Life with the Brudfam: Grateful

We had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday. We spent it at my parents home and ate a delicious and beautiful meal. It couldn't have been nicer. Until about 2 am this morning when I awoke with the flu. Spent some lovely time kneeling over my toilet and am in bed trying to kick this thing. I couldn't help thinking all day about what I am grateful for...in no particular order.

1. My faith. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, I can't imagine what my life would be. And without the redeeming power of the atonement, I would be resigned to a life without hope. Strength and courage to go on in difficult times are just two of the blessings from .

2. My sisters. I love them. Who would have thought we would end up being so close, loving working together and growing in unexpected and exciting ways together. So happy that my sisters are my best friends.

3. My parents. The selfless service and loving examples are inspirational to me. I couldn't ask for better parents.

4. My brothers. The are funny, smart and still put up with me. (I might have been a nagging, obnoxious older sister. maybe.)

5. A warm, safe home. As all things in my life, it's a work in progress (my project list is a mile long), but I am grateful for it.

6. My 3 little girls, who aren't really little anymore. Being a mother was always an important and driving force in my life. And as hard as it sometimes is, it's also the most rewarding, meaningful and joyful blessing in my life.

7. My husband. Soulmate. Best friend extraordinaire. My biggest fan. My sounding board. He puts up with a lot in our house full of girls and he's managed to do it patiently and humorously. I adore him.

8. I don't take my good health for granted. I've been blessed with a body strong enough to battle and beat cancer three times, and I feel so fortunate to still be here. And I am working harder at taking better care of it.

9. Dear and loyal friends. Who listen and encourage and stand as amazing role models for me.

10. A whole lot of trivial yet very handy + helpful "things". My iPhone (and all things Apple). A car that runs after 9 1/2 years. A new furnace. The internet. Lip gloss. My dog (ok, she is neither trivial or handy, but I love her). DVR so I can watch an occasional tv show.

Of course, there are lots of other tender mercies, blessings and things that fill my gratitude list this year. And I am so very grateful for them all.