Gratitude

I awoke to feelings of gratitude this morning, gratitude for the little simple things in my life. And somehow my prayer of thanksgiving to my Father in Heaven this morning didn't seem like enough.
As I watched Alivia run around the kitchen this morning with her little curls bobbing up and down, I thanked my lucky stars I've had the opportunity to be her mother. Lately when she senses that I'm upset (or I pretend to be upset just because I love her new response) she'll run across the room and grab my hand and say "I need you Mom, hug me!". I love her determination and spunk, it reminds me so much of her fathers.... It tries me to the bone, and yet it inspires me so!
I always have loved a good laugh, and Dylan supplied a good one for me this morning. As he looked out the window and noticed the neighbors had their flag out, he asked me why? I told him today was another day for us to celebrate our freedom. I went into further detail about the pioneers and their struggles to find a place where their homes and things wouldn't be destroyed because of their beliefs. I told him that many years ago (on this very day) the pioneers came to Utah and found that sacred relief from persecution and destruction. To which he replied, "Something's telling me that since it's a day to celebrate freedom, I don't have to do my chores!".
I've experienced a lot of "bad days" and some very low points in my life the last four months or so and I've been...well, less than a treat to be around... I wish I could have said I had a reason to be as worked up about life as I felt (and I highly suspect some very wacked out hormones), but I simply lost the ability to cope with anything. I'm grateful for a husband who weathers my storms. More often than not I don't express the appreciation I have for all that he does and puts up with. I feel so blessed that no matter how things are going in Mr. Giovannoni's life, you'll always find him doing what he should. That nothing deters him from what he knows to be right. I've always loved and admired his ability to put God first. Mr. Giovannoni I love that you take care of our family so well, that you are so stubborn and determined and that you teach our children where their loyalties should be.
I'm grateful that in times like these I married a tight wad ;) Mr. Giovannoni and I both drive old, old cars, and as the time nears to go out and find us something newer and more reliable, I'm grateful to know that we can afford to go and do so. I'm grateful I get to go to bed each night and sleep the sleep of someone who's saved for a rainy day. I'm grateful the Lord has so blessed our lives that we could save the money He has blessed us with.
I'm grateful that Mr. Giovannoni and I ended up in little old Midvale, that we have had the chance to live here and love every minute of it. We have been blessed to be put amongst some of the greatest people ever. I've made some great friends, my kids too. I felt this place was special from the minute I stepped foot in it. I'm so glad we ended up here. I'm grateful for our sweet land-lady, I know she's a blessing in our lives.
I'm grateful for the friendships I've formed lately with my walking buddies. Caroline and Stacie, I feel like you both were a direct answer to my prayers.
I'm grateful for good examples of faithful people. Maybe because sufficient faith amongst my trials seems to be such a weakness for me. I'm moved to see anyone of any faith praise their God and stand tall, when It would be so much easier to not do so.
I'm grateful for Divine Love. That God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son. I can't imagine Love like that, but I'll forever be glad that each time I stumble and fall, I can find forgiveness and open arms, if I just do my part in making amends and moving forward, I know there is a way back to my eternal family.
I think President Thomas S. Monson said it best....
"Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings...Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."