Friend Makin' Monday

for today's task, kasey has asked us to list

10 things we are thankful for...

here's my 10 things...

1. Christ & my church - 7 years ago i joined the 'Mormon' church. i upset MANY and many literally fell to the floor in prayer and tears. while i appreciated their love for me, i was sad that they had a common misconception about the teachings and doctrine. Jesus Christ was then and is now the center of my life. 4 years ago, bob joined the church. it has been the best thing we have ever done for ourselves and our family.

2. my family - all of them...'bob', the kids, sister, mom, dad, step-parents, grandparents, in-laws, nieces, nephews, those that we've 'adopted' as family...everyone. they all play different, but important roles in my life, as well as, my childrens lives. each one brings different values, lessons, personalities that make us who we are. each one helps to shape our young ones and give them character. we are very blessed to have so much family, so close.

3. our friends - what would we do without the support of a friend? a friend who knows you and still chooses to be around you is not something to take lightly. friends are placed in our lives by the Lord at just the right time to play an important role that only they can fulfill. if you are lucky enough to have a few great friends, then you are lucky enough. i am blessed...

4. work - it may sound strange, but i am grateful for work for two very different reasons. first, in today's economic times i am truly grateful that 'bob' has enough work to keep him busy and keep food on the table and gas in the car... second, i am grateful for work because it teaches many valuable lessons. it teaches to appreciate and to serve, it teaches not to be idol and to be helpful. it teaches teamwork and trust. i am grateful that there is always work to be done and willing hands to do it.

5. health - i thank the Lord every night for our health and i pray to Him every morning to keep us that way. there is not a minute that goes by that i take it for granted, ever...

6. technology - what in the world would we do without our cell phones, the internet, debit cards, and the remote control!!!...oh my gosh, how did we live before???

7. quilting - 10 years ago i decided that i wanted to learn to quilt...shortly after, a quilt shop opened up down the street from me. not long after that, i started taking classes and then began working there a couple times a week to support my new hobby. ten years later, i have a thriving in home business, amazing friends, a hobby that gives me a sense of accomplishment and an outlet for the creative side of me. if has brought warmth to our home and has inspired my children to create. it's become a part of who i am.

8. neighbors - in our neighborhood we still borrow suger and bring eachother tea to ease a pregnant tummy. we still watch eachothers kids and enter without knocking. we still have frontyard bbq's in the summer and waterfights in the street. many of our neighbors are our greatest friends and we cherish that relationship. neighborhoods around this amazing country are missing out because too many people keep their doors locked and their curtains closed. life is too short. get to know those around you. you might be surprised who the Lord has put in the house across the street.

9. my trials - they have made me who i am and they have made me appreciate life much more. i tell my kids...we will all have things to overcome and work through...it's how we handle the challenge and how we stand up to it that determines who we are. stand tall in the face of adversity and yours will be a solid character and a noble mind.

10. blogging - it's given me an outlet to learn, connect, inspire, share and meet all of you...

for that i am truly grateful!