More Thankful - #16

I am going to have to make up for the four days I haven't done yet - but it is not going to be now. I really need to go to bed soon!

* Today I am thankful for those who have come (and gone) before me. My ancestors - those who gave it all they had & paved the way so that I can now enjoy my very wonderful, blessed life!

This day in history is supposedly around the time that the Pilgrims landed near Plymouth Rock in 1620. It got me thinking about all the family history I am so happy that I know about. I am thankful for the brave men and women who wanted a better life. Those who gave up everything to have freedom of religion. Those who had supreme faith in God. Then those who just wanted a better life in America (from all over Europe) and came a hundred years or more later. Those who came across the sea, the came across the land and kept going year after year. Both my husband and I have a very rich line of ancestry - with stories, events and histories of our grandfathers and grandmothers dating back far, far into years past. We are tied to them.

We are especially happy and blessed to both have such a rich American pioneer heritage from the 1800's and in the early years of the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our children will know about these wonderful souls - members of our family who have left us a beautiful legacy. I know how blessed I am because someone took the time to write it all down - which is why I am trying to do that now.

Ahhh!

Life is a bit crazy this week.

I have lots more to write about what I am thankful for . . . I will get there soon. Keep checking!


Lori

Thankful Day 11

* Today I am thankful for modern technology.

It is crazy to think that with a click of the mouse, a touch of a button or a swipe of a card that we can communicate with others and gain access to vast amounts of knowledge and information via technology. We can call, text, email, skype, video conference, instant message, facebook . . . etc. It is ever advancing and always evolving. I love it! It has been a huge blessing and as long as I continue to use it productively then I hope that it will continue to add to and enhance my life.

Thankful Number 9 & 10

* I am thankful for a formal education - times two!

I graduated from college the first time in 2000 and then went on to finish my master's degree in 2006 (I took my last grad school final online while on my honeymoon in Maui!) I am thankful that getting an education was burned into my brain by my highly educated parents and Papa (grandpa). They all supported me and saw me through all the ups and downs of the challenge.
I enjoyed my years at Texas A&M University and the University of North Texas. I am grateful that there are quality institutions available so very close all around us. I've even been thinking of going back again - someday . . . maybe in another 10 years. Your mind is the biggest blessing - you should keep filling it with as much quality, uplifting & important things as much as you can for as long as you can. Because of my education I am blessed in so many other areas of my life!


* I am so very, very thankful to live in this blessed nation!

Also, burned into my brain since birth was the responsibility we all have as Americans to love this country! My dad taught me just about everything you can about what it means to be an American. He is a true patriot. Love of country ranks pretty high in our family. History, wars, presidents, battles, ideas . . . so much to know. We live in troubled times but the Lord has given us a choice land to learn and grow in freedom, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

To our founding fathers, soldiers, pioneers and so many more . . . I am blessed because of you. I do not take for granted that I continue to have freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the freedom of religion, the right to vote . . . it goes on and on. God bless America, because America has blessed me.

Thankful Day 8

* Today I am thankful for a job I love.

I have been teaching for over 8 years and even though it is so hard & stressful sometimes - I really do love my work with special needs pre-k children. I work for a great school district, have fun, hard working co-workers and the best & sweetest cutie pie kiddos anyone could ask for. Each year there is always one or two "challenging" ones to say the least but I am thankful for them and the growth and learning I take away from teaching each day. It is great place for me to be when I am away from my sweet family - and if I am going to compromise working full-time then at least I have that!

Thankful Day 7

Here's a random one that is a bit less serious -


* Today I am thankful for Sonic.


Yes, Sonic - many will understand - especially my sister. Sonic is wonderful. I had some Sonic today after work and it put a big smile on my face. Sonic drinks are just better and that makes me happy.

Day 5 & 6 of Thankfulness

Yesterday was a super busy day for us. I didn't get around to posting my thankful ideas. So here are two to make it up.

* I am thankful for adventures!

Any adventure really. I love to travel, rock out at concerts, experience culture and just have fun! Last night Ryan and I went on a date to see Ryan's ultimate favorite guitarist/singer - Warren Haynes. Don't worry - I didn't know who he was either until I married Ryan. Anyway, it was a very small venue and we were able to get a front row spot. Ryan ended up getting two guitar picks and a set list from the concert. What a happy boy! We both like music and I was happy to go with Ryan on this small adventure.

