Count My Many Blessings...

After reading my cousins blog about quiet times and reflections, I felt inspired to share my thoughts tonight. I've been meaning to do this for a while and it seems like the nights are so busy. So thanks Matt--for inspiring me to take these few moments to be thankful and reflect upon the great blessings in my life.

I have to be so grateful for the time I have to spend with Dave right now. It is NOT easy to have him out of work--especially with the struggle of finding a job in this crazy economy. However, we both feel that it was a good thing, and that good will come of it. We are enjoying getting to "know" each other again. It seemed like 6 long years of tag team with work and kids and we had very little time to spend together. So, it has been so nice to enjoy "dating" again.

I am also so very grateful for such a sweet cousin! Debi--you seem to amaze me in every way and are there when the kids and I need it the most! You have touched my heart in the most amazing way with your sensitivity to the kids and their frustrations in moving. Jacob has taken to Leah and just LOVES his playdates with her. He is always soooo excited when he comes home and he told me today that he even likes macaroni and cheese now--"so don't worry mom--one of your kids likes it now":) Thanks you so much for letting our kiddo's share this friendship!

I am thankful for all of the little "ANGELS" that are looking out for our family! You are all so amazing and I am thankful for all of your little secret sharings! Tonight we had the kids in bed, all except Brooklyn, and we were eating dinner and talking when the doorbell rang. I didn't hear a "hello" when Dave answered, and he soon came back into the room holding the cutest pot of paper flowers and candy! What a special moment to be thought of tonight! Also, I had the cutest preschool mom "over-pay" me and when I tried to figure it out--she said it was a little bonus! The thoughtfulness keeps pouring in from the most un-expected moments.

I took Madison and Jacob to gymnastics tonight--it is always so much fun to watch them! One of the things I love the most is seeing them learn a new skill and sharing it with a look over thier shoulder at me! The look on their faces says"Look mom--I did it!" ever so proud! I am so proud of them and the milestones they have made in gym. Another thing I love is the teacher/child relationship! It is the ONLY gymnastics place we have found that has the belief and philosophy of building the esteem of the child. Each teacher (and there are several) lives and portrays this theme to all of the children all of the time! I am grateful for their confidence, patience and time spent with my own children and hope it is something my kids will be able to continue! A HUGE THANKS to FLIPS gymnastics for a job very well done! My children love you!

Last night I had some errands to run and I was listening to music while driving. As I got to the end and was ready to head home I thought that I could just keep on driving down the freeway--with no end in sight and never looking back. It was so peaceful to just drive and think. And the force that brought me to exit the freeway and head home was my sweet husband and three adorable little children--who count on me and depend on me in the most important way. I love them so much and am so grateful for their smiling faces and happy expectations in life!

I believe their are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above...they come to you and me in our darkest moments, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with a light of LOVE! Thank you to all of you ANGELS out there--whoever, and wherever you are!

alison