Us

Us, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Gratitude Day 1- The first thing that I think of when I contemplate blessings in my life is family. I honestly don't know where I would be without them. I am so grateful for all that they teach me, for the happiness that they share with me, and for knowing that they will always be my soft place to fall. They are my team, and I would be completely lost without them. I love them more than words can say. I am so grateful for us.

Gratitude

This month the theme for the Creativity Project is Gratitude, which is one of my very favorite words and emotions for sure.  I have spent the entire month contemplating on the things I'm most grateful for in my life.  I find that there are days when something new pops up, and other days I cycle around in a circle of recurring things that I'm grateful for on a daily basis.  Here are just a few.  I'm so grateful for a fresh start each day.  To wake up to new possibilities, and for hope that I can take a step in the right direction.  I'm grateful to know that I have people who care about me, and who love me for who I am.  I'm grateful to know that I'm never alone in the challenges that I face, and I'm grateful to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and if I endure and reach out for help when I need it that I can make it all the way.  I'm grateful for perspective, and for the gift of finding laughter in all situations.  I'm grateful for a kind word from a stranger, and a hug from a friend on a hard day.  I'm grateful for the relationships I have in my life, and for those who know when I need them.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to make memories with those I love the very most, and I'm grateful that my camera helps me to record them.  I'm grateful for love in my life, for peace in my heart, and for  knowing that those things are more important to me than anything money can buy.  These are just a few of the things that cycle around and around on my list of daily gratitude, and there are so many more.  Including these three and the people that they are and who they are becoming.  I can't express how grateful I am to be their mother.  It truly is the best job ever!  

To see more gratitude images please head over to my friend Julia's blog.  

My Faith

My Faith, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 18 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for my faith. I am grateful for all that it means in my life. For forgiveness, for opportunities to serve others, and for an eternal family. I'm not sure where I would be without it.

Holidays

Holidays, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 17 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for the holidays. I love everything that the holidays bring. Especially time with family, but you already knew that right? :)

Happiness

Happiness, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 16 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for happiness. I truly believe that we find what we're looking for, and happiness is waiting to be found. Even small moments like this one are worth celebrating.

A Soft Place To Fall

A Soft Place To Fall, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 15 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for a soft place to fall. These are just a few of the hands that help to catch me when I fall, and remind me that I can do it. I'm so grateful that they help to support my goals, and that they remind me to keep dreaming.

This Boy

This Boy, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 12 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for this boy. He has lovingly been by my side throughout this day, which has been one of the sickest days I've had in a really long time. He has given me much needed TLC, kept me hydrated, and made sure I have rested. I love him more than words can say.

Life Lessons

Life Lessons, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 11 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for life lessons. I'm grateful for learning that I need to pick myself up and dust myself off, and get on with life. It was a painful lesson to learn, but one that has taught me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

Celebrations

Celebrations, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 10 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for celebrations. Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries means one more year of creating memories. I'm so grateful to have celebrated with my girl on this special day.

Love

Love, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 9 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for love. I'm grateful that my heart feels like it will explode when I see my kids do something that makes me beam, and I'm grateful when my heart hurts because things don't work out. It means that I'm living and that my heart is soft enough to feel this wonderful emotion. Love really is what makes the world go around.

Support

Support, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 8 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for support. There are certain people in my life that I know I can rely on no matter what. I know I can always turn to them when I need a shoulder to cry on, when I need advice, or when I need moral support to chase after my dreams. I am so grateful for their consistency in always being there for me, and I love when I have the opportunity to return the favor. A little ice cream therapy always helps to make things better too. :)

It's been a rough day for my girl. So glad I could be there to support her as she does all the time for me. This too shall pass.

