And then there were THREE.....

As most of you already know I am pregnant with number 3! I am 14 weeks prego right now and we are so excited to have another little one in our home. We are due January 5th, so when the baby comes Maddie will be a little over three years old and Robby will be almost two years old. We find out on August 7th what we are having, and I cannot wait! I am such a planner that I like to know what I am having, so I can get everything ready for the arrival. Since I already have one of each (boy and girl), it will be really fun to see what we will get this time around. If you ask Maddie what is in Mommy's belly, she almost always will say "a sister" or "a Maddie", so we will see if she is right. I haven't been too sick this time, other than nausea and feeling extremely tired ALL THE TIME. I am hoping in the next few weeks to have a little more energy.

I know that my life is only going to get more crazy with three children to nurture and love, but I am so grateful for all the blessings I have received thus far in my life. Even though the last few months have been really hard on me in many ways, I can see the Lord's tender mercies in my life. When I feel like everything is falling apart, I try to take a minute to reflect upon all the wonderful things I have been given; and then my perspective changes & things don't look so bad. I guess it's the truth that if you focus on the positive in your life, it helps diminish the magnitude of your trials, or at least gives you the ability to deal with them better.

I am so grateful to have been blessed with an AMAZING husband who is constantly helping me around the house (and normally doesn't receive any recognition for this). He is always willing to run errands for me or with me, and when I am in a "pregnant mood" he deals with me and even tries to cheer me up! I have loving parents and an awesome mom who is one of the most selfless people I know. She is constantly helping out us kids, whether through sewing projects, mending, babysitting, phone calls, you name it! I am grateful for my in-laws who are always so excited to spend time with my two kids. They dote on them, play hide and seek with Maddie and Robby, feed the horses with them, etc. They even bought an adorable play pool so that they can go swimming in their backyard! They are truly such loving people and I couldn't be more grateful to have them in my life! I am so grateful for a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a job, and beautiful kids that constantly give me slobbery kisses & hugs. I am grateful for amazing visiting teachers that come visit me EVERY month and bring me a beautiful, uplifting message, and for the fabulous support system of women in my neighborhood: it is truly one of a kind!

But one of things I am most grateful for is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When trials come, it is the knowledge of the plan of Happiness that pulls me through. I know that if I live my life to the best of my ability, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven of my trespasses. I am grateful for my eternal family that I belong to. I love my kids and husband so much and I love knowing that no matter what happens, we have the ability to live together after this life. I am grateful to know that this life is not just about all the worldy concepts of making money, instant gratitude, spending and acquiring possessions, but about proving myself to be a worthy daughter of God.

I guess as I prepare to add another special soul into our family, it makes me reflect upon my own life and make a commitment to try harder to be a better mother, wife, daughter, nurse, and friend to those around me and the special spirits that have yet to come into our home.