Gratitude

This week has been a rough week.  Joey had a stomach bug, and then went straight into having croup.  Saturday night we ended up in the ER to get him steroids to help his breathing.  On Monday he was unofficially diagnosed with asthma, and we have to start doing daily medication to help keep him from getting so sick.  It brings back a lot of memories from when I was a kid about how much I hated my asthma, and I subconsciously feel blame for him having it (even though I have zero control over it).

Yesterday, Joey didn't nap because of his cough, and because of the lack of sleep for both of us the last week, we both went into melt down mode.  Last night, as I was reading him "Love You Forever" I was reminded of a lot of things this last week that I'm really grateful for.

1 - I'm grateful for towels.  Seriously, I can't imagine what we would have done when he had the stomach flu if it wasn't for towels.

2 - I'm grateful for my husband who is willing to deal with and clean up any mess - he got the nasty part of the stomach flu job.

3 - I'm grateful that the after hours number for our pediatrician's office gets us to Children's Hospital.  I had to call them twice and both times they were super helpful.

4 - I'm grateful Neal's cousin works at our pediatrician's office, and that she passes zero judgement when I text her with questions.

5 - I'm grateful that we have good insurance.  It made going to the ER a lot less painful than it could have been.

6 - I'm grateful that there has been so much advancement made and knowledge gained about asthma since I was a kid.

7 - I'm grateful for doctors that trust what parents' say was happening, even if it isn't happening when the doctor is examining them.

8 - I'm grateful for the book "Love You Forever."  It reminded me how quickly he's growing up already, that it's normal for Joey to be "driving me crazy," and that the negative moments we're having right now will pass quickly.

9 - I'm grateful that I can trust Neal with Joey, no matter what.  I hear a lot of wives say they can't leave their kids with their husbands, especially when they're sick.  I had zero worries for the short time I left them on Sunday to go to primary.

10 - I'm grateful for bedtime.  Both Joey's and mine.

11 - I never thought I'd say this, but I'm grateful for Daniel Tiger.

I have a lot to be grateful for.  A lot.  So although I've been posting some negative things on Facebook, please know that we have so many positive things in our lives.  It just takes me a while to remember them sometimes ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Sunday, our sacrament meeting was all about gratitude.  I learned some pretty cool things, and also was reminded of some pretty cool things.  One thing that was said that I feel is worth sharing is something the youth speaker, Adam, said.  "An attitude of gratitude is a disease we should share."  I thought that was pretty profound for a teenager.

On Monday, Neal and I did a Family Home Evening where we made a list of some of the things we are grateful for, and then said a special prayer just to thank Heavenly Father for the things he's given us.  It was pretty awe inspiring to sit down and write out a list, and then realize that we could never write down every single thing we are grateful for.  We have been so blessed and given so much.

Here is just a short list of some of the things I am so incredibly thankful for:

1. My faith in and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - I know that I am a daughter of God, and that Christ is my Savior.  I know they both love me tremendously.

2. Neal - I can't even begin to explain to you how incredible this man is.  I thought I knew, but he has become even more amazing to me over the last few months.  He does so much service for me, works so hard to provide for us, and strives to be obedient to the commandments.
3. My family - Over the last few months I have come to realize how much I have taken my family for granted in the past.  I am so grateful for how much they love me and support me.
4. This little guy that we hoped for for what felt like so long, and that has already started changing our lives in the most incredible ways.
5. My job - I have one of the most rewarding, frustrating, enjoyable, crazy, awe-inspiring jobs in the world.  Its something I can't put into words.
6. That we always have enough for our wants and needs.  That we always have food, clean water, and shelter.
7. That we live in the US.  Things may not be going exactly how I'd like, but its still one of the best places in the world to live.
8. Scriptures - I love studying the scriptures so much, and I'm grateful for the guidance and direction I feel I get from them.
9. The trials I've been through - They've helped form me into the person I am today.  There are a lot of positive things that have come from trials I've been through.
10. That we get to work with and teach adorable 4 year olds every week on Sunday.  It truly is one of the best callings I've had!

I hope you all had an incredible Thanksgiving!  What are you grateful for this year?