Gratitude

This November, I am thankful for many things.  Atop my list, my knowledge that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves all of His children so much.  Our faith, Our family, Our friends bring me such comfort and joy.

I am also thankful for things not usually said around the dining room table during the Thanksgiving Feast:

"What?  Is this a problem?"

I'm thankful for messes. 

(That's a big leap for me to write that.  I love a clean house....to the extent of staying up very late to make sure things are in order.)  But messes, here and there, mean our family is active, my girls are healthy, and able-bodied. 

I had just cleaned sticky little hand prints off my stainless steel fridge, when within 10 minutes, the hand prints were again back.  I was a little frustrated at my wasted time.  But then I was overwhelmed with this feeling that someday those little hand prints won't be so little anymore...and in fact, one day they will be gone altogether.  I used to wipe them off as soon as I would spot them...but now I let them stick around a bit longer as evidence that I have precious little ones, and I am blessed. 

  

I am thankful for hearty laughing and a husband who plays with our kids.



I'm thankful for pictures where everybody is looking at the camera.



I'm thankful to have a front seat -- watching my kids in their joyful moments!

  

Gracie after her Thanksgiving Feast at Preschool



 

  

I'm thankful we haven't always been given everything we felt like we needed at the time.  I fondly remember a time when we thought eating Tuna Helper, multiple times a week, was a glorious meal.  Because we earned and budgeted for that $1.25 a box during our first year of marriage in Butte, MT.  I'm thankful we've had to say sorry.  Because it means we are growing.  I'm thankful my husband is a hard worker, I'm thankful that even when my 4-year-old can't quite write her letters the right way - she never gives up. I'm thankful my 2-year-old points and says,  "Jesus" when she sees pictures of our Savior.

Happy Thanksgiving!