Blessings

Bentley's Newborn Photo Shoot. What a handsome boy!

Today is Valentines Day. A day to celebrate Love and Devotion. Today as I have been computing, preparing and planning I was struck by all the wonderful blessings that God has given us, as a family. 2012 was an exciting year. What with Bentley coming into our family, we moved and found a job, Jacob got into school, we found out we were pregnant with our Daughter. All of our needs have been met, and our wants taken care of. Even with the events that are taking place now we are being blessed by the bucketful. 

I am so grateful to be able to have my beautiful family. I have a husband who loves and adores me and still thinks I'm pretty--even though I've gained lots of weight. I have a perfect little boy who loves to cuddle and explore. I am pregnant with beautiful life and the sweetest of spirits and I am so grateful for this time I have to be pregnant and to enjoy her little kicks and twirls all to myself. 

It amazes me that God, in his infinite wisdom, can plan for all things and that even though we don't necessarily see past the bumps in the road he has planned it all out. If we hold steadfastly to the gospel of Jesus Christ, then we will make it on the straight and narrow path. We will make it back to heaven. We will be families for all eternity and how glorious it will be!

I am also grateful for family. I'm grateful for the unending service and generosity of both mine and Jacob's families. God put them in our lives for a reason and I can't help but feel a little spoiled by all of the love and attention that our family gets. I love Jacob's parents, his sisters and his brother and all their families. I love his cousins and nieces and nephews and his grandparents. They are so loving and accepting.

I love my dear mother. I've seen into her heart this past week and I was not surprised at what I found there. She is a woman with confidence and optimism, full of love and kindness. Through all her successes and her triumphs and her confidence, she still manages to be humble. Something I certainly should learn from. I am grateful for her support and her kindness.

I love my father. He has always been firm in the faith, steadfast, guiding me back to the scriptures when I need answers and cannot seem to find them. I love his strong example and the special fatherly love that I have felt throughout my childhood and into my adult years. 

I love my siblings who bring me joy and laughter. They are my best friends.

I love my dear friends who are not attached by blood, but by bond. I am grateful for their friendship.

I love my husband. He is my soul mate, the peanut butter to my jelly. He is stalwart and true, honest and loyal. He tolerates the mindless chatter of my stir-crazy mom side and listens to the heartfelt wishes of my soul. He has always been supportive of me and he works so hard. I hope he knows that we all appreciate him. Everyone that has ever met him has been made a better person, because that is just the way he is. A light, an influence, a kindness. Through all the ups and downs and inbetweens he has been a wonderful partner and a loving father. I couldn't ask for better. There is none.

I invite you all to take a minute, this wonderful, beautiful February day, to think of all your blessings and all that you love and thank God for his marvelous plan, for this beautiful earth, for every rock and flower, leave and star that makes your life more beautiful.

And have a great Valentine's Day.