Sunday, November 2, 2014

Looking out Jamie's kitchen window

Twin Oaks

It's November. Halloween is over. Yay! Now it's time for an Attitude of Gratitude. Time to get ready for the holidays - Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Dan loves me even though I'm fat and it's not easy to love myself. He believes in me and thinks I can do anything. Sometimes it's hard because I feel...maybe taken for granted, but he honestly thinks I'm so wonderful that I CAN do anything. I'm grateful for that.

I have too many flaws to be perfect. But I have too many blessings to be ungrateful. I am a SWAN (And I have children that remind me of that) and I can be beautiful in my imperfections.

As I've gotten older I've learned to look at trials differently. I see how past trials were challenges and then they became strengths and now they are a blessing. I'm grateful for my trials and the ability to overcome trials.

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. I've learned that if you watch yourself carefully and change when things first start churning, it is much easier. I remember reading the Book of Mormon and having a "Softened Heart" always stood out. (This time reading it's funny. What stands out is how many times Nephi points out "He/We dwelt in a tent". Don't know what the lesson to learn on that is. Haha). I'm grateful for my home. I remember praying to have my heart softened. I practiced it and found how easy it was to change, when the thoughts appear and you include the Lord. Sometimes we don't like change. I know today is Daylight Savings and it will be getting dark much sooner. It will take me a few weeks to get used to it. But aren't we glad we can change? Aren't we glad that we have the choice? We may not be able to change the situation, but we can change the way we react to the situation. We choose to be happy. We choose to love. We choose to forgive. We choose to serve the Lord. And as we change, we choose to become better and better.

So this week I left George to come back home. It took me a little by surprise when I got choked up leaving. I had to go into the restroom and cry in one of the stalls for just a minute. It's ok and I'm grateful to be a Grandma. He's so cute and I'm grateful that I could be there to visit and to love and help and support. I'm grateful that I can work and make a difference.

I'm grateful when my children (Carly, Cassie, Katie, Jamie and Michelle) will send a text or call. I'm glad that they see the importance in keeping connected. It makes me happy. It makes me feel loved.

I'm grateful that I think to serve others and help others. It reminds me how much I love others. I've enjoyed cleaning Julie's room and it feels good. I love to see all of you caring for others.

Gratitude makes me a happy person. I choose to be grateful. Life is Good!

xo Mommy