Gratitude Journal Continued

Why I am grateful for Michelle

I am grateful for Michelle’s purity and faith.

I personally have been strengthened by her pure, childlike faith over the years.

Michelle has the ability to perceive and discern truth, and to follow it in order to walk rightly.

I am grateful for her ability to create beautiful things, and her ability to follow instructions to repair or build things.

She is very intelligent and she uses this intelligence to plan wisely, to remember details, and to improve things.

She is very perceptive.

I am grateful that Michelle has chosen to focus her skills on being a mother at this time, and I can see clearly the benefits that Toby receives from her devoted care.

I am grateful that Michelle has found her soul mate and is finding joy with him in building a family together.

I am grateful that she is creating a gospel centered home, and that she is an example to others by following gospel teachings and receiving the blessings of obedience in her life.

I have the deepest respect and admiration for her.

Why I am grateful for Caryn

I love Caryn’s exuberant spirit.

I am grateful for her ability to connect to people.

Caryn has a strong talent for communication and is willing and able to take control of a situation and create organization out of people chaos.

I am grateful that she and I can talk openly about many subjects.

I am grateful for her companionship as we have taken temple trips together.

It has helped me become comfortable going to the temple again.

I am grateful for her talents, which are many, such as music, photography, teaching, and being a good friend.

I appreciate her determination, and admire the way she goes after what she wants and achieves it, without needing outside prompting or encouragement. She is a self starter and finisher.

Caryn has a way of making many people of differing backgrounds feel accepted and a part of her circle.

She has always been a person who has challenged the status quo, and marched to the beat of the drum that she hears.

I will always expect great things from her.

Why I am grateful for Kyle

I feel a great debt of gratitude to Kyle for picking up much of the burden over the last 6 years that Kirby hasn’t been able to fully carry since he has been working overseas.

I am grateful for the many practical skills that Kyle brings to the table such as mechanical knowledge, carpentry skills, welding, driving, and other skills that have proven to be so valuable to our family.

I am grateful for his willingness to work hard, and to be precise and careful with his work.

I am grateful for his generosity of spirit and his willingness to give of his time for the benefit of others.

I am grateful for the example he is to his siblings and his friends and for the light he holds up, which is his faith in Jesus Christ and his determination to follow Him.

I am grateful that he is finding success in his employment, and I look forward to watching him continue to succeed in many areas of his life in the future as he continues on the path he has set for himself.

Why I am grateful for Bethany

I am grateful for Bethany’s helpful and kind attitude.

I am grateful for her desire to gain knowledge and to challenge herself.

I am grateful for her true compass that always seems to point her towards good works and productive ends.

I am grateful that she is anxiously involved in doing good and has a desire to serve God and others around her.

I am grateful for her happy spirit and joyful ways.

I am grateful that she comes to me to share her experiences and to ask questions.

People are drawn to Bethany, because she personifies goodness. She has a true and honest heart, and a pure love towards others.

I am honored to be her mom.

Why I am grateful for Meagan

I am grateful that Meagan likes to be home—like me.  She is a comfort and help to me.

Meagan has helped me so many times to teach 3^rd graders, or to do a project I needed to do for Young Women’s, or for a family reunion, etc.

She is amazing with little children.

She takes care of Diesel.

Meagan has so many talents, mainly self taught, that I am repeatedly amazed at her ability to gain such proficiency through simply developing an interest and investing time. These interests include drawing and painting, both traditional and computer aided, computer animation, playing the piano, movie and story critiquing, even shooting and taking apart guns, or running a chop saw. Her interests are varied and wherever her mind leads her—she can develop proficiency.

I remember being surprised when she, on multiple occasions (including her confirmation blessing as I recall) was promised by priesthood power that she would become an influence in her community, but I am no longer surprised, only waiting to see that promise fulfilled as she continues to develop these wonderful talents that she has.

Why I am grateful for Becci

I am grateful for Becci’s determination and for her independent spirit.

I am grateful that Becci has a strong will and is not intimidated by others.

Becci does not back down from what she believes to be right.

She will defend others from injustice, and will, without hesitation, step up and step in to help someone in need.

Becci has a talent for having fun and enjoying life.

People are drawn to her for her bright happy spirit and her beautiful smile.

Becci has been tested in her youth in difficult ways, and has come through her tests with stronger faith and more wisdom.

I trust Becci to make good decisions and to follow them through, because she wants to do right, and to learn and grow in truth.  She has good desires.

Becci is like the cherry on top—like an added bonus on a bowl of ice-cream, in that she tops off the family with a bright, shiny, pretty flourish, and give us an extra measure of pure pizzaz!

I love to see her take on the world.

Why I am grateful for Shantel

It is wonderful, as a mother, to see your children find spouses who complete them, and who have complimentary talents and desires.

I am grateful that this has happened for Michael.

I am grateful for Shantel’s persistence and determination in pursuing her goals.

She doesn’t seem to weary or falter.

She dedicates her time to those pursuits that are the most valuable to her, and she has prioritized her family and her children-- first to obtain the children in the first place, and then to make sure that every effort is being made to aid their progress and enrich their lives.

Surely God is pleased with her dedicated service and determination.

I am grateful for Shantel’s example of courage, pure faith and love, and for her commitment to her family, both her immediate, and her extended family.

She has been, and is, a blessing and example in my life, and in our family.

Why I am grateful for Sammy

I’ve liked Sammy since the first time I met him.

I always thought he and Caryn would make a good team.

I like Sammy’s quiet strength, and his steadiness.

I am grateful for his desires to do good works and to be fair and honest.

Sammy is not afraid to work hard.  He sees what needs to be done and he does it.

Sammy gives back to people and he is loyal.

Sammy looks for ways to make improvements in his life, and then he implements these improvements.

Sammy is observant.  He pays attention.

I am grateful for Sammy’s honesty, integrity, and patience.

I am grateful that Sammy has a true compass that helps him find his way—which compass is the Light of Christ.  I am grateful that he has learned to follow that compass, because it has taken him out of darkness into light, and as he continues to follow that light, he will find that it will never fail him.

Why I am thankful for Emmett

I have to admit, it was a little weird when I first met Emmett, because he and Michelle were so well suited--so much alike in mannerism and expression that it was very evident, strikingly so--and quite surprising.

I am grateful that Michelle has clearly found her soul mate.

I am grateful for the way Emmett treats Michelle and Tobit.

I am grateful that he is loving and kind, and that he clearly treasures them.

I am grateful that Emmett works hard to provide for his family and has made it possible for Michelle to be a full time mom.

I am grateful that Emmett honors his priesthood, and makes church duties a priority.

I am grateful for Emmett’s talents, which are many—such as computer programming, cooking, and communication skills.

I am grateful that Emmett clearly treasures his extended family, and is anxious to serve and help others.

I am confident that Emmett will lead his family well, and be a great husband and father.