I am thankful for...

With Thanksgiving occurring this week, I decided to post my list of the ten things I'm the most thankful for. Post your own, and realize how blessed your life is.

1. Todd - I am so grateful that I was listening to the God's promptings when I was choosing a spouse, for I am afraid that had I been using my own judgement, I wouldn't have married someone so perfect for me. Todd is the sweetest man alive, always concerned with helping me out (he's even started an O'Neil tradition where he - and later the kids - does the dinner dishes). He is so sensitive to my needs, and is quite fun and comforting to be with. He is so honest, and has such a great pure heart. He's a great father and an even greater example to our sons - no wonder we have so many boys.

2. Michael - Sometimes I get struck with the incredible sense of what an amazing spirit I have living in my home. Before the age of three he had two younger brothers, something a lot of kids will act out about, but instead, he welcomes them and is very sweet and tender with them. He hardly ever quarrels with them or is mean. (I hear screaming as I write this). He is definitely the silent leader of the boys. He also helps encourage Roger to do as I say. He loves to tease me, and I love it because it is our little way of connecting.

3. Roger - What a fun little guy. He's definitely got more spirit and will than a lot of people, but he's also has a very tender heart. He is always concerned about his brothers and mammacita.

He will often give up his toys that he is playing with to his crying brother, regardless if that was what they had wanted. He and Michael are the best of friends, almost inseparable, while he is so sweet to William. I will often find him lying next to William, doting and kissing on him, "scratching" his head the way Roger likes it done to him. He loves "scripture time" and does an awesome job remembering the characters' names, like Enoch, Abraham, etc.

4. William - I have never dealt with an easier baby. He has probably cried for a total of 2 hours his entire life, and whined for a total of 45 minutes. Even after burning his finger that later blistered over, he cried for about a minute, then that was it. He is such a happy baby, always willing and eager to give you a smile. He loves his brothers, and will always prefer to play in the same room with them, if only to watch them. He really is the most good-natured baby I have ever seen, and I am so thankful that he's in our family.

5. Friends - Even though I am one of the worst people to keep in touch with my friends, I am so grateful for the ones in my life now, and the ones who have helped me shape my life. I am grateful for my friends who were accepting, yet still encouraged me to be better, for friends who were a comfort and a listener, for friends who were just "there", regardless if any talking or activity was going on. For friends who I have shared laughs with, special moments with, any moment with. Friends who have given me new ideas or shown ways of being more open-minded. Friends who have shown my children love, and have accepted them with all of their shortcomings, and mine. Friends who have made me feel apart of something, even if it's just their own daily life. I have had many good friends through the years, and each one has made her/his own special mark, which I am grateful for.

6. Family - Where would we be without family? I am grateful for my immediate family, for the times we had, and the lessons we learned together. I am grateful for each of my brothers and sisters. I love all of them, and am happy that they are in my life. I have many fond memories from being taught how to ride a bike to being teased unmercifully, and I wouldn't trade any of them. I am grateful for Todd's family, and the support they are to us. I am grateful for my extended family. I have aunts who would sacrifice for me as if I was their own daughter. I have cousins that are like siblings.

7. My Body - I know, this is starting to sound like a "typical, I can't think of anything" list. But in reality, I am very grateful for my body (for it is really good looking!). I am grateful that I am healthy, and that everything functions properly (maybe too well, I do have 3 kids). But in all seriousness, I am grateful for not only what my body is not (sick, handicapped, etc.) but for what it is. Last year I trained for and ran a marathon. It was so hard, and difficult, but it was one of the most amazing experiences I had ever done. The feeling that you're alive, and that intoxicating feeling that your lungs are going to explode is incredible. The feelings of stretching, or having just lifted something heavy. The sensation of touch, and bonding through it. The hug or kiss that you get to feel from your kids. When pregnant, the feeling of a little baby tucked inside of you, letting you know that he's there. The body is an amazing gift, and I am grateful for it.

8. Change - This one is a little different for me. I am a very content person, if I'm content, I don't like to change for fear of getting in a situation that is worse. When I was little I would keep my coat on when coming inside. My mom would have to fight it off of me, but I preferred to keep it on, 'cause I was okay with it on and didn't want to risk not being okay with it off. But I have learned to be appreciative of change. It's not always easy, but it keeps you on your toes, keeps you from being too comfortable and unwilling to change. My favorite time of the year is spring or fall (especially in Ohio), cause the weather is always changing. You can go from being so cold and almost miserable to a sunny beautiful day that you spend the entire day outside. I also enjoy (believe if you will) when after many warm days having a colder day, one where you make tomato soup for lunch, you bundle up, and snuggle together. In many ways I loathe change, but in others I welcome it. It is change that has allowed me to meet so many amazing people that I wouldn't have met otherwise because of location or prejudices.

9. Church - I know that all my LDS friends are probably gasping right now, saying "why wouldn't I say the Gospel", and I am very grateful for that, but I am also incredibly grateful for how the church is set up. Especially when moving so far from anything and anyone you've ever known, the church is such a comfort. For you know, that you will instantly have a group of welcoming and understanding friends. The people I have meet through church have been the most amazing people on the earth. And callings....I cannot express enough how much I love callings, especially in the Young Women Program. Callings are a chance for you to get involved in something, and to get to know some incredible people. I have always come away from serving in a calling learning much more about myself, and about love than I have ever given.

10. God - Without Him, I would have none of these things on my list. He has given me everything, and so much more than I will ever deserve or be worthy of. He has given me my family, and the sweet boys which He so wisely placed into my home. With all of the things and people He has sent into my life, there is no way I could ever repay Him. To top it off, He sent His Son, to be a Redeemer for me personally and everyone else just as personally. Because of His sacrifice, I can, through a lot of hard work and learning, return to our Heavenly Father, and be with my family forever. What an amazing promise! I am grateful that He put His gospel on the earth and placed me on the earth at a time, and through a family that would teach me about it so that I may learn of it and rejoice in it. I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the opportunity I have to receive Eternal Life.