so much...

I have been really thinking alot lately about things that I have learned this year...
This is what I want to make note of:
1)Faith. This has proved to be another roller coaster of a year for our family. I am beyond words grateful that I have strong rooted faith in my Father in Heaven. I am less than excited to continue some of this trek, but again, grateful that I understand some purpose in life comes from the unpleasant!
2)Family. I married ridiculously young and I got lucky. I met this goofy, loud, green eyed prince that convinced me to marry him at 19! Agh! It freaks me out to her Kenna say she wants to follow my footsteps! I got lucky...he's a gem. He's patient...loyal...hard-working...and MINE! I know now that not everyone is this lucky. And again, I'm thankful to my Father in Heaven!
Then there are my 5 beautiful...perfect in every way....happy children. Its amazing what I thought gave me joy before children. Now I could care less about traveling the world, having the big house, shiney car...or being 'fancy nancy'....sometimes an escape is hugely needed, but this is where I want to be! Each of my children is different than the others...but together are the perfect blend of pest, trick, tease, snuggle, noise, kiss, sass, weird/akwardness and sheer JOY!
3)Perspective. This one is very much tied to the first two. I have seen a real dose of ugly and heartache, but see now, much like the weather, that spring is coming. Oh...how I love spring! I love knowing that all things pass, the ugly dies, and healing is possible. I know what is important.
4)Health. So thankful to be alive and well to enjoy the sun today. Happy to watch my children skip into school, perhaps a few minutes late! Grateful for blessings of health...
And while this post is generalized...I can't resist the need to brag on my newest angel Landri. She is precious...she has completely captured our hearts! She smiles...and stares so intently. She is pleasant...so quiet we almost don't know she's here! She recognizes that mom will be happier with a little sleep, and has been happy to oblige! She eats well...and smells like heaven!
Every single one of my children has a family name for their middle name. We struggled with this for her...couldn't find one that fit. And then we did. HOPE. Her name is Landri Hope...heavy on the hope!
I'm so thankful for so much...