Gratitude Journal: Day 5

I am in awe of those pilgrims in Boston who chose to stay when the Mayflower left for Europe, of those who fought for freedom against England who had it all, when they lacked basic needs, also those who were able to establish a government and constitution that has kept our nation free for nearly 250 years. Is everything in our history perfect? No. Were all of these men perfect? No, they had faults, as we all do, and God has only ever had one perfect Son to work with. But, He found the best men of the time to establish this country.

Because of these brave individuals who’ve come before us, today, we are born free to pursue our own happiness with protections in place. One of my favorites is the freedom to choose how to worship God however we want. Another, to make changes to the constitution when necessary. Today I #GiveThanks to them and all of my ancestors who paved the way for me to live the life I do.

Gratitude Journal: Day 4

This year I’ve looked hard for the silver lining in things, as I’m sure many of you have. One of my favorites is having more time with our kids.

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had many days where I’ve wanted to send us all to bed at 6 because I’m just done with the teasing, arguing, whining, and online school. Or I put headphones in my ears to fill my mind with something other than crazy.

But then I am reminded, we’ve had so many special times together. I’ve watched them become great friends, enjoy the outdoors more, church & Come Follow Me, snuggling & watching movies together, playing games, & more time for music, to name a few. I can never #GiveThanks enough for these priceless memories we’ve shared and to be Mom of these kids. They are all very different, and they teach me and show their love differently. It’s a crazy ride, but it sure is fun to watch them grow into mini-adults.

Gratitude Journal: Day 3

Almost 20 years ago, I walked into a Seagull Book to find a book to send Bo on his mission. The Infinite Atonement was recommended. I quickly skimmed it and sent it off. I'm not sure he read it. He was busy! Haha. But, after we were married, it sat on many different shelves over the years with my intention to read it again.

Seven years later, I finally did, and I was changed. I loved what I felt and learned from this book. I needed to begin a serious study of scripture. I wanted understanding like that. Fast forward to today. I'm not full of wisdom, but I'm still learning. This pandemic has allowed me more time for reading, and I've discovered classic literature. I love the truths I can find in these books. I #GiveThanks often for this book that crossed my path and helped me see, and for those who have shared their knowledge with us throughout the centuries.

...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:118

#theinfiniteatonement

Gratitude Journal: Day 2

He bought me tickets for The Piano Guys, and we got to meet them!  They are my favorite.

Today I'm grateful for my husband and best friend. He's kind and patient with me. Bo works hard to make sure we are taken care of and have many fun adventures (even for us girls who are always outnumbered). He supports all of us in anything we want to do. He balances out my more serious personality, and when he's around, he brings a calmness to our home. I'm so grateful for every minute I get with him! #GiveThanks

He even took all of us to Cats!

Here he is working on our gorgeous table he and I made together.

With Hailey and All-State

Con getting his Eagle.  He never could have gotten it without Bo.

Takes all the boys hunting and works with them to prepare the meat for our freezer or jerky.

These boys all love motorbiking with their dad.

Gratitude Journal: Day 1

President Nelson spoke to us this morning and taught us that gratitude will heal hearts.  Right now we could all use a huge dose of heart healing.  I wrote my favorite quotes in my personal journal but there are two that I wanted here.

"Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems."  and

"As a doctor I know the value of good therapy. So, dear friends, may I prescribe two activities to help us experience the healing power of gratitude.

He asked us to spend some time each day posting something we are thankful for to our social media and also praying daily in thanks.  So, here's my first one.

 I'm so grateful for our Father in Heaven and the knowledge that He loves us all equally beyond measure and answers our prayers. This year more than ever I have seen my Heavenly Father in my daily life. As I've invited Him through sincere daily prayer, He has come and made everything better. #GiveThanks