Joe's List of Thanksgiving

1.  I am thankful for Linda. I love all those linda-isms... they make me laugh.  I don't think there ever was a truer friend than she.   I am thankful that we were able to meet, that Providence stepped in and made my life oh so much better because of her.
2.  I am thankful for Zachary, my firstborn.   His feet are bigger than mine now.  Soon he will pass me in height, the years just move all too quickly.  Only five years until he leaves on his mission.  I too love to see him sign me I love you when I take him to school.
3.  I am thankful for Kaija, my little girl growing up so fast.  She has so many talents, and so many good aspirations.  I love to make her laugh uncontrollably, it is amusing, you'll have to try it.
4.  I am thankful for my little Bella, who loves for Dad to take her up to bed every night.  Those puppy dog eyes, and sad face make me melt.  I love her clever way of making ordinary stuff into little rooms for all those pollys and littlest pet shop critters.
5.  I am thankful for Eli, who wants to be called Eli Joe, because his Dad is Joe.  Who wants me to sit by him at every meal, and likes every thing I like- including gjetost (norwegian goat cheese).  Try it, you might like it too.
6.  I am thankful for little Spencer, who totally proves to me that we come with more knowledge and understanding of life than we know.  He is a great gift given to us, and I thank my God for his precious little soul.
7. I am thankful for goodly parents who love the Gospel, and love me.  They have given all so that I might have all.  What better examples of Christ can there be than parents who sacrifice their lives for us?  I hope that one day, my children will rise up and call me blessed.
8.   I am thankful for the God of my soul, that he knows who I am, and has shown great patience on my behalf.  I am thankful that he sent his Son to earth and gave us a gift that allows us to be like him.  I am thankful for the Savior.