grateful

today has been a busy day of packing, picking up christmas cards from the printer, dusting/wiping things down/vacuuming/laundry/tidying up, baking these chocolate pies, and going to get medicine from walmart...and I am sitting here totally exhausted.  i still have a few more things to do and then we are getting up bright and early to be with family for thanksgiving this whole weekend.  a few times my tone wasn't the best, i wasn't the most patient mom or wife today, even though i received lots of help from mike once he got home from work and the kids said some pretty funny things.  but he ran to the neighbors real quick to talk about hunting stuff, prepping for another trip we are taking after christmas, so i'm sitting here with a few minutes to myself reflecting on the day, and i wish i could have been a little more kind, patient, helpful, and fun.  sure, the holidays are busy, and i always catch myself feeling overwhelmed but i am so grateful for this life of ours.  i am so grateful to God for giving me this life, for bringing Mike into it and for our 3 sweet children.  i am so grateful for my parents and in-laws and for their examples and sacrifices.  i am grateful for mike's job and the security it provides.  i am grateful for the opportunity i have to be a mom and to watch these babies of mine grow and learn.  i am grateful for chocolate.  i am grateful for health and strength.  i am grateful for my husband who just rocks it all the time, even when he doesn't feel well and is just as exhausted as i am and who always makes me feel wanted.  i am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

in a talk i heard in church on sunday, a friend of mine said that gratitude leads to happiness and i totally believe it.  when we show gratitude to others it makes them happy and when we feel grateful in our hearts for all things, we become happier and our relationship with our Father in Heaven grows.  i am grateful for this blog and for being able to put my thoughts and feelings here and to keep a record of my family.  thanks for reading, if you do, and we love you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!