Be Grateful

Z

2011-12-08T22:02:00.001-08:00

I'm grateful for Zion. Zion is the pure in heart, which is hopefully where we're all headed. I'm at least grateful for something to aspire to, even if I have a long way to go.

Y

2011-12-03T21:17:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for Years. For the ones I have been given on earth, for the ones I have been given with my children, and for nearly 6 years with my man. I am grateful for the passage of years, which bring growth, knowledge, and understanding. It is funny to me when people say they are so sad that their kids are growing up because for me, each new phase brings new adventures and happiness. I love watching them get bigger and learn and love. I know maybe one day I'll look back and be sad that they're not little, but for now I'm happy to see the years pass and to enjoy the moments I have been given.

X

2011-12-02T20:49:00.001-08:00

"It's not even November anymore!" I know what you're thinking. :o) But, as Monica/Monana would say"at least I'm doin it!"

So X....... Dear sweet X. I sort of hate this letter now. Here's what I came up with, lame as it is. X-men. I'm grateful for the x men movies, particularly the 3rd one, The Last Stand. It came out in 2006, the summer after mike and I were married. I couldn't have cared less about it, but my cute hubbs really wanted to go. I guess I've just loved it since then because it gave me my first glimpse of Mikes love for all things comic book/ nerdy/ sci-fi. I'd never seen it before because he's also fun, socially adept, and somewhat athletic. But its true: He's a dork. And I loved him more for it. And I still do.

W

2011-11-29T12:57:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for Water. It seems like a stupid thing to list on a blog, but I am grateful for it for more than just it's life giving power. First, I'm grateful because I think it's something we take for granted in our day. Millions of people have died, or are still dying due to contaminated water, or lack of water. I am so lucky to be able to turn on a faucet to drink and wash and live. It's amazing.
Second, and less important, is that my son LOVES playing in water. I can stand him up at the bathroom sink and he will play for hours. It gives me a momentary pause in my day, and keeps him happy and occupied. It honestly has been my saving grace on more than one day. He also loves baths, and I am grateful that I can throw him in there and wash the gunk off him easily.
Third, (again, really not important) I L.O.V.E. baths. With bubbles or without, I don't care. I just love being warm and cozy and weightless. I am oh, so grateful for this luxury.

V

2011-11-27T20:19:00.001-08:00

I know............ I'm late. Oops! I got so cautght up in having my amazing parents here for Turkey day that the grateful blog was neglected.

V! I am so thankful for my Vincent family! I have loved getting to know Mike's family over the past 6 years and I'm thankful for thier influence in my life. They are tons of fun! I love camping at the beach every summer. I love the chocolate line at Christmas. I love having grandparents again, since mine passed away when I was young. Mostly, I just love knowing them and getting to be part of thier family.

U

2011-11-20T19:22:00.001-08:00

I'm thankful for Understanding. I'm grateful for empathy, sympathy, understanding, and compassion. I'm grateful I have been able to have some understanding of what other people are dealing with, but mostly I'm grateful for other peoples understanding and forgiveness of my shortcomings. God was so good to give us the advice to "mourn with those who mourn" because it is truly a necessity for me while going through a trial. I need someone there to listen. I'm grateful for those people in my family and my friends who have helped me (and forgiven me) when I needed it.

T

2011-11-20T19:17:00.001-08:00

I'm so grateful for Thanksgiving! I love the Thanksgiving holiday and I love how much it makes me think about my blessings. One of the greatest things about thanksgiving is the excuse I have to party with my family. My parents are coming to our house this year, so it will be a small celebration, but oh, so cozy and fun. I am thankful for this holiday because it is a wonderful reason every year to stop, count my blessings, be with family, and eat fantastic food. What more could you want?

S

2011-11-19T22:09:00.001-08:00

I'm grateful for Skype!

I LOVE having the technology to videochat with our families! Especially Mike's parents/siblings who are so far away from us. We love them so much (I'm missing them lately if you can't tell), and I'm glad that my kids can see them and talk to them. I need to get my booty in gear and do it more often!

R

2011-11-19T21:53:00.001-08:00

I'm grateful for the knowledge I have of a wonderful and glorious Resurrection through Jesus Christ my Savior. There is no greater gift.

Q

2011-11-19T21:26:00.001-08:00

Not gonna lie.

Q has been givin' me fits.

