Grateful

While driving home from the hospital, my thoughts started leaning towards all the blessings in my life. It's been a while since I've really sat down and thought about what I have. With all the stress that I've been feeling lately, it was a huge relief for me to list some of the things that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. The Hymn "Count Your Blessings" testifies to me the importance of humbling yourself enough to know that even in the mist of trials, Heavenly Father loves us and continues to watch over and bless us. Here are a few things that I am thankful for.

1. My husband. I couldn't have married a better match for me. The Lord's hand definitely played a part in helping me find this amazing person to spend eternity with.

2. My Josh. He is in the center of my heart and the center of my life. I love him more than words can express and feel privledged to be his mother. I look forward to mothering Josh's "baby brother" in a few short weeks.

3. My angel Matthew. I think about him everyday and miss him more than anything. I am thankful to know that he is a part of our eternal family and that one day we will be united again.

4. The gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't know what I would do without the knowledge I have of eternal families, the plan of salvation, priesthood blessings, and all the things that bring true happiness to us in this life. I love the gospel.

5. Good friends. Although we've only been in Tucson for a few months, I feel lucky to have made friends that I can rely on. With Ryan's busy schedule and no family around, it is crutial to have people around you know you can count on. I not only have a few, but several people I know I could call on in an emergency. What a blessing!

6. My health. I have terrific health, especially when I'm not pregnant. Seeing all these doctors the last few months have made me realize how lucky I am to have no significant, long-term health problems. Just to be able to think clearly, see, hear, feel, taste, walk! The Lord has given me so much.

7. Financial security. We are by no means "rich" (We're medical residents for crying out loud!) and we've had our struggles with money. But we have money in our bank account and it comes in on a regular basis. We got to pay tithing for the first time in 2 1/2 years this past week (we've been living on student loans). It was an awesome feeling. My husband will always have a job. We will always have an income to make ends meet.

8. To be a Homemaker. I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I love being able to watch Josh learn and grow each and every day. I am looking forward to watching our next son grow up in front of my eyes as well. I love being able to express my love daily by spending ample amounts of time with my family. I just love having my job be "mom".

9. Sacrifice. Ryan sacrifices every day for our family. Right now, he sacrifices his free time. He doesn't have much, and he chooses to spend it with Josh and me. We play hide-and-go seek with the lights off and flashlights. He has "wrestlemania" and "ticklemania" fights with Josh. He asks about my day and listens to me talk. He sacrificed with XBOX LIVE account (it ended a few months ago and he didn't renew it). If you know Ryan at all, that is huge for him. I am endlessly thankful that we are his first priority.

10. My family. I grew up with the most amazing parents. My mom is now one of my best friends & I love our relationship. I could (& do!) share most everything with her. She always makes me feel so loved and special. She is the kind of mom that I hope to be. My dad has always been one of the people I look up to most. He is such a hard worker, humble, and kind. My dad and I enjoy just being next to each other. My brothers and sister taught me how to live the gospel. They were (and still are) great examples to follow and I enjoy their company immensely when I have the privledge of seeing them. I sure do miss my family.

I have about a million more blessings on my list. But these 10 stick out to me the most right now. If you're having a bad day, I truly advise you to list your blessings. It's amazing how the feeling of self-pity is immediately replaced by gratitude and humility. We truly are a blessed people.