Thankful

I love the word 'inspire'. I love what it does to my soul. I love that it ignites a spark for my ideas, and gives me such illumination to my goals. It is my favorite word.

I know that I have to be so careful with my time, as there are many things to be inspired by, and one can easily get caught up in the whirlwinds of goodness. I have to constantly monitor what I am spending my time on, and do inventories with myself. 

I have the desire to write good things, but I am not a gifted writer. I read from many others who have a beautiful way with words, a gift. I am a simple person. I love the beauty of things, but I feel that I am very simple, and that's ok.

I am blessed to know amazing friends. They teach me quietly all the time with their doings and examples. I try very hard not to compare myself, but I am grateful to know them, and to learn from them. 

I am thankful for my memories of my life so far. I've been on some wild adventures with my mom, college life, mission, and more. Life seemed to be busier and more active before the kiddos came. Now, I guess you could say it's still active with young kids, but slow, simple days at home, which are a blessing. 

Grateful for cooking. I love good food. The kitchen seems to always get destroyed with each meal. Can't seem to change that one. Maybe eat on more plastic plates on those crazy days. Nothing wrong with that:)

I am so thankful for my short time in Vancouver, WA. It's been three months since we moved back. I think of the people often, the sights of the trees, the climate, and the adventures we were on. They are in the back of my mind, while I focus on the present. It still is a gift to be home, and partake of the goodness that is here, but I still am forever grateful for our time up there. 

I am thankful for phone calls from old friends whom I've shared some fun chapters with. Hearing the sound of their voice takes me back to those days for a moment. Blessing. 

I'm thankful to be a Mom. It is the hardest calling I've ever had. I'm learning that it is one of constant personal renewal. In order to teach children how to be a good person, I need to be a good person. To cease yelling and bring peaceful interactions into the home, I must constantly work on myself, and pray for help always. Constant mistakes, and starting over again and again. Being a Mom changes you for the better, and shows you your worst moments, which help you want to change. Hard, but a blessing. 

These are the things I am grateful for today:)