Grateful Post 2012

I usually do this post around Thanksgiving, but I thought I would mix it up a little bit this year! Lets be honest...I was afraid I would forget and not have time to really write what I wanted too, so now I will!

1.) I am thankful for tithing. James and I have often been asked how we support five children when he works part-time and goes to school full-time. We do take advantage of a lot of the state need programs, which have been a blessing to us the last few years while James has been in school, but we also know tithing and budgeting have been a giant blessing to us. People say its too expensive to have a lot of children...and I used to fully believe that statement, but the Lord has blessed us immensely to be able to provide for the kids and know when and how to plan our family. We give all we can, and He makes up the rest! The Lord has blessed us to be able to afford the vehicles we need and blessed us when we thought we would come up short. TITHING WORKS!!!!

2.) I am thankful for my body! Ok, we all know I am not a super model, but I have really been impressed by how amazing our human bodies really are this year. I have been able to carry and birth five beautiful kids! I can run, jump, play, and care for my children. My eyes can see my kids growing, my hands help me make things for others and serve, and my feet get me where I need to go! Yeah...bodies are awesome!

3.) I am thankful for my kids, I know big shocker!!!  My children are amazing, I am constantly reminded how much I have to learn by watching them everyday.

 James Micheal has really grown this year. He has come into his own as the oldest and is excelling in school. He constantly is sharing his things and putting himself second. I love that boy!

 Makayla has made a lot of strides this year. Her love for music grows along for her love of others, Makayla is one of those kids that makes you happy, because she is always happy. She makes me realize whats important,people...not things. We love you Kay Kay!

 Evan....I love that boy! He has been through a lot of struggles with his physical body this year, but he is a trooper. I have a strong testimony that we agreed to certain trials before we came to earth. Evan knew his body would cause him to be frustrated, but he knew it would be for his good. He teaches me to never give up! He also teaches me that God loves us all, not matter our imperfections, He loves us! Thanks Evan for your love!

 Sadie...crazy Sadie. She is the spunk in our house! I always say how insane and crazy she is, but she is a wonderful little girl. She has a mother heart...she will help Makayla get where she needs to go, she will get Emily things she needs. She loves to help! I love everything about that girl, from her devilish grin to her bouncy curls, she is sunshine. I believe she came to the family to be a help, and she is fulfilling that calling!

Emily, my baby, my heart. Before Emily was born I had the Spirit tell me that she would be as good a friend to me as my friend Emily(who she is named after) is to me right now. I fully believe that! I love how she snuggles into my neck and smiles at me with her one little dimple. I love that she tolerates her brothers and sisters attacking her! She is a quiet kind of soul, and I love the Spirit she brings to our home!


If you are still reading I am impressed!!!

4.)I am thankful for the hubby! What can I say, he is an amazing father! When the kids pray for daddy to be safe every night when he is not home, and mimic delivering pizza, you're a good dad. He provides, he leads, he makes me feel special! I love ya honey!!!

I think I will stop there! There is so much more to say, but I love the gospel, I love my family! 2012 has been a great year!