It's taken me a while to come up with something, but I think I've come up with a good one. I'm grateful for Questions. Along with questions, I am grateful for my questioning nature. I don't usually take things at face value, and I try not to be swayed by the trend of the moment.

Doesn't always work, but I try.

Questioning others, ourselves, and the world allows us to learn, and isn't that the point of our lives? To learn.... to grow.... do gain knowledge. Most of all, I'm honestly grateful that I've questioned my religion. If I hadn't, I wouldn't know as strongly as I do that it is true.

I still question, and it's a good thing.

P

2011-11-16T19:02:00.001-08:00

The first thing that came to mind when I typed P was PERSONAL TIME! Is that weird? Should I save it for T? But time isn't the same thing as personal time. Wendy time. Non-mommy, non-wifey, non-service, non-church, non-anyoneelsebutme time. Oh, how I cherish time to myself. I really am thankful for a husband who is willing to watch my kids and give me time in the evening to read, soak in a bath, watch mindless TV, and blog. I love talking to people and seeing people, but everybody needs time to give themselves a pedicure, get our hair done, shop, and/or do those things that make us feel good about ourselves. I'm GRATEFUL for personal time.

O

2011-11-15T20:12:00.001-08:00

O. I'm thankful for Opportunity. Life is about taking the opportunities for good that are presented to us. It's also about making our own opportunities, and creating a beautiful life for ourselves and our families. When Mike and I pray at night he always says "We thank thee for the opportunity we have to be here in Colstrip." He's done that with every place we've lived, and every career move he's made. He always makes sure to thank God for the opportunity. I need to take a lesson from Mike's book, because even though we have the agency to decide, isn't God the creator of all opportunity, really?

N

2011-11-15T20:09:00.001-08:00

No, no, NOLAN!

I seem to say this 100 times a day. :) I sure am grateful that I get to, though! Nolan is my joy. Oh, if only you could all know the coolness of this little man. He is SO funny. He is also SO smart and talks up a storm on a daily basis. He can be the biggest sweetie and he can also show you quite a fiery temper, but as you all know- I'm a fan of the feisty ones! My heart is bursting with gratitude to God for the amazing opportunity I've been given to be his mom here on earth. He is one special kid and I know he will be an influence for good in this world.

M

2011-11-13T19:38:00.001-08:00

My man.

My Michael.

My marvelous love muffin.

I think he is the best. I am grateful he is mine and that I am his.

L

2011-11-12T21:54:00.001-08:00

Oh wow.
L.
How can I not be thankful for my Lay family??
I love being a lay girl, and I always have.
I am 6th generation Montanan on my lay side, and dang proud of it! :-)
I have been thinking about my grandma Esther Lay lately and her influence on our whole family. She was an amazing woman and I'm excited to know her better one day in heaven.

K

2011-11-12T21:44:00.001-08:00

I'm grateful for my kitchenaid! Seriously, how did people bake without it? Luckily, I will never have to live that fear. Mine is awesome and I'm thankful for the yummy treats and bread I can make with it.

J

2011-11-12T21:38:00.001-08:00

I'm thankful for my sister Janet. I've been talking to her a lot lately on the phone and I just am so grateful that she is my sister. I never expected us to be super close when we were younger, but we have gotten really close over the past few years since I've been married. I can talk to her about stuff that I can't talk to anyone else about. She is awesome and I look up to her. I wouldn't want any other sis!

I

2011-11-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

I am so incredibly thankful for Ice Cream! Silly, I know. I can't help it. I love having a bowlful of sweet, icy, creamy goodness that fills my heart with love. There really is something comforting about ice cream. I don't use it for break-ups anymore (thankfully) but I stinkin' LOVE it on my bad days.... or good.... or great..... or sad.... or happy..... or pretty much any day.

H

2011-11-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

I am so very grateful for Home. Over the past year and a half the concept of "home" has become..... shall we say..... fluid? I am grateful for the knowledge that I've gained that home is always with me if I have my family. If they are safe and well, then I am home. It's not four walls and windows or a fancy front door. It is a man who stands beside me and two babies who make me smile.

With yet another move looming in the near future, I am grateful that I know where home is

G

2011-11-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for Girls. I love being a girl and everything that goes with it. I like smelling good, I like putting on makeup and gettin' fancy. And I am ever so grateful that I am a mom. I am also eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to be pregnant. Being a girl is great! And I'm thankful that God made me a lady.

