A mother's gratitude journal

A mother's gratitude journal

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SALT LAKE CITY — If you are an Oprah fan (I'm talking to you, America), you likely remember when the queen of daytime television suggested every woman keep a gratitude journal. It was a daily challenge to be retrospective, thoughtful, deep and reflective.

But for moms who are living day-to-day — from one box of mac 'n' cheese to the next — those peaceful, soul-searching moments often only happen in the 10 seconds it takes for your head to hit the pillow and your eyes to close.

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, we mothers find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of perfecting every detail of that Thanksgiving feast. But while we're busy stuffing the turkey and candying the yams, it's all too easy for the holiday to pass us by — and with it goes the chance to reflect upon what we are really, truly and deeply thankful for.

So, consider this my "Mom Gratitude Journal" entry for 2015.

  1. I am thankful for piles of laundry (and, boy, are there many!) because it means I have bodies to care for.
  2. I'm thankful for dirty dishes in the sink because it means I have healthy mouths to feed and little tummies that are full.
  3. I'm thankful for the nights when my house looks like a "toy bomb" went off, because it means my children have spent the day using their imaginations.
  4. I'm thankful for the tired bags under my eyes because it means I was able to successfully scare off all those monsters hiding in my little girl's closet.
  5. I'm thankful for the "bloody murder" tantrum my toddler threw on Grandma's kitchen floor as we tried to leave, because it means he has outside examples who love and care for him, much like I do.
  6. I'm thankful for the long nights when my baby is teething because it means I get to rock him just a little longer.
  7. I'm thankful for the moments my children fight because it provides me with an opportunity to teach them how to be just a little kinder.
  8. I'm thankful for a messy car because it means our day was spent seeking adventures.
  9. I'm grateful for a rumpled, unmade bed because it means five minutes of extra morning cuddles before we ran out the door.
  10. I'm thankful for the sleepless nights, worried mind and aching heart, because it means I wear a badge titled "Mom."

![](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2571/257163/25716305\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65 )
About the Author: Lyndsi Frandsen ---------------------------------

Lyndsi Frandsen is the creator of the Facebook page For All Momkind and author of the For All Momkind blog. She has many titles, including wife, kindergarten teacher, sister, and her favorite title, Mom. Follow her on Instagram @lyndