Grateful

As Thanksgiving comes and goes, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful my husband was laid off again this year. This may seem odd, but we have had to more closely monitor our budget and really prioritize what is important. We have learned that some things, like cable TV and online video games, are not needs, or even wants. They are just extras, and money wasters at that! We have had to be more careful with a grocery budget, planning meals, making extensive lists, and bulking up and using our food storage. Unfortunately this being the 2nd lay off we have endured, our food storage was depleted. But, I am grateful. We learned how much we need to have in storage, and made a plan to replace it. I am grateful for good friends. Because of cuts in TV and video games, I have re-learned how to have friends! Rob is my best friend in the entire world, and there isn't anyone I'd rather hang out with. But I am learning to have girlfriends. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. Yes, I am a Webelos cub leader, but I am still trying to figure out what I'm supposed to learn from it. However, I have the opportunity to serve others at school. I LOVE reading to the second graders! I love doing the monthly class birthdays for 1st grade. I love being able to serve these kids and teachers. They are so much fun and give me great joy. I am grateful to work with the most kind and funny elderly lady. She brightens my day, and I am reminded why I love the elderly. I have a true respect for this woman and love her dearly. I am grateful for my musical talent. I have been burnt out lately, but as the Christmas season is upon us, so is the beautiful music celebrating Christ. I am grateful I can express my love of Him through song. I am grateful for my children. I confess, I have been a horrible grouch lately, and have had a difficult time being in a holiday frame of mind. My children inspire me to be kind and cheerful. I am grateful to learn patience, and be reminded of my responsibility to lead my example, and teach through patience and love. I am thankful for my husband who puts up with the many moods of me. I admit, I have been a bit demanding and unbending lately. I go to bed tense, I wake up tense, and I find myself grinding my teeth a lot. Rob is amazing for weathering the storm, being there when I need to vent, and knowing when to just hug me! I am thankful we have a home. I complain that the basement isn't done being remodeled, but I need to remember to be thankful we even have a home at all when so many are losing that security. I am thankful for the blessings we have received, both from God and our families. I am grateful for the opportunities we have had this year. Rob going to school, getting a real vacation to New York, witnessing the wedding of two special people, visiting the sacred sites Hill Cumorah, Joseph Smith farm, and Sacred Grove. I am so grateful for the blessings in my life, big and small.