The Gift of the Holy Ghost

I am more grateful every day for the gift of the Holy Ghost. At just the time when I feel like I just can't take anymore, can't carry my load, can't be as good a mother as I want to be.... I always feel peace in comfort inside. The calm reassurance that things will be ok, that I am a good mother despite struggles at times, and that I don't have to carry my load alone. I am also eternally grateful for the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If it weren't for him there would be no one to truly understand our pain and suffering. I am grateful that He knows how to help carry me through my trials and hard times.

A Small Miracle

Today something amazing happened and I don't hesitate to call it a miracle and a wonderful blessing. Kyler and Kamaryn had dentist appointments today. If any of you know my daughter, you know that she doesn't really like strangers or strange things and really hates going to the doctor and things like that. So you can't be surprised when I tell you I was terrified that she would make a huge scene at the dentist. So I was apprehensive when we got there. I had talked it up completely for about 3 days about what they would do and how fun it would be. Apparently.... it worked! We got to the office and they hygienist says, "who wants to go first?" Kamaryn.... yes, Kamaryn volunteered! Can you believe it?! I was shocked. There was shock number one. Then she actually climbed right into the chair. When we've gone to the ENT she makes me hold her so I was again astonished that she actually climbed in herself. She had a lovely new tv with Sponge Bob on it (something I never let them watch but I think it helped in this case). She was introduced to all the tools they would use, she had her teeth painted purple, brushed, polished, counted. She only seemed nervous once! Shock number...... I can't even remember. I was amazed and so excited that she actually did it. She did a great job and was a perfect patient!! Yay Kamaryn! (little miss shiny teeth)

A positive balance in the checkbook, etc.

Well, today is a rare occurrence for me. I have just finished paying bills (sure hope I got them all) and the balance in my checkbook is still POSITIVE!!! Woot! And that is on top of having almost $200 less in my paycheck because of the Christmas break. I hope I can keep this up. Now my dilemma is whether to start paying off the credit card debt or save for 2 months and enroll in a medical transcription program.... I have to decide soon. I hate decisions sometimes.

I am thankful for warmth. Our heater has been not fully functional for over 2 weeks now. The previous post about being thankful for heat has been knocked from its place. I am grateful for heat but that post was about it being back. It worked that night and then the next day it started acting up again. It hasn't worked right since and we have had below zero night temps for 3 days this week. And let me tell you... 52 degrees outside might feel just perfectly dandy. But 52 degrees inside the house in the middle of winter is not quite so pleasant. So I am grateful today for long sleeves, sweatshirts, socks, slippers, blankets, warm jammies for the kids, and hot rice bags in bed with you. I am afraid when it finally works right that I'll be feeling sweaty at 70 degrees :)

I am grateful for the blessing of friends and family. I know I've said this before but without their support I would not be doing as well as I am. Thinks would be a lot harder to get through and I'm extremely grateful for all of the love and support and listening ears! Thanks everyone!

A good birthday

Today is my birthday. It was a pretty low-key but nice day. I went to work and took a bunch of candy for *birthday treats* and shared with all three Kindergarten classes. They absolutely loved that! I came home and hung out for a while and had pizza for dinner, courtesy of dad. Christena came over with her kids and we had cake and ice cream. My mom got me flowers and a card and she bought me a book for my kids to give me. Kyler sang to me and played birthday songs on the piano too. It was a fun day and I quite enjoyed it. :)

Heat

After nearly 48 hours without a functioning furnace I am very grateful for heat! We haven't frozen to death by any means and it's been nice to bundle up in sweatshirts inside but it's so nice to have the heat back on. Whew!

Back to work

I am grateful to be back to work. Two weeks is a LONG time to be off. And also a missing amount of money. But I started back today and I'm glad. I enjoy being out of the house and able to have a few conversations with other adults. I also enjoy helping the kids learn. And it also keeps my mind busy and I feel happier. So I'm grateful that I'm back at work. And also grateful that Kyler is back to school. He's much easier to deal with ;)

Update to my last post

I received a second "Christmas Jar" on Christmas Eve. It was a really cute jar that had been decorated and had a ribbon and said... TO: April FROM: Santa. The Lord works in mysterious ways, that's for sure. When I counted it a few days later it contained $118.05 mostly in change. I am definitely so blessed!