to think before I act.  Ok, so I guess this kind of sounds like I am thankful for my Parents, huh?  But that will come later.  This is just one thing of many that I am thankful to them for!

Until tomorrow - Love, Jenn