I Can Make It

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Hey old friends. I'm still alive. I've just been swamped with a million little things and Thanksgiving and ya' know... stuff. Life happens. Christmas festivities and crafting (well - knitting) have begun and we're ready for a slow few weeks before December turns crazy. We've been blessed and I am so thankful for everything that has come our way in the last two weeks. So, here is what I am thankful for.

1. Friends & Family - man, I have so many awesome friends and acquaintances and family members that I wonder what I've done to deserve them all. As soon as I announced I was having a girl, little girl gifts started flowing in the mail and showing up at my door step. As soon as people started finding out that we'd had a few things stolen, I found money in the mailbox and messages on my voice mail asking us what we needed. I cannot imagine what would happen in real tragedy (I don't want to find out, I just know you'd all be great). Awesome!!

2. Church - I was released from my Primary Presidency calling last week and I am relieved. I love those kids and the simple lessons, but I'm really excited to be teaching the 14/15 year old Sunday School with Mike. Actually, I can sit there and make sure we don't get sidetracked or go over time while Mike teaches. He is so excited about it.

3. Scientific Advances - I'm grateful for modern medicine (even though I think it shouldn't cost so darn much) and the things it is capable of doing. I have friends that have been trying to have babies forever and are now having them. I can get my ugly moles and warts (I've just had one on my chin frozen off) removed. Sore throats can be cured. Feet can feel better. Nausea can go away. Bones can be mended. It is all amazing.

4. Books and Movies - I love losing myself in a book or movie almost anytime. Isn't it fun that for a few hours, we can remove ourselves from the mundane, stressful, crazy things in our lives and run away with Mr. Darcy, Edward, Wolverine, or (let's think of a woman here.....) um..... (still thinking to avoid criticism).... well, you get what I mean. It is fun.

5. Savings - This year Mike and I have really tried to limit spending and extras to get a little more financially secure. This economic recession doesn't seem so bad in our personal lives. We have had several friends lose jobs this year (and we pray for you daily), but it is nice that we've come out more ahead than we ever thought we would. We're buying a house next year... I can feel it.

6. Mechanics - Growing up in St. Anthony, we had a very reliable mechanic. He was a rocket scientist - really, he quit his job at NASA to move back to Idaho, or so the story goes. As reliable as he was, he was S-L-O-W. He worked out of a potato cellar in Parker. It would take 2 weeks to get a timing belt fixed. On Monday, my car puttered into the auto shop near my house and they got me right in. Unfortunately, the repairs were extensive and expensive ($1000 - Merry Christmas to us, but see where "Savings" comes in), but I was able to drive my car home 4 hours later and get on my way. Love it. Now I can spend Christmas in Vegas with the family.

7. Preschool - ahhhhh, I can't say enough about the benefits Cohen's preschool has had on him. It is so awesome to take him somewhere loving and safe where he feels comfortable learning and playing. They've taught him general life skills that I just don't think about (like putting on his coat. Usually I am in such a hurry to get him out the door that I do it for him). He even has started cleaning up his toys. Unreal. Plus, I get 3 hours every morning to use as I please. I can work, shop, clean, exercise, sit and knit. Whatever I choose.

8. Yarn Store Connection - Thank you Sue and crew for letting me work at your store enough to get yarn for my projects. I've really started enjoying knitting this year. I've finished so many projects this year, including a little sweater for the little Miss. I love beautiful fibers and I love learning new things all of the time.

9. Fabric - So pretty. I haven't been sewing much lately, but I am in the midst of purging my craft & fabric stash (want some?) and I am amazed at the beautiful patterns that these designers come up with. Quilting cottons are so soft and amazing. I just got a package in the mail today with 4 yards of beautiful stuff (I'm supposed to be purging... I know) that I can't wait to do something with.

10. Food - I am finally feeling well enough to start wanting to eat again. Not everything is disgusting anymore. Yahoo! I am thankful for good, healthy (and Jr. Mints and Nerds and Cinnamon candy) food that helps my body grow and function. I think it is pretty amazing that I'm growing a person in my gut and food is helping the little Miss become healthy and strong.

There are many more, but I'm sure you're bored. I love this time of year. The bad things don't seem so bad. People are kind (except 4:00 am shoppers at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving) and generous and go just a few steps further for mankind. I love it. Cohen is so excited for Christmas which is making it so awesome. Today everything feels perfect - part of that is because I am leaving in 10 minutes to get my hair done - and I wanted to let you all know that.