Giving Thanks

I had a prompting to write down 30 things I am thankful for. I guess the number 30 came up because there are 30 days in November and seeing so many others write on there FB status, this will be a great way for me to blog for the month of November and document the last couple happenings.

1. Of course, my wonderful, determined husband. He spends countless hours studying and going to school, but he always makes time for me. We don't get to see each other everyday, like normal married people, but he sure makes it up to me when we are together.

2. Mom and Dad. They are the greatest examples of love, hard work, adventure, and service. I think they did a pretty good job of raising all 5 of us. Family was always a priority.

3. Brother and Sisters. We may not talk or speak for weeks on end, but that has never hindered our relationship. I'd be willing to help one of my siblings in a heartbeat.

4. The gospel of Jesus Christ. Where would I be without the blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I am grateful the truth has been restored to the earth once more and we have a living prophet that guides me through the turmoil and hardships of life.

5. My in-laws. Compared to most, they are not all that bad. Yeah, they pressure Bryan and I into providing grand-kids quite often, but they are great examples of how to make the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of your life. They are full of wisdom and knowledge, and for that I am grateful.

6. My job. I love my job. Even on those days when I haven't had a restful night or am working with the most difficult patient, I do love my job.

7. Modern medicine. I recently had a pretty difficulty surgery (it was elective, so it was my fault for choosing to go through with it), but I am grateful for pain medications that helped me eat jell-o and popsicles for the 14 day recovery.

8. My health. I have never really had any significant health issues, which I am indeed grateful for.

9. Katie and Ryan Whipple. I would be homeless without you guys. They are like our family away from home. Bryan and I are so grateful they put up with us!

10. My church calling. I am the Primary Pianist. I was a little skeptical on accepting this calling, but have come to find out it is one of the best callings to have. I rarely have to prepare, I hang out behind the piano and just follow the choristers lead. I also get to go to nursery and sing songs with the little kids. That's fun too.

11. Education. I am grateful my parents taught me that education was very important. It has provided me with success and happiness.

12. Transportation. I am grateful I have a very nice car (2007 Subaru Outback) that gets me to Houston and back on one tank of gas. I have been "blessed" or "cursed" with 2 minor accidents in the past month and am grateful for my own car. I relied on friends to get me to work because our insurance didn't have rental tagged onto it.

13. Service men and women. We don't realize the beauty of living in the United States until we step out of the country. I am grateful for all the soldiers that sacrifice their lives for our freedoms. I work alongside many amazing men and women.

14. Completing my cross stitch project. My mother gave me a picture of Jesus to cross stitch for Christmas 2009 to help occupy my time. It has taken me 20 months to complete this project and I am soo glad to be done!

15. Laser Hair Removal. I have been getting treatments for over a year now and I have really enjoyed the outcome.

16. Winning. I was the closest contestant to guess how many candy corn were in a jar at Rain, Skin and Body (my laser hair removal business). I won a free laser hair removal treatment!

17. Renters. We put our house up for rent in June and found a nice couple in our Houston ward that signed a 2 year contract. I am grateful they keep the house nice because we put so much effort into it over the past 3 years. It is also a money relief.

18. Missionaries. I was talking to my mom the other day about the missionaries and she said that in Utah they rarely see missionaries. I am so grateful that we have so many in this area and that they have had such great success in reactivating families and finding converts. They truly are an asset to our ward.

19. Internet. I love keeping up with my friends, shopping, looking up crafts and recipes on pinterest, and chatting with Bryan and family on skype. Oh, and watching tv on hulu.

20. Friends. I have some pretty amazing friends all over the globe. I only wish I was able to keep in touch with them better.

21. Chocolate.

22. Temples. I really shouldn't say how far the temple is from my home because there are many with longer routes. I have only been to the temple once this year, which is pretty saddening. I love to go to the temple with Bryan. There is such peace in fulfilling those covenants.

23. Phones. My touch screen gave out last week and I had no way of communicating with work or Bryan. I felt so afraid and unable to go on with my life. I am grateful for the Sprint guy who hooked me up with a brand new phone for $40 without signing a contract!

24. Good books and movies

25. Warm weather. I know we had like 70+ days of 100 degree weather in Texas, but now that its been in the 50 and 60 degree range, I really miss those warm, sunny, windless days. How will I survive Utah or Korea?

26. Alarm systems. It makes me feel safe when I am home all alone.

27. Brigham Young University. It really is a great university. The professors really do care about the success of their students. How do I convince my children to go here?

28. Kohl's. I love their clothes. I love their prices. I especially love getting a $10 coupon off anything $10 or more. I just bought $58 dollar jeans for $19.50 -crazy good!

29. Nicely paved roads. They are hard to come by.

30. Scrapebooks and photos. It is kind of a love/hate relationship. The finished product is the best; working up to it is not the best. I love looking at all the things I have done or that Bryan and I have done over the years, whether it be through my journal, blog, scrapebook, or digital photos. By far, this has been a great year for the Ahlborn's. We shall see what 2012 has in store for us!