Give Thanks!

So, I'm two days late on my Thanksgiving post, but it doesn't mean I'm not grateful; just busy. I'm going to make this post a bit sappy. It being Thanksgiving and all. I'm going to celebrate by listing the top ten things I'm thankful for. Here they are in no particular order:

(Thanks for the idea Heidi)

1. First and foremost, I'm thankful for John's health. This time last year he was very sick from the effects of chemo. It was a real challenge for our family and I'm so grateful that he has overcome it with flying colors. He is truly the bravest, strongest man I know and each day with him is a gift.

2. Faith. We waited a long time for this little miracle. Hence, the name. She lights up the house with her giggles and angelic presence. We love her so very much.

3. Levi. What would we do without him? Even when he sings at the top of his lungs ALL day long, he's still the cutest, sweetest kid I know. He's a great helper with Faith and he's always been my little cuddlebug. I can't believe how grown up he looks without the front tooth.

4. Breastfeeding. This little gem has saved us hundreds of dollars so far. I had a huge fear when we had Faith that I wouldn't be able to do it. Levi was so stubborn as a baby and would not latch. Faith, however, has done fantastically. I love bonding with her during this time and it makes my day when she looks up at me and smiles. I feel like I'll never want to stop. Of course...I will. I won't be the mother on Dr. Phil that's nursing her 5 year old. EWWWW!

5. Weight Watchers (are you sensing an "after baby" theme here?). I almost chose not to do Weight Watchers. I'm so glad that I decided to. Even though the weight has been coming off painfully slow, it IS coming off. 15.2 pounds and counting. I'm just about down to my pre-pregnancy weight. But, I'd like to lose 15 more pounds so that I'm down to where I want to be. I'm also grateful that my sister Joyce is doing WW with me. It wouldn't be nearly as fun all by myself if I didn't have someone to gripe to about points. I'm sure there will be a Thanksgiving gain, but I'm going to ignore it, PRESS ON and KEEP GOING.

6. My siblings, parents and extended family. We all have so much fun together and this time of year makes me all nostalgic remembering past Thanksgivings and Christmases. I love each and every one of you.

7. Schooling. Levi has learned so much since starting Kindergarten. I can't believe that he's learning how to read. I still remember when I learned how to read and it's such a great thing when he "gets" it and you can see his face light up from learning. I'm also grateful for the alone time it gives me. Because the word "MOMMY" becomes a swear word in my house after a while. But I'm always ready to have him come back home and find out about his day (ya know, if he decides to actually tell me).

8. The Gospel. I can't imagine my life without it. I'm so grateful for the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior. We have been so blessed this past year. I could never have done it without the help of my Heavenly Father.

9. My own health. It's an easy thing to take for granted, but I realized how blessed I was to be able to take care of my family when John's health wasn't up to par. Somehow I avoided getting any sicknesses when he was sick. I'm sure it's not a coincidence either. Just Heavenly Father watching out for us.

10. Blogging. It's given me a nice outlet and helped me make great friends I'd like to meet some day.