Grateful

I feel very fortunate that I have been blessed in so many ways. The other day I was thinking about how lucky I am. I sometimes take for granted what I have and dwell too much on what I don't have or my hardships. However, I really am a very fortunate person, so I thought I'd list the top 5 things I am most grateful for (in no particular order).
1) I'm grateful to be married to Tom. One of the things that attracted me to him (besides his good looks) is his selflessness and the way he treats others. I'm spoiled that I get to benefit from this everyday. I'm so happy in my marriage. I feel we get a long really well, we don't fight much. I love just being with him. I love watching him as a dad and feel no one has as good a dad as my kids. He's handy, athletic, spiritual and fun. When I see the hardships others sometimes go through in marriage, I realize what a blessing it is to have what Tom and I have. I grow more in love with him everyday, and I'm so glad I get to be with him forever!
2) I'm grateful for my children. Sometimes I want to wish things away and I forget to appreciate the here and now. Lily is at the best age right now. She is my helper, Jeff's entertainer and Cedric's second mom. I want to freeze her where she is, but I know she's going to grow up to be a good girl. She has such a strong, sweet spirit about her that makes me not worry so much about the teenage years. Jefferson is my buddy. He amazes me everyday with his "know-it-all" attitude. He really picks things up and it's amazing what he can learn. He loves games and helps remind me that even though I have other responsibilities, it's okay to stop and play a game together once in a while. Cedric is so much fun right now! I love the two-year-old stage. He's old enough to understand more than he used to and to do things with us like games and movies. Yet he's still young enough that I can hold and cuddle him. He LOVES to give hugs, and will hug anyone. He is so sweet right now, I love it! I realize there are a lot of people who cannot have children or struggle with miscarriages, etc. and it make me realize the blessing my children are. There's nothing I've ever wanted more in life than to have children, and I've been blessed three times over!
3) I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It teaches truth. I know that and I am grateful for that knowledge. I don't know how I would cope in this world if I didn't know what my purpose was here, or where I was going. I'm glad I have an eternal goal to work towards and to help keep what's important in focus. I'm grateful for the use of prayer. That I know I always have my Heavenly Father there to help me, even if it's in the middle of the night. I know He understands better than anyone what I'm going through and it gives me comfort and strenghth. I'm grateful for the constant companion of His Spirit that helps me in several aspects of my life. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. That because of him I can repent when I do wrong, that I will be resurrected someday. He too knows me. He knows what I'm going through, because He too suffered as I sometimes suffer. I know not everyone has the great blessing of knowing Him or His true gospel, but I am grateful I have been blessed with this knowledge.
4) I am grateful for my job. Yes, it's a job, but it's probably the best job I could ever have! Along with being a mom, I am a preschool teacher. To me, this job is my miracle, my pride, my ta-da in life. I say this because it's a miracle to me that I am able to easily replenish my students year after year. That people trust me with their children and feel I am a good teacher. It's a huge pat on the back each May when I hold preschool graduation and have over 100 people come and support me and these children. I'm proud of myself for having a dream, a goal and following through. I feel we were blessed with moving into the house we have because I took faith and action and started working towards starting the school before we even knew where we were going to live. It's been hard work, but for almost six years I have blessed the lives of several children. I love watching them learn and grow, it's such a rewarding job. I realize so many people struggle with keeping a job or starting a successful occupation, and for this I am grateful for what I have. I am grateful for Tom's job too, and the blessings it has brought into our lives also.
5) I am grateful for being born in this time and this place. I am glad we have modern conveniences, medicine and that we have amazing technology. I'm grateful that I live in a great country. I feel we are so spoiled with the luxuries we have. I am grateful for those who have suffered so we can live the way we live, pioneers, military men, ect. I am blessed to be a modern day American.
There are so many other things I am grateful for too, extended family, friends, health, I could go on forever. I know we are all blessed in different ways. I know life is hard, but next time you (or I) are going through a hardship in our life, remember all the great blessings you have!