I'm very grateful for my mom.

I'm also grateful for retail therapy.

I'm super-duper grateful when the two happen to collide.

family

I'm grateful for my family, the one I grew up with. I'm grateful that we all still like each other and have a great time when we have the opportunity to be together. I missed Ben and Linny this weekend, but was glad to spend time with Kate and Wade and little Tess. I am also always grateful for the time I get with my parents. There are times I wish we lived closer to each other, but in all honesty, I wouldn't change it. Our relationship isn't taken advantage of and the time we have is treasured all the more because it is infrequent. I love them to pieces and am immensely grateful to know without a doubt that they love me and would do anything for my little family.

D.

he is kind.  patient.  a hard worker.  practical.  a great dad.  consistent.  dedicated.  faithful.  honorable.  proud of his heritage.  worthy to hold the priesthood and use it in our home.  he loves me despite so many things.  he strives to provide great opportunities for our children.  he enjoys my family.  he is committed to his good health and habits.  he is a great partner in this life.  I am so grateful I have him.

I’m also grateful that today involved zero cooking, no dishes at all and yet we all enjoyed fantastic food.  happy thanksgiving indeed.

wednesday.

I'm grateful for mini-vacations with my family.

I'm grateful for great flavors. Flourless chocolate cake with coconut and raspberry sauce.

I'm grateful for wood-burning fireplaces.

I'm grateful for an underscheduled next few days.

I'm grateful that my children get to spend the next few days with cousin Tess and their grandparents. They are already in heaven.

tuesday gratefuls.

I'm grateful for 7:00 that has kids fed, showered, read to and in bed attempting sleep. A quiet house at such an hour is lovely.

I'm grateful for my laundry room. It transforms into packing central whenever we are going anywhere and it's so nice to have a landing place for all that I need to remember. It's also clean and organized at the moment which makes it much more functional for me.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in cooper's classroom today. I love to see his world there and get a feel for what goes on when he's not with us. I feel that he's in good hands. I still do not believe he is being challenged at school but I'm grateful that he is willing to put in good time after school toward that end.

I'm grateful Denten is not driving home in a blizzard tonight. I kind of miss the snow and the feeling that I have every excuse to stay in and be cozy, but let's face it. I'm in my Uggs and jacket as it is and I've got at least 30 degrees on the northward folks. It's probably best I'm here.

productive mornings

by 8:30 a.m.:

two people were showered. five people were dressed and fed. three had their hair done (two don't need it). one kitchen was cleaned... dishwasher unloaded and breakfast cleaned up. one was off for an early work meeting. one was off to school. three were off to get groceries. groceries were home and put away. garbages were out and to the curb. driveway was cleared of pine needles. now, onto that laundry that awaits...

I am grateful for productive mornings.

monday

I’m grateful for short weeks.

I’m grateful for organization and cleanliness.

I’m grateful for warm delicious potato soup for dinner.

I’m grateful for the anticipation of Christmas break.  Cooper and I read a book about skiing tonight and he is so excited to go.

I’m grateful for Dent’s phone calls when he’s travelling to meetings. 

ironman.

I’ve had live coverage of the Ironman streaming from my computer all day.  I can't get enough.  My kids wander past occasionally and cheer for whoever happens to be on at the time.  We drove over to Gilbert Road to cheer for Kate, a friend who is working on becoming an Ironman today.  She has a long night ahead of her, but I am so excited for her and wish I could cheer her on all along her run.  I don’t think there is another event I’ve been witness to that affects me the same way this one does.  It is inspiring, uplifting and electric.  Everyone wants everyone to succeed.  There is constant encouragement and the need to dig deep is huge.  It is emotional.  I was telling Denten that I could very well turn into a little old lady that travels around cheering people on at races like this.  I get so excited and proud of them and all that they had to do to get to this point.  I get excited for their families and all that everyone sacrificed for this to happen for someone.  Sometimes the emotion is overwhelming and I’m not even the one doing the racing.  I don’t know why it’s such a big deal to me, but I’m grateful for the energy, excitement and power this event provides for people.  The announcer is calling people across the finish line letting them know, “YOU are an Ironman!”  He also said there is no better place in the world to be tonight than in Tempe, Arizona.  I might have to agree.  I love the spirit of the Ironman.  And I’m pretty sure my husband can’t be around a race like this and not immediately register to do it again.  He said that being a spectator is a completely different experience than participating and he prefers the latter.  We’re slated for the St. George Iron in May and most likely right here one year from tonight.  It’s contagious and fantastic. 

just after the swim start this morning.

