It's been a while since I've posted on this (or any) blog, and I need to get back into it. In honor of Thanksgiving, I wanted to write a general gratitude post for the things that I am most grateful for.

1. I am so lucky to have amazing parents who have taught me so many things. They have taught me how to speak up, take phone messages, look someone in the eye when talking, organize kitchen cupboards, pray, laugh at myself, drive a stick, say "I'm sorry", be a good friend, shop for sales, and a billion other things. I have they best parents in the world.

2. I love my husband. Ryan is so considerate of me and my feelings, and he always has my well-being in mind. I love the fact that he likes sports and can memorize just about anything in half a second. I am so lucky to have someone who will answer all of my stupid and/or embarrassing questions and who likes to have fun. He even indulges my chick-flick desires. What a man!

3. I love my two boys. They make me laugh and smile in adoration almost all day long. Chris has grown up to be such a bright, funny, loving little boy. I love that he likes to make me laugh. Max is turning into a cheerful chunk of a baby, and I love, love, love to hear him laugh and see him grin.

4. I am so grateful to have a knowledge and testimony of the gospel of Christ and of the Latter-day prophets, including the current prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know that he speaks for my Savior and I feel safe knowing that I will follow his counsel.

5. I am very grateful for wonderful in-laws. I married into a wonderful, fun-loving, spirited family, and they have graciously welcomed me into their lives. I love them and love spending time with them.

6. I love my friends, new and old. I have been so blessed to have so many close friends.

7. I am grateful for my temple marriage. I am so happy that my family will be my family forever and that I will always be with them. I love them so much, and Ican't imagine any sort of life without them.

8. I am grateful for food. I love almost all food, and I love to taste all the wonderful flavors that this world has to offer.

9. I am grateful for technology and the ability I have to talk to family members even though we live far away.

10. I am grateful for change. I am very grateful that I am able to change qualities and characteristics in myself and that other people can change as well. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for his wisdom in letting us change ourselves and letting us make our own choices and mistakes. I am so grateful that I understand that I can be better every day if I choose to be.