Five Things I'm Thankful For

It is early Thanksgiving morning, and in a few minutes we will load up the car and head to Preston for the day. I'm so looking forward to spending time with extended family, and a big plate of turkey with all the trimmings! But before we take off, I just want to list five things I'm thankful for today...

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#1: I am thankful for my three amazing kids. They each have quality friends and activities they excel at. They make me laugh, help me see things differently, and continually teach me new things as they negotiate life's trials and become more independent. They each have fun, unique personalities and I learn from them every day.

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#2: I am thankful for a strong, healthy marriage and a husband who works hard and adores me. He is my best friend, how could I ask for more?

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#3: I am thankful for my home here in the Rocky Mountains, one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have a lovely view of nature from my kitchen and bedroom window and back deck. Winter, spring, summer, fall...I love it year-round.

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#4: I am thankful for a strong body that serves me well, and has never let me down. What an incredible blessing to have good health. I do not take it for granted--especially after my experience with Katie--and I thank my Heavenly Father for it every day.

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#5: I am thankful for meaningful work that I love. I get to spend my time with sweet children, sing with them, perform for them, entertain them, teach them. They lift my spirits and energize me. For now, there is no other job I'd rather have.

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There are more, but these are the blessings forefront on my mind this morning. Life is not perfect, but I always have a choice and I choose to focus on what I have, not what I don’t. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Saying Goodbye

Over three years ago, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Katie Porter Hansen, was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after the birth of her sixth child. She has fought it valiently, but was recently made aware that her time in this life is very limited. Katie and I were close friends in elementary school all through high school. Since then we've stayed in touch through letters, Christmas cards, high school reunions, and more recently through e-mail, facebook and her wonderful blog. My heart has ached for her and her family as her disease has progressed.

A couple of weeks ago, another sweet friend arranged for several of our high school buddies to get together to travel to Katie's home in Blackfoot, Idaho for a last visit and to say goodbye. What an incredible experience that was!

We took her out for lunch and had a wonderful time. Katie radiates a spirit of serenity. She knows this is Heavenly Father's will for her and has accepted it. I anticipated this day thinking we were going to comfort her, but I came away much comforted by her. We all updated each other on our lives, and she shared how she is preparing her children for what is to come.

After lunch we came back to her home and talked a bit more. Her mom and little girl were there, and I was very aware of the strong, peaceful spirit in her home. It was just so nice to sit and visit with these wonderful women who I grew up with and admire. When it came time for us to leave the tears began to fall. We all joined in prayer, and then each of us were able to tell her goodbye and express our love for her.

Katie, I want to tell you again how much I love you. Your courage inspires me. Your experience with cancer has put many things into perspective for me, and because of you I resolve to be a better mother, wife and friend. My prayers are with you and your family as you take this next step in your eternal progression. God be with you 'till we meet again.

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*Katie peacefully passed away only eight days after our visit. She was surrounded by her loving family.

More Halloween Fun

I love Halloween! It is my second favorite holiday. Here is Stefanie spookin' it up with a couple of friends from the neighborhood.

Here we are at school in my classroom with a couple of my classes...too cute! I had a blast singing Halloween songs with them all month. You should hear them belting out "Witches Brew", "Mr. Jack-O-Lantern" and "This is Halloween". Love it!

My costume...Aprodite, Greek Goddess of Love. I enjoyed being a redhead for a day! Some of my students at school didn't recognize me. Ha/ha.

The best pumpkin display ever! Happy Halloween!