F

2011-11-06T18:43:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Family. I know, another no-brainer. But I am truly grateful to God for them. My family is without a doubt, my greatest and most cherished blessing. My children make me happy and give my life meaning and purpose. My husband is my companion, friend, and lover. My parents and siblings give me strength, support, and were the most influential people in helping me become who I am. Words can't explain the blessing that my family is.

E

2011-11-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Today was harder.

(what the heck am I going to do with Q??)

I'm thankful for.........Everything?

Eggs?

Elephants?

Eating?

I couldn't come up with anything I was truly grateful for that started with E.

But then it hit me, Emotions.

Wierd, but true.

I am thankful today that I have vibrant, full, put-it-all-out-there emotions.

I don't hold back, and I'm thankful that God gave me an outlet for my feelings.

Grateful I can cry hard, and laugh loud, and love deep.

'Cause that's just who I am.

And it's good.

D

2011-11-05T22:24:00.001-07:00

Today I'm grateful for Dance. I'm honestly not that good at it, but I love moving my body. I'm grateful I have a little bit of rytham. I love to watch a good dancer and I appreciate how difficult it is to be REALLY good. I'm grateful that my body is functional enough to be able to get up and dance if I want to.

C

2011-11-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

C is for Cecily. DUUUUUUUHHH!!!!

I'm ever so full of happiness and gratitude for my Cecily girl. I could gush about her all day if you let me. She's fun, funny, smart and darling. She comes up with the funniest games and imaginary friends. She gives kisses to Nolan, even after he pulls her hair. She loves talking to people. In the grocery store, in the park, at a restaurant or at church. She'll telly you her life story, if you let her. She forgives easily (which is good for mommy) and her hugs and kisses melt your heart. I'm thankful she's mine.

B

2011-11-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful for Billings. It sounds trite, but I'm grateful for the experiences we had there, for the things I learned, and for what my time there taught me about myself. Its not the prettiest city ever, and we'll most likely never move back, but I'm happy we were there for the little bit of time we were.

A Month of Gratitude

2011-11-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in my gratitude efforts here on this 'lil blog. 11 months and no posts. Not that I haven't had things to be grateful for my life, I've just been writing it down in other places. But!!! I've been seeing friends on facebook who are posting every day until thanksgiving and going from A to Z.

I'm a day behind..... Oops.

But here I start, and I hope I don't forget and get behind. If I do I'll just catch up, I guess :)

So, November 1st: A

I'm thankful for my AUTOMOBILES. Seriously, how cool is it that you can jump in an air tight, steel framed, gas propelled box on rubber wheels and blaze down the road at 80 miles an hour. What took the pioneers MONThS to accomplish can now be done in a few, comfortable days of driving. Its pretty incredible if you think about it.

Change

2010-11-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for change.

The only constant in our lives is change, and the way we adapt to change is what forces us to grow.

To become better. Hopefully, anyway.

I am grateful for the opportunity God gives us on a daily basis to change ourselves.

It's so hard, but little by little, I can do it.

I am grateful for Mike's new job which will force us to change our city, our apartment, our life.

I am grateful for my daughter and son who change and grow and learn on a daily basis, and in doing so, force me to change and grow and learn.

I give thanks for good changes in my life.

More Gratitude

2010-11-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

July was the last time I posted anything on this blog.......... and even then, it was a silly open letters project.

I'll continue that later.

I think it's fun.

Sue me.

Anyway, it's November.

A month where we count our blessings.

Name them one by one.

I'm starting a few days late, but better late than never, I always say.

In fact, I live my life that way.

AAAAAAAAAAAnyway, I'm hopefully going to write lots more this month. Probably won't be every day, but I need to remember why I started this 'lil blog in the first place.

My blessings are many, my problems are few.

So- today I'm grateful for my family. (Duh! Did you honestly think I'd say anything else?) But really, Mike and my babies are my whole life.

No matter what happens, I get to be with them for forever, and that is a good feeling.

I'm grateful that they make me smile.

I'm grateful that they challenge me, even though I hate it sometimes.

I'm grateful that they stick with me, even when I suck at life (which is often).

They are the best.

And they are mine.

And I love them times a million. and a trillion. and a kajillion and one.

