A Week of Thanks - Day 2

When I thought about doing this, I didn't really realize just how much I needed it. I had a really bad day today. And I really didn't want to sit down and think about 5 more things that I am thankful for, because frankly - I wasn't really in a "thankful" mood. But just sitting down and thinking really changed my attitude. So lesson learned - next time I am needing a pick-me-up - just think of all the things I am thankful for!!

I really had intentions of taking new pictures of all my thankful things, but that didn't happen today. Besides - it's been fun to go back through my old pictures!

#6 - Friends

Me & Michelle in Mexico (2003)

Near and far, old and new - I am so grateful for all of them! I've had some friends since high school, and some new ones that I've met in the past year, and they all really do mean so much to me. I am so thankful for all that they do for me and that they are all always there - whether it's for a shoulder to cry on or a friend to laugh with. I wish they all lived closer!!

#7 - The Beauty of the Earth

Early morning - Mt. Timpanogos

I consider myself very lucky to walk out to this view every morning. I've lived in Utah now for almost 12 years now, and I am still in awe of the mountains every time I look out. And I'm equally in awe when I go to the ocean. There are so many beautiful places on this earth, and I am so grateful that God created such an amazing place!

#8 - Those who have - and still are - sacrificing for us

Vietnam Vetrans Memorial Wall in Washington DC

I admire those who are so brave to fight for our rights and our freedoms. It is so sobering to me when I learn of and see things that people have had to go through so that we can have what we have today. One of the most sobering experiences of my life was on the D-day beaches in Normandy, France. Seeing the craters left from the bombs and weapons, and then moving over to the thousands of crosses for those who died. And I am so thankful for those that serve today and sacrifice so much for us.

#9 - Travel

Jamaica!! (2004)

I have been so lucky to have been able to travel to some amazing places. I have about 100 other places I'd love to go, and hopefully I'll be able to hit some of those on my list. But just having the opportunities I've had and continue to have is definitely something to be grateful for! There is just something about being able to visit a different environment and to experience new sights, sounds and tastes - it gives me such a rush! Whether close to home - like Vegas - or across the globe - like Paris, I love each location and can't wait to explore even more!

#10 - The love of cooking

Coconut Snowball Cupcakes

This one is both a curse and a blessing. I'm sure that if I didn't enjoy food so much, I'd probably not obsess about my weight so much, but food is just so good! I am so grateful that it is so fun for me to cook and bake. I know that for a lot of people, it is really a chore to get dinner on the table every night. But I love it!! And not only am I grateful that I enjoy cooking, but I'm also grateful for the means and resources to be able to cook and feed my family. That's something that I don't think of often, but I know a lot of people around the world don't have access to food like I do. And I'm so grateful for a family that also loves food - I think we will have more pies on Thursday than we are going to have people!!