My two bits on being Thankful

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I appreciate that there's a holiday devoted to reflecting on what we value in our lives. However, it was difficult to concentrate on that aspect of life when 75% of it was spent in the bathroom with my two year old. I have avoided posting lately because the main priority of my life is poop, and I'm sure people are tired of hearing about it. In brief, that's where it usually is-- in her briefs. I got a much needed pep talk today from a good friend, so we're hanging in there. But life doesn't stop just because you live it in the bathroom. I sometimes think that everyone should stop making demands on our time- don't they know we're potty training!? We still have to drive carpool, get to lessons, go to church, work, accompany singers, etc.

On Sunday I thought I could will Maren into going in the potty, kind of like a mother-daughter mind meld. I told her we were not leaving the bathroom until she had something to show for it. After the first hour, Ryan and the kids had to go to church without us while I stubbornly held fast. He came home and got me after the first meeting and convinced me that I was going insane. So I caved and we took her to church. She pooped her pants during nursery. So much for the connection we had, huh? Jared stayed home from school sick yesterday and I was thrilled to let him since I could run some errands while Maren took her nap.

Back to being thankful. This is a little tardy but I really am thankful for my family. My kids are really special and I enjoy spending time with them. They called me at work on Monday to get permission to decorate the Christmas tree. I'm so glad they did. I've been a little bit of a rut getting into the holiday spirit, and the tree gave me a big boost. My husband is simply my best friend. We have a great extended family on both sides with lots of cousins to play with. I'm also grateful to live in this country and the opportunities we have here.

Last night my visiting teachers came over and gave a lesson on being grateful for our adversities. That's a hard one for me, but they're right. I just need to change my attitude. Sometimes things come up that force you to look at things differently. For example, before the VTs came over we fed the missionaries dinner and got a call in the middle of it from an elderly neighbor. He was having difficulty helping his wife out of a chair and needed some help. Ryan, Jared and the elders all walked down to help out. They came back a few minutes later in a bit of a stupor. Our neighbor had left out a few minor details- the chair was the commode variety and his wife, sans clothing, had fallen while trying to get to it. She was confused and cold. They helped out and came back with severely diminished appetites but had tried valiantly to help restore a little dignity for this couple. This gentleman was working so hard to take care of his wife and it has to be very difficult. I'm grateful for life. I'm grateful for health. I'm grateful I have a husband who's willing to help when it's needed, a son who goes with him, and the gospel that encourages young men to devote some of their time to serving the Lord (the elders did say, however, that they'll be warning the rest of their area about dinner at the Walton's!). And looking ahead- I'll be so thankful when Maren finally gets this potty thing down pat.