The sweet things in life

     My last post was a little negative and so I decided this would be an all positive post. It is easy to look at the negative things in life. The tiny frustrations. The annoying upsets. I read something today though that really made me  stop and think. It said "The things you take for granted someone else is praying for." I took that very literal. It could be as simple as a warm and clean bed. Some sweet things today that I am thankful for. I cooked a new meal last night and it turned out pretty good. I spent time with my sister Elaine today. It  was nice since she doesn't live here.  We went on a wonderful boat ride and it was pretty calm even with my busy toddler aboard. When we got back my 5 year old was sitting  close to shore having a snack his MeMe had made him of sliced pears and pretzels saying "How was your boat ride?" ( He can be really thoughtful) My mother-in-law when she makes me feel like I am doing a great job . My Aunt Brenda when she calls to talk about nothing special but the whole phone call ends up being special. How Billy left me a really sweet note. How the boys play in the sand and build stuff. My new book I'm reading. The Bible Study I wake up early to work on. The smell of my Pumpkin candles burning. Having lunch with Tanner at school. The house when its clean and in order. (Sorry I am a much more peaceful and organized mama this way) The mail I get from my Aunt Leah with new recipes. Taking Holden to a new park and collecting Pine Cones.  My mom sending me a new Daily Bread in the mail. A day with just Holden while daddy had a day with just Tanner. Pony rides with Holden at his little buddies birthday party. Scones and coffee with one of my favorite girls Jessica while our boys played.  All of these things have happened in the last week and I am so thankful. I could type for a long time on gratitude. I am smiling because already my mind is focused on the positive.  I have been doing a Bible Study and learning a lot about the Israelites and how they would get what they prayed for and then complain! I was like wow how many times have I done that in my life. Thank you God for all the blessings. My kids get dirty and make huge messes. Sometimes they do the EXACT OPPOSITE of what I ask. And on some days I am really loud. BUT oh I am grateful though!! Super grateful. I am grateful for being me and the family God gave me.

Not every moment is enjoyable

     I have a wise friend that said one time "How can you enjoy every moment when not every moment is enjoyable?" Oh so true. So true. There are just things that are not enjoyable. Your child having an ear infection and being on antibiotics. A crayon being left in a pocket and making it all the way to the dryer. Water being dumped all over the bathroom floor during bath time. Poop trailing down the hall on the carpet. WHINING!! Well you get the idea. Yes all of these things have happened to me recently. AHHHHH Parenthood. I feel like I process things better when I write in my journal and keep up with my blog. Let's face it some days are just down right difficult. I stay in prayer and do the things that I know will help me get through those days. Early morning quiet time with my Savior, running, cooking, laughing with Billy, watching comedians talk about parenting, talking with other mommies, blogging, and the many strong women in my life are just a few of the ways I cope and get through those not so enjoyable days. Then there are those sweet moments. Like right now. The boys (ages 5 and 2) are building a fort and we are all watching Star Wars. Billy bought them Star Wars toys today after church. We went to lunch and then over to visit Meme and Grampy. A sweet family Sunday. I am so thankful for those hard times too. I remember wanting so desperately to have baby. I know women who are right now still struggling to become mothers.  I know with the sweet moments comes those ones that are not so enjoyable. It's just a part of life. God gives us rest and the gift of a new day. I take comfort in his word. Philippians 4:6 Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. NLT I love this verse. He is pretty clear that we just need to give it all to him. How comforting that is when I am overwhelmed and exhausted.  I have a pretty cute husband too who helps me. Today even in the midst of those not so enjoyable moments I am so extremely thankful and blessed for this beautiful life God has given me.