An open letter to my best friend

2010-07-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

I think I kinda have lots of best friends. When I was little I really really wanted one true "best" friend who thought I was her best friend too. And we could buy a plastic heart shaped necklace that split into two pieces and one girl could have "best" and the other got "friend".... or BE, FRI and ST, ENDS..... Anyway, the closest thing I got was in 2nd grade when I became really good friends with a girl in my class named Brittney. She and I had the same coat with fur on the hood, except hers was light blue and mine was pink. Then 3rd grade came and we grew apart. Then I got older and had lots of other friends, but nobody to call my best friend. But then I met my future hubbs, and my life got better than it was before. So, even though it's cheesy, here goes:

Mike,
Thanks for being my best friend. You are the one I want to spend all my free time with. You're the one I laugh the most with. You me for who I am and loves me for my flaws. I'd rather hang out and talk with you than anyone. And, even if we're doing nothing, it's still fun.
Remember that time we had a baby girl? That was super cool. And the time we had a baby boy? Also super cool.
I'm glad that you're you and that we get to be besties.
Much love,
Wendell

The Open Letters Project

2010-07-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I begin my open letters for 30 days. Hopefully it will help me focus and set my sights on what is truly important.

Day 1 — Your Best Friend

Day 2 — Your Crush-

Day 3 — Your parents-

Day 4 —Your sibling (or closest relative)-

Day 5 — A celebrity-

Day 6 — A stranger-

Day 7 — An Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush-

Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend-

Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet-

Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to-

 Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to-

Day 12 — A person who helped you develop professionally-

 Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you-

Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from-

Day 15 — Your child or possible future child-

Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state-

Day 17 — Someone from your childhood-

 Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be-

Day 19 — Someone that you think about a lot—good or bad-

 Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest-

 Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression-

 Day 22 — Someone you want to think you're awesome-

 Day 23 — The last person you kissed-

 Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory-

Day 25 — The person you'd like to see right now-

Day 26 — A person you want to be there for-

Day 27 — A person who changed your life for the better-

 Day 28 — Someone that changed your life-

Day 29 — The person whose art has most touched you-

 Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror-

Grateful for Unemployment

2010-06-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, I have had a hard time being grateful lately.

Mike lost his job on the 8th of June, and since then I've had the up and down moods that come with not knowing exactly what your future will bring financially. Some days are diamond - some days are stone, I guess. But lately I've been recognizing so many blessings that I have been forced to turn off my bad mood and be thankful.

This is the most over-used line in all of mormon-dom, but we really have experienced the "tender mercies" of the Lord through this whole ordeal.

I need to list them.

I need to remember them.

I need to take them in and acknowledge how good our life is.

1. About 2 months before Mike got laid off, his company lost two of thier biggest clients and Mike realized that since they were losing so much revenue in the audit department, he was potentially on the chopping block. We talked a little bit about what we would do if Mike actually lost his job. We sorta made a plan, not ever once thinking it would actually happen.

I think it helped prepare me emotionally, if nothing else.

When it happened I was still shocked and didn't have a clue how to implement the tiny plan we had talked about, but at least we had talked. So grateful for that.

2. We didn't buy a house last October. ......need I say more? We had one picked out, preliminary papers signed and we decided it was a no go. HUGE blessing not to have to worry about a mortgage right now.

3. We had a baby BEFORE the insurance ran out.

4. Mike only has 6 months of his MBA left, rather than 1 1/2 years. Mike chose to double up his classes and speed through before he even started. Yay. Only 6 more months until we can apply for jobs OUTSIDE of Utah (as well as in).

5. We had some savings. Not much, but enough. And ps- we NEVER save....... except the few months before Mike was laid off.

6. We have two healthy, amazing, beautiful, bright, fun kids. Believe me, I know that losing a job is NOT the worst thing that could happen.

7. Mike and I are still madly in love.

I'll most likely keep adding to this list as I remember things and editing this post, but for now, 7 is my lucky number. And I feel lucky.

Inspiration

2010-03-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Today I was inspired by this youtube clip of the canadian tenors (the video was put together (obviously) by a canadian patriot organization, but don't worry, I still love the good 'ole U.S. of A.

Here's some of the words which seriously struck a chord with me

where there is hatred, let me bring love

where there is doubt, let me bring faith

where there is falsehood, let me bring truth

where there is pain, I'll comfort you

where there is silence, let me sing grace

where there's despair, let me bring hope

where there is blindness, let me bring sight

where there is darkeness, let me bring light

And with these words I speak

grant that I may not seek to be heard, but to hear

to be consoled, but to console

not to be seen, but to see

to be loved, but to love

though when we give love, we will recieve

when we forgive love, we'll find reprieve

it is in dying, we'll be released

make me an instrument of peace

This is really all I want for my life. Even if it's a small contribution, I hope that I can lift, help, love, and serve. I have so far to go before I am who I want to be.

