Thankful

Today I just have this surge of gratitude for a wonderful family and a wonderful life.  Just moments ago as I carried sleeping Joey up to his crib for his nap or snuggled Jane as I got her settled on the couch to watch Sesame Street, it was hard to put either of them down.  Moments to just sit and snuggle are hard to come by-- usually because they are little busybodies with minds of their own.  And yet these are the only moments I have to accomplish anything beyond diaper changing and preparing or cleaning up from meals.  I am so grateful that right now, that is my trial.  Just trying to determine which, amongst the unending mountains of tasks, will command my time each day.  And I recognize that it's really not a trial at all... in fact, I don't take for granted the fact that in this season of abundance and good health and happy relationships, now is the time for me to prepare my family for hard times to come.  Because they always do come.  

This morning there was a little bit of bickering going on during breakfast, but as Derek prepared to walk out the door for work, we all went to the family room for our new tradition of morning devotional (we began doing this at the beginning of this school year-- and I'm glad to say it's a habit now!)  It was amazing how, despite some scowling faces and under-the-breath comments, the Spirit changed the atmosphere of our home, and by the end of the spiritual thought and family prayer, we were all laughing and giving hugs before we all went our separate ways.

Today I think about Tyson, and Fred & Nori, and try to imagine how they feel.  Last night as Derek and I had dinner with friends we talked about Tyson and took time to stop and think about what he must be doing now and who he really is--- what his valiant personality is really like, since we didn't get a chance to truly know him. I'm sure his parents had a better glimpse of it than any of us ever could have.  I am so grateful to Fred and Nori for enduring their trials so well, that the experience of having Tim and Tyson in our lives is one of our greatest blessings.  It's those types of trials that can make or break a family, and in my opinion, it has really made the Weavers.  In different ways for all of us, it has made us more compassionate, sympathetic, empathetic, patient, long-suffering, understanding, humble.... Knowing these young men added depth and meaning to our lives, in a way that no other experience could.

I marvel at the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me. I am constantly reminding my kids that we live in one of (if not THE) wealthiest countries of the world, in the most affluent and productive times in all of the history of the world.  We literally live like kings and queens.  

I am amazed that I have known only good and righteous men in my immediate family (including my in-laws.)  I have never been subjected to the hand of abuse, and the more I read and learn about history as well as the world in which we currently live, I feel like this is a miraculous blessing.  I can only imagine how my self-esteem and understanding of my divine nature could have been altered had I ever been mistreated by any of the men that I have loved and trusted.  Thank you Dad, Derek, Fred.  I know that great men are few and far between, and I am so blessed to be personally connected to all o-- you.

But the greatest blessing is the light and truth of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ-- that most of God's children have had to endure life on this earth without.

I look forward to preparing for Thanksgiving with the Weavers (and I can't wait to see my Hatch family in December!)  I love our wonderful families.

Although we are far from family, we are blessed by dear friends who make Sunnyside feel like home.  I am truly enjoying this season of my life.  I am so grateful to live in this fruitful land and for this time to really learn self-reliance.  Gardening and preserving food has been one of my greatest thrills this year.  Second only to raising 5 of God's greatest creations, alongside my best friend, who truly becomes better and better with time (even though I thought he was pretty stellar to begin with.) :)