These are my thoughts on Thanksgiving

I know it's late. I wanted to write a Thanksgiving post, but I opted to spend the day with my family instead of blogging. But I guess better late than never.

I am grateful for so many things on this (late) Thanksgiving Day.Of course at the top of my list is the Gospel. Sometimes when I watch people trying to live a happy life without the truths and principles that we have, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I not only have the gospel now, but I have had it my whole life. I don't think I recognize enough that it is a huge blessing to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With that I am so grateful for my Savior, that He died and lives for me. 

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that so many of them live so close to me and that the rest live close enough that I can visit. 

I am thankful for my 22 adorable, energetic, perfect and downright funny kids. It's impossible to spend a day without laughing with those kids around. I am thankful for their unconditional love. Even when I get a little cranky, they still run in from recess with a smile and a big hug. I am thankful they sometimes accidentally call me mom. After all, they are my kids.

I am thankful for naps and Grandma's chicken noodle soup and strawberry mango smoothies and fall leaves that are bigger than my face and all the little things that make life enjoyable. 

I am thankful for friends. They might come and go, but they are always there when I need them. 

I am thankful for my country. I am thankful for my freedom and those that defend it. 

I am thankful for so many things. My life is truly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!