Counting My Blessings . . .

I heard recently about a study that shows that those that say give thanks live longer lives. I don't know about that, but I thought about it, and I think that even if a person doesn't live longer, perhaps being concious of the good things in life would make a persons quality of life better, maybe a bit more fulfilling. All too often, I come across people that can only think of the hardships in their lives, and are blind to the blessings, and it makes me sad. With that in mind, I decided to keep a journal of the blessings in my life. I was going to just keep a notebook, but then I decided that blogging it could be a good idea, so I'm going to give it a whirl.

I have several constant and wonderful blessings in my life. I have a awesome mate and father for my children, and I have six wonderful children.

Today Gene and I took the kids to the zoo, and we had a great day. Autumn and Adam went by max and met us there, since our van will no longer holds the whole family. The day was slightly overcast, so it wasn't to hot, and not to cool, though it did start to sprinkle for just a bit. Aislynn wasn't scared of the animals like she was the last time we went, except for the fish, which she was able to get used to with a little gentle coddling and nudging. Every time we stopped and looked at an animal, she was willing to try saying the animals name, and did so pretty well. She also only escaped once, and we found her quickly. Aislynn running away may not seem like much of a blessing, but as a child with autism, she has a compulsion to wander more than the average child, so we watch her extremely closely, hold her hand constantly, and are thankful when we don't have any panic attacks due to a disappearing act. We saw fish, bears, eagles, otters, and finally (in Aspen's opinion) got to the eating area where Aspen's long awaited elephant ears are sold. She had money, so she got an elephant ear, and the rest of us sat down and enjoyed our sandwiches. Then we headed back, and on the way, discovered what Aislynn's favorite part of the zoo was: The monkeys! She loved them immediately, and especially when one of them went swinging up to munch on some lettuce.

Over all, it was a wonderful day with my family, and I am grateful.