Tis the Season to be Thankful

It's that time of year, when we count our many blessings. It's always good to stop and reflect on all we have. Sometimes, it's hard, though, to find things to be thankful for. Life being what it is, it's easier to focus on all that's wrong, or at least difficult. I had someone tell me once that looking at someone else's misfortune isn't a good way to feel better about your own situation. I don't agree. Sometimes, the phrase 'it could be worse' is the only way to feel better about yourself. I figure, any way to find things that are good is, well, good. An optimist at heart, I try to find the positive in everything. So, here's some things I'm thankful for.



1. My kids. No matter how I mumble about them, I am grateful to have them. I'm grateful that they're healthy. No major disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Unless a bad attitude is life-threatening, in that case, we're in serious trouble. They're all smart. Not that their report cards would prove that. No, I'm aware of this because they tell me- every chance they get. "I know, Mom." Really, with all they know, they should have college degrees! But, with everything else they may be, it could be worse-



2. I'm thankful for friends. I have friends from Arizona to Idaho, California to Nebraska, and of course, all over Utah. I am grateful for them, even though they intimidate me. I'm sure they have their failings and faults, but from the outside-looking-in, they're pretty fabulous. Perfect houses, gorgeous yards and did I mention that they're all thinner than me? (There's at least one who can still fit in her wedding dress- what the heck?!?!) But, for some weird reason, they still want to be my friend. Wow, that sounds so high school. (Oh, yeah, and some of them were born when I was in high school.) I'm sure that none of them really rivals Martha Stewart, but they have the illusion down pretty good. I'm grateful for them, though, because they make me want to be better, to be more like them. And, when things get tough, or just day to day, there's nothing like having a good friend you can turn to. And, it could be worse, they could be like these ladies-

3. I'm thankful for family. My family is crazy. Not 'I'm out of Prozac.' or 'Is Bobby back in the center, again?' crazy. No, we're more leg-wrestling, prank-pulling, game playing, laugh-till-the- soda-comes-out-your-nose crazy. We're loud and a bit over-bearing. But, we love each other and accept each other unconditionally. Of course, it could be worse-

4. I'm grateful for my husband. No, he doesn't look like this guy, nor would I want him to.

(Seriously, vampire stuff aside, this boy is young enough to be my son. Not kidding, he was born 2 years after I graduated from high school.) No, I put his picture here for a point. My husband has been very patient with me and my Twilight fascination. (I don't say obsession because I'm not to that point. No Edward bumper stickers or t-shirts in my closet.) My hubby doesn't ever roll his eyes at me when I start reading the books-again. He didn't even complain when I told him I was going to a midnight showing of New Moon. He has loved me through thick and thin, literally. There's no 'it could be worse' with him. He isn't perfect, but he's perfect for me.

5. I'm grateful for my body. It's been through alot. Bore several very large babies. Gained and lost many, many pounds. It's amazing how resilient it is. Of course, it isn't what I would like it to be, that's not possible. If I could have my way, I'd have my 18 year-old body back. The one I had when I was on the dance team at Ricks. My husband didn't know me then. Good thing. If he really knew what I looked like back in 1985, he'd be spending all his time trying to invent a time machine! I'd probably help him. No, I'm coming to terms with my age. Thing is, if I had to go back to being 18, it wouldn't be worth it. I've learned alot but, I've also been through alot. I'd much rather have my 40-something body, with it's sags and wrinkles, than to go through it all again! And, really, it could be sooo much worse-

What are you thankful for?