Grateful for sources of inspiration.

Here's a few of my favorites:

Last Lecture- short version

Create

Helping Hands

2010-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

We were not meant to walk through this life alone.

God designed friendships and families to keep us connected, and we are better because of it.

Sometimes I have a hard time recieving help.

I like to be the helper, but I get prideful and don't want to ask for help, or take it when it's offered.

But, when you have a baby the truth is- you need lots of it.

Today I'm grateful for help.

I hope I can give back a tiny bit of what I've recieved in the years to come.

Thankful for my hubbs. He has put up with A LOT of mood swings throughout my pregnancy, he supported me through labor and delivery, and he continues to be loving throughout the postpardum hormone extravaganza. Love him for it. This was the last picture of us as a family of 3- just before I went to the hospital.

So grateful that my mom could come all the way from MT to help me for a week. Cecily couldn't have asked for a better playmate, and I couldn't have asked for a better mom. So giving and loving and helpful. This is grandkid #21 for her- and she is as excited about him as she was about #1. (and thanks to my daddy for letting her come and missing her for a whole week)

Thankful for the nurses and staff at LDS hospital. Wierd that I don't know any of them personally, but I shared a really personal part of my life with them. Speaking from my experience with Cecily (not as great) it really makes a TON of difference to have a supportive medical team who listens to you and doesn't make you feel like you don't know what's going on with your own body. The whole staff was fab. Loved it.

I don't have any pictures............

but I'm also grateful for the meals, the phonecalls and the love and prayers from neighbors, relatives, friends, ward members, and loved ones.

Sometimes it's ok to accept help and give up the "I can do it myself" mentality. It has blessed me over the past week, and hopefully I am a bit more humble and grateful in the future.

2009

2010-01-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for 2009. Here are some of the reasons:

I got pregnant in 2009. Anyone who says that creating life isn't a miracle is seriously crazy (or sadly misinformed). I am grateful that I've been given this beautiful experience.

I watched Cecily grow and learn a million new things. She can identify all her letters, she's working on her numbers, she loves to sing and dance, she is full of energy, and tons of fun to be around.

2009 moved us to Utah, and I am grateful for the new friends and experiences we've had here.

2009 was full of fun experiences, and not too many sad ones.

I am excited for 2010 and the good things it will bring. A baby boy, a completed MBA degree, and more fun.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am blessed much more than I deserve. I am a mormon (go here), and I am thankful today, and every day, for that. It makes me happy and enriches my life much more than anything else I have ever tried. Part of being mormon is believing in The Book of Mormon. There was a prophet named King Benjamin who summed up how I feel today. He says :

-I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—

- I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

-And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

- And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

- And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?

-And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you.

" I say unto you, that there are not any among you, except it be your little children that have not been taught concerning these things, but what knoweth that ye are eternally indebted to your heavenly Father, to render to him all that you have and are... (mosiah, chapter 2 if you want to look it up)

I am indebted to my Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ. Much more so than I could ever repay.

Here's this years "THANKSGIVING LIST" although, isn't that what this blog is? But anyway....

I'm thankful for:
mike and cecily and my boy growing inside me
the ability/opportunity to grow a baby
my health
food
my apartment
my parents, siblings, and other extended family
mike's parents, siblings, and other extended family
computers
showers
art
music
good books
an education
a stable income
a comfy bed
God, Christ, and a knowledge that there is a plan and purpose for my life

A smattering of gratitude

2009-11-09T23:31:00.001-08:00

Tonight I'm grateful just to be me. Nothing too specific, but I'm happy with my life.

I have joy in my husband and my child. I have joy in the baby growing inside me. I am grateful to know what a gift and blessing that truly is.

I am grateful that my parents taught me right from wrong. I'm grateful that I didn't grow up with a lot of money.

I'm glad that I can find happiness in hard work. I'm glad that I can find happiness in being lazy when the work is done.

I'm grateful for God. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for my turn on earth.

Little Boy Blue

2009-09-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have known for a week that Michael and I are having a baby boy. I'll be honest: at one point, part of me was hoping the ultrasound tech would tell me we were having a sister for my Cecily. I love sisters. Then, as I looked over at my beaming -and by beaming I mean GLOWING, GRINNING, BRIGHT EYED and JOYOUS- husband, all my longing for a girl was right away forgotten and swallowed up in my beaming about my tiny dude inside.

