Today I am very grateful for my friends and family:

I have learned how true this statement is...

When Leah got sick I had some friends slowly disappear and friends who immediately jumped in to help and be there for me. I don't get why friends disappear when life gets hard. Maybe it's too much trouble for them or they can't handle it. I think they simply aren't your true friends, and really who wants those kind of friends. My parents experienced the same thing when my sister was badly injured in an accident. The sad thing is sometimes it's family that disappears too.

I am so grateful for all my friends who have stood by my side helping me and my family. I am so thankful for them listening to me cry in heartache and always knowing just the right thing to say. They show up with dinners and always are willing to take my kids whenever needed. They always call and check on me. I know they are always there for me and would be at my doorstep in a second if I needed anything and I would do the same for each and every one of them.

And of coarse my wonderful family... I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents, in-laws and siblings. They are always there for us, helping us in every way.

Thank you family and friends for supporting and loving me and my family! I love you all!

Today I am grateful that our family has learned compassion.

I think compassion is something learned and you can only learn it by experience (I don't know maybe some people naturally have it). But the people who have helped me the most this past year is people who have experienced a similar trial in their life. A woman in my neighborhood who has lost a couple babies showed me so much love and compassion. One day I was struggling really bad I wouldn't put Leah down and I completely stopped eating. She showed up at my door no phone call or anything and brought me tons of fresh food. She looked me in the eye with pure compassion, she knew exactly what I was experiencing. She didn't know I had stopped taking care of myself and stopped eating but, I knew she was God sent. She made homemade wheat bread with homemade jam, fresh veggie plates, fruit plates, dinner etc. Tons of food that lasted days. My body was replenished and I was able to fight the battle again. I will never forget that.

Throughout my whole life I wanted to always be a compassionate person, I always want to help others in need. I thought I was a compassionate person until I experienced this trial. I have now learned true compassion. I am so grateful for my trial because I now have this wonderful attribute!

As a mother I have always wanted my kids to be compassionate people. I found out a couple months ago that they have learned compassion. Last Spring, Trent's second grade teacher pulled me aside and told me that she is so thankful for Trent and what he has done for Katie this past year. She continued to tell me that Trent helped Katie every single day while all the other kids ran off doing their own thing. My eyes teared up and my heart melted because Katie has Down Syndrome. That is the best thing a mother could hear. I am so proud of my son!

Sometimes I feel bad that my kids have to experience such a hard trial in their life. But, this trial is molding and shaping them into beautiful children. They don't judge other kids, they accept every one for who they are. They are strong kids and they now know that they can do anything they put their mind to and the most wonderful thing is they have the most beautiful hearts!

Today I am grateful for:

My kids!

I am so lucky to have four beautiful children! They make me so happy! Lauryn is so sweet (with a little sassy). She is very witty and knows how to have fun! She is always thinking of others! She loves kids. My friends love to have Lauryn around because she plays with their kids and she is a big help. I love how much she loves animals. One day I need to fulfill her dream and get her an animal. My Trent has such a kind heart. He is very mellow and goes with the flow. He is a teachers dream. He always follows the rules, he almost always gets straight A's and he is very respectful. Trent is an amazing artist and athlete. Tyler is wild and crazy but still listens and obeys. He is our entertainer! He says the funniest things and makes everyone laugh. He also knows how to have fun (Lauryn and him really play off each other). He makes all of us so happy! Leah is our pure angel...she just glows! We hope and pray to get to know this little girl someday! I am so thankful for all of them and what each of them bring to our family! I love them so much!

Reality

My goal this month was to write a daily post of what I'm thankful for. Sadly enough...I think I set too high of a goal. Writing on this blog daily just doesn't happen. Reality is...I am hardly ever on my "A" game, I struggle daily just to function. I have four children that demand every second of my time. Life is hard. It's hard for all of us...we are all fighting our own battles! Anyway, enough said! There's always tomorrow. That's what's so wonderful! So for now on I will write on this blog when I can and I will be happy with what I can do!

Today I am grateful for: 

Chad

I lucked out big time marrying this guy! I am so thankful for him in my life! He puts up with my moodiness and my many weaknesses! He never dwells on the past, he is so forgiving and kind! He always puts us first and works so hard to give us a wonderful life. He encourages me to get out of the house and go to dinner with friends, get a massage or go out shopping! He never complains about anything! He loves his kids and spends all of his time making sure they each get their attention. He takes Lauryn on dates and plays baseball and football for hours with the boys. When he comes home from work he immediately plays with the kids all night and helps put them to bed. He spends the rest of the evening with me and then when I finally zonk out he stays up late getting his work done. He is such an example to me of working hard and never giving up! He always looks at the positive in life!

Happy 15th anniversary Chad! I love you!

A month full of gratitude!

Fall is my favorite time of the year! I love the crisp air, the leaves changing colors and thanksgiving! It's a time when we really count our blessings, spend time with our family and eat good food! During the month of November I want to write a daily post of what I'm grateful. I truly believe if we always have gratitude in our hearts we can be happy.

Today I am grateful for:

Leah

I knew I was suppose to have this little girl! We are so blessed to have her. Our family wouldn't be complete without her. She has changed all of our lives...forever. She has taught us so much.  I love her very much!