So thankful

 I have recently contemplated writing a post about how I survived baby boot camp (age 0-6 months). I thought about telling of all its bad times-the up 3 times a night, dairy-free diet thing that was a total hoax, mastitis, husband working 12-14 hour days during the worst of it all, the 3 ear infections, and on and on. But I decided, instead, to count my blessings.

1. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with the privilege of raising these beautiful children-His children-and I better be thankful for each and every day that I have to raise them. 

 2. I am thankful for our fun and laid back mornings--the footy pajamas, Elliot's awesome exersaucer that he LOVES to bounce up and down in. I love our lazy mornings. I am thankful for the smell of clean Pampers diapers and for the fact that I will always HAVE clean diapers for my baby.

 3. I am thankful for cartoons. Yes they are a lifesaver for me at times but honestly, there are some cute ones on TV. Owen's favorite is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. If Owen had a theme song, it would be the opening music to that cartoon.Other favorites include "Olivia" and "Curious George."

 4. I am thankful for the warmth that blankets provide. My sweet neighbor from our old town made this blanket for Elliot. This was the same neighbor that helped clear our driveway of snow last winter when my husband was on a business trip. Owen still remembers her and brought her name up the other morning when we woke up to snow. "Did it snow at Nikki's house?" He asked me. "Did it snow on her trampoline?" and, "Snowblower?" I am constantly impressed by his memory.

 5. I am thankful for the sweetness of a baby. Yes, you think, I say that now because I am not up 3 times a night. But I love the feel of his soft, warm, baby cheek on my neck the one time a day that he likes to cuddle (right before bed at night).

 6. I am thankful for our precious moments. I have always wanted to write a book about my life but I have always felt like I haven't lived a long enough life to even write a book. I am not writing that book--my children are, everyday through their funny/hilarious moments. Yesterday I said to Owen, "You're special." With a complete serious look on his face he turned to me and said, "I'm not special. I'm different." Well of course! How can you be special AND different? We can only be one thing at a time! And where did he get the idea of being "different"? Children are so funny.

7. I am thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ who makes it possible for our family to be eternal. What would I do if something happened to any one of us and we were separated in this life? I would be grief stricken, surely, but at least I know that no matter what happens we are together forever. No separation between this life and the next. It is because of our temples that make this possible.