Giving Thanks {2012}

We attended Thanksgiving with the Poulsen side again this year.  We could have gone with either of our families, really, but with Ryan's work schedule, staying closer to home seemed the more logical choice.  It was fun to see his brothers and their kids!  A few people were missing, but we hope to catch up with them soon.

I love the Thanksgiving Season.  The full heart.  The feelings of love, of compassion, of gratitude.

We had a wonderful time with Ryan's family, and we are so blessed to have so many loving family members, and know of their support.

I am so thankful for Ryan and the wonderful husband he is.  He is diligent in his spiritual endeavors, and is loving, understanding, and lifts me up when I'm having my moments.  He's also the most wonderful father to these three boys we have!  I am not quite sure how I lucked out to marry a man who loves his family so much.  He is patient, gentle, and supportive of each of our childrens' unique qualities.

Tanner is such a good sport, to put up with parents who are ever learning.  I'm grateful for his forgiveness, for his tenderness and for his willingness to be helpful.  In the last few months, he's been especially fun to be around as he's figuring out reading, math, science, and piano lessons.  He's so creative, and I want to keep every picture he draws and make them into a book.

Taylor is playful and a great helper with Kortlen while Tanner is at school.  I'm thankful for his sweet little voice and his happy disposition.  He is silly but also smart.  I'm always surprised at what he tells me about this or that, and am amazed at how quickly he has picked up on academic information.

Kortlen has the happiest disposition, and is constantly putting a smile on our faces with his little quirks.  He has no problem keeping up with his older brothers, and is very mindful of everything around him.  He's patient, quick to obey, and eager to help set the table when I ask.

This pregnancy has been fairly easy, with minimal nausea and minimal backpain (but we're only half way through!)  I'm so thankful for my good health, and it appears that baby's health is good, so far.  I have seen loved ones go through so many difficulties with their pregnancies, or lack of, so I am very grateful that my body is working the way it should, and that my health allows me to bring these precious children into the world.  It's been a great blessing to Ryan and I.

I will forever have gratitude for my Heavenly Father and Savior, for their love for me.  I am grateful to know of the fullness and truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to be worthy to make covenants with Him, and for the testimony I have of the Plan of Salvation.  I know that a living prophet is on the Earth today, and He, President Monson, is a mouthpiece of the Lord.  This knowledge is such a comfort to me.

My parents have been through both hard and happy times with me.  I am also forever grateful for their sacrifices and their love.  Their support and prayers on my behalf have buoyed me up countless times.  Their example is one I strive to follow, as I know they follow our Savior. I am grateful for the wonderful relationships I have with both my mother and father, and each of my six younger siblings.  They, too, have been wonderful examples to me, and I love each of my family members so much!

We are so thankful to be so blessed.  I know I say this often, and I will continue to say it as long as it is true:

My {heart} is full!!!