Crazy Day

Wow. Helena is currently crying while having a semi-fit on the floor. Her "day of fits" started out as we were about to leave the library this morning. This is why I sort of hesitate to take her anywhere...she has the most horrible fits when the fun is over that I hardly want to take her to the playground even. So, in order to get myself in a more positive frame of mind and endure through yet another tantrum, I decided to take my own advice and replace criticism and negativity with gratitude (the topic of my last RS lesson).

I am so grateful for just about everything in my life. I'm grateful my mom came through her procedure really well. I'm thankful for a husband who is talented and motivated (although we had a disagreement today - yep, sometimes we do, I admit it!). I love both of my kids to bits, even the overtired, screaming one and the teething, screaming one (he's asleep now.) I am glad for my good health and the way it's been improving as I've made an effort to work harder at preserving it. It's a very warm day, so I'm grateful for the hearty breeze off of Lake Michigan. I am so happy that there are friends here in my ward and in my family who make my life so much brighter - they really lift my load at the times I need it. I am grateful for friends who still love me even though I can't distinguish between a side salad and an entree. I'm also glad for friends I'm not as close to now who I love anyway, and who helped to shape me into who I am now. Above all the rest, I'm deeply grateful for a testimony of the gospel and a knowledge of the Lord's love for me. In the darkest corners of my days, His love is the only light that slips in to reassure me that difficulties stretch me and help me grow, that "this too shall pass," and then reminds me of the wonderful life that is mine. What a blessing to be here, now, with the life I've been given.

See? It works! (And Helena has stopped screaming. Bonus.)