COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Today at church baby E was blessed by her father. I am so grateful to have such a faithful priesthood holder in our home and that he able and willing to give his children and me blessings when needed. Unfortunately we were not able to have more family attend as did for V, but our wonderful friends stepped up to fill the circle and support our family and giving E her blessing. Among other things she was blessed that she will be faithful with a strong testimony that she may be an example to her friends, family and those she meets. I was so touched to hear this as I wish I could be a better example most days and I am so thankful that my sweet daughter will have that opportunity and maybe she can even help me do so too. My children are truly a blessing. Having children was not something that came easily or smoothly for us. There were times when we thought maybe it just wasn't meant to be, but I am grateful everyday for the two little blessings in my life. Being a mom is hard, if anyone tells you different they are lying. But as I tell V, being his mom is my favorite thing to do.

These past two weeks have been a new experience in our house. I have spent many hours and days thinking and praying about all the things I am grateful for in my life and counting my blessings. I realize this doesn't sound like a strange thing to do as we just had Thanksgiving and the name of the holiday says it all, not to mention Christmas is fast approaching. However, the catalyst for all my thoughts started the Friday before Thanksgiving when we found out that J will be laid off, his last day of work being Dec. 31st. It was amazing how calm I was when he told me (going back to being a good example, usually it is my temper that trips that up). My first reaction was "Please tell me you are joking". We had decided to accept this job b/c we felt it would have more opportunity for growth and experience for J. And I am sure we will grow and gain experience from this, just not the kind we expected or anyone would really volunteer for! After he assured me he wasn't joking, the next thing that popped into my head was "What about insurance?" Which bring me to another blessing, I immediately texted my supervisor and our HR person at work. Even though it was late Friday evening both answered me and with in a few minutes we knew that as long as I returned to work in December, our family would have insurance benefits starting Jan 1. In all honesty I was hoping not to return to work at all if we could figure out how to do so, and if not I was looking forward to not returning until Feb or March. And they were expecting the same and had budgeted accordingly, but another blessing they were able to rearrange some budgeting items so that I would be able to return sooner and get my family covered.

Friends and family have rallied their support and prayers, another blessing in our lives. And we take each day one day at a time. Some days, or even hours, I am calm and optimistic. Others I start to panic a bit, but that is when I make myself stop and take a deep breath and name the blessings in my life. We have no path and no idea where or what will happen, but we know that no matter what we will be a family. This is a lesson that I often have to learn, that it is not my plan but Heavenly Father's. I try and try to map out my life and what path I will take and I have to tell you not once has it ever happened the way I planned, obviously I am slow learner though as again I am being reminded that I need to handle over the control, actually I never had control! But I have been so blessed b/c even though my life has not taken the road I thought it would I have always been blessed to have the Lord with me and watching over me. And I know that He is doing so now. So I will continue to count all the blessings in my life, and we will continue to search for a new job for J. That being said if you know of any, please pass the info onto us ;) haha, who knows maybe His plan involves not only a new job but a change of venue too. I wouldn't mind Hawaii, or Madrid! Just kidding.

* FYI - pictures will follow (and a really cute video of E smiling) but as the job search and applying take precedent J is using our laptop and I am borrowing my parents to help in the search. However, that means I can't post pics until I can get at our laptop when J isn't around and usually if he isn't around my hands are full with the kids! They will come soon though I promise, and totall worth the wait. She has a gorgeous smile!