30 Thankful Days: Day 3

Wow, its only day three. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I have already sat down several times throughout the day to write what I am grateful for... and couldn't decide on anything? What is wrong with me?!!!

I know that there are so many things to be grateful for, but golly, it has just been one of "those days" and being down and depressing doesn't seem to mesh well with gratitude. 

Okay - Lets clear the mind. The girls are both laying in bed, getting their last wiggles from the day before drifting off into slumber. The hubby is up diligently studying away for his test this Friday, and I am sitting here on the computer, avoiding the toys on the floor and the dishes. *sigh* Seems like everyone is doing what they are supposed to but me. 

Soooo today... I'm grateful for the good examples in my life. I have people constantly pushing me to be a better me than I ever imagined I could be. I can't tell you how many times I have been struggling with some aspect of my self-esteem when a comment, call, or e-mail comes flying my way to help me look on the bright side and to give myself a little more credit. 

I have a wonderful family. A girl couldn't ask for a better pair of parents (Who can sometimes be caught singing show tunes at the top of their lungs when high on paint fumes - did you know they both got their degrees in Theater?). They have taught me how to live an been examples of how to do it. They are so supportive in anything I do and constantly show me their love. I love you Mom and Dad!

I have an amazing sister who is such a good mother. Her kids are so talented and loving and I know it is from the wonderful job she is doing raising them. And for someone who was THE most picky eater in my family growing up, she has become the most phenomenal cook! Every time I have eaten over there she has introduced me to some new dish from all over the world and they are ALWAYS so yummy!

I have three stellar brothers who can always make me smile and bring out the silly in me. My oldest brother who is the comedian and never passes up a moment to make us laugh at ourselves. He is such an amazing Dad, and I love how sweet he is to my little girls. To my little brother, whom I lovingly call "the chump" (which he is not) is the most kind hearted person I have ever met, really, I think it may be made of gold. He will do anything for you if you ask him. And my youngest little brother amazes me with his courage. I can't believe how easily he can stand up and talk in front of people. He just says it how it is, no matter what others my think of him. 

I have an incredibly hard working husband who loves me despite all of my depressed and bitter days, and even puts up with my constant nagging and anal-ness about silly things, like loading the dish washer the "right" way. I know one of the reasons he is in my life is because of his firm foundation in the gospel. He is constantly setting a good example of prayer and scripture study. I don't know how in the world we ended up together, but I am grateful everyday that we did. I need and love him more than he could ever know.

I have people around me who inspire me to work hard at my goals and never give up. Even if it feels like I will never reach them, they are still there to help me keep my chin up (and after all of the crap I've eaten these past two weeks, I need a lot of help from my BOBF gals!). I have some of the most amazing friends. Who work hard, serve others, love life and live it to the fullest. I strive to be like them and have that light that they do. It is nice to have all of these people to watch and learn from. I need a lot of guidance, and I enjoy people-watching/blog-stalking...hehehe. 

So thank you. To my family, my love, and my friends. I am grateful for you and all that you are to me. 

I know that some of the people that I have mentioned in here deserve their own "I'm thankful for" post... but today, I'm just acknowledging in general the good examples all around me.