Grateful!

I'm feeling really grateful this morning and thought I'd share...

-I'm grateful for all the armed forces who are regular guys, most of them really young, who give of their life and time to protect my family's freedom. There is someone out there risking their lives every single second of every single day so that I can feel safe in my city and let my kids play in the streets and not have to be terrified of having my house bombed by terrorists. That's big! I have a brother in law in the armed forces and some grandpa's who have served our country and I'm so proud of their sacrifice!

-I'm grateful for my religion. I am so grateful for the comfort I get from knowing that there is a loving Heavenly Father watching out for me and being acutely aware of my trials and my ability to handle those trials. I KNOW that the fact that there are horrible things happening in the world doesn't mean that there is no god or that he doesn't care. He cares. He helps us through our darkest hours to get through to the other side. And when we reach the other side we are so much stronger. I know that my family is eternal and that takes a huge edge of the fear of kissing my husband and child goodbye each day to send them out into the world that if something we're to happen to them I will see them again and we will be a forever family. And I love that!

-I'm grateful for friendships. I think the human race is so built to thrive off relationships. We are hardwired to fall in love with a loving spouse and spend the rest of our lives with them and reproduce little people to continue on the species and all that. We are drawn to people and friendships and such. I know I have been "changed for the better" by oh so very many amazing people who have come in and out of my life throughout the years. I am so grateful for all the relationships I've had. Friends that have been a smile when we pass. Friends that make sweet comments when I am having a rough day. Friends that are deep true and meaningful friends that I will keep close my entire life. And then there's my dear sweet husband who is my most prized "possession". Best darn decision I EVER made. All these people have changed me maybe very subtly or very dramatically. And I am so glad for every experience because it truly has made me who I am today.

-I'm grateful for my kids. While they can put me inches from going over the edge they also are the most amazing blessing to me. I am so grateful to have been blessed to be able to easily have 4 gorgeous healthy children. They are my world right now and I wouldn't have it any other way.

-I'm grateful for the internet. For blogs and facebook and social networking. I feel like I "know" what's going on in so many of my friends lives that I don't have the chance to talk to all that much. It's so neat to be able to read people blogs or facebook and get a chance to glimpse what's going on in their lives and maintain friendships from great distances. It's kinda awesome.


And yes- another cheesy post from me. I think I'm getting all sappy since we're nearing the end in the Utah chapter of our lives. It's been a good one. And in 3 1/2 weeks we'll close this chapter and open a new one and it's pretty darn exciting to see where life take us!