Full of Thanks: Week 2

November 6 - November 12

6) Eternal Families: I feel blessed to have been able to be married and sealed to Paul for time and all eternity and to know that my children are born into that covenant. I am so grateful to know that I will be able to be with my family in the eternities. It wouldn't make sense to take away such great love at death. I am thankful our Father in Heaven has provided a way for us to be reunited in the next life. It gives me great comfort to know this truth.

7) Temples: This one kind of goes along with my previous one. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are such beautiful and sacred places. There is always a sense of love and peace on the temple grounds. The work that goes on within the walls of the temple is a great and marvelous work that teaches us how to return to Heavenly Father's presence. Being in the temple helps me feel closer to Him and I have received answers to questions I have had in my life just by being there and feeling closer to His spirit.

Columbia, SC Temple with parents & siblings: November 3, 2007

Atlanta, GA Temple with Jayne (MIL) & Olivia: April 16, 2011

Salt Lake City, UT Temple with Olivia: May 13, 2011

8) Friends: I have had many friends in my life. Some have come and gone and others are still in my life. Whether they are still in my life or not, I am grateful for them and the role they have played in my life. I have had many good and crazy times. I have also had sad and other not-so-great times. Each friend has left a footprint on my heart and I will never forget them. Friends are so uplifting and it is a special feeling to know that a friend is willing to help you in any way they can. Thank you friends!!! (Disclaimer: Just because you didn't make it in one of the pictures below doesn't mean you aren't an important friend...I just grabbed the first few good ones I came across. Otherwise, it would've taken me forever to look for and upload pictures.)

Best Friend from High School

St. Patty's Day with one of my college roomies and friends from home

I miss having this big group together. We had great times!

College Best Friends & Roomies

Some of the Atlanta Ladies

Picnic with the Scherers

The Bartons...LOVE them!

9) Education: I have been very fortunate in the education I have received. It is so important to strengthen your mind. I am thankful to have been able to receive a college education. I am grateful to my parents for helping to make that happen by supporting and encouraging me all the way through. I try to continue my education in my own ways even though I am no longer in school. It has kind of been put on hold now that I'm a full-time mother, but I guess you can say I'm still learning tons on how to be a good wife and mother and raise a child.

10) Baking: This may seem like a weird thing to be thankful for, but I have my reasons. I love creating yummy treats to stuff my face with; I have a huge sweet tooth. I also love sharing them with others. But the real reason I love baking is because it makes me think of the girls in my family. My mom, sister, and I have had great times baking with each other in the kitchen. We have a tradition to bake TONS of goodies 2 days before Christmas and we have so much fun doing it. We have since added daughters and sisters-in law who help in the tradition. I love jamming to music and working in the kitchen with my gals. Here are some pictures from Christmas Baking 2008. I have better pictures of us baking, but not on the computer. I need to scan those pictures on here!

Rolling peanut butter balls: Tiffany, Mom, Alexis, Courtney

Cookies: Rebecca & Ginnie

Dipping chocolate: Me & Tiff

11) Jobs: While going to work isn't the ideal way to spend time for most people and I would rather have my husband home than at work, I am grateful for jobs. I am so glad that Paul has a job that supports our family, especially when there are so many who are without employment. Because of jobs, we are able to eat, have shelter, and be clothed.

12) Calendars: This may seem silly and trivial, but I don't know what I would do without my calendar. I used to have a steel-trap memory, but that has gone away some since I've become an adult (I'm guessing it's due to the fact that I have more things to worry about than I used to: a husband, kids, bills, etc.).