Technology

Technology, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 7 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for technology. On the day that they placed these hearing aids in my little man's ears I watched his eyes light up as he heard the clicking of his flip flops on his feet for the first time. It was amazing to watch his world grow, and I couldn't be more grateful. I can't imagine the world without my little boy dancing to his favorite music. It's one of my favorite things to see. :)

Courage

Courage, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 6 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for courage. I am grateful for those who have gone before me who have fought for this country and for my right to be free. I'm grateful for those who continue to do so, and I'm grateful for those who are willing to represent America and lead our country. We may not all agree on who that person should be, but we should all be grateful that we have the right to state our opinion.

P.S.- When Doop saw this sticker he asked what it said. When I told him he quickly asked if I voted for Pedro. He kind of likes Napoleon Dynamite. What can I say? He's a funny kid.

Together Time

Together Time, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 5 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for together time. With all of our crazy schedules sometimes life can get hectic. I love when we slow down and make time to be together to laugh and make new memories. The gift of time spent together is invaluable.

Peace In My Heart

Peace In My Heart, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 4 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for peace in my heart. I have learned over the last couple of years that there isn't anything worth the price I pay when I let go of peace in my heart. When I have that peace I can relax and enjoy every day moments like this one, and I wouldn't want to miss this for the world!

The Power of Change

The Power of Change, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 3 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for the power of change. As my daughter changes from one sport to another, I am reminded of what a gift change has been in my life throughout this year. Just like her new found smile with this new sport, I have also found new happiness in the changes I have made for myself and my family. Sometimes change is worth it even when it's scary.

Service

Service, a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Day 2 of The Gratitude Project- Today I am grateful for the gift of service. Days like today make my heart sing. Once upon a time my dad took special care of me when I needed it, and now I have the opportunity to re-pay him. Spending days like this basking in the sun, dreaming out loud together and taking him to visit those that he loves most are worth more than any money could buy. My days with him each week are absolutely priceless!

These three.

These three., a photo by Marvett Smith (Savoring the Simple) on Flickr.

Gratitude Project- Day 1. I'm beyond grateful for these three. You really learn to savor something when it almost doesn't happen. There was a time when I didn't think I would have the opportunity to be a mother, and now that I am I cherish every single day. Especially creating memories like this one with them. My heart almost can't fit all of the love that I feel for them.  
Please join me here and share an image each day of something that you're grateful for.

Photography, and My Best Friend

Photography.  29|30.

Today I am grateful for photography.  For the ability to be creative.  For the avenue it provides me to escape and relax.  For my muse and her willingness to pose.  Today I am grateful that my camera can take me away from the world and away from my worries to a place that is comfortable.

My Best Friend.  30|30

On this the last day of the Gratitude Project, I am grateful for my best friend.  For his kindness, for his giving spirit, for the father that he is to our children, and for his desire to do good.  For his hard working hands, for his smile, for his never ending memory of movie lines that always make me smile, and for the way that he loves me.  For the places he's taken me, and for the laughter we've shared.  For his strength in hard times and for his patience with who I am.  For his love of simplicity and the gift of friendship that he shares with so many.  For all of these reasons and so many more I could not have a Gratitude Project and not include my very best friend.

This Girl, Christmas, and Family Night

This Girl.  26|30.

Today I am grateful for her.  For who she is.  For her strength.  For her imagination.  For her contentment.  For her courage.  For her quiet ways, and for her tender heart.  I'm grateful for her gifts and her willingness to just be who she is and love it.  I adore her spirit and I'm so grateful that she is part of this family.  On this day I am grateful for this girl and the difference she makes in our home.

Christmas.  27|30.

We finally managed to get the lights up on the tree last night, and when I see it's beauty it makes my heart swell.  On this day I am grateful for Christmas.  For what it means.  For my faith.  For my Savior and for His love for me.  For the time we will spend together during the season and the beauty and smiles it will bring.  I love that my gratitude will continue to be readily at the surface throughout the Christmas season.

Family Night.  28|30

Oh how I love family night.  The night when we plan to be together.  When we spend time learning and laughing and just being.  Whether we are doing an activity or just being together watching a favorite movie.  Above many things, family night is my favorite.