Much to Be Grateful For!

I have so many recent events I would love to post pics and journaling of, but right now my mind and heart is overwhelmed with things I am so grateful for. For some reason I feel as though I would seem ungrateful or neglectful in some way if I didn't ackowledge these simple yet important things in my life...

ERICK... We had a relief society social tonight. I was torn between wanting to stay home with the girls (Jacob's out of town) and wanting to spend some time with the sisters in my ward and supporting our relief society's unity efforts. Mid-day Erick asked what time the social was tonight. I expressed concerns about going and concluded with I just need to stay home tonight. He was considerate and thoughtful. He responded, "I think it's important that you go. So you go and I'll hurry home from work and spend the evening with the girls. No TV, we'll just spend time together." Still a little reluctant, but grateful for the offer I eventually agreed. Indeed I enjoyed myself, the girls enjoyed their time with dad, and I'm sure he enjoyed his time with them.
I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR A HUSBAND WHO CARES ENOUGH ABOUT ME TO MAKE THE EXTRA EFFORT TO SEE THAT MY NEEDS ARE MET AND I TOO AM HAPPY!
I'M SO GRATEFUL MY KIDS HAVE A DAD WHO IS GREAT AT BALANCING WORK WITH PLAY!
I'M GRATEFUL FOR A HUSBAND WHO ENJOYS SPENDING TIME WITH HIS FAMILY!

MOM & DAD... There is so much I could say here. But more recently my thoughts and heart have been drawn to my parents as they undergo their challenges. Last week mom went into the hospital for what they technically called "brain surgery." Recently, the doctors found a tumor growing on a bundle of nerves on or near my mom's brain. While not expected to be malignant, due to growth, current problems, and potential future problems the tumor needed to be removed. And so it was, mom went in to surgery last week for the removal. I spoke to her Wednesday night and she seemed in good spirits. It brought reassurance to me seeing her peace and confidence. However, I woke Thursday morning in tears. My mom was lying in the hospital with her head completely cut open and doctors working inside to remove something foreign. She who was ALWAYS busy serving, serving, serving now lay helpless at the mercy of our Father in Heaven. While I had previously been praying for her and the doctors, suddenly my prayers turned to pleading with the Lord. While ultimately I knew whatever the Lord's will was would be best, I still hoped that perhaps by some chance maybe my pleadings could make a difference. In addition, what else could I do. My heart ached for my mom... for her pain, for her future, for her recovery, for my dad, and for all the unknowns. However, the Lord blessed me with peace. After a few days in the hospital mom is now home. She is amazing. She is anxious to return to her normal activities. However, she currently is suffering from paralysis on the left side of her face and unsure what damage is temporary and what is permanent. Each day her balance gets better as the body is learning to do without its lost balance nerves. Mom has always been amazing and still after all these years she still amazes me.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY MOM. FOR MY DAD WHO STANDS FAITHFULLY BY HER SIDE. FOR THEIR EXAMPLE OF FAITH, SERVICE, AND ENDURANCE!
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE PEACE THE LORD ALWAYS GIVES TO ME ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED IT MOST!

SISTERS... I have three amazing sisters. Penny whom I'm excited has moved less than four miles away. Who through much adversity amazes me with her peace as she puts her faith and trust in the Lord. Who is constantly seeking to learn more about the gospel and inspires me to learn, read, and grow for myself. Chrystalyn, who was blessed with an amazing gift to see a need and fill it. She, like mom, is always busy serving. She is teaching her children well and watch them follow in her footsteps. She inspires me to look for the need without being asked. Someday I can only hope to be half as amazing as she is. And Sandy, a ray of sunshine. She teaches me to enjoy the journey. She with her own full plate drops it all to come in town to love, to help, to support. She's been staying with Penny for the past few days helping her. However, I had the pleasure of having her stay the night with me last night. She always makes me feel special by claiming she wants to stay longer and at times she does. It means so much considering how much I know she loves to be home and how much she misses her hubby. We love it when Sandy comes to visit, which of course is never often enough! We love it so much we cry when she leaves. This time was no different with the exception that Jacob's tears got him a ticket to Safford. Yes, Sandy took him home. I miss him already! But I know he is in great hands, having a great time, with a great family! If only I were four again and my tears could buy me a trip to Sandy's house! However, I am needed here and we will come see them all on Saturday when our dear sweet Kieva will be baptized! Again Sandy inspires me to enjoy the journey!
I AM THANKFUL FOR 3 SISTERS WHO ROCK!!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR A LOVING FATHER IN HEAVEN WHO IS PATIENT WITH MY FAULTS, GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HOLY AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND HAS GIVEN ME MY MANY, MANY BLESSINGS.