Thankful

So with the month of November brings thoughts of gratitude. I have a dear friend who had decided to post one thing each day of the month that she is thankful for. I think it is awesome idea and want to to the same, but I know myself too well....and I wouldn't be able to do it! I do however, want to express some of my feelings and thoughts on the blessings that I have in my life. I was reading a book to Garrett yesterday called, "The Most Thankful Thing." It is a cute story of a daughter trying to figure out what her mom's most thankful thing is. The little girl goes through her mom's scrapbooks and see lots of pictures of great things that has happened in her life. With each one, she asks her mom, "Is this your most thankful thing?" The mom answers her with how wonderful each of them is, but that there is something even better than it. It ends with the picture of the mom holding the daughter in the hospital when she was just a few minutes old. The daughter's eyes get big as she looks at her mom and discovers that SHE is her mom's most thankful thing. I of course cried as I read it to Garrett and so many memories and feelings flooded my heart.

I agree with that book, there is nothing else that I am more thankful for than being a mother. Especially to the amazing son that I have. I really do look at him everyday and think about how miraculous it is that I gave birth to him and that he is mine....FOREVER! He is amazing to me in so many ways and is growing up so quickly. I feel blessed that I get to be with him everyday to help him learn about the gospel and the wondrous world that we live in. His sweet tender, "I love you mommy" and "I'm sorry mommy" melt my heart. To hear that he cried the other night to Colin when I wasn't home yet because he was worried about made me want to never leave him.

It is easy in this life to forget the things that we are blessed with and our focus is on what we don't have. I really have tried hard to look at those things that are dearest to me and to be more aware of how they bless my life daily. My lucky number must be NINE.....

My sweet, sweet Grandma turned NINE-ty this last summer. She is such an amazing person. She is funny, creative, thoughtful, giving, and so much more! I am so grateful for the example she is to me in so many ways and hope everyday that I can be more like her.

At the end of September, we participated in the annual diabetes walk. I have had diabetes now for over NINE years! I can't believe it has been that long, but almost don't remember life without it. I have really struggled lately with my diabetes with the classic, "WHY ME?" I am coming to understand that Heavenly Father has BLESSED me with this disease. This blessing is helping me take care of my health. This blessing is helping me teach others about the disease. This blessing is helping me become closer to Christ as He is the only one the understands what I am going through and the everyday struggles that I have.

My dear husband. We have known each other for over NINE years now! I can't believe that we have been married for eight! He sacrifices so much for our family. He works hard, is an amazing dad, and is a caring and supportive husband! I love you!