Happy Thanksgiving!

"Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace—a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don’t have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others." --Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God"

During this Thanksgiving season, I feel so grateful for the many things our Heavenly Father blessed me and our family with. This year has brought many new adventures and trials and I'm grateful for each of them. Mostly, for our little Luke who joined our family-- for his health, his smile and his growth. Also, for a healthy vivacious Mylie Anne who keeps us on our toes every day-- her love of the gospel, music and her family. I'm grateful for our new home and our new ward. We love this area and are so grateful for the chance our children have to grow up in an area filled with kids their age that share their faith. I'm grateful for our work-- that Justin and I have stable jobs that allow us to provide for ourselves and our family. I'm grateful for our families-- the special times they contact us to let us know they're thinking of us and help ease our burdens-- for their examples of righteousness and for motivating us to be better. Most of all, I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father and Savior who know us better than we know ourselves-- who give us the opportunity to become better every day-- who have faith in us and know we're stronger than we think we are-- and who bestow continuous love and blessings upon our family.

I hope we can all keep this gratitude with us each and every day. Like President Monson said, "Ours is the responsibility to show our gratitude by the actions of our lives." Happy Thanksgiving!!