 

bike transition

Chrissy Wellington… superstar!  You should have seen her run.  Seriously. 

6:15 miles consistently- she was just hopping along like it was nothing.  Amazing. 

Kate, taking off on the bike and then with 12 miles left.

It’s dark and people are still going.  They’ve been going now for more than 12 hours.  It’s killing me just a little that I am not there ringing my cow bell and cheering all sorts of encouragement their way.  Next year.

speedy.

Ironman is in town and this morning was the kids race.  Nothing like a little competition energy to postpone our Saturday jobs.

Trying to figure out how many people he is going to have to pass to get out in the open.  Mom and Senny freezing in the background.

and he’s off!  leaving the rest of his age group behind.

 

coming across the finish line

 

After a little down time, he rocked it on the soccer field today as well.  I’m grateful he loves to be active and that so far the competitive streak he has isn’t a problem.  I’m also grateful he has awesome little cheerleaders that don’t mind being the support squad for their brother.

senny-bug

this girl is growing up way too fast.

she is animated, dynamic and has a fantastic imagination.  her moods are intense.

she is a lover of all things princess and will also play trains with her brother all afternoon.

she sounded out a word for me after preschool today.  it’s so fun to see her light up when she puts her sounds together to read words. 

she thinks she’s brilliant.  I do, too.

she has picked every rose on our bushes within her reach. 

she carries them around, makes lovely arrangements and protects them with her life.

when she’s sad she asks if I’ll sit in the rocking chair with her, or lay down with her for a few seconds.  it’s not often I can refuse. 

she cried all the way home from the beach. 

she would have stayed all day.

she’s something special, this one.  we love you, miss seneca kate.

bexie.

 

I’m grateful for washable markers.

He also got a few toys.  Thankfully they were all easily cleaned up. 

Do you want some more of him?  Ok.

I’m also grateful for the beach, but I’m fairly certain he doesn’t feel the same way.

If you were Gram, you would have had the pleasure of hearing him sing today, “Bring back my body to me, to me…”  bonnie, body, whatever.  He also does a lovely rendition of “The Church of Jesus Christ.”  It’s his favorite, he’ll tell you every time he hears it. 

I’m really grateful for this kid. 

11.17 grateful for…

butternut squash ravioli from costco.  yum.  why have I not discovered it until now?  beckham calls it “yummioli.” 

a good shopping helper today, saving tons with price-matching, both making for a quick and easy grocery run.

household tasks getting checked off. slowly but surely. 

wood floor in the bathroom.  the accident would have taken much longer to clean up had it been on carpet.

the furnace.  D turned it on for me this morning.  I let it run for a while before I turned it off again.  I was measurably warmer today.

notes:  I’m tired.  could fall asleep this very minute if I didn’t still have three children to shower, read with and plop in their beds.  two more hours ‘til dad walks in the door… we can do it!  we can do it!  ok, I gotta go do it.

gratefuls

I’m grateful to the checker at Costco who credited me coupons on my purchases even though I didn’t present her with any. 

I’m grateful for great friends and new babies.  I got to hold new baby Oakley today and I did not want to give him back.  I also didn’t want to stop eating Shello’s chicken salad.  It was a good lunch date.  It even involved nudity.  Yep, those are the kinds of friends I have.  (don’t worry, the nudist was three.  and he wasn’t mine.)

I’m grateful that there is a tomorrow because there are so many things that need to get done that didn’t happen today.  If I died tonight, heaven help the people that would have to step in.  Bring on the productivity tomorrow.

I’m grateful Denten came home early tonight.  He handled bedtime with the littles while I read with Cooper.  Senny had a rough go of it and I was thankful for a break. 

I’m grateful that all sales are not final.  I have a few returns to take care of  and it is convenient for me that I can buy a few things, see what works and take the rest back.

a father-in-law to be envied.

I’m most grateful today for my father-in-law.  I know not everyone has a great one and so I appreciate mine extra.  He is soft-spoken and kind.  He is very good at listening and thinking before he speaks.  He is deliberate in his actions and words.  It is easy to see that he lives each day as an instrument of the Lord, blessing many of the lives that he encounters.  He is humble.  He is also quite funny, although I don’t know how often he means to be.  He is also able to easily laugh at himself as the rest of his family finds many reasons to tease.  He was not able to be with the rest of the Robinson clan this past weekend and I missed him.  He gets me.  He doesn’t judge or question, he just supports and understands.  I know without a doubt that he would do anything for me or my family.  His priorities are in line and do not waiver.  I enjoy being with him and am so grateful that I married into a family I can love as much as the one I came from.

