Write it down.

The thankful tree is something that has been floating around blog land and Pinterest for quite a few years.

 

Our family often partakes in the ritual of hanging the leaves of gratitude on our makeshift tree.

Other years, we have written on placements that which we are thankful for.

Today, I share this with you not so you can see this idea for the umpteenth time; but to shed some light on why our family chooses to do it.

I am a firm believer in taking the time to recognize your blessings.

The greatest lesson I have learned from writing this blog is that it is important to write down your blessings.

Every moment I share here I consider to be a blessing.  My life, my family, my home, the little everyday moments, and my faith are among my greatest blessings. I am thankful to have them written down.  I feel so much gratitude when I can go back and read; and be reminded how richly blessed my life has been.

I have always loved the quote:

“We write to taste life twice once in the moment and retrospect.” Anias Nin

I believe we write down our blessings once in the moment, and then so we can be reminded of God’s love in retrospect.

Often times I stumble upon those written down blessings at the very moment I need a good warm hug from God.

And this is what I want for our children.

Simple reminders of God’s love for them.

Written down by their own hand to see daily.

I was deeply touched the morning I walked down to see my littles in the kitchen filling out the leaves all on their own.

They know what blessings are.

They know they have been given so much.

They know God surely loves them…

and when their heart is heavy they won’t forget because, there it is, right in front of them, written in their own penmanship.

What are you thankful for?  Take the time to write it down somewhere so you don’t forget.

If you would like to know about my above thankful and what I believe please visit here or here.

You may also be interested in this video.

I am thankful for you.

Thank you for making this such a wonderful place to count my many blessings.

I am thankful for…

a home to live in

a  place to teach our kids about gratitude and blessings

a cozy room to laugh in, tickle in, learn from the scriptures, and talk about life

a space to decorate and make my own

a door that guests and loved ones enter often

windows to look out of and see the beauty of the mountains; yet not feel the brisk air on my face from inside a warm home while I look on in amazement

a porch to sit on and think about each and every neighbor I have; and how blessed I am to share streets, traditions, children, and memories with such loving people

a season as beautiful as autumn; with so much vibrant color and beauty to behold

all the farmers who provide the harvest and bounties we enjoy in our home daily

a holiday where families gather, work together in the kitchen, and count their blessings

I am thankful to have a place to call home.

A summer of NEW.

New State.

New Town.

New House.

New Church.

New School.

New Friends.

New Job.

New Routine.

We have all adjusted to the “New” around here.

We are all settling in, and have fell in love with the “New.”

So much so, that I find myself counting my many blessings each and every day.

Counting my blessings to live in Utah.

Realizing what a beautiful and truly unique place this is to live.

Something I would not have realized unless I moved away from it.

I am so thankful to be permanently settled here in Utah.

I am thankful to recognize God’s love for me through the beauty that is in the earth.

For the beauty of the earth…

For the beauty of the skies…

Lord of all to these we raise…

this our hymn of grateful praise.

Logan Temple

(another of our many blessings; is to once again live near a temple)

Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father who blesses my life and shows me he loves me in so many ways.

 

Reminder.

Life has had it’s ups and downs over the last few weeks with our moving across the country.

Today is a simple reminder to myself of why I do what I do.

It is the hardest job in the world.

Sometimes I wonder if they see what it takes.

…but I know that they know I love them.

Even when I am frustrated.  They know.

They know because I am their mom…

…and even when life gets turned upside down I am still the best one for the job.  and for some reason they love me regardless of my faults.

…and that I am thankful for.

Recent proud moments…

Even though our life has been turned upside down as of late; we have had many moments around here that I am so proud of.

Moments that are worth documenting.

1. Coming to the end of this medical school, residency, fellowship, and moving all over the world journey.

2. Realizing how hard it has been, but coming through the other side stronger and better.

3. Watching Jonathan as he accepts his fellowship awards; knowing how hard he has worked.

4. Getting the news that he passed his boards.  Jonathan is board certified.  WOW!!

5.  Watching Jex receive his Arrow of Light. Knowing how hard he worked to receive it.

6.  Seeing my husband stand in that room during Jex’s ceremony as an Eagle Scout.

7. Being there when Isaac graduated from Kindergarten.  My sweet boy is growing up.

8. Celebrating as my kiddos finished another successful school year.

9.  Listening to Jex and Stella play at their final piano recital with their PA teacher.  They did amazing, and she taught them well.

All these beautiful moments that make a mom and wife proud.

Moments to count my many blessings.