It got me thinking of all the other fun times, adventures, travels and exploration I have had throughout my life. As our list of seeing famous (and not so famous) concerts and musicians grows currently - in the past I have been blessed to have traveled all over Europe - visited 11 countries, vacationed or visited more than 35 of the 50 U.S. states and been to exciting cities with friends & family like Anchorage, Oahu, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, San Diego & New York City. I have seen beautiful cathedrals, ancient cities & landmarks, works of art in museums all over this country & the world and so much more. I am thankful for having seen and experienced so much. My life has definitely had some great adventures and I plan to have so many more!


* I am thankful for the blessing of motherhood.

I had to wait longer than I would have liked to start enjoying being a mother - only because I was 30 yrs old before our first daughter was born. In nearly four short years I have learned and grown so much from two little angles who are my light and joy in life! I am so blessed to have children. To be a mother is a gift. Even when I am having a hard day or my patience wears thin, my two sweet girls love me, forgive me and encourage me in their own way. Some days are better than others but each day brings love. I have so much to learn and so much more to grow in as a parent but I know that being a mother is the most important job I could ever have and I am going to do my best to teach & nurture my children with all I have. I love being a mother! I love my two sweet girls so much. The Lord has truly blessed me.

My Thankful Heart Day 4

* Today I am thankful for my home. I LOVE MY HOME!


In all seriousness - I love my home. It is constantly a mess and super unorganized but there is a undeniable feeling of love and happiness with all who live in it to make up for the other imperfections ten fold. I have so many ideas, to do projects & honey-do-lists that never get done. . . but I can keep on dreaming - and they aren't that important anyway. In the mean time I am completely happy with what I have - it is enough. I have a roof over my head, food in my pantry/refrigerator and a warm, safe bed to sleep in each night. When I pull into my driveway each day after work I get a huge smile on my face. It is exactly where I want to be - no doubt about it.


On top of that I have all the modern conveniences of central air and heat, a dishwasher, oven, stove, washer/dryer, hot water heater, in-door plumbing , etc. etc. Really! I don't know how the pioneers lived without it all. When I think in the least that there is anything that I could be unhappy about at least I have all of this! I know how blessed I am.

Thankful Day 3

So in light of the sickies going on here in the house of Leavitt here is my day 3 thankful post. Poor Elise has been running a fever for almost 4 straight days. We've already taken her to the Dr once and may have to take her back tomorrow.


* I am grateful for modern medicine, doctors, nurses, hospitals, pharmacies, drugs, good drugs and all that goes with it.

Truly, more than once in my life I have been really sick or hurt in some way and these things have saved my life! Also, earlier this year my dad was very close to losing his life and was spared only by modern medicine. It was a miracle. So today, I am just glad that some children's Tylenol and ibuprofen are working their magic so my little Elise can start to feeling better.

A month of Thanksgiving

NOVEMBER

This year has flown by so fast. Seriously, where has the time gone? Thanksgiving day is in just three little weeks. I have let blogging slide to the very bottom of things to do this whole year but I have been thinking about it so much lately and how I really need to document the life & events of my family as best I can. So here it goes. November is a perfect month to start back to blogging and to also start reflecting on the season of Thanksgiving & Christmas following right after.

Let's start looking at how wonderful my life really is.


I missed Nov. 1 so I am going to put down two things I am thankful for today.


* I am thankful for my eternal family.


Yes, most people I know would sincerely say they are thankful for their families but I have a very special family you see. I have a wonderful, loving, supportive husband and two beautiful daughters. I have the two most wonderful parents, grandparents and siblings in the whole world. I think that I pretty much won the jack pot of all grand prizes as I grew up as part of the wonderful family of Williamsons and then when I started my own family with the Leavitts.


Through all the trials and triumphs in our lives we have been supportive, loving and encouraging. There have been endless examples of forgiveness, love & compassion towards one another. When anyone needs help more than one is quick to respond. We are not perfect. There have been many bumps and snags in every one's lives but I am overwhelmed with love for all of these special people in my life. Knowing that I am sealed to them for all eternity in this life and the life hereafter brings me peace and comfort. Family means everything. Family is what counts most in life. If every material thing were to be taken away it would be no matter because I have a family and Families are Forever.



* I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


I have a testimony of the Savior of the world - Jesus Christ. I know he lives. He has given us the gift of the Atonement so we can return to our Father in Heaven. I have faith in Him. I know the doctrine of the gospel and scriptures to be the word of God. I belong to the gospel of Christ. It carries me through this life with the knowledge of where I came from and where I am going. There is no greater happiness in my life than to know that Jesus Christ lived, died and was resurrected for all mankind. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

My church and the gospel of Christ have given me hope, peace and comfort when none else will. We have the Book of Mormon, a living prophet - President Monson, and a restored gospel on the earth. These things bring so much joy and happiness into my life. What more do I need than to be grateful for my testimony of them.