Thanks-Giving

I know, I know, it's been a couple months since I've updated, believe me, a TON has happened, I'll catch up this weekend...promise.  In the meantime, I've been thinking a lot about what I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving Season.  I've written a list, if you care to indulge me...:)

I've decided to dedicate this year's grateful list to motherhood...it's shaped every part of my being:

 I’m grateful my children demand I talk to them when I don’t feel like talking, feed them when I’m not hungry, and make me get up at all hours of the night to comfort, feed , and sometimes clean up throw-up or wet beds. I don’t think I’d discover the world outside my own needs without them.


I’m grateful my children haven’t learned how to hold back their tears when they’re sad, laughter when they’re happy, or screams when they’re frightened. They constantly remind me that emotions are for sharing.

I’m grateful my children have great imaginations that test my sense of decor' to the max. (we all have room numbers taped by our doors). They’ve taught me that things aren’t important, but people are.

I’m grateful my children start out small and helpless so they don’t become aware of my incompetence until they’re teenagers. By then, we’ve both grown so accustomed to each other, we somehow manage to make it through the rest of life together.

I’m grateful my children get into trouble in Primary, throw tantrums at the grocery store,  and quarrel in public so I’ll never be able to get too arrogant, proper, or judgmental of other people’s children.

I’m grateful my children occasionally miss the bus at the precise moment I’ve stepped out of the shower, forget their lunch or gym clothes, need an emergency permission slip filled out...the list goes on...why you ask?  Because it helps me remember that life happens, and that's ok.  Schedules need to be somewhat flexible, or I would feel frustrated all the time.

I’m grateful my children always need new shoes, piano books, prescriptions, haircuts, fieldtrip money, food, toothpaste (not the minty kind), and socks. That way, I don’t have to waste my time thinking about a new wood floor. It’s difficult to get wealthy and think about luxuries when you have to buy toilet paper and milk by the truckload each week.

I’m grateful my children know how to play. My six-year-old asked me to play Candyland.  I nodded, but made him put it up on the counter while I made rolls.  He was very patient, and even moved my guy, when I wasn't keeping up to speed. Thanks for playing Taylor.  Next time, I'll get on the floor with you!

I'm grateful my children question my every command and giggle when I get angry. It’s difficult to feel too powerful or self-righteous with kids around to remind you of how funny you look when you’re pointing your finger, or trying to count backwards from 10.

I’m grateful my children sqeeze me tight with each hug.  I love the leg hugs, the linked arms while walking in the store, holding hands everywhere, and the occasional whispered "I love you mom" with a big neck squeeze at night when I tuck them into bed.  It reminds me how important physical affection is for each of us.

I’m grateful each of my children seem to easily say "let's pray" when we need help with ANYTHING!  They don't just hope for heaven's help, they expect it, and you know what?  It always comes.

And lastly, I’m grateful for the gift of children in my life. I enjoy each random thought they express, each act of unconditional kindness, and each expression of testimony and faith.  They teach me way more than I'll ever teach them!!

Happy Thanks-Giving!  (thanks Heavenly Father for "giving" me children!)