count my many blessings...

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

I do not express my gratitude nearly enough. I have a lot of wrapped presents in my closet that need to be given, so I thought I would take a minute tonight, and give a few away.

I am so grateful for:

An incredible family who has a front row seat to all my mistakes and weaknesses and yet loves me anyway.

A home, although covered in scratches and dents, keeps us warm and safe.

A full pantry and fridge that contains chocolate as well as vegetables.

A scar on my neck that shows the miracles of modern medicine and serves as a daily reminder of the blessing of health and strength.

This old body of mine, that has more creaks than an old floor, but still gets me where I want to go.

A mind that occasionally misplaces things, but can compute sales in a flash.

Sunshine, after a day of storms.

A hug from my little guy and a high five from my teenager.

My children, my greatest teachers.

A good book and a bathfull of bubbles.

A vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dishwasher all in working order.

The many hands who continually reach out in small and large ways and make such a profound difference in my life.

The seasons, which change right before you get tired of each one.

A new pair of shoes (that were on sale!)

My faith and beliefs which strengthen me through hard times, and gives me hope in a world where it is hard to find.

A Savior who bestows true empathy and compassion.

My Heavenly Father who loves me even when I forget to be grateful.

You know it's going to be a long day

when you:

Put the clean clothes that just came out of the dryer, in the washer; put dirty clothes in the dryer; turn them both on and walk away.

Put leftover lasagna in the microwave for ten minutes instead of one and not realize it until after there is an explosion.

Clean out the microwave after a lasagna explosion.

Collect your mail on a very windy day, then not hold on to it tightly.

Run after bills as they zip across the cul de sac.

Remove all shelving and storage containers from the fridge to clean it, then struggle with reassembly. (Ok, so it's been awhile since I did this particular task!)

Lose patience with the kids as they leave socks and backpacks on the floor, destroy the kitchen, refuse to clean their rooms and do homework and then say, "Jeez mom, why are you angry today?"

Out of chocolate and bubble bath.

Yesterday was a looong day and as you can see I didn't fare very well. Today is going better, although the house is still peaceful and quiet for three more minutes, then I will be invaded with more dirty socks, back packs and dishes. On the bright side, the lasagna is gone so the microwave is still clean!

Happy Birthday Kelly!!

Top Ten Reasons why I'm Glad Kelly is a year older....

10. He always gets to get older first, and if I like how he does it, I'll follow.

9. As you age, your eyes start to go...that means the older he gets, the better I look!

8. As we age our memory weakens, so he won't remember all the stuff I do wrong!

(are we sensing a pattern here?)

7. Banana Cream Pie is easier than decorating barbie and race car birthday cakes!

6. I get an excuse to buy him a power tool to use later in a honey do project.

5. We get to go out to eat so I don't have to cook!

4. I have someone to fix the garbage disposal after I get through breaking it, or kill creepy crawly, scurrying things.

3. I have a shoulder to cry on when I'm having a mom pity party!

2. I get to hold a hand during scary parts in a movie, or just any darn time I want!

1. I get another year of unlimited hugs, kisses, smiles, laughter and winks from an incredible man.

As you can see, I am very selfish about Kelly having birthdays. I know I get more presents than he does! Kelly I love you so much and I'm grateful for every year we get to celebrate wrinkles, gray hair and uncooperative joints together (as long as you always have them first)!!