Bundle of Thanksgiving Joy

We've all been waiting for this young man for quite some time. He was the perfect holiday gift - what a wonderful little boy for us all to be grateful for, especially his two amazing parents. There are many things to be thankful for year after year, but people are always what matter most. People big and small, even tiny ones. I have many many people to be thankful for this year:

I'm blessed with a family who lets me live with them and has welcomed me into their family with open, gracious arms.

I'm blessed with parents who continue to encourage me to accomplish anything, help me in any and every way they can, and do it all because they love me.

I'm blessed with a brother who finally thinks I'm cool enough to hang out with. He can always say something funny or do something stupid to relieve the holiday stress.

I'm blessed with a Gammy who takes care of me, tells me I'm too skinny and forces me to eat whenever she sees me, helps me with my laundry, and comes to hear me speak at church - she has always been my parent away from home.

I'm blessed with a Grandma who reminds me the world is at my finger tips and I have the ability to experience every square inch of it. She lets me know it's marvelous to be myself.

I'm blessed with an aunt and uncle who have an open door policy. They have always been two of my dearest friends; a pair I can always confide in.

I'm blessed with the best of friends. Near and far. They always answer their phones and their doors. I'm never alone and never bored because of these lovely people. They get me and love me no matter how insane I'm going.

I'm very grateful for my best friend. She's really taken on a lot lately, being my friend, and I truly appreciate every single thing she says and does for me. She is one person I know will always be on my side and never let me stand alone.

I'm thankful for those who have been like family to me. It's true that people become parts of our lives, for and in certain times, for special and specific reasons. Those people continue to be a part of my life - deep down in my heart.

Most of all this year, I'm grateful for my Savior. By showing me love and giving me strength, He has pulled and pushed and carried me through it all.

"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealous and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man."

Joseph F Smith

"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."

Thomas S Monson