So Many Things

Today I have so many things to be thankful for!  

Top 4 on my list today:

My 3 beautiful kids, family, friends and the Gospel and how it has affected my life.

  

I realize more than ever that my attitude as a Mother greatly affects those closest to me. At any given time or day I really have no reason to complain and whine. I tell my kids there are a lot of things I can stand but whining is not one of them. David and the kids must get very tired of hearing me whine yet nobody ever tells me to stop and I really think they should start. I don't deserve to complain and whine either . I noticed that when I  start my day by rolling out of bed irritated that I am being woken up by the smell of throw up or a poopy diaper or an, “ I am hungry”  coming from 3 kids it calls for nothing more then a poor attitude and a bad day . I start my day with a bad attitude and in turn each one of my sweet children are sad and whinny most of the day . I have seen this so many times and I now believe the saying my Mom always had hanging on our living room wall while I was growing up,  "If Mama Ain't Happy , Ain't Nobody Happy" .  I always laughed at this saying and thought it was nothing but a joke . I know now that is is an absolute reality !!! I have also learned and now know that when I wake up in the morning and start my day with a prayer of gratitude to my Heavenly Father my entire day runs much more smoothly.  I am grateful that I am a Mom and that I am needed by three healthy, happy beautiful children and that I have been given the chance to be their Mother . Those first five minutes of my day and the choice that I make greatly affects those closest to me . My sweet children look at me like I am their everything and I need to return the favor because after all they mean more to me then my life itself. I love my kids! I love their faces after eating ice cream, there sweet comments of innocent love and honesty. I love everything about them and really I cannot get enough of them this holiday season. 

Tonight while tucking the boys in bed I told them how much I love them and how thankful I am for both of them . Stratton replied that he was very thankful for Dad and I and Emerson gave us both a big kiss and a very tight squeeze. They both once again melted my heart! 

Today we spent Thanksgiving at Don and Dia’s house with David’s parents and also Dia’s parents. There was so much love and joy in the air and I know we all felt that. The kids played at the park together and it was so cute watching Rocky and Stratton both driving their power wheels. There were a few crashes but nothing too damaging :) 

 It cracks me up how Charlotte's belly causes her shirt to slowly work it's way up . I have that same problem when I am pregnant . It is much more cute on a 1 year old princess.

 Charlotte loves Grandpa and I often find her at his feet .

 Stratton and Charlotte were both hiding in these cupboards . Stratton was a little too big but still thought that it was too much fun . He would ask us to close our eyes and then he would hide . Charlotte found him most of the time .

 Stratton driving the Ford Truck and Rocky is sporting he stylish Mini Coupe.