Thankful to be thankful-Week 1

So back to the I love holidays thing. I love Thanksgiving! It is definitely not because of the food because that is really just one day. It is because of the gratitude that I feel the entire month as I try to concentrate on all of my blessings. Our family has a tradition where every night at dinner we write down one thing we are thankful for on a leaf and put it on our Thankful Tree. I love this tradition! It has become one of my favorites because I get to see the little things be thought of and my home has a special spirit the entire month because we are really focusing on our blessings. So, I've decided that this should definitely be included in this here bloggy. I fully intended to blog about our blessings everyday but obviously that's not going to happen, so I'm going to do it weekly. So here's the first week of all of our blessings, with my thoughts on each a little expanded.

11/1-
Ben-Family, Cyndi-My Grandpa Jensen, Skylar-school, Nick-Family, Kade-treats

One of the last pictures I took of my Grandpa, at the ripe old age of 102, with little baby Nicky

I don't think I'd have such a strong desire to celebrate Thanksgiving all month long without the example of my wonderful, amazing Grandpa Jensen. The last five years since he passed away have kind of been bittersweet. Each November I especially miss him and miss the annual Thanksgiving letter that he sent out to all of his family and friends. Yup, Thanksgiving letter. He did not send a Christmas one. He sent out a letter each year to let everyone know of his gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all of his blessings. I am so thankful that I was included as one of his blessings and that he is one of mine. He was such a loving, amazing example of someone who was really trying to be like our Savior. I love him and miss him.

11-2-
Ben-My wife, Cyndi-my Ben, Skylar-the Mailes, Nick-Jesus, Kade-family
My Ben. I just love this man. He is such a wonderful husband, father, person. He really hates when I gush all over him, especially on my blog, so I will make it short and simple. I love him more than I have ever found the words to say and am so thankful that I get to be with him for the rest of forever.

11/3-

Ben-A job, Cyndi-Cammi, Skylar-Mom, Nick-Heavenly Father, Kade-Jesus

Cammi, Ben & Jessi-out to celebrate their November birthdays

Cammi is my wonderful mother-in-law. Today was her birthday. When I first married Ben I was pretty sure that the only thing I had in common with her was that we both loved Ben. Over the years I have grown to really love this woman that has overcome so much and is still such a good person. She is so thoughtful of us and is such a fun, caring grandma to my children and really makes an effort to let them know they are loved. Happy Birthday Cammi!!

11/4-

Ben-Friends, Cyndi-Stephanie, Skylar-Nick, Nick-Pets, Kade-Gordon (his most-loved buddy)

My mom & sister, Stephanie

Stephanie is my most awesome sister. Today was her birthday. Stephanie is the greatest! She has always been such a great big sister (minus all the mega fights when we were growing up!) She has always been my greatest example to follow and one of my best friends. I pretty much listen to every piece of advice she gives me, which sometimes drives Ben crazy. She is a wonderful mother and friend with an amazing testimony of the gospel. Happy Birthday Steph!!

11/5-
Ben-Trees, Cyndi-Skylar, Skylar-Kade, Nick-Food, Kade-Eyes
My sweet Skylar is amazing! She has always been a great example to me in her teeny body. Ever since her baptism last week, I have noticed how much she is really striving to do everything that is right. She has an amazing spirit of faith, love, and excitement for being alive. She loves to learn about everything. She is such a great big sister and helps me so much. I love you Sky!!

11/6-
Ben-Sun, Cyndi-Alexis, Skylar-Dad, Nick-the world, Kade-Baby LexiI am so thankful that Alexis is a part of our family. She is such a beautiful little girl with such a sweet personality. She brings so much love into our home with her quick smiles and happy heart. Most people don't really get to see her personality shine through since she is afraid of everyone but she really is such a sweetheart, always ready to give a hug and a sloppy smooch. I love you Lex!!
11/7-

Ben-the Holy Ghost, Cyndi-Beautiful fall weather, Skylar-Alexis, Nick-trees, Kade-Big sister, Sky

The beautiful view of Mt. Timp from my front door. I love where I live!!

Today the weather was just beautiful! We were able to spend most of the day outdoors preparing our home for the upcoming winter and just soaking in the warm autumn sun and beauty of this season. I feel truly blessed to have the change of seasons to enjoy. Sometimes I just wish fall wouldn't have to change into winter since I'm not too huge of a fan of winter but I do love fall! I love the crunch of leaves on the ground, all of the beautiful colors, and the little crisp feeling in the air.