Thanks:

1. Our boat. I'm thinking that some of my thanks so far have seemed silly "worldly pleasures" or things like that- but Father does bless us with those things as well and I think its with those things that we need to be extra careful in recognizing because its those things that we can start to think we've "earned" or chosen for ourselves- but and Heavenly Father really is the one that gives us all that we have. The boat is one of those blessings. The boat has been such a fun thing for us this summer. Jake and I love doing outdoor stuff, but its harder with two little ones. The boat is something we can all do together- and with friends. We just pile everyone in the boat and head on out. This fall the weather turned cold so fast it surprised us. We'd filled up the boat with gas, and then it turned super cold. Any warm days seemed to fall on Sundays or days when we couldn't get out. Yesterday was a beautiful day (though chilly), so we invited the Bushes to go out with us for a cruise. We cruised down to the south end of Utah Lake and found a cool little island, and cove. We stopped and let the kids put their feet in the water, and just enjoyed the scenery. We still have 1/2 a tank of gas, but it will probably be the last time we take it out this year. It's been SO much fun.

2. Bri (Phillips) Hoopes. A few reasons why she's made it to the list today. Bri was an incredible mission companion. My light after the hardest point of my mission. She came to me as a gift- a greeny so excited and ready to work. And now so many years later she's helping me revisit those memories as she shares her letters to her sister who is now serving the Lord full time in Guam. Also because she's part of the inspiration behind this blog> Though I've been meaning to start it for a while, and Pres. Eyerings talk got me dedicated- knowing that she's checking it and keeping one as part of her "thanks" helps keep me going. And also because as we've shared our inner thoughts with each other over this past week- I've felt so much love for her and her spirit! She is a great example and friend. It's fun to feel that closeness again after several years. It makes me understand how things will be in the next life when we are reunited with souls that have been apart for lifetimes- spiritual connections are eternal.

3. Health. Jake got sick last week. Josh and Dekker both have runny noses now (which I get to wipe constantly)! Yet somehow, I've stayed healthy (and I'm usually the one who gets sick)! So I'm thankful that I can feel well as I help nurse them back to health- but also, even a cold can make you realize what a blessing it is to be able to breath clearly. None of us have major health issues to worry about. And that is a tremendous blessing!