Things We Are Thankful For in 2025 . . .

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving meal, of whatever variety of foods that were convenient that day. We spent Thanksgiving up in Frankfurt, Germany and I'll be sharing some stories about our trip very soon. In the meantime, I needed a short-and-sweet "filler" to buy me some time, so I'll be sharing some of the things we are thankful for this year.

Scott graciously joined me for this blog post by sharing his list of the Top 20 things he's thankful for. 

Scott's Top 20:

1. My wife Michele is my friend and eternal Partner
2. My first born, Amber, is so thoughtful, loving, and considerate
3. My older son, Jacob, is a wonderful parent and so smart
4. My last born, Benson, is so charitable and skilled
5. My dear mother who still has wonderful influence over all of us
6. The rest of my family; I am grateful that I do not have to muddle through this life alone
7. Good health
8. Good neighbors that watch over our house in Idaho Falls
9. Our comfortable home in Idaho Falls
10. Our comfortable home in Italy
11. Great landlord and his father
12. My dear Savior that gives me direction and purpose
13. Wonderful church leaders that keep me moving in the correct direction
14. Wonderful employment that I enjoy and good coworkers
15. Opportunity to stay in Italy
16. Beautiful sites in this world
17. New technology
18. Comfy bed and pillow
19. Creative people that share their works for me to enjoy
20. Good people that do the right things

My Top 20 Things I'm Thankful For:

1. My husband Scott, who cares for me, supports me, makes me laugh, and motivates me.
2. Perspective that comes only after I put my first footsteps into the dark abyss, whether my faith is timid and tentative, or when it's more confident and intentional. I had no idea one year ago that I could be as happy here in Italy as I am right now. Last year at this same time, I was devastated at the thought of staying here longer . . . MUCH longer. But now, I am realizing the blessings of being right here right now.
3. Being part of our Military Ward here in Vicenza, where kindness abounds. Everyone seems to be in a unique position to not only carry themselves as far as employment, health, etc., but they are also super available to help anyone at any time with anything - both big or small. Everyone is extraordinarily generous and capable and Christlike.
4. This house. It is incredible to think back to last December when Scott first mentioned the idea of moving to a new place in Vicenza. I fell apart just thinking about adding a MOVE into the already daunting plans that were unfolding. But now, I can't imagine being anywhere else. This place brings me such peace and joy every single day. I love coming home. I love looking out the windows and seeing all the beauty that surrounds us here. I love the walking trails and nature opportunities that are right outside our gate. THIS is where God wanted us to be.
5. Strong toilet paper in Germany. I'm not even joking, ha ha. I am a TP Snob. I like a good hearty TP that's also soft. I don't want it to shred but I also don't want it to feel like sandpaper. I don't know what brand we used at the hotel in Mainz, but I thought it was great. So great, in fact, that I couldn't wait to mention it in my next blog . . .
6. Church leaders and conference talks. My whole being has changed because of my endeavor this year to listen to conference talks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart has softened, healing has taken place in my soul, and I feel like I am becoming a new person. Currently, there are 305 talks that have been given in General Conference over the past few decades on the subject of Christ's Atonement. I have listened to 70 so far. What an incredible way to expand my perspective, hear the word of the Lord through His chosen prophets and apostles, and to literally FEEL some of my heavier burdens become lighter and even disappear. Jesus has invited us to lay our burdens at His feet, and I am learning how to put this into practice with more and more of the inevitable unpleasantries of mortal life. 
7. A stronger and healthier body. After getting the diagnosis of subglottic stenosis in July and having surgery to correct it in August, I have enjoyed better breathing and a better quality of life. I am now implementing kettlebell workouts into several mornings each week, along with regular one-hour walks most days. 
8. My daughter Amber. She is always someone that I can connect easily with. She is so kind and generous in so many ways and she has the biggest heart. She always builds me up when I am feeling a little "less than". She is an adept wife and mother, knowing when to nudge a family member to greater heights, but also has the gift of compassion when they crumple. She never makes anyone feel like they don't measure up. She lifts, inspires, encourages, and sprinkles sunshine wherever she goes. 
9. My son, Jacob, who surprises me with kindness when I am least expecting it. This morning, for example, I woke up to a text that simply said: "I remember every so often how cool you are, and how great of a life you've had. You're a good mom." Like wow. He is a wonderful husband and father in his own family and I am so lucky to be his mother. He is patient, humorous, hard-working, and fiercely loyal.
10. My son Benson. He has a tender and caring heart as well, and he continues to amaze me with how thoughtful he is with his coworkers and peers. He cooks for them, he fixes their cars, he would give the last shirt he has to anyone who needs it. He is always a delight to hang out with, something I'm really looking forward to doing in February. He has a meticulous memory, he is intelligent and capable of fixing just about anything, and he gives big and long hugs. 
11. Meals that other people make. I enjoy food, but as far as cooking it - it's usually an afterthought. When 4:00 rolls around, or 5:00 on most days, that's when I start wondering what's on deck for dinner. Then it hits me - oh yeah . . . I need to be the one to figure that out!! I love going to visit my children, my parents, and especially restaurants. I love to eat something that I didn't have to think about, plan a grocery list, shop for, prepare, and then clean it all up afterwards.
12. My grandchildren. Sometimes I am surprised by how much they love me. I never feel like I have done as much as I should have to contribute to their precious love for me. Nevertheless, they adore me and I adore them. They each have a distinct personality that brings such joy to my life. The two oldest girls, Abby and Gwen, squeal with delight whenever I call or come to visit. They make me feel so cherished. Jack and Maisie are so grateful for each of the handmade things I have made for them and they make sure that I know this regularly. Avery has the most expressive reaction of all whenever I show up at her door. She is devoted and loyal and such a delight.
13. Modern technology that allows me to stay connected with family all over the world. WhatsApp especially. With free phone calls and video calls, it has been a lifeline for keeping in touch with loved ones.
14. Answered prayers. ALL prayers are answered, just some are not necessarily answered in the ways we hoped for. I just love that we have a way to communicate with our Loving Father in Heaven and to know that He hears our every prayer and wants to bless us. 
15. My ancestors and all who have gone before me. The lives they lived, the problems they had to overcome, the lessons they learned, and their unique talents and personalities have all played a role in shaping who I am today. I can't wait to meet them in heaven someday and see them face to face.
16. Mussels, homemade applesauce, pumpkin pie, dark chocolate, burrito omelets, Coke Zero, guacamole/salsa/& chips, shrimpies, Caesar salad, Round Table pizza from Ukiah, soup every day of the year, warm jalapeno cheese bread fresh from the oven, homemade tortillas, macaroni and cheese casserole, herbal tea with vanilla creamer (not honey), pretty much any vegetable (except lima beans), and ICE COLD water. These are some of my very favorite foods. :)
17. The gift of repentance, the ability to forgive and to be forgiven. These are often overlooked but they truly make all the difference in a joyful, well-balanced, meaningful life. WE are not our failures. We can overcome every single one of our faults, weaknesses, and failures and we can allow others the same grace and opportunities to change.
18. We wouldn't have the gifts of repentance and forgiveness without the Atoning Sacrifice of our older brother Jesus Christ. Because of Him, all good things are possible. He is always welcoming, never shaming. He invites us to follow Him and wants us to be happy. No matter how far off the path we may have strayed, He is right there when we are ready to turn around and change. He truly is the Life, the Light, and the Hope of the World.
19. Music. No matter the day I'm having, whether it's a "clean the house" day, a "crank out another blog" day, a "go on a long walk" day, a "need some motivation" day, or a "need more peace in my soul" day, there is a genre of music that hits the spot. Music can uplift, motivate, calm, distract, bring tenderness, and even allow the Spirit to seep into our soul. 
20. My sewing machine. I am grateful to have a way to be creative and to make something with all kinds of colorful fabrics and patterns. Sewing helps me feel grounded and gives me an opportunity to make something to share with someone I love.

I hope that you are recognizing some of the many blessings in your life, too, and that you take a moment to record them somehow. Even though life can be challenging and hard, we have much to be grateful for. I have found that the more I can come up with to be grateful for, pretty soon I am in awe of just how many more things I have to be grateful for. The more I acknowledge, the longer the list becomes . . . how great is that. 

Next blog post: Our recent weekend getaway to Frankfurt and Mainz, Germany for Thanksgiving. 

Have a wonderful week!! XOXO