Today, I read this post from CJane, who's blog is the most fun to read- she's such a great writer. Gratitude and excitement for my boy was renewed again. I even cried a little. So unlike me....... ok, just kidding....... exactly like me.

Today I am grateful for one of each. That is definitely something to be grateful for.

Good Entertainment

2009-09-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

The other night I watched "My Girl" on netflix. I LOVE netflix, but that's another grateful post entirely. After I watched it I felt good. I felt like it was just a good movie with good things in it. Nothing earth shattering, just cute kids and a nice message about putting family first. The little girl in it (who was 11) was portreyed as a LITTLE girl. Not a "tween" (who came up with that anyway?), and she didn't act like an 11 year old trying to be 17. I am thankful that there's still great movies out there to watch and good books to read, and I'm glad I can pick and choose what I want to see. And PS- I bawled like a baby.

Be Thou Humble

2009-08-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today was "one of those days". One of those, "why did I decide to give up a career and be a stay at home mom?" days. One of those "My pants seriously don't fit?" days. One of those "I really can't quit crying and I'm not sure why, but if I don't find out soon I'm gonna gouge my eyes out" days.

I was just about to pull my hair out, and then I heard a song called "Every Breath" by Jenny Phillips. The words to the first few verses and chorus go like this:

His hands are catching your tears

And even without any words, He hears

You feel so far, but he's right where you are and He knows

Every Breath

Every pain

He knows your heart and He knows your name

Giver of life, light in your soul.

Oh, come home,come rest

Let Him bless

your every breath

Silence your voice and be still

And even without any words, you will feel

You think you are far, but He lives in your heart and He knows

Every breath

Every pain

He knows your heart and He knows your name

Giver of life, light in your soul

Oh, come home, come rest

Let Him Bless

Your every breath

I realized that I gave up my career to stay at home with my girl because I love her and in the long run, I will be more fulfilled and happy as a mom than as anything else. I realized that I don't fit into my pants because I'm so lucky and blessed and happy to be pregnant. I realized that I can't quit crying because sometimes you just need to get it all out, and atleast I have an avenue to do that. (hormones may have played a small part too)

And, so, here I am grateful that I was humbled by a song. Grateful for the bad days becuase without them, we don't appreciate the good ones. Grateful for a merciful God who knows and loves me in spite of my serious, serious weakness and catches my tears even when I'm too caught up in life to get on my knees.

Sabbath

2009-07-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm, I always seem to post in my grateful journal on Sundays........ pattern or prompting? More like I go to church and get a swift kick in the patootie from the Spirit and realize that I'm an ungrateful poo. Then I feel the need to validate myself by pontificating on the things in my life I am grateful for.

Today I was given one of those kicks in the patootie. Again. And still I am grateful for it. I get caught up with life sometimes. We all do. And I like taking a step back to be excited about life and the good things in it. So right now I am thankful for sundays, for the sacrament, and for being happy.

Let Freedom Ring

2009-07-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend I've been grateful for the founding fathers. I think they were men of courage. They signed the declaration of independence knowing that it was a treasonous act, and they could all be hung for doing so. They prepared for war and realized that it would not be easy, but worth it. Worth it for them, and worth it for us. A free country is something worth being grateful for. And, I really like fireworks.

Cecily JeNae

2009-06-19T19:26:00.001-07:00

Today I am grateful for my girl. Not just that I'm a mom in general, but that I'm the mom to THIS spirit in particular. Of course, I think she's the best, and the cutest, and the smartest, but it's more than that. She seriously has a fun, funny, sometimes crazy, always amazing personality. She laughes at my jokes, and I laugh at hers. I'm pretty sure we're best friends. And best friends with dad. And I'm pretty sure that it will stay that way for a while. She's

the coolest. That's right. The coolest.

Trials

2009-06-01T00:48:00.000-07:00

Today in church we spoke about happiness through our trials, and the light at the end of them. There is always light as long as we learn. I am grateful for the small trials I have been given, although I have never been happy about them at the time. Sometimes I feel like I have been spared the "really bad" trials of life so far but I don't think anyone has a monopoly on pain. We cannot possibly compare our trials to another persons, because we all have unique emotions, reactions, and spirits. God chose our trials to help us grow, I think. I'm trying to grow. I suck at it a lot. I feel like it's a good time for me to write this, because as of right now, all is well. But, tomorrow always brings change, and I may need to look back and take my own advice.

