Counting my blessings...

Since it's almost Thanksgiving, I have been thinking about all the good things I have been blessed with, which include trials and tribulations, believe it or not! I was in the temple yesterday, and I realized that no matter what is happening out there in the world or in my own family, what continues beyond this life is really significant and is what matters. When I catch the vision of Eternity, and the Lord sees fit to give me a glimpse into it, everything I fret and stew about everyday sink into insignificance! Being in the temple anchors me and reminds me of why I'm here, doing what I'm doing and going through what I'm going through. How lovely and peaceful the simple blessings are. Whatever is happening here on the earth right now will eventually resolve itself. I hope I become a better person, not in spite of adversity in my life, but because of it.

Cindi and Braxton and Heather are going to be fixin' the bird for Thanksgiving this year! I will get to be on the sidelines for the first time in 35 years! I bought an electric turkey roaster to free up the oven for all the yummy sides. Heather has a great recipe for a basted turkey she's going to try this year. I'll be contentedly holding little Aaron and/or Sam and sniffing joyfully the aromas that waft their way into the family room.

Keith went off his Parkinson's meds over a week ago, and he feels like a million dollars, instead of like a zombie! He is pursuing holistic alternatives, which we have high hopes will help. Keep him in your prayers!

Am I the only sane female in my family? Vampires falling in love? Do you know what vampires represent? Well, my girls (and I hear Braxton is too!)are hooked, and I'm probably just a square, so I'll watch those babes while they go see the blood-sucking lovers on the big screen. Does that sound gross? Well, it is what it is! I still love my girls!

Jonah will be eight on Sunday, and will be baptized soon. When I asked him what toy or game he wants for his birthday, he excitedly clapped his hands and asked "Can I get my own set of scriptures with my name on them?". Of course you can, Jonah! That's what his grandpa and grandma will be giving him! He turns his collar up at church to look like Joseph Smith. He wrote his testimony in a book of Mormon and gave it to his friends. What an awesome boy he is!

Micha and John, so you won't feel left out, you can help with T-giving dinner, too, but only if you want. I can't wait to see you all and hug your little tummies full of my grandkids!

We got our first snow today! It melted by noon, but it was white! Hope we have good travelling weather for you guys! I love you!

P.S. Count your blessings!