Gratitude List

I am doing a wellness challenge that my sister-in-law posted about. Along with a physical challenge I need to pick 4 mini challenges. One of them is to write down 10 things you are grateful for.

1. My family. What more can I say. They are there when I need them. I can call them and chat, or vent. When I have a problem, they either help me feel better, or find a way to help me fix the problem. They are a constant in the sea of change that is life.

2. My husband's family. This could be joined with #1, but I felt it deserved it's own spot. This is a family that has a different background and different traditions that I have. It can be challenging when two people come together and begin to learn the traditions and habits of the other. My in-laws have been so wonderful in loving me and showing me the wealth of tradition and knowledge that is there family. They have also been really great to help take care of me when my husband has been gone for work. I don't know what I'd do without them.

3. Good neighbors. Out here in the country the term neighbor means anyone within about a 15 mile radius. I love that the people around here are so willing to lend a hand and for the friendships that we share.

4. Yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks. Technically that is 3 things, but I'm going to put them as one. I love how relaxing it can be to sit down and create something. I love making things and giving them to friends who can use them more than me. I love being able to create something beautiful and useful and to be able to take care of myself.

5. My clothesline. I love how line-dried clothes smell like sunshine.

6. My church calling to be Primary Pianist. I'm not very good at piano...yet. I'm getting better, though. For that I'm very grateful for my calling. It gives me incentive to practice and I can see improvement. I also love to hear my kids sing the songs that I've been practicing.

7. Cell Phones. We've relied on them to keep in touch with my husband since his new job includes a lot of travel. We still are able to read scriptures together and pray together over the phone. One day we may progress to video conferences, but for now, the phone is great!

8. Bountiful Baskets. This is a food co-op that we have been participating in for a year now. I love that we get to try new foods all the time. My family eats more fruits and vegetables than we used to, we are healthier, and our knowledge of different fruits and vegetables has increased. One of the biggest surprises, one of my children really loves cabbage! We also all really like artichokes.

9. Blogs. I love that I can keep in touch with family through their blogs, and they can read about what is going on with mine. I love all the tutorials that people put on their blogs. I love reading about other people's cooking adventures and finding new recipes. I love learning new things from other people. I don't know if I'm a blog-a-holic, but I do like reading blogs of worth.

10. My testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Life can be really hard sometimes. I find so much comfort knowing that I am never alone. I have felt peace and comfort even when I don't have any idea how things can get better, but soon they do. I believe there is a God in Heaven and that He loves me. I know when I go to church, treat others with respect and love, forgive those that hurt me, pay tithing, read my scriptures, and pray then I feel good. I feel happy, full of love and peace. Life may be hard but it is also wonderful, beautiful, and and fun!