Thanksgiving

I realize our Thanksgiving festivities was somehow overlooked on the blog, which really is a shame because i really like to blog about our lives, But things have been busy and truth be told, I couldn't find the camera for a jaunt of time; hence the delay. (Is that considered a run-on sentence?) So without further ado - Thanksgiving:

We have been especially excited about living close to Mark's brother and family since moving up north. Thus we were thrilled when they invited us to join them for Thanksgiving. We started the morning with some ritualistic physical activity of which I was more of a space filler then the MVP but, fun was certainly had. The air was might chilly - I guess that was to be expected.
We enjoyed the majority of our afternoon with the Orchards at their home where 30+ loved ones gathered and the food of the season. Amber had prepared a turkey craft for all the kids, of which Mark and I participated just because it looked fun. And lets be honest, they were dang cute.

A Thanksgiving post would not be complete without a small list of a few of the generous blessing our Heavenly Father has blessed us with this year. Our dear family and friends have been so wonderful to know and socialize with. Our home that fits our needs perfectly. Food on our table, health in our bones, and money in our bank account keep our temporal needs and wants satisfied. Membership in the Church brings comfort, understanding, direction, peace, and true joy in knowing our eternal purpose. And lastly, a marvelous companion to walk this life with who just gets me.

A Subtle Reminder

Lately, as Kaylinn and I have been frantically searching for a house, and realizing that it just probably won't happen right now, it is easy to get into the "woe is me" mindset. Tonight as I was sitting with Kaylinn's family, we were discussing how God has a way of watching over his children. I remembered this talk by Elder David A Bednar, and found this link (The-Tender-Mercies-of-the-Lord). A flood of emotions rushed over me as I realized that God and His Son have not forgotten me. I would like to share some of my tender mercies as of recent:

1) I have the most amazing wife in the entire world. I have been away from her for not even 24 hours and my whole being yearns for her. The Lord knew exactly who I needed, and He led me through some very wavery and rough roads, but He led me to her. I am so grateful for a loving Father who knew of this perfect match, long before I did. Thank you Kaylinn for helping me be the man I am today.

2) I have an amazing opportunity to be in control of my future. I never would have guessed that my life would lead me to such a great opportunity. I have never even realized that I could get to this point where I will have the freedom to spend time with my family. I will forever be grateful for the man who made this all possible.

3) I have amazing parents and siblings. I know that mom and dads advice, whatever it may be, is direct inspiration from above. They have always been willing to drop everything, and I mean everything, for me. I will never be able to express my appreciation for them. My siblings are one in the same...always willing to give up everything to help each other.

4) I have amazing in-laws. I am so lucky to have married into a family that has taken me in as one of their own. Every time I am with them, I am humbled and desire to be better then I am. I truly have a Christ centered family to look up to.

4) I have amazing friends. I don't know why I have been so blessed to have the friends that I do. The Andersons, Sullivans, Richards, Warrens, Gregersons, Marcums, Wallaces, Gibbons, Lamms, and anyone I may have missed. A true blessing from heaven.

5) I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, and a loving brother in Jesus Christ. I know that they are constantly vested in seeing my grow, succeed, progress, and become all that I can be. I know that God lives, as does his Son and that I will live witht them again.

My heart is over-flowing with gratitude. Thank you all for being my personal tender-mercies.