CHOOSING GRATITUDE

So Thanksgiving was wonderful. I love having a big family. It was fun starting out Thanksgiving morning running the 10K with one of my best friends Jessica. She slammed her foot into a baby gate two days before and literally ran with broke toes. The funny thing is I thought we started out together and I didn't catch up to her until mile 4. She inspires me as a mommy, wife, and Christ follower. We all need friends that inspire us and motivate and encourage us. And ones that listen to us. I am blessed with a few. Some of those friends I call family. :) We had thanksgiving at my Aunt Brenda's. When I was growing up my Aunt Brenda was always a generous and happy hostess. Her and my Uncle Ray always loved having all of us in their home and the sounds, smells, and laughter are truly some of my fondest memories. My mom was greatly missed. She was home at her LOFT apartment (what the boys and I call it). She's been recovering from major surgery. Billy, the boys, and I went to see her after we left Aunt B's. We took her some food. We had a great time at my aunt's house. We ate, laughed, rode motorcycles and just enjoyed being together. Thanksgiving is a season of gratefulness. A season of being happy with what God has blessed you with. I wish I could say I had that  mastered. I DO NOT! It is hard when life takes over. Who is feeling grateful when you get out of your shower and there is a foot of sewage water on your floor.? NOT THIS GIRL!! That's life though. Sewage's back up, bills are due again right after you pay them, and kids disobey( usually at the most inconvenient times.) It is CHOOSING to remain grateful in spite of all that. Looking past your circumstances. I make lots of gratitude lists. I journal all the time and writing things down helps me see clearly the beautiful life I TRULY do have. We got our tree up and Billy and Tanner put up the outside lights. I LOVE OUR HOME. (Sewage problems and all)  :)  I am a lot of things but mostly today I am grateful.