Thankful.

As I was getting ready this morning, I took some time to think of what I was thankful for this year. This year was bitter sweet. We had a good amount of heartache with two miscarriages (in July & October) - I certainly won't miss 2009 for those reasons. But the sweet part is that I know how loved I am. I have received so much love, friendship & support from my friends & family. Not once have I ever felt alone or abandoned, and I am truly thankful for that.

Two of my favorite memories of 2009:

This summer, we and three other families in our little neighborhood (and by little, I mean FIVE total townhouses) wanted to go in together to buy sod for our small front yards. We weeded and shoveled and got the yard prepared. The deal on the sod didn't go through at the last minute, so one of our neighbors went ahead and purchased sod for his own yard at a home improvement store. But when I woke up the next morning, there was beautiful sod laid down on our yard and the other three neighboring yards! The men who laid the sod worked late into the night to make this happen. When I looked out the window the next morning and saw my cute little yard, I burst into tears and immediately said a thankful prayer. I was going through my first miscarriage at that time and this simple act of service touched my heart so profoundly. I also love each and every one of my neighbors. I'm telling you, it's Zion over here.

Some weeks ago, I was in way over my head with housework, meetings, and "get it dones" and to top it off, I had a nasty cold. I woke up one morning, after only a short night's sleep, and BEGGED that miracles would happen - there was much to do that day. After I took Andrew to school and came home, I got a knock at the door - my friend was there and she said, "Hi, I'm here to take care of you!" I said, "You are my miracle! I begged for a miracle today!" and I swiftly put her to work! I'm sure I would have survived even if she hadn't come that day, but she made my life so much more pleasant and helped me to know that God truly loves me. That day was also lovely because I was able to spend some time with another friend of mine that was visiting from out of town - all of my housework was done and I was able to relax and enjoy her company for a few hours.

We spent Thanksgiving at Randy's parents this year. After dinner, we took a walk up the canyon. Here is Joshy riding piggy-back on Grandma...

And here are my little Indians. Andrew's teacher (aka Mary Poppins) did so much with her class to get ready for Thanksgiving. They made all sorts of turkeys and learned songs and poems. Here is Andrew in his Native American Get-up - I love the Baby Papoose on his back!

Little Brother has to do everythng Big Brother does.