Notes for the day:

- I have decided that the investment in double-paned windows in my house will most certainly be worth it someday.  Most of the back wall of this house is windows and while I love the light, I’m cold.  This house retains the coolness of the night very well all throughout the day and I don’t want to have to turn my heater on yet.  I was in my Uggs and multiple layers all day.  It doesn’t seem to bother my kids.  Double-paned glass will also help keep a little more heat out in the summer, which my A/C bill will appreciate.  Too bad new windows are about 249th on the to-get list!  Anyway, today I’m grateful for my boots.

- I spent the afternoon cleaning out the kids’ clothes.  Taking out the too-small stuff and cleaning up what’s left.  I love clean dressers and closets. 

I'm grateful for home sweet home.

Darling, Darling, Darling!!!

One of my brilliantly talented sisters has done it again. If you have a little lady anywhere in your life, she should most definitely have one of these. They are hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind darling little doll beds and I can't get over how stinkin' cute they are!!


From the Artist:

These beds are about 20 inches long, just perfect for an American Girl-sized doll. Each one is unique, custom painted and custom sewn bedding. The beds are hardwood, good and sturdy and all the bedding is machine washable.

I am happy to sell you one of these you see here or I have a few others in the works that I'd be happy to send you photos of when they are complete. If you're interested, I can let you know the fabrics/color schemes that I have or if you have a specific color or request in mind, I am happy to work with you on it. If you'd like to pick your own fabric that's great too. I could let you know the yardage you need to buy and would discount of course the cost of the bed.

My price is $120. This includes the bed, mattress, sheet and pillow set, down comforter, duvet, accent pillow and my time. If you need it shipped, I am happy to do that. According to my research...I can ship them most places in the Mountain West for $15. If you're further than that I would have to do some checking. Shipping is a total bum deal, I know, so if you need it shipped I can discount you $10 on the bed.

I am excited about these, they are turning out cute and while pretty time consuming, have been a fun side job! Please let me know if you're interested and please feel free to forward this on to friends or family that you think might be interested as well. I will need your order by November 30th to ensure it's to you by Christmas time.

These little gems can also be found at Art Market in Salt Lake City Dec. 2-4. www.artmarketutah.com

let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with Katelyn.

Drew

Today I am grateful that there is a bed waiting for me to fall into, because I can hardly keep my eyes open.

I am grateful for great basketball. It's been a while since I've watched anything I cared about and it's fun to get into the spirit again. We had a fantastic "Uncle Drew" cheering section!

I'm grateful for Uncle Drew. My kids could hardly wait to see him and raced out onto the court when we came into the arena. He loves them so much, we wish he was closer. Seneca came with us tonight to take him out for his birthday and she teased and played with him all night.

I'm grateful for DaNae and the fact that she took my boys so we could enjoy dinner with Drew. She's a great mom and aunt and is very generous opening her home to the masses this weekend.

I'm grateful for Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp. Curry, coconut rice, peanut flavors and veggies... it's a mouth-watering combination that I enjoyed fully.

and now for that bed...

dutch

Grateful for dutch. Easy roadtrips. Good naps in the car. Dvd player. Gps. Ample cargo space. D's phone that let's me blog from shady hotel room. The fact that five of us don't normally share one bedroom. Kids who love vacations. Cousins tomorrow!

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my testimony

1.  I am grateful for the gift of prayer.  How lonely it would be to be placed on this earth without any way to communicate with our Father in Heaven.  I’m grateful this process is easy.  I’m grateful that my prayers are heard and that I know my Heavenly Father is an active partner in my life and the things I am trying to accomplish.  As Cooper’s primary theme states, “I can talk with Him anytime, anywhere.”  It reaffirms the notion that we are never alone and I find that incredibly comforting.

2.  I am grateful for the gift of the atonement that makes it possible for us to learn from hard experiences and then hand them back to the Lord.  I’m grateful we don’t have to carry all of the heaviness around with us all the time.  The atonement can seem complicated, but the concept that Christ suffered for all of our pain is simple.  He did it so we would have the opportunity to learn and then let it go.  That release is an immeasurable blessing that allows progression and growth.

