Days of Gratitude

Happy post-holidays! We hope you were all able to spend time with your loved ones! I am trying to be more grateful, so bear with me.

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer."
(Click here for the full talk from President Uchtdorf).

1. I am grateful when Mickey splashes water all over the counters, floor, and himself when washing dishes with me. It means we have clean water to wash dishes with and, more importantly, that Mickey is willing to help and work with me.

2. I am grateful for the trial of not knowing where we're going to live or work next month. It is very stressful, but it is helping us to find strength together, to find a greater capacity within ourselves, and to turn more to our Heavenly Father. (There's a new video about this here).

3. I am grateful when sick children wake me up in the middle of the night. It means I get to spend at least one more moment of time with my precious Littles in this world where life is so fragile. It also means I get to hear Mikey say "thank you" when he's mostly asleep and I help adjust him to breathe more easily.

4. I am grateful when the Mr gets up early to play ball, even when he wakes up the boys or can't stay to help Mickey go back to sleep while I feed Goose. It gives him the exercise he needs and helps him be happy.

5. I am grateful for a job, even though it is far from family. It will give us a chance to learn and grow and have a new adventure.

6. I am grateful when it's a little chilly in the mornings. It's still warmer than what our grandparents had to live with in winter.

7. I am grateful when Goose falls asleep in my arms.

8. I am grateful when we get to visit friends and say goodbye. I know I will see them sometime-even if it's not until the next life.

9. I am grateful that we finally have a place to live in where we're going.

10. I am grateful when I am sick, sore, or in pain. It reminds me how amazing my body is and how much I take it for granted.