"Count Your Many Blessings"

(I feel like I need to issue a warning with this post - it's not my usual type of post, just so you know.)

"Count Your Many Blessings"
There are days when this is not the easiest thing to do, which are exactly the days we need to do just this.

This pregnancy, has been a challenge for me. I'm not sure if it is because it was such a surprise for us that I hadn't prepared myself mentally this time or if it's just been so very different from the first 3 (and it has) that it wouldn't have mattered anyway. There are days I'd really like to complain or just plain wimp out - but in the grand scheme of things I know I am very blessed. Most days it would be very easy to have the "poor me" attitude, and to be honest I have to admit I've had moments where I've let my emotions get the better of me - it's these moments that lyrics above have popped into my head & turned my heart. I remember being taught when I was younger about good music & using it to crowd out bad thoughts (or something along those lines), but lately I've been blessed with the "hum your favorite hymn" theory helping me to lighten my spirits & remind me that not only am I blessed but that are others around me who are struggling more than I am (my dad is a great example of this for me right now - a long story for another day). Doing my best to adopt this attitude has made me appreciate the little things so much more.

A simple smile or giggle from Kassie or a request from her to read a book, to Abbie's helpful attitude and daily prayers for the new baby, to Nate's hugs (the best stress relief EVER) reminds me just how blessed I am - and that the rest will take care of itself - eventually. The hips that hurt when I walk will get better once the baby is born & my back won't hurt so much then either. Maternity leave will give me the chance to get that nap that I so desperately desire to take but working just won't let me have the extra time for. Getting up with the baby won't be much of a change than getting up the multiple times a night I've been doing now & Kassie's teeth will eventually come in allowing her to sleep through the night again. And the list goes on, BUT... Having another family member to love & cherish will make this all worthwhile. It's this that gets me through the rough days, it's this that gives me the strength to do what needs to be done each day.

Counting my blessings quickly overpowers the negatives that could so easily drag me down. Like I said before it's not the easiest thing to do & it takes a very conscious decision to do, but for me lately it's made all the difference.

I am so very grateful for Dan and how wonderful he has been in helping out so much around home lately. He works so hard & has such long days but he's been amazing at doing much more than he should have to do once he gets home, but he does it to give me a much needed break. He's had to travel a lot lately & I realized then just how much I've been relying on him in the evenings - he really is the best! I truly love him with all my heart & grateful that we have the opportunity to be together forever.