Our Thankful List

Every year in my family we compile a List of Reasons we are thankful. We made a family list this year... Here are the top 10 blessings that the Merritts are Thankful for in 2008.

Thanksgiving List

We are Thankful for a Year of Loving Each other and our Relationships.

1. God, and our faith that we share as a family. The way we pray as a family and especially Ben's choice this year to be confirmed and his preparation for first communion and reconciliation at St. Aloysius. The fact that our children can go to a school where they are encouraged to learn about what is most important in our lives and the true meaning of the seasons.

2. Our Family- the beautiful life growing inside Mommy- the miracle of each kick and hiccough that Mommy and Baby get to share. Our amazing Sons- William and Benjamin and the joy that they bring. Daddy- the rock of our family and his incredible gifts as a father, husband and provider.

3. Our Bigger Family- Our parents and siblings and cousins and aunties and uncles whose support and love encourage our children and bring out what is best in our lives.

4. Our Friends- Those who live near and far. Their words of wisdom, support and love. Their actions of generosity and prayers and FUN that they bring to us.

5. "Helthy bodys" (spelling from Ben's master list) Our Health- The true gift of health that God has provided Mom throughout this pregnancy and for our upcoming delivery. The boys' ability to run around and around and around and all that we take for granted every day because there is not a need to worry.

6. Our Homes- The one in Spokane and Priest lake- Home meaning us being together and a warm, cozy placed filled with pictures, things we love and reminders of what is most precious to us... each other and our family and friends.

7. Time Together- (Quality time)- and the realization of why it is essential for our hearts and minds. We're thankful of the realziation of how we sometimes need a priority shift to bring this into being. That we never get to0 busy or crazy to live out what is important to us. That we spend each day in the moment and never utter the phrase "if only we would have slowed down and appreciated..." when we're older.

8. "The Erth"- The Earth and the gifts that it brings us: food, beauty in nature, the animals, the seasons, and everything from the clean air we breathe to the sun that nourishes us.

9. Our Jobs- ("Workers"- according to William) That we are able to earn a living doing what brings us joy and fulfillment. That we are given the opportunity to help others- even in the most challenging of situations sometimes. That we are able to live out what we feel called to do as Parents and Students. We are also thankful for the "firefighters, workers who build stuff, people who sell us clothes at the store and our food" - Will

10. Our Gifts and Talents- the things that make us each unique and special. The ability to use our gifts for the glory of God and what is good and that we may know the best way in which to share them with others.

Happy Thanksgiving to all we love and wish we were here~