Thanksgiving...

So I am taking an idea that I read on John's blog and letting you know what things I am thankful for this year and season.

I am thankful that I live in a country that is protected by men and women who serve this amazing country and fight for the rights of freedom we have. I am grateful that I can sleep peacefully at night, be able to travel across the country without being bombed, taxed, or in danger, and chose what I want to listen to and watch on tv, travel on vacation, and worship how I please. Thank you United States Soldiers (and Marines)! A special thanks to those in our family that serve in the armed forces now: John (in Iraq right now), Jared (in Marine Boot Camp at present), James and Jake (who have served tours in Iraq), and Shawn (who has served a tour in Afganistan).

I am grateful for my family that has stuck with me and supported me, loved me, and is there for me. I am grateful for the progress my Dad has made. Dad I am so proud of you and love you! Keep up the hard work and know that I am always here if you need someone!

I am grateful for my little boy Landon. He is truly my greatest blessing by far. He is my world. I love him so much and am so grateful to be blessed to raise him.

I am grateful for my ward family. It's a hard thing to continue to attend church is no one approaches you and makes you feel welcome. I have LOVED my ward. They are amazing and I am so grateful to them for their welcoming me and loving me. I love my Bishop, who has really given me some great, sound advise and counsel.

I am grateful for my job. Jay came to me and offered me this job when I worked at Jiffy Car Wash. It truly came to me when I wasn't expecting it to. I was blessed by my Father in Heaven. He knew what I needed and provided it for me.

I am grateful for my friends. Cheryl and Jeremy, Alanna, Trista, Kristina, Mary and Mario, Andrea, Molly, Terrilyn, and so many more that I have thanked in groups above. You helped me to keep my head up this year and really made me laugh and have fun! Thanks!

But most of all, I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for opening the windows of heaven for me. I truly have been so blessed this year that I can't count the blessings in numbers. He has been mindful and close to me. I am so grateful for his influence in my days, weeks, months, and in my life. I am grateful for my brother, Jesus Christ, and hope that this season will bring us closer to him and allow us to show appreciation for his birth with this approaching Christmas holiday season.