Grateful for the Power of Gratitude!

 

On New Year's Day this year, I was feeling a bit down - again! I knew I had to start doing something differently if I wanted things to change. Well, as I pondered and prayed, I was prompted to start a Gratitude Journal. I had one years ago and had really enjoyed it, but I had not continued the practice.

I have written down just one thing I am grateful for in this journal each day this year - and what a year so far! It is such a comfort at the end of a challenging day to focus on the good of that day, resetting my attitude and feeling so much more peace! This journal has been a tremendous blessing to me.

I know that I was truly inspired by the Lord to start this practice in my life, especially this year. I am so thankful for the Lord's influence and guidance! And for the guidance of His prophet!

The power of gratitude is  gift!

So Very Thankful for My Mother!

I am so thankful for my mother! She was such a loving, kind and gentle person. My mom always made sure that I knew I was loved no matter what! She taught me right from wrong by her example in word and deed!

 

My mother taught me the value of hard work, reading good books, and enjoying your family. She taught me to enjoy sewing, cooking, baking, and, through her own example, how to love one's grandchildren. Most importantly, also through her example, my mother taught me to love the Lord!

As I became a mother myself, my mother became one of my best friends! I will always be so very thankful for the time I had with my mother!

Our Very Own Ash!

 

And just like that, she is six! I was so blessed to be able to visit our Ash for her birthday this year. She is an amazing and talented bundle of joy!

I am so blessed to have Ashtyn in my life!

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 - Our Grand Countdown!

 It's that time of year when Luke and I can countdown our blessings, naming them one by one...

6 yr old - Claire!

5 yr old - Ashtyn!

4 yr old - Parker!

3 yr old - Olivia!

2 yr old - Rylee!

1 yr old - Thomas!

and 0 (almost 10 month old)- Sophia!

Luke and I are so very blessed!!!

That's Our Boy!

 This cute one turned one!

Thomas is growing so fast! He is such a happy boy. We are so blessed to have him in our lives!!!

Terribly Terrific Two!

Rylee is 2! And she is just terrific!

She LOVES life and has so much fun! Rylee especially loves to tease her Grandma Dee! (no, she didn't eat the sand... just repeatedly lifted the shovel to her mouth to see what I would do!)

Rylee loves to wear someone else's shoes - Here she walks around saying, "I'm Grandma Dee"! So cute!

She loves "driving" the lawn mower - "beep, beep!"

And Rylee loves to climb, explore and just LOVE life!

How I LOVE this terribly terrific two!

Seven Grand Reasons I LOVE My 7 Grands!

1) The way Sophia smiles at me! Who wouldn't love someone so happy and attentive?!

2) He finds so much joy in the simple things in life!

Even when first born, Thomas was exploring- you could tell by all of his varied faces. And it just keep getting better!

3) The way Rylee 'plays' with me. 

For almost an hour... "I'm going to jump on you!" She is such an adorable tease!

4) Her sweet disposition and ultra polite tendencies!

When Grandpa and I leave her house, Olivia often says, "Thank you for coming!"

5) Parker's fashion sense and love of dance!

She is always changing outfits - ALL DAY LONG! Plus she tells me every time I visit how 'very beautiful' my outfit is that day. Makes me feel very special!

6) Her creativity!

Ashtyn LOVES drawing, writing, coloring with stickers, making things with perler beads, building with legos, and even creating video games! 

7) Great social skills and Taking Selfies!

Claire is such a social girl- and I love it that she even wants to take pictures with me!

Just a small sample of why I love my grands. I am so blessed!!!