Count Your Blessings

Today was a busy day, but a happy one too. I spent the day with our youngest son who is 16 and will turn 17 next month. Where did time go? I still remember his chubby little hands pounding on the tray of his highchair. His silky blond hair sticky with chocolate cake the same color as his eyes. Not to mention that chocolate toothless smile as he would scrunch up his eyes and grin at me. Yes, that's a memory I have of his very first birthday. There were so many moments like that through the years, each more cherished than the next. 

Now as I watch his six foot 2 plus self, grace my house I smile to myself. He's so tall and handsome these days. Each stage of his life has been a blessing. Today we purchased his first eye glasses and went to the dentist. It was nice to spend time alone with him. Guess we both better get used to the idea of him being the only one left at home in the next few months.

Today our youngest son was asked when his brother was leaving for his mission? He kindly informed the sister that his brother didn't turn 19 until March. She hadn't realized this. She thought he was at least 20! How funny! I guess he looks mature for an 18 year old. He's still my baby though and I just don't see him that way. But soon he'll leave for the mission field and I'll miss him too. 

This week Elya wrote from Russia with a great idea! She says that every January she picks up her journal and reviews the year. Then she writes the blessings (or good things) she has received all year and writes ONLY the blessings down in a list. She says she is able to fill up two full pages with the blessings she has received personally. Next she lists the blessings her brothers family has received for the year. After that she lists the bad things that happened. There are so few in comparison to the good list. I'm going to try that out on my family this week. Elya says she also writes how grateful she is for Heavenly Father and those blessings and she feels like the year was a success. I love this!

Our family has something we call Family Home Evening each Monday night. We have a prayer, a song, a lesson and a scripture . Each person in the family is assigned a task to help with. Then we have a blessing on the refreshments and eat something yummy!  We play games or have an activity of some sort as a family too. It has always been a great night and draws the family closer. Of course it's age appropriate and shorter when the kids are little.

I called my mom today. She is doing great since her surgery! Dad was taking her shopping and she sounded so happy. It was nice to hear her cheerful voice on the phone. Dad takes such good care of her. I'm so grateful to know that she is doing better.

Quotes of the day:

We cannot expect a discipleship of unruffled easiness. ~ Neil A. Maxwell