Day to Day Moments

Dear Kids,

I am sitting here while you are in the tub. You are playing so amazingly well. I am so grateful for the times when you play so well. You are talking nice, you are being polite, you are using your imaginations like crazy. It is awesome.

There are times like these when I think that perhaps I am doing something right. There are other times when I feel like I will never get this parenting thing down. I hope other people feel that way. There is so much advice out there, so many things that people say are the right thing to do, when in reality it comes down to the day to day moments that build our lives together.

Your dad and I have been tried quite a bit in the last few months. The Lord is taking us through a lot of testing ground. Some moments are easier than others. But I have had the opportunity through it all to practice a lot of gratitude. I am grateful for so many things around me. Dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, electricity, a home, a warm bed, never going hungry. More than anything I am grateful for you. All three of you. I have had a lot time to thank Heavenly Father for a baby who screams, a lot. Elijah - you just want to scream ... all the time. I am doing my best to teach you how to communicate in other ways, but that is your 'go-to' communication. I will never judge a parent of a screamer ever again... especially when it is the third child.

Ultimately what matters is that we are using the everyday moments to make it back to Heavenly Father. Have I had the spirit with me today? Yes. Have I had hard moments? Yes. Have I handled everything right? No. Have I repented and tried to do better after I faltered? Yes. If I died today would I be in the path to the celestial kingdom? Yes.

Thank you for loving me, even when life is hard.

I love you,

Your Mom