3.  I am grateful for the prophets of old that sacrificed more than I can fathom for their faith.  I was reading about Mormon with my kids this week and found new admiration for the dedication he had to keeping records when it required fashioning plates out of ore and then scratching each character into the plate.  We have no excuses to not keep records for our posterity.  This blog makes that pretty convenient.

3.  I am grateful for modern day revelation.  While I appreciate the stories and lessons taught in ancient scripture, I also appreciate that Heavenly Father didn’t give us a book and say, “that’s it.  see you when you get up here.”  The guidance and direction keeps coming and is tailored for us today.  Another bit of evidence that He knows who we are, what we are going through and the tools and direction we need to get through it a better, stronger, more-fit-for-His-kingdom person.

4.  I am grateful for sacred covenants that bind me to those I love forever and beyond.  Sometimes I look at Seneca and my heart hurts for her birth mother and the amazing little girl she is missing out on.  I know that she will have her own family one day, the one she is meant to be with for time and eternity and that this little girl is meant to be in mine.  I’m grateful for the generations that have gone before me that I am connected to and for the posterity that will also be mine forever. 

5.  I’m grateful for the divine role of motherhood and the incredible blessing I have to be a part of it.  I love these little spirits like crazy.  I know they have unlimited potential and are destined to do amazing things in this life.  I’m grateful every day that I get to witness their new discoveries and watch as their little minds figure things out.  I’m grateful to hear their kind words with each other and I’m grateful for their physical bodies.  We were all tucked in my bed last night reading after baths and with each of them snuggled up next to me I couldn’t get enough.  They are my little miracles and I love them to pieces.

I'm grateful on tuesday

grateful for layers. I was cold all day.

grateful for a home that I know I am safe in when I spend nights without D.

grateful for phone calls with my sister. my sisters are both hilarious.

grateful for great counseling sessions.

grateful for children who take great naps and make great counseling sessions possible.

bonus: grateful for a husband who is coming home tomorrow... wahoo!!

hey, arizona!

these two crazies are participating in this super fun craft festival this weekend, and you should probably check it out! 

this is an opportunity to take care of a few people on your Christmas  list with unique, fun, homemade gifts.  don’t miss it!!

today, I’m grateful for…

1.  Dr. Curtis.  He’s my new dentist who filled some cavities today.  It was the most pleasant cavity-filling experience I’ve had, if that’s possible.  It helped that I took my ipod to distract me, but he was quick and good.  I hereby vow, on this very blog, that I will have better flossing habits.  The few cavities I’ve had in my life have all been between teeth… darn flossing!

2.  Emily.  She is the neighbor I was afraid I’d never have.  She kept Beckham for a good long time this morning which meant three under three for her.  She watches my kids, loves my kids, brings me treats, cuts my hair, shares redbox rentals, indulges me in walks to the park, prays for me on “those” days…. really, she is a blessing on so many levels.

3.  The fact that when Seneca was painting Beckham’s toenails on my bathroom carpet, none actually got on the carpet.  Considering the job she did on the toes, this is definitely a miracle. 

4.  Phone calls from my dad.

5.  Seneca.  The crown, the jewelry, the leggings, the foofy skirt, the jellies, the independence that makes it all work.  The hand gestures with which she talks, the urgency in whatever it is she’s saying.  the 10 million things she needs to tell me before I leave her room at night.  I love it all.

D, energy, Boogs

1.  a husband who, after I’ve been up for an hour with sleepless kids, takes a turn and allows me extra hours in bed and handles breakfast.  those extra hours are major.  he also cleaned the kitchen before he left today which had an emotional, if not physical, impact on how smoothly our day has gone.

2.  a lazy day at home for kids recovering from colds.  go fish, sequence, ABC twister, connect four, charlotte’s web, building with blocks.  easy meals, quiet naps for everyone.

3.  time for research and reading.  today’s topics included tender mercies of the Lord, finding hope, daily priorities, bedtime battles and borderline personality disorder…  some were for me, some for clients.  all were interesting.

4.  energy work and the ability to bless my family and those around me.  hormone imbalances, grumpy moods, behavior issues, running injuries and lots more were cleared today quickly and easily.

5.  my brother who is doing amazing things for the people of Oregon as he serves the Lord as a full-time missionary.  he is incredibly wise and disciplined and obedient and patient and motivates others to be the same.  I could not be more proud of him or wish for a greater example for my children to follow.   when looking at the place he was in in London to the man he is today, there is no room at all for doubt that miracles are abundant.

saturday

1. races. the adrenaline, the energy, the support, the physical exertion, the cheering... all of it is fantastic. it is really the only reason I get out of bed before 5 a.m. happily. the kids love cheering on their dad. as we moved from one spectator spot to another, we found ourselves at the beginning of the run after transition. beckham was very good at "have a great run, guys!"

