Feb. 28, 2011

Today I am grateful for the fact that I am already free. I am not the one who has had to put my life or my family's life on the line for political, religious and educational freedoms. It may be affecting me with higher prices at the store and gas pump, but I am cheering those nations on....Being free is a true blessing. And my ancestors already paid that steep price for MY freedom. And for that, I am forever grateful!

Feb. 27, 2011

It is Sunday. I know this may sound simple, but today I am grateful for Church. It filled me up with what I needed to help me get through this week. It made me think of things I could change about myself and how I should better treat others. I love church. I love the feelings I receive because of it.

lol

Niki

Feb. 26, 2011

Okay, today may sound a little cheesy...but I am okay with cheesy. Today I am grateful for Saturday mornings. Flavio will usually take care of the girls in the morning so I can stay in bed. He then comes in to snuggle...I love that time. It is something I look forward to every week.

lol

Niki

Feb. 25, 2011

Today I am grateful for forgiveness. I am always astounded at how forgiving my children can be, not only with each other, but with me as well. I am also grateful that my husband is not the type to hold a grudge...it is nice to know that as long as I eat a little humble pie when I am wrong, he is also quick to forgive. But the greatest gift is the gift of forgiveness from my Savior. It is amazing how much forgiveness I need daily. I love my Savior and I know he is always cheering me on, even when I mess up. Truly, forgiveness is a great gift. May we all be a little more forgiving of those we love the most.

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. ~William Arthur Ward

lol

niki

Feb. 24, 2011

Today I am grateful for chocolate. I know that sounds crazy, but I believe chocolate helps me get through some days. Now, whether this is psychological or for real, I really don't care. I love putting a piece of milk chocolate on my tongue and letting it melt away my stress. I LOVE YOU CHOCOLATE!

lol

niki

Feb. 23,2011

I am grateful for the sun today. It is out and it makes everything look beautiful. I can't wait for it to be warm so I can go out and sit in the sun....

lol

niki

Feb. 22, 2011

Today I am grateful for hugs. I love hugs. And I need them often.

lol

niki

Feb. 21, 2011

Today I am grateful for education. I was blessed my whole life with the opportunity to get a great education. As I am now getting my oldest ready for kindergarten, I have thought a lot about what type of education my children will receive. I was able to run a literacy center before I had children and I saw so many children and adults who were not able to read. I was able to experience the joy they felt, when at last, they were able read! One that stands out in my mind is a man who was in his later 40's, missing a lot of his teeth, smelled like cigarette smoke most of the time and overall looked as if he had had a hard life. He couldn't read a word. I was able to work with him 2 or 3 times a week and within 2 months he was reading. He had quit smoking, started going back to church and had an overall look of being happy...finally. Education is power. I hope that none of us take it for granted. I am so grateful for mine and I am looking forward to the day I can get my Masters.

lol

Niki

P.S.

I would really like to hear what you are grateful for. I know that when I read or hear other's thoughts, I am able to remember more wonderful things in my own life.

Feb. 20, 2011

Is grateful that my husband was the one who got up with our 2 year old last night, about half a dozen times, as she has croup. I have not had a really good night's rest in 2 months...so it was nice to have a break. I hope it doesn't sound like I am complaining about not sleeping....I am truly grateful for such a wonderful husband. And I know some day, I will be able to sleep again ;)

lol

niki

Feb. 19, 2011

Today I am grateful to have the blessing of prayer. Last night my 2 year old ran a temperature of 102.5. After giving her some medicine and putting a cool cloth on her head, I prayed. I then woke my husband up to give her a blessing. Her temperature went down and we were both more calm. She was then able to go back to sleep and so were we. I am grateful for prayer, for the priesthood and for a husband who is able to give my children blessings whenever they are needed.

lol

niki

Feb. 18, 2011

Today I am grateful for modern medicine. I am grateful that I can go to a doctor or dentist of my choice and get the help I need for myself and for my family. To know that there are ways to make sure my unborn baby is healthy and growing is so comforting. I know God has blessed us with this great blessing of modern medicine and the knowledge to help us live longer, more comfortable lives.

I am also grateful that when me and my children went to the dentist yesterday, none of us had cavities! Hooray!

lots of love,

Niki

Feb. 17, 2011

Today was a little harder to think of something right away...as my 2 year old woke me up throughout the night. I find that when I am tired I am less inclined to try to be happy. I become a grumpy toddler myself :)

However, after some thought, I all of a sudden felt the little person moving inside of me. Our little angel is growing healthy and strong. I am eternally grateful that I am having at least one more chance to be apart of the miracle of being pregnant. I am grateful that our In-Vitro was successful and that in just 6 weeks we will get to meet our newest addition to our family. What a blessing in my life.

I hope you have thought of at least one thing you are grateful for today and if you want, please share it with us.

Lots of love,

Niki

Feb. 16, 2011

Today I am truly grateful for a home. When I woke up, the wind was loud and strong. I am grateful that I have a beautiful home that keeps me and my family safe from the harsh Utah winters.

What are you grateful for today?