I'm Thankful

It's been a busy few weeks and I didn't want any more time to pass by before I wrote a few of the many things I am thankful for.

-A husband who works so hard, really, so hard. Sometimes I think if I had to do his job I might just curl up in corner and wait/pray for it to all be over. Seriously, he gets up at 4 am and sometimes doesn't get home until well after 8pm. On those nights when we're lucky enough to have him home before the kids go to bed he never utters a word about how tired he is and he is always happy to read stories, play ball or just be patient with all the chaos. I love him!

-Our three beautifully perfect (to me of course) children. They teach me so much about love and patience every day. I'm grateful they were entrusted to me.

-A warm cozy house even if it does have it's little quirks. I'm sure I will miss them someday--and then again, maybe not.

-A temple marriage to a wonderful man. I knows just how to love me.

-A job. Even though I don't work much at all these days. I'm grateful "my foot" is still in the door. And, for the chance I have to dabble in photography. It really is such an outlet for me and gives me such a sense of accomplishment.

-My mom. She has saved me so many times. She is my best friend.

-A washer and dryer. Despite my extreme distaste for laundry I really am grateful I don't have to drag it all to a laundromat with three kids in tow. It's hard enough to get done at home when I have all day.

-Smiles and hugs. I love them.

-Children who love each other. Don't get me wrong. They can fight like cats and dogs, but when they're sweet to each other it really makes me melt. It seems as they're getting older they are starting to have more "private" little conversations between them that are "not for mommy."
I hope they are always close.

-Food. I love it. Enough said.

-For a little boy who constantly tells me how much he loves me. "Mommy, I love you so much!" And then he wraps his tiny little arms around my neck and just squeezes. Gives me little goose bumps just thinking about it.

-Showers and primping products. You should be to if you know me or you could be easily frightened.

-A daughter who is wiser than her age. Who will be my best friend someday. She is kind and helpful. She is witty and smart. She is soo good to remind me of all things "church." "Mom, it's Monday we need to have Family Home Evening." We have a little chore chart for her and reading scriptures is part of her evening chores. One night we got home really late and I just wanted to put her to bed. She reminded me of how we needed to read scriptures. When I told her it was too late and we would do it tomorrow she just started to sob. "Jesus, will be so sad mom." I love her.

-Chore charts. They're brilliant!

-Repentance and forgiveness. Especially as a mother. It seems I resolve to do something better every day and then inevitably I don't. Awww, maybe one day.

-The beauty that surrounds me each day. I feel very blessed. I really am in awe at how beautiful this world is.

-A baby that lights up the room with his cheeky little grin. He is the most adorable thing to me in this world. I love that he loves me unconditionally. I'm all he has and he trusts me. It's a wonderful feeling.

- So much great family. My own little one, the one I came from, the one Todd came from... it all becomes even more important to me as I get older and as I watch my kids grow up knowing they are loved so unconditionally by so many.

- The Savior. My knowledge of his sacrifice, and his love for me and my family. It is most dear to my heart. As I look over my list, I realize none of it would be possible without Him.

-Music. I love it. I have always loved it. I love that my children love to fall asleep to it. I love the mood it can put me in.

- Just being happily content with my life. Sure, I would like some things different. But, at the end of every day as I'm laying in bed thinking I can't help but feel at peace.