grATTITUDE

Last General Conference there were 3 talks that specifically mentioned the importance of following a living prophet and trusting that God’s words were coming through him.  I panicked a bit before President Monson’s talk because I thought . . . “Oh No!  It is going to be something REALLY hard to follow, since there were SO many other apostles encouraging us to follow.”  When President Monson’s talk was about gratitude, I thought “easy peasy J”  But in reality it wasn’t that easy.  He said that we tend to focus on the things that we lack, and thus aren’t grateful for the things we have.   I have read this talk several times over the past 6 months and have really tried to focus on being grateful for the things I have.  There is one major thing our family lacks and sometimes it becomes the focus of my life.  I appreciate the counsel of a living prophet to help me be fully follow the Savior as I focus on all the things I am blessed with!  Here are some things I am truly grateful for in the past 6 months

A job:  I love my job.  It is part time, teaching PE.  It is so fun!  Even though it is only a teacher salary (or half of it)  it is more than I could make doing any other job for 18 hours a week.  I am so thankful that I got paid time off for my maternity leave.  I LOVE having Monday’s off. 

Helpful Husband:  Dave is absolutely incredible.  He is always willing to do more than his share of parenting, housework, and taking care of me.  He gets up at 6 am with Jackson so I can sleep in.  He is patient and creative with his parenting.  He helps me to be a more patient mom and find solutions rather than get frustrated.  He is an incredible support to me.  He works hard to find work, even though it is not what he wants to do everyday.  He stays positive and happy through a very difficult time. 

Health:  Hallie was born right in the heart of RSV season.  So many of my friends have had ER runs, prescription meds, and lots of sick kids.  Hallie hasn’t had more than a little congestion.  Neither has Dave, Jackson or I.  I haven’t taken a single sick day all year . . . even when I was 9 months pregnant.   What a blessing to have healthy kids and feel great myself!

My Parents:  They have let us live in their home for much longer than we originally anticipated.  Not only do they give us room, but they act like the love having us there!  My mom is willing to drop anything to watch our kids and help out in any way.  She makes us meals often and is so helpful.   My dad puts up with an early morning wake up call (the 2 year old) and loves our newborn like no one else I’ve seen.   He can get her to smile when I think it is impossible.

Dave’s Parents:  They have been preparing for their temple mission in Germany for the past 6 months.  They are a little nervous and have had A LOT to prepare to go.  But they are amazing examples of loving the gospel and loving each other.  I hope that Dave and I are able to follow their example someday.  They are so good to let us come to dinner and be our babysitters often.  They love our kids. 

Other family support:

Our brothers, sisters, cousins and other extended family are so loving and kind at this time.  We love having other people around who are supportive and encouraging. 

BYU basketball: Is this silly?  I have loved watching BYU this year.  They have been fun and exciting.  Even though I enjoyed basketball before, this year was especially exciting.  I was thankful to have something I looked forward to each week. 

A little girl:  Hallie is so much fun.  I love the cute clothes, flowers and everything nice.  She is sweet and smiley and has very few crying spells.  She sleeps great (but is getting worse :( )  Another child just adds more love in our family.  I am so grateful for her!

A lack of drama:  I am one who loves a good story . . .but a good story usually means lots of  drama.  I have been out of good stories  lately (except things my funny boy says).  But that means that we have had no car problems, no health problems, no relationship problems, no ER visits, no  . . . well, anything.  It has been a period of peace, calm and relaxation.  Sometimes I wanted more excitement, but I count this as a blessing. 

I am very excited to hear again from our prophets.  I know they speak the words that God wants us to hear and follow.  My life has been blessed from following this counsel.  I can’t wait to hear other ways to qualify for Heavenly Father's blessings.