Gratitude

The past few weeks I have been feeling a little more sentimental. I guess it probably has to do with this time of year and reflecting on what really matters most in life. Also, it would be fair to say that I have been reminded of how easily we take life for granted and how fast it could be taken away. This month marks 24 years since Darin's dad was killed in a helicopter crash in the Bingham Copper mines. I try to imagine what it would be like to get a phone call telling me my husband was gone and I would have to raise my family on my own. I pray that is something I never will have to face, but hope it will always be a reminder to cherish every day here with my family. I am sure Darin's dad would love to play with and love his 18 grandchildren and I know that Darin would give anything to have a father to confide in and get advice from. But aren't we so grateful for families and for the strong unit that is tied together forever! I am somewhat of a blog hopper (I like that phrase better than blog stalker!) and in the past few months I have come across blogs of so many people that I don't know (some that I do), but whose stories have touched my heart. From babies struggling with cancer to mom's who are trying to make it on their own after the loss of their husband. Disease, accidents, pain and sorrow are all around us. I am touched by those who stand strong in the face of adversity and help each of us to become stronger and help us all to reflect on what we hold most dear in our own lives. One story I have become very touched by can be found here. This blog is written by a young mom of 4. She is totally in love with her husband and her children and writes about it. Well about 3 months ago her and her husband were in a plane crash and both were covered in burns. Amazingly enough she and her husband are both slowly recovering after months of sedation and surgeries. Her sister re-posts old blog posts and you can read more about their situation. Anyway she seems to be an amazing person, and while I have no idea why this was a trial she was asked to endure, I have been completely touched by her story and have been inspired to be a better person. Many times I have read in peoples blogs that we need to keep it more "real". That we shouldn't pretend to have a life that isn't what it is. While I agree with that to a point, I feel that blogging should inspire us to be better. To lift each other when we might feel down and encourage us to be a happier people. So with that in mind don't think for a second that my life is perfect....it so is not! My kids fight like cats and dogs, my house is often a mess, I seem to throw together meals at the last minute with so many intentions to do better, my baby still wakes up in the night and I feed her to go back to sleep even though she is 8 months old, Darin and I do not always see eye to eye and yes, I tend to yell more than I should. I blog about those things on occasion, but it really isn't the stuff that I want to remember the most. And since my time is limited to how often I can sit down and write a post, I am going to attempt to write about something I will want to look back and read again someday! These are just a few of the many things I am grateful for in my life right now!

My family: we are a crazy bunch of characters. We laugh, cry, act crazy and even yell at each other (don't all families!) I am grateful fore each of the four other lives that share their everyday lives with me. I can't imagine living a moment without any one of them!

Laughter: I am grateful for laughter. There isn't a better remedy for anything, than laughter. Finding the good in each situation will help us get through the hardest of times.

My boys: I am so thankful for my boys. They all keep me on my toes. From the wrestling to the goofiness to the sport playing and even the destruction they can cause I love my boys! I love watching the interaction of Father to Son. It is precious, especially for Darin!

Kissing chubby cheeks: I am thankful to get to kiss those little cheeks all day long. I wish I could just bottle them up, because I know that these days are fleeting ones. So in the mean time I am just going to keep on kissing!
Siblings: I am grateful for siblings! I am grateful that my kids have each other and that they will be able to be friends for years to come. I look forward to watching them interact with one another and helping each other grow. I am thankful for my own siblings and the friendships that I have with them. I am thankful for the siblings I have gained through my marriage and the marriages of my brother and sisters. They are friends I will have for life!
The journey: I am thankful for the journey of life. I loved Pres. Monson's talk at the April conference on finding "joy in the journey". We have already been through a lot together as a family and I know we have a LOT more to go through, but I hope to find joy in each day and live life to the fullest!
Camden: I am thankful for Camden's infectious smile. For his contagious laugh (except for when he is laughing about something he isn't suppose to be laughing about!). I am thankful for his sensitive spirit and for his willingness to help around the house (most of the time!). I am thankful that he came to our home first and will be able to be a leader for his younger siblings. Thank you Camden for being my most favorite 5 year old I know!

Carter: I am thankful for Carter's funny personality. For the silly things he comes up with, to tell us about. I am thankful for his willingness to try new things (except for food!) and his ability to melt your heart every time those squinty little eyes smile. I am grateful for his ability to love everyone around him and makes sure they know by becoming completely hysterical when it is time to go home! He has always been my best snuggler and if I ever need a hug, he is the one I go to!

Myah: I am thankful for Myah and her amazingly sweet spirit. I am not sure if there is another baby out there who smiles as much as Myah. She just finds joy in EVERYTHING. She is so happy and content and thinks her brothers are hilarious (only occasionally do they push her buttons!). I am thankful she chose to come after her two brothers, because now I can go even more crazy with girl stuff because I had to wait so long! I am grateful for her ability to bring all of us back to reality when life gets a little crazy. If I ever need a smile all I have to do is look at my little miss Myah and she is waiting with a grin from ear to ear!
Darin: I am thankful for Darin. My sweetheart for almost 14 years! Yikes can you believe it has been that long since we were sophomores in high school! Darin has always been my rock. When I first meet him, he just made me want to be better. He has always been a great example to me. He works hard, is always trying to be better and is great at admitting when he is wrong (which is a lot because I am usually right...haha). We have been through so many ups and downs together and I am so thankful to have him by my side. I love him more than he knows and am grateful everyday to be his wife! (ok, occasionally I am not as grateful as I should be, but I said everyday not every second!!!) I love you Darin!
Life: Even though life gets hectic and crazy, I am so thankful each day for my life. I am grateful I have the opportunity to be a wife and mother. I am grateful for all of my friends and family that teach me so much each day! Each of us have different blessings and struggles and no two people are the same. I think if all of us had the same trials, we wouldn't be able to learn from each other and help each other to grow. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior that have made it possible to live together as families forever. I don't think I could live in this world without that knowledge. I am just thankful for this time of year and realize that all of us, if we look hard enough will see that we are so blessed! So lets show our gratitude to the one who loves us all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

(OK, that was deep. I didn't realize I would be quite that sentimental and hope that doesn't mean I will be kicking the bucket anytime soon.....yea that is my crazy thinking coming out! By the way our pictures were taken last weekend. If you are interested in the photographer check her out here. I didn't post my favorite family picture because I am using it for Christmas cards and didn't want to spoil them!)