Gratitude post #3

I think I missed a week somewhere ~ nothing new!! As a quote that reminded me of me was given in church today - "My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves me completely!"
This week I am really grateful for the people who I have been blessed to be surrounded with in this life. Life is a journey and it is made so much better by incredible family and friends. I know I have mentioned the community I live in, but I do truly love the people in this community! I love going to church and learning from friends and neighbors. I love having talks with people who come into the restaurant and leave as friends. I love reading peoples thoughts and stories on blogs and yes on facebook! Sometimes that is the only way to stay connected! I love my family! I really have been blessed with the most incredible grandparents, parents, siblings and extended family. I know without a doubt that I have a whole lot of people who will always, no matter what, love me and have my back!! When the storms of life hit me hard and bring me to my knees, it is always those that I love helping me back up and helping me to find the strength to push forward. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. They are the strength that I am helped to find. Always there and always with arms wide open. I really have felt their loving presence and a few times in life, literally the the loving arms of my Savior surround me. I hold tight to that knowledge that they live and that they. love. me!
I love my kids! They challenge me and bring me closer to my Heavenly Father as while parenting them I often wonder if my Heavenly Father feels the same frustration with me as well as the joys of their progression. I am sure He does on a much deeper level. I really feel blessed to be a mom and especially of those that I have been blessed with!

Austin: Not a fan of family pictures!! :) He is the oldest - the tester child, that we have practiced on!! I have to hand it to him. He just keeps trying. He has not had the easiest life. We have moved around so much and it hasn't been until this past year that he has attended the same school twice. So he hasn't had the opportunity of that built in friend network that most of us grew up with. He has had to try and fit in and make new friends pretty much constantly. He has such a big heart and wants to be included and a part of everything going on around him. He has one of the most intelligent brains!! He can remember things that I wouldn't have a prayer of remembering. Of course it has to interest him first, but once it captures his interest, it is embedded in his brain. If I was ever on a game show - he would be my life line!! He loves music, unless it is 'my' music. He loves to read and gain new knowledge. He is a great kid and I love him!

Bryson: Also a fan of Family pictures! Maybe it is the teenage thing?! Bryson is a fairly quiet kid! He is a deep thinker and has his own opinions about things. He is a funny kid and a sharp dresser. He is always concerned with how he looks and never has to be reminded to shower or wash hands etc! I love that he cares about grades and his future and rarely has to be reminded about homework etc. He has written his own church talks twice in a row, once I didn't even know he was speaking!! He is a very responsible kid, but hates to babysit or clean!! Go figure! He also loves to read, write and listen to music of his choosing! I sure love this guy and am glad he is mine!

Caden: This kid has always lived life head first! He quite literally dives into everything and has the scars to prove it! He is a huge football fan and loves to play soccer too. He is a funny kid with a big heart! he is my only son who still voluntarily gives me hugs and tells me he loves me, even though his brothers give him a hard time about it! I love that! He loves to tease and it gets him in trouble sometimes, but he is so lovable too! He loves to hang out and create with friends - he loves to try new things, as long as a friend is doing it too!! We sure love this kid!

Bryn: She is my sweetheart who is actually concerned with how I feel! Every mother needs one, right?! She is such a good helper and is also very responsible with her school work and what needs to get done! She is the best babysitter I have! She loves to play soccer and basketball and wants to do anything the boys think is fun! more times than not I find her out ripsticking or playing football! She is my little tom boy! A lot like me! She is a daddy's girl too and loves to be with her dad.  A lot like me too! She has such a beautiful smile and such a good attitude! Love this girl!
Brie: Our baby! I cannot imagine life with out her! She is so funny and quick witted and just fun to be around! She loves to put random outfits together
I really have been blessed and feel so much gratitude to the Lord for watching out for me by giving me so many wonderful people in my life! I am married to my best friend and love living life and traveling this journey with him and our 5 beautiful kids! What a blessing!
I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

(lyrics from Martina McBride - I have been blessed)