A Time To Give Thanks 7-The Men in My Life

I can truly say my greatest Joy comes from the Men in my Life. I love my boys and their Pop. Life has never been dull to say the least. They keep me laughing as well as pulling my hair out, often all at the same time. Their father has taught them well the art of 'FLUSTRATION', the ability to fluster and frustrate the women in their lives all at the same time. I am so grateful to be the Mother of 5 wonderful sons, Matt Jr, Ed, Sam, Dave and Joe who love me and support me ~ they even laugh at my awful jokes and puns on occasion.

My sons are blessed in the example they have received from their father in what it means to be a man of honor and integrity, to serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength in fulfilling your duties and responsibilities, especially that sacred duty of husband and father. He's taught them through example to never give up on your dreams, that you can accomplish anything with perseverance and the Lord's help.

Thanks guys for the Love and Laughter of Family. I love you. So glad to be the Momma.

A Time To Give Thanks 6- Daughters of My Heart

I am so very grateful for the exquisite intelligence of my 3 oldest sons when it came to choosing the women they would spend their lives with. Rebekah, Chessa and Emily are the daughters I have waited all my life for. As the mother of all sons I often worried that they would marry women who would consider me the 'dreaded Mother-In-Law'. I feel very blessed to have such wonderful women added to the family. Each of them bring a unique and special something all of their own that makes our family better for their presence in it. They are women of faith, virtue, intelligence, humor, kindness, love and compassion. I am grateful for their love and support and for the opportunity to call them daughter. I am also VERY grateful for their willingness to put up with my eldest sons, what can I say, "I tried..."

A Time To Give Thanks 5 - A Gaggle of Girlies

So thankful for my 5 lil girlies. With 5 sons and no girls what a blessing to have 5 of the cutest, funniest, sweetest, most beautiful, loving Granddaughters ever to walk the face of the earth. Sage, Chessa Jean, Jade, Zipporah and Rane are my special girls, just wish they were closer. What fun it was to be with all 5 of them at the same time this past summer. Nothing brightens my day more than hearing them say,"I love you Grandma or I love you Mae Mae". I LOVE my GAGGLE of GIRLIES! and their Mommies, too. I am truly blessed.

A Time To Give Thanks 4 -Sisters

(my sisters so owe me for being willing to post this picture)

~~To Have a sister you can call 'friend' is quite possibly life's

greatest gift.~~

~~No problem is so bad and no joy so great that it can't be made better by sharing it with a sister.~~

Today I am reminded how very blessed I am to have wonderful sisters. A sister who blesses my life with her love, shared laughter, prayers and support. I am so grateful to have a sister who is also a very BEST FRIEND. Truly sisters by birth, best of friends by choice.

I am also grateful for those 'Sister~Friends' who are always there, when family is far away, and to know that my sisters have those that are looking out for them as well.

A Time To Give Thanks 3.1

An addittion to today's Grattitude Post. I was reminded of a poem I wrote several years ago, looked back through my files and thought I would share.

ON BENDED KNEE

Father, I come before Thee now
On bended knee I humbly bow
My soul cries out, doubts tear apart
Fears overwhelm, a heavy heart.

The storms of life rage all around
The seas rise up, seek to drown
Amidst the struggle, thru din of thought
I think of Him who salvation bought.

The only begotten Son of Thee
With meekness and love bore Gethsemane
Felt our sorrows, descended below them all
Redeemed all men from Adam’s Fall.

The seas are calmed, the storms depart
His peace and comfort fill my heart
Burdens lift, I feel His love
Strength and courage from above.

He is my ever-constant friend
Grief and pain he heals and mends
My joy is full, my soul takes flight
Life is blessed by Heaven’s light.

Father, I come before thee now
On bended knee I humbly bow
I thank thee for thy precious Son
My Lord, The Christ, The Chosen One.

~Robbie Stockton 1/2002

A Time To Give Thanks 3

I am so grateful that the Lord does not "give up" on us. Sometimes we try so hard to make changes and start strong only to fizzle out before we finish. Yet when we are ready to try again and make the effort, the Lord is there to bless us with His love, encouragement and support; giving us the strength and courage to keep trying and find success in our desire to become more like Him. As I said yesterday what a wondrous gift. Reminded of the words to a hymn: "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me..."

A Time to Give Thanks 2

This morning I was thankful for a husband who took over and made sure the boys got to school. Had a really rough night and day before with complications from surgery and who knows maybe the flu. Yesterday everything seemed bleak, amazing what a different outlook you can have after a couple of hours of good rest and sleep. Matt has been a real help and support and the first one to remind me, "are you sure you should be doing that? We can do it, go sit and rest". This all the while he is so busy at work and with the roof he must be exhausted. As Joe likes to say, "Yep, he's AMAZING like that".

Thankful for the opportunity to change, I forgot to be thankful yesterday and with each new day is the chance to change, to do better, to become better. What a wonderful gift.

A Time To Give Thanks

"....do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love." ~ Thomas S Monson

Thought I would try each day to give thanks for a remembered blessing. Today I am grateful for family and friends who continually offer their love and support in behalf of my family and myself. How often the Lord has answered my prayers through the loving service and kindness of another. Our lives have truly been enriched by the blessing of wonderful family and friends.