Whats "Tuna" Got To Do With It ???

Ok so I am posting rather early today. Lately  I haven't been sleeping well and I find myself laying in bed awake for a few hours thinking about anything and everything. Tonight when I awoke I felt an amazing amount of peace around me. I started thinking about who I am and how I have come to be the person I am today and how I have so much more work to do, but reassured that I am on the right path.

So this is where the "Tuna" comes in.

I am thankful for growing up in a small home with lots of siblings where the money was tight (most of my growing up years). My parents taught me how to make the best of a situation. My Mom made the best Tuna Casserole, she taught me to cook with minimal ingredients using spices / seasonings. I remember seeing my mom clip coupons to save a little here and there.  I have learned the value of a "good deal", or a "Big Sale". I am thankful for my Dad for his desire to continue to learn and improve in his building / craftsmanship. I had an amazing doll house every little girl would dream of. I am thankful for my Mom and always trying to help us stay in fashion on a dime, her late night sewing and late night fittings (I didn't always stand so still). I also remember seeing my mom on her knees by her bed in tears asking for help. I am thankful for the visits I did with my Dad to check on families in our church. I am thankful for the meals Mom would prepare for another family in need and we would just eat another "Tuna Casserole" or pancakes. I am thankful for the constant remodeling that took place in our home. Where I learned to use tools and how to swing a hammer. I still remember the time when we were re-roofing our house and I believe it was July (but it was summer time at least) and the roof was exposed Dad and Mom went to Home Depot and my cousin Aaron and I were swimming in my neighbors pool. When all of a sudden dark clouds came over us and it started to sprinkle. I remember glancing at the roof completely exposed and looked at Aaron and told him we have to get the roof covered. I am sure Aaron thought I was crazy, but we managed to cover the entire roof with tarps. By the time we were done covering the roof the sprinkle turned into a complete down pour.When my parents pulled up I had never seen my Dad sooo happy, he was so surprised that I would have thought of it, but to me it was a no brainer. I am thankful for learning the value of work at such a young age, I learned quickly that if I want more than I have then I have to work / earn it. I am thankful for all the little jobs that led to bigger jobs. I am thankful for all my siblings for each of them teaching me, for showing me love even if at the time I didn't think so. Ron taught me the value in learning and reading, Heather taught me how to clean and what it was like to be in High School at 5, Eric taught me the power of perseverance and to never take no for an answer. Mike taught me that it's ok to stand out in crowd by choosing the right, Kristen gave me friendship no matter what - she taught me the value of listening, Andrew taught me that having a little brother was far better than a little sister even though I experienced Barbie massacre because of him and Patrick... maybe I was supposed to have learned patience! I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters that have married into our family. Michael has taught me to laugh even when I have an "attitude problem", Veronica has demonstrated love, Suzy has taught that it is ok to have a bad day (but it's better with a snickers bar and a 64oz drink), Jenna has taught me to be strong and to be positive and she is demonstrating this to me once again, Jeff has taught me to find humor in small things (AFHV), Taylor I know I don't know you well but you are teaching me courage because you are demonstrating that by marrying into this family :)  Thank you for loving my brother! I am thankful for opportunities I have had to develop talents at home, school and church. I am thankful for the understanding of who I am , a daughter of a wonderful Heavenly Father that has blessed me with divine qualities. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement, I am not perfect and I have seen how the Atonement is for me too (not just for everyone else but me). I am thankful for my growing up years not being perfect / ideal - for teaching me life lessons.  I am thankful for how our family takes on challenges, and how we have grown even closer after moving away from that small house on Pershing Ave. I feel I am a better Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Grandaughter, Niece, Friend (do I have it all covered?)

I am Thankful for "Tuna"!

Love to all Tamra
Ps. I now have 20 min before geting kids up ready for school ... yay me!