Hard Working Men...

Due to some recent events and Thanksgiving this week I've been thinking a lot about some of the things I'm very grateful for. Among the top of my list are the great men I've been blessed with to have in my life. I will start with my dad because without him I wouldn't be here. :) My dad has always been a very humble hardworking man. I have learned the value of hard work and integrity from him. He has always been a man of his word and a man of faith. My word has always been a big deal to me(I have a hard time even telling little white lies to surprise someone.) I think I must have picked up that quality from my dad. He has always lived within his means and has always been able to provide for our family of nine without ever paying a penny of interest on a credit card or auto loan(as far as I know anyway.) If there was anything he really wanted he would do side jobs until he saved enough money to buy it. Sometimes he would save for a really long time! :) He has always put the Lord first and has served in numerous church callings including being a Bishop. He is usually pretty quiet(unless you get him going with his jokes or something he is really interested in.) We are also a lot alike in this way. This past week I got a special delivery from my dad. He has spent countless hours making all of us a cedar chest. I think it is pretty safe for me to say that when it comes to wood working and his projects he is a perfectionist so I know he spent a lot of time on these. I love it! I also have to admit I'm the same way. If I'm going to commit to doing anything I go full out(again probably something I got from him.) Here are some pictures of my new favorite thing...

On the very bottom I found this little message that he left for me(he didn't mention it and left it to be found.)

Dad, I know I'm not very good at expressing my feelings and find it a little easier to do in writing so I just want to tell you thank you so much for this "Treasure", it will always hold a special place in my life. I especially want to thank you for being such an unwavering man of faith and having such devotion to your family. You have been the best example of integrity and unconditional love that I could have ever asked for!

I couldn't talk about the men in my life without talking about my husband. He is also such a hardworking man and is completely dedicated to our little family. He recently lost his job and instead of sitting around stressing out he was gone the next morning at 7am doing miscellaneous jobs to make money. I've known since I met him that he takes pride in his work(have you seen our vehicles, yard, garage, fish tank, etc.) and would do whatever it took to make ends meet. He has built up a pretty strong clientele that only want him to train them so they are following him wherever he goes. We are so grateful for them! He is one of the most productive people I know and is always busy doing something. He has always dealt with change really well, almost embracing it, which I admire! I'm the opposite, I fight change tooth and nail. He is also a very good communicator and people find it very easy to talk to him. He is a great motivator and puts up with me no matter how stubborn I'm being(I know, most of you can't believe I'm stubborn but it's true.) We are really optimistic about the future and think that his job change will be a blessing.

Steve, Again you already know I'm not good at expressing my feelings but I want to tell you how much I love you and what a strength you are to me. You are an amazing dad and husband! I am so grateful for all your hard work and everything you do for me and the kids!

I can't talk about blessings without mentioning my mom and siblings. They are truly my best friends! I am so grateful for my kids and am amazed every day at the joy they bring into my life. I am grateful for all our wonderful friends and the kind of people we associate with on a daily business. I am also extremely grateful to live in this country(as scary as it might be right now) and for the gospel and the knowledge of the plan of salvation. Last but certainly not least I'm very grateful for my Brother Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of family and yummy food!