Gratitude

Okay.. I've kind of been in this funk lately. And I'm not really sure just why. I think it started around Christmas time. I just kind of feel like I focus too much on the things I don't have and really want and not on all the wonderful things I have in my life. It's not so much the monetary things I just really missed my family during the holidays. Kind of thought of all the Christmas' I spent with my siblings and took for granted. Now that most of us have children of our own I want more than anything to have everyone together and well that's just not going to happen very easily. I remember years ago I was having a rough time and Oprah was encouraging a gratitude journal. I found a small journal and started one. Some days there was only one thing listed other days pages, but it helped me so much to keep my focus on the things I already had and not the everyday "life happens" stuff that can bring you down... so I am going to start one of those gratitude journals again. So to pull myself out of this blue funk I am in, I will list 10 things that I am grateful for and that make me happy!

The knowledge that I have all the following things that make me happy in my life because my Heavenly Father and my Eldest brother Jesus Christ want me to be happy, love me and think I am worthy to have them.

My daughter's artwork. This is a sidewalk chalk masterpiece. She insisted on my taking a picture and then wanted 4 copies of the picture for her friends. Then she came running up to me with such a serious look and tone in her voice saying no, she needed 5 copies because daddy needed one... because you know daddy he just loves my picture. I swear sometimes she talks so grown up and sophisticated I have to remind myself she's only six.

My Christmas tree... I love Christmas trees and nativities. I think the tree represents all the magic, love and family to me. Where do you gather on Christmas morning with your family?... around the Christmas tree, the lights sparkle to remind me of the light of Christ in our lives. If I could get away with it I would leave my Christmas tree up all year. But unfortunately hubby won't go for that. He likes to have all the Christmas stuff put away by the day after New Years. However I sure do love him for never ever complaining about my new ornament additions each year. I think I have enough ornaments to decorate about 10 trees. I just can't stop collecting them.

My nieces and nephew. They are so sweet and their parents are really doing a wonderful job raising them to be good kids. They are full of mischief but they are so loving and kind. How could you not fall in love with these sweet little faces?

Nature in general.. I love the outdoors... I love the animals.. I love the smell of the air after a spring rain. This was taken at the wildflower farm in Fredericksburg TX. Katherine was so excited because she got a butterfly to land on her finger. I think we might make this a yearly event.

My husband... he is the only person in the world that would put up with me sometimes. He is a wonderful father to our daughter and he always tries his best to make us happy.

My daughter's sense of style... okay it's in the development phase. But her unconditional love and her great sense of humor is the highlight to my day. She is a little drama queen and can fool the best with her on the spot bawling full blown tears cascading down her little cheeks at her whimsy... but within minutes she's laughing and giggling.

My daughters smile

The dogs... and seeing Katherine play with them and love them.

The Beach... it's so relaxing to me. I love this photo so much.