Thankful

In order to combat the discontent, complaining spirit that I seem to be struggling with these days, I have been trying to focus on being more thankful. The negative words and griping sessions seem to flow more easily. Sure, it is crazy having three kids who are 3, 2, and 9 months, a husband who works two jobs, a house that always seem filled with guests, bills that seem to always need paying, mounds of laundry to conquer, cloth diapers to wash, and friends and family who are hundreds of miles away. So instead of focusing on what a difficult week it has been, this is what I am thankful for:

• The Gospel, which has changed my life and continues to on a daily basis.
  
• A husband who is so hard-working and so committed to spreading the Gospel in Centennial, CO that he is willing to work a very stressful and demanding job.
• Juliana, Adeline, and Breckinridge. Three of God's greatest gifts to me.
  
• For the first time since we've been married, we live close to family.
  
• New friends that God has given us here so far.
  
• Our core group at Sola Church. They bless me with their commitment to living the Gospel here in the Denver area.
• Even though Addie seems to be highly emotional these days, I am grateful that she still wants me to hold and cuddle her when she's upset.
  
• I am so thankful that Breck is so healthy and on track developmentally. While learning to crawl and pull himself up will add more busyness to my day, I am thankful that he is healthy and can do these things.
  
• Even though Juliana has started thinking that she is the boss around here, I am so very thankful for her sweet spirit. The other day I was crying about something, and she came over and asked why I was upset. They she hugged me, kissed my cheek, and told me it was alright. I melted.
• Even though they fight, I love seeing my two girls growing to be such good friends. It has not been easy having them only 13 months apart, but it is all worth it when I see them playing together, giggling together, sleeping together.
  
• I am incredibly thankful that we are no longer sweating it out in our home, thanks to cooler weather and a new attic fan, which Chad installed for us.

This doesn't by any means cover everything I am thankful for, but it is what is on my mind right now. I do not want to relegate the goodness of God in my life to a mere list that I compose, but renewing my mind is how change will occur. I am already refreshed and ready to go scoop up my babies and clean my house, but ... I am ever so thankful that all are sleeping right now. (And since I can't resist this face, I had to leave you with a picture of my favorite little boy)