Gratitude!

So this is the story of my life. I get these really great ideas and start out strong then get too distracted to follow through. Notice I said distracted not busy. So I should be on like "Gratitude 20" or something but I fell off the wagon...I have so much to be grateful for. The things I have chosen are probably the minor things but I am equally grateful for those as the big three, the Gospel, my family and my friends.

I am grateful for the Gospel in my life. It has brought me such peace and happiness. I have a more positive look on life. It may be because I can say with success or failures I know the my savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, love me unconditionally. This isn't to say that I am perfect at reading my scriptures daily or saying my prayers on any sort of consistent basis because I am pretty lousy in both areas. None the less they both love me and care for me a great deal. I can tell by the little things that pop into my head that will either keep me and my family safe or maybe make my life a little easier. I am grateful for the atoning sacrifice of my Savior. Through him it is possible to be forgiven of all my mistakes...ALL of them! What a great time of year to focus on gratitude!

The next is my family. I am thankful for my beautiful children. I still love to stare at them in awe wondering what I did to deserve them. The put a smile on my face and make me laugh at least once a day. They, like me, are not perfect, but I would not even dream of trading them. I am grateful for my husband. He is a man that makes me want to be a better person even when I am feeling rebellious and don't want to progress towards goodness. Not that I want to be bad, just stagnant. He is a great example of one who follows what he is taught. He is willing to serve at the drop of a hat and he is willing to do so in such a way that sometimes allows little sleep for himself. He is still in school so he gets up while we all still sleep, then he exercises, followed by studying, then goes to work. He chooses this so he doesn't take time away from me or the kids. I love him so much. I could not think of a better example for our children!

Lastly, this seems kind of cliche but I am grateful for friends (family can fall into this category as well!). I have this group of amazing girlfriends that are always willing to hang out or do something fun. They typically are willing to go along with whatever crazy scheme I am up to (and Jeremy is usually willing to help me clean up the house and take the kids so I can do them!). They make me feel like I am doing an OK job at being a mom and wife by saying nice things. As the years have passed some have moved away and I miss having them close but know our friendship is still there.

And truly last! I am grateful to be alive! I know times are hard and you see people loosing so much, their jobs, their homes, their family...I know that there are trials that seem like they are too much to bear but I am grateful for them, they make one's testimony stronger! (Not that I am asking for one of those!) It is through those hard times that you can see the love of the Savior as well as those around you so much more clearer.

I hope you all have a fabulous day of gratitude and tell those that you love how much you appreciate them! Thanks for reading!