A Week of Giving Thanks

I have been completely overwhelmed with thoughts of gratitude these last few months.  It seems that every time I look around, I am hit with waves of emotion by something that I have to be grateful for. I think the increase of these feelings is associated with new surroundings and making a new life here. Big changes tend to bring about a big change of perspective, and I hope that I can continue to feel this way. With Thanksgiving now only a week away, I wanted to start writing every day what I am thankful for, little things and big. So here are 3 things I am grateful for today:

#1 Jonathon-- I have a fantastic husband who takes great care of our family. He loves me and loves our boys, and that is what we need most of all. I was reminded how much he means to me this week when he told me that he was hit by a car while riding his bike home from work. Luckily, the car was going slow and just barely sideswiped him as he was pulling up to a stop sign. He has a sore shoulder and sore elbow where he hit the back window, but other than that, he was completely fine. I was not completely fine, however, and was shaken by the incident. I said many prayers of thanks that the accident was not more serious. Jonathon means everything to me, and he is what I am most thankful for in my life.

#2 A washer/dryer-- This one seems quite silly after the serious nature of the previous one, but I am so thankful to have a washer and dryer today. Andrew threw up four times last night and this morning. It was such a help to me to be able to quickly do 2 loads of laundry in my own home and on my own schedule. Our New York days came swirling back in my mind, and I was ever so grateful that I didn't have to haul all that stinky laundry down 7 floors to the coin-operated laundry machines in the middle of the night. My rough night was made a little easier, and for that I am grateful.

#3 Exercise and Michelle O.-- One of the best things about moving to Utah has been being close to our good friends, Jared and Michelle. For the last month, Michelle and I have been able to swap babysitting while the other one goes to the gym. We do this 3 days a week, and I can't even explain what a difference it has made in my life. Having the opportunity to exercise and to have some "me time" has made me a happier person and a better mom. Our kids LOVE playing together, and we get plenty of time to chat between the comings and goings, so I think it has been good for everyone involved.

Our cute, silly kids
This picture pretty much sums up all of their personalities... Siena and Christian being silly (probably pretending to be something or other), Andrew mesmerized watching everything Christian does, and Turin sitting calmly and politely.