True Happiness

Have you ever had one of those days when you just wake up happy? I mean, really, truly happy. The kind of happiness that absolutely nothing can ruin. Not even the fighting kids, the fact that you woke up late and had to be at church early, the fact that you can't do your hair the way you want, or the clothes you wanted to wear don't quite fit right. Nor the fact that a disgusting mouse decided to invade your home in the morning and create much excitement while the dog and husband chase, catch, and 'take care of' the darn critter. Not even your husband coming in when it's time to go reminding you that it's time to go. Or your baby screaming and fighting through Sunday school so you spend more time in the hall then in the class. Nothing can ruin that happiness. All right, so maybe these days happen a lot more often for all of you but for me, lately it seems like a rarity. Now, that's not to say that I'm not happy, it's just more often than not, I let the little things of life get to me and ruin my happiness which today, nothing could seem to ruin. I'm not sure why today was different but it was. Maybe it was the time we were able to spend with family yesterday or the beautiful music at the Jon Scmidt concert we enjoyed last night, or maybe it was the full night of sleep I got thanks to my darling Vanessa deciding to sleep too. Whatever it was, I enjoyed every minute of it!

This past year has been full of many trials and struggles for our family. It seems like we wouldn't even be through one struggle and another one would hit. Looking back, I have to say, I wouldn't change the last year for anything. Yes, it's been hard and there were many times I wanted to (and many, many times did) throw my hands up and say, 'that's it, no more! I can't take it!' But, through all those trials we have received soooo many blessings! At least double the trials! And I know that without those trials many of the blessings would not have come or would not have been recognized. So, yes, I am EXTREMELY grateful for the trials we have endured this last year. And yes, I am ready for our most recent one to be over. But I know that all happens in the Lord's time and we have to continue to be patient and continue to receive the blessings that are still to come to us while Jim is unemployed. We need to continue to be mindful of the blessings and the many things we still have to learn. I'm grateful that my family is together, especially at this wonderful Christmas season. I'm so thankful that we are all healthy! We have a home that is more than enough for our family. Our home is in the greatest neighborhood with the best neighbors and friends who are so generous, caring and kind. I'm so thankful we were guided and blessed to live in this fabulous area!! I am blessed with the most amazing friends who love me for me, no matter what! I really don't know what I would do without all the many fabulous friends my Heavenly Father sent to bless my life. Not a day goes by that one of the many doesn't reach out to me and bless me. I only hope I'm 1/4 the friend to them they all are to me.

I'm most especially grateful for the gospel and for my Savior and his tender mercies. I'm thankful that He is aware of me and my family and is always there watching over us and guiding us so we can find our eternal, true happiness.