2. saturdays. days to get stuff done. I'm not sure why I am more productive in certain areas of my life on saturdays than other days, but my entire house got mopped today. with the big mop. it was serious business and feels fantastic to have done. the yard got attention today as well. saturdays are productive days.

3. a break. and a husband who knew I needed one. when discussing possible evening plans, he said, "why don't you just go out and I'll handle bedtime?" done. no need to argue. he's leaving tomorrow for a few days and an evening away from the routine helped me to gear up for another week.

4. abg. the lady who I can visit with for hours and it isn't all about my kids. money, husbands, jobs, business, politics. brainstorming, solving problems.. a welcome break from my role as mother.

5. anticipation. we have two fun weekends with family coming up this month and I am looking forward to both.

11.5.10

1.  I’m grateful for a solid night’s sleep.  Sometimes it takes going without to remember how good you had it.  The past two nights I have not enjoyed such bliss and as I struggled today to be a happy mom I made note to remember to be more grateful for nights when zero children wake up over and over and over again.

2.  I’m grateful for great resources.  Adrian Dayton is a wonderful old friend (Am I old enough to have “old” friends?) and is going places!  His book on social media has been very helpful to me as I learn to navigate Twitter and other marketing venues.  Usually I drag my feet when needing to read a “manual” on how to do something I am unfamiliar with, I’d rather someone just show me how it’s done, but Adrian is a great writer and getting through the material has been enjoyable and very helpful. 

3.  I’m grateful for Beckham.  With Cooper at school and Seneca jumping between preschool and a birthday party today, we had a lot of time together.  He is exercising his independence often but still manages to be agreeable most of the time.  He’s helpful with the laundry and the dishes and is quick to say, “yep!” whenever he is asked to do something.  He always has an opinion about what we listen to in the car and is happy to recite nursery rhymes or sing songs to me from the backseat.  Man, I love that kid.

4.  I’m grateful for weekends, however crazy they may turn out to be.  It has been a long week without dad home very much and that wears on a tired mama, but I’m hopeful that we’ll get some good dad time tomorrow before he takes off again Sunday.  I’m grateful my kids love their dad and look forward to spending time with him.  I’m grateful he brings a new perspective to my parenting woes and is patient with all of us.

5.  I’m grateful to lay in bed with Cooper every night and read.  He reads to me for a while, then we read his scriptures and then I read to him.  It’s wind down time for me and I think he appreciates time without any little ones hanging around.  It’s fun talking with him about what we read, what he thinks is going to happen and then seeing if he’s right.  I’m grateful he likes me enough to lay smooshed up against me on his little twin bed.  I hope it lasts a long time. 

early morning tomorrow… it’s a race day!  these kids are ready to cheer on their dad.  let’s pray for a good night’s sleep for everyone, shall we?!

“shallow” blessings?? pah-lease.

Some have commented this week that their '”gratefuls” are shallow, or thoughtless.  I say phooey.  If it makes you happy or makes your life easier, or is a blessing to you in any way, then count it!  That’s the commandment, right?  Count your many blessings?  It doesn’t say only count the big ones, or the really important ones.  I mean, who’s to say what a big blessing is anyway.  So forget about seeming deep and philosophical and just be grateful for heaven’s sake!

Today I’m grateful for:

1.  days that do not require me leaving my house.  well, except for a bike ride with the littles.  the opportunity to get a run in, clean my shower, vacuum, read stories and work on fun new business ventures.

2.  my backyard.  the hours of happiness it provides.

3.  unexpected checks in the mail. 

4.  pebble ice.  you may mock, but I’ve been grateful for at least 7 cups today.

5.  tissues.  I’m grateful I’m not a pioneer and have to use a handkerchief on a regular basis.  We have been through a lot of tissues around here lately and I am grateful they can be used and the disposed of.  I’m hoping these poor little noses are on the mend!

bonus:  and while we’re on the subject of the pioneers and stuff they didn’t have, let’s give a shout out to feminine hygiene products, shall we??  Can you imagine life without them?  Soooo glad I don’t have know what that’s like!

Jump on these… immediately!!

I have two things for you.  They are both fabulous. 

First,  you only have ONE day left to enter this contest.  Amy designs darling cards, invites and the like and is giving away a FREE custom Christmas card design.  You may jump off of something she’s already done, or start from scratch with her… both would get you a fantastic product.  I have used her exclusively for my printing needs and have never been disappointed.  This girl delivers quality, and she’s giving it away!  Hurry, click here and throw your name in the hat!  Or don’t… whatever.  That just gives me a greater chance to win! 

 

Second,  this Amy is making Gratitude Journals again for the holidays.  They are hand-crafted, high-quality, beautiful and thoughtful.  They will be available in her etsy store shortly and would make a perfect gift for nearly anyone on your list this year. 

11.3.10

Grateful for my Blessings:

1. I'm grateful that the guys laying my tile are done. they did a great job, but they were stinky and it disrupted my routine. no, not complaining, just being grateful it's done.

2. I'm grateful for Deborah at the bank who is helping us with several projects and that she has our best interest in mind as she works for us.

3. I'm grateful for Senny's cute dance teachers who give her a reason to put on tights, a leotard and tutu and do flit around for an hour each week. It's adorable to watch her little body try to plie and releve.

4. I'm grateful my grocery bill was under $100 for the week, despite some misunderstood deals. I'm also grateful the boys were great shoppers and that we were in and out in under 45 minutes.

5. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I can crawl into my bed at the end of this day and sleep peacefully. My body needs it and it's a blessing that I have a safe, comfortable place to sleep each night next to a hotsie-totsie.

a greater plan

Thankful for my blessings:

Today I'm grateful that there is a greater plan. I like to have my own plan, and have things follow according to it, but I'm grateful that sometimes there is a better way. There are a few things we are working on and had decided how they needed to go. We were comfortable with the plan, even though some of the situations weren't ideal. Today new doors opened up, ones that will be great blessings to our family. I'm glad things didn't go according to my plan, but according to a better one. I apologize if the details are a little vague, I just want to remember here that Someone else is in charge and it's best if we let Him run the show now and then.

I'm grateful for inspiring friends, ones that do amazing things in their homes for their families. Ones that understand their calling here and are committed to fulfilling it, despite the unglamourous nature of the job.

I'm grateful for new tile! Should be finished tomorrow. It's fun, I think you'll like it.

education.

Thankful for my blessings: 

I’m grateful for my education and the lens through which it has allowed me to see the world.  I was fortunate to have a variety of educational experiences in varying environments that challenged the way I thought and how I viewed people and issues.  I’m grateful for teachers who proposed uncomfortable situations that allowed my thinking process to move from simple quick answers to thoughtful, more complicated solutions.  I’m grateful for the people I was able to associate with in my schooling experiences, people who were like me and people who were nothing like me.  People who gave context to the world outside of my safe little life.  I’m grateful for colleagues, professors, clients and mentors who have listened, taught, suggested and shaped.  I am proud of my education and grateful to have it be a part of me.

Notes for the day:

- Cooper went to the dentist for a cleaning.  He needed it.  He has three of four adult molars in and is scheduled for sealings in a month. 

- It is gorgeous outside.  This weather is fabulous.

- Beckham has had a good cold for a few days.  His poor nose has been like a faucet.  He is a very good sport when he’s sick, still a very pleasant little guy.

- Lights were installed today in the entry and dining room.  They have been back-ordered for a month.  I love them.  The entry one is wonderful, the dining one looks a little small to me, but we’ll have to wait until we actually have furniture in there to see how it fits.

- Tile is being installed tomorrow in the kids’ bathrooms.  Let’s pray I love that, too!

Gratitude Month: 2010

It’s November!

I officially declare this the month of no complaining!

It’s time to focus on our blessings.

October’s General Conference brought this message:
My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.
In the Book of Mormon we are told to “live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] doth bestow upon you.” Alma 34:38.

- Pres. Monson

I'm not aware of anyone who doesn't want blessings. I also believe that feeling and expressing gratitude for the ones we have will simply bring about more.

And I'm not one to turn blessings away!

You remember what to do. Put away your complaining for the month and notice the blessings all around you. Share them on your blog if you so desire, or in a more private place, but record them, feel gratitude for them, and then be ready for heaven to pour down more!

Do it with your children, spend time each day teaching them how to notice the amazing things they have been blessed with.

Let them be little, or big. Let them be terribly profound or terribly frivolous. If it is a blessing to you, it is worth being grateful for. I'll be back later to record my Day One gratefuls... and I can't wait to read yours! Let me know if you're participating so I can check in... I love that, you know.