Monday, October 13, 2008

Gratitude Monday



This hat is just so cute, I couldn't resist putting it on at least
once - I think we better get a 2T hat for this kid. Two words-
ALL UDALL!!!


One of the focuses of this past conference was gratitude. In Alma 34:38 it says to live in thanksgiving daily. Brig often refers me to Elder Wirthlin's talk when I am having a rough week. I have decided to make Monday my day to only give thanks to my Father in Heaven. Here are a few things that I am grateful for:

A wonderful husband and friend, who provides for our family so that I can be with Max... he is so awesome. Yesterday I was feeling quite down and sad. I hadn't heard from him for a few days. His internet was up again and he called from Skype and the call dropped and he kept calling back (at least 10 times). He immediately ended my sadness when he began talking about our last Christmas vacation. On the way to Salt Lake, he got paged on the intercom for having explosives in his bag (we were taking our nephews rockets with engines)... and on the way back to Oklahoma, our plane filled up with smoke and we stayed an extra day due to a very scary emergency landing! Brig, I kin ye! Only 56 more days!

The sweetest and cutest little boy in the world, and you aren't aloud to argue. We are so blessed to have him. He came right from the get-go, but had it not worked out that way - either Brig would have been in Iraq for his birth or we would have had to wait what seemed like a long time for us. Plus, I would have been a very lonely girl! He brings so much joy to our lives. You can't go wrong when you trust in the Lord.

A very big and supportive extended family, which includes A LOT of people. I am grateful that our families have been so kind. The Jensens let me stay with them for the first few months - and I will forever be grateful for their generosity. I have to specifically mention, Chelsie... because she seems to call just when I am needing some company and sends me letters and emails that brighten my day! The Gilberts and the Moffats show lots of love including babysitting Max and giving me garden vegetables. The Udall clan in Springville has kept Max on some occasions and they have invited me out to dinner several times. My parents and Brig's parents check in and keep me up-to-date! I am not sure what I would do without you guys! Great Grandma and Grandpa Skinner have sent Brig a few goodie packages.





A prophet on the earth

Prayer (a Heavenly Father who doesn't let me feel alone)

A running car with heat and air

A computer with a web cam and email and a printer

Health

A warm comfy bed

Fresh produce

Hot showers

Neighbor kids

Education

4 comments:

Fig said...

Shayla, you are so rad. And I wouldn't even consider arguing with you about the cutestness of Max - he REALLY is VERY cute. I wish I could squoosh him.

NateandMarie said...

Max is so dang cute! Shayla- you are amazing! You're my inspiration-Nate's getting ready to leave in April and it's already starting to take a toll on me- anyway, you're awesome

Heidi said...

Shayla, I just got teary reading your post. i can imagine how hard it must be at times to be so far from Brig. But what an example you are! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for reminding me not to whine and to be grateful instead. You are amazing!

Heidi said...

PS I totally understand the Udall head thing -- just wait until you are buying hooded sweatshirts and baseball hats! :)