This Little House

2009-05-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful for our cute little apartment. It's nice, and it's close to Mike's work, and it's cheap. I'm especially happy that it's cheap 'cause that means we get to save some money for our eventual house. Our landlords did a great job fixing it up, and its got just enough "old charm" mixed with "modern convenience." Our neighbors (who are also the owners..) have 3 kids that Cecily adores and wants to play with nearly every day, which is tons of fun for both she and I. I get to talk to an adult, and she gets to run around in the yard. We even have a garden. Carrots and tomatos comin' our way! Who could ask for more? I wish I had a picture to post of it, but I haven't taken one yet...

A Mother

2009-04-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

As I was laying in bed last night it occurred to me how grateful I am to be a mother. I feel so lucky that I didn't have trouble getting pregnant, staying pregnant, or giving birth. I don't know why this is given to some people who don't deserve it, and withheld from some beautiful women (many that i know and am close to) who deserve it beyond measure. There is a woman I know who has a mothers heart, but has had several miscarriages and has not been given that gift in this life. Cecily just adores her. It makes me melt to see C.J. yell her name and run to her in the hall at church, but it also makes me hurt to think of her pain. The sunshine in all of this is that I know God is just, and that He will give her blessings beyond measure either in this life or in the next. It's also good for me to realize what a tremendous responsibility and gift I have from Heavenly Father. I have an amazing little girl.

My Body

2009-03-25T15:14:00.001-07:00

Today I'm very happy that I got to come to earth and get a body. Sometimes I don't like the shape of my body, or I don't like when my body doesn't work as well as it should. I'm fighting a cold right now..... but I'm glad that God gave me the ability to fight off the virus, and it's especially nice that He gives me enough strength to take care of my baby girl in the midst of it all. In the grand scheme of things, I'm workin' pretty well at the moment, and although I know my body will break down and get old and wrinkly, I'm grateful to have gotten one at all. In particular, I feel lucky that I can see well and I have straight teeth. Along with my many (and I mean MANY) imperfections, I like those 2 things best.

Giving Talks

2009-03-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since my last post. I have much to be grateful for. Today I'm happy that I have to give a talk in church. It gave me a much needed push to focus on Christ, on service, and on being happy.

God, in His wisdom, knows when we need pushing.

Over the past few weeks I have been remiss in counting my many blessings and have instead been a bit selfish. Now I want to shout from the rooftops how grateful I am for the world and everyone in it. Yes, as much as I hate (and I mean REALLY strongly dislike) standing on a pulpit and spouting what little knowledge I have for the congregation, it's worth it because of the things I have learned (and continue to learn) from it.

Blessed Prayer

2009-02-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those wonderful weeks where prayer is my lifeline. It's the only thing that keeps me sane in a world full of twists and turns. I have such a good life, and I feel blessed. I love that I can pray in my mind or I can pray outloud. I pray mostly on my knees and sometimes, if I'm lazy, still laying in bed in the morning. I pray while doing dishes, or the laundry. Isn't it glorious that God gives us such an open line of communication? He never tells us that "It's just not a good time" or "I'll have to call you back." He just loves us and lets us pray when we're happy or sad or troubled or angry or full of thanks. He just listens, and if we look closely enough, always answers.

The Bath

2009-02-12T23:44:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for my bathtub. I'm grateful for all the modern conveniences that make baths possible: running water, pipes, smart people, houses, plumbing, a fabulous water heater and many more. I love baths. I love really warm bubble baths with yummy scented bath oil. I'm relaxed and content for however long I choose to stay in my watery dreamland, and that is something to be thankful for.

Sweet Grapefruit

2009-02-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to become more grateful for the things in my life, I've decided to start a blog of some of the things I'm thankful for, or happy about, or just things that make my life better. Big things, silly things, substantial things and tiny things. I know I could do this in a journal, but putting it out there for the universe to read somehow makes it more real and concrete........... or something. Anyway, I hope it will help me thank God more for the good things in my life.

Day One: Grapefruit. A silly thing and not very powerful or grand thing for my first entry, but I love it just the same. It's a divine midnight snack. Cut in half. Dusted with sugar. Full of yummy goodness. And, when I'm done I love to squeeze the last bit of juice out of it and usually it gets on my face and hands. Then I'm sticky, and happy, and full.