Gratitude Journals

In 2008 I started Gratitude journals with the kids. We were pretty faithful about it for that first year, but it really dwindled in 2009. We are trying to get back into the swing of things and tonight was Anna's first time here is her list:

1. Babies
2. Teddy Bears
3. A big Baby
4. Lexie's baby
5. A little baby

She loves babies. At the sitters we go to, Miss Sylvia, there are a few babies and she LOVES them. I remember loving babies as a little girl and still do. I could just eat them up. Anyhow I just wanted to remember her list and her wanting to be a part of the tradition. She was a little miffed when I tried to finish out the night time routine without asking for her list. I love you Annie and we should always remember to count our many blessings. I'm headed to write my list now.

(maybe one day we will write our list in a cool Italian leather bound journal, don't you think those are neat looking?)

Gratitude: Write it down

So awhile back I started doing gratitude journals with my kids. It has been sporadic, and it being the month of Thanksgiving I wanted us to get back in the habit here is Lexie's list from tonight:

1. "Hey mom, I am grateful for my big bear."
2. "I'm grateful for my uhhh, you, Dad, Anna, and Andrew."
3. "My, my, my brand new underwear, cause I like them. Thanks for buying them Mom."
4. "Hmm, let me think: my clothes."
5. "And my Bed."

I think this girl is so beautiful and I am so happy to have her in my life. Love you Lex!!

Love the Skin You're In

Today my visiting teachers stopped by. We were talking about swimming and I said how much I love it: being in the water, flip flops and a bathing suit, really what is better? One of the sisters said to me, "Well , you probably look pretty good in a swim suit some of us are a little more image conscious." While I appreciate the compliment I think it is important we all embrace the bodies we have. Here she is thinking I'm confident in swim suit, not really the case. I'm self conscious about my pasty white skin, which still at 30 has pimples on my chest and back. Not horrid but not the skin you hope to have at 30. I'm overtly aware of my flat chest as swim suits don't stay put if you don't having anything to fill them with. I wish my body was more toned and chiseled. I guess my point is we are all self conscious in one way or another about our bodies. I don't mind hanging out in a suit at he pool because of the shear love I have for the water.
Someone I use to work with said we need to be thankful for what our bodies have done for us. If you have been lucky enough to carry a pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby, rejoice in your bodies ability to have done this. So many women would give all for that. If you can complete a 5, 10K, half or full marathon give thanks for that. If you witnessed a beautiful sunset this week, be grateful. If the annoying birds woke you today, sing praise. Our bodies are amazing and we all need to love the skin we're in. "God forgive me when I whine I have to eyes the world is mine." Google the poem I know you'll love it, in fact memorize it, my mom did and I think I will too. Love your body Larry. (Anyone know the movie?)

I don't know what it is but I'm overcome with a sense of gratitude for all I have in my life. I'm ashamed to admit I sometimes get stuck in the mode of thinking of all I don't have and in the process overlook all I've been blessed with. I am surrounded by wonderful people who inspire me to be better. I have great family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, opportunity, freedom, more wealth than most in this world could even imagine. I have the gospel, Jeremy, adorable children, stable and secure job. I am so blessed and hope to always remember this.