Give Thanks.

With it being Thanksgiving and all tomorrow, it's that time of the year, the time to openly give thanks to all that you are grateful for and it's expected.

Let's start with Stephen Giles.

I've blogged about him a number of times click here Ode to Sexy for a refresher.

Is he or are we perfect? Clearly not, if you've read anything I've posted. Though we are perfect for each other. I'm thankful for his hard work, and the example he is to our boys to be a good man, and a wonderful husband.
Thanks to my inlaws for raising a stellar son.

Thankful tear.

My babies.

Being a parent is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I will ever have. I can be quite selfish, narcissistic, but my kids make all the hard work and long days seem worth it. After a rough day at work, I can pick them up, and listen to them sing in the car all the way home and it reminds me that all the crap? Doesn't matter.

I love their little smiles. Their constant need to sit on me whenever I'm close to them.

Their kisses and their cuddles.

Their nightly good night farewell?

"Mummy, I love you a million times, you're the best, you're pretty and beautiful, see you in the morning".

Wouldn't trade that for the world.

Proud tears.

The home that I have to live in.

Our home is a simple home, built on love and a hard work.

I'm warm in the winter, A/C in the summer, and there is room for family to visit and stay.

The job that I have.

I complain, I get frustrated, it's cathartic for me, but I love it.

Working affords me opportunities I may not be able to have otherwise.

If I lived in NZ, I'm not confident I would have these same opportunities.

6 years at the same place and it's still a challenge I'm enjoying.

I work with some awesome people and some interesting people, I love it.

Food & Clothing.

Well, the jobs Stephen and I have help us to eat what we want and wear what we want.


(Feels a little like I'm saying a prayer right now)

Which leads me to my parents.

Champs. 
Thanks Mum for giving me a crack when I needed it, I could have been a lot more off if you didn't.

Nah, my mum is awesome though. If you know her, you know it. No need to explain, I'd be here all day. Taught me how to communicate.

My dad. 
Saying no, and making me scab off my friends for whatever you didn't feel like giving me money for, was a challenge. Challenge Accepted.

I had to get a little more creative to do what I needed with 15 cents.

That's what kids need these days. 
Someone to say NO more often.


Thanks for raising us in the gospel, and for the righteous influence you have been, and have encouraged.
I know I rarely go the religious route on this blog, but it's something I'm truly grateful for and was blessed to have as a strong influence in my life.

America. 
More specifically Utah.
I may not be the most outdoorsy person, but I love the mountains, and the cost of living, and the cleanliness.

Thank you for letting me live and thrive here.

Appreciate it!

My Brothers and Sisters.

All awesome.

Ariel - You're a pretty awesome big brother. A bit hard to deal with a sister like me so close in age. Who was the blubbering mess at your mission farewell? HAHAHA. You work hard to provide for you're family and you've got some beautiful girls. Stoked we are so close.

Phil - Even though you think you were born a man, I'll still remember you being scared of the dark and not wanting to run around the house. Contrary ;) Who knew you would get all into politics and rebuilding Christchurch?
Love your boy and wish you were closer.

Mims - Best. Sister. Ever.

Luke - What can I say, you've always kept us entertained, from your stories, your antics (shaving your hair with a razor at 9?) to your pictures with your earrings and tattoo's (don't think I don't remember that) never a dull moment with you around.

Sam - On his mission right now, but so proud of him and his spiritual and intellectual growth. Growing up and not crying every day? Way to go Sammy.

Tapua - You're pretty much the big brother with the little kids, and you've got a lot to live up to ;) But, you're a smart and sensitive, and I'm proud of you little brother.

Josiah - You my little brother, are a good boy. Be an individual, be who you want and form your own ideas on things.

Bronte - Little sister, you're lucky you look like me. I'm glad you're opinionated, we all are, and we will clash, but you'll need that independant streak you have ;) Little sister, you're lucky you look like me. I'm freakin' beautiful :p


Feleti - Our other brother. Man, you're the smartest person I know besides Mum, and I wish we saw each other more, but alas, we are too far. 
Who knows half the things I've learnt from you ?
Clearly not me if you didn't tell me ;)


Grateful for some sweet sisters-in-law and the two brothers-in-law I have.
Good on ya for marrying my siblings, or being my husbands siblings.
Ambitious maneuver.

Extended Family.

Man, I'm truly blessed to be related to so many wonderful, sometimes beautiful, people.

Friends.

Well, you're going to have to take a good hard look at yourself.

You actually chose to be my friend. Consciously made the choice.

HAHAHA on you.

That's enough for this post I think, feeling a bit cheesy at the moment.

If I don't say it enough, I'm sorry, but I'm thankful to be blessed with a good life, and the good sense to recognize that I am blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving suckers!