Gifts & Blessings

I love this time of year where I get to think about all the things I'm grateful for and all the gifts I've been blessed with in my life.

I am grateful for the gift of being a mother, for having children that make me laugh (and sometimes cry), and for getting to be a part of their lives.

I am grateful for the gift of love. I love my children, they love each other, and we all love their dad I am grateful for the gift of sleep, even if I'm not always the one getting it.
I am grateful for the gift of the gospel and the many blessings I experience as a result of having it in my life.
I am grateful for the gift of a worthy, righteous husband and for his opportunity to bless our sweet, healthy Adam this past Sunday.
I am grateful for the gift of family who took time to be with us and share our day.
I am grateful for the gift of having a testimony and for the opportunity to share it - even if it isn't often enough
I am grateful for the gift of peace, that when Adam's blessing shirt went awol I was able to see the bigger picture and realize that only having a onsie under one's vest doesn't negate the words and spirit of a blessing.
I am grateful for the gift my Savior gave in coming to this Earth, living perfectly, atoning for my (and all of our) sins, and giving His life so that I could be the recipient of so many gifts.
In a time when the receiving of temporal gifts often overshadows the true reason we celebrate, I am grateful for my eternal gifts to know that all the gifts I receive are blessings from a loving Heavenly Father and that I can never repay all I have been given.
I am grateful that I know that doesn't mean I shouldn't try.

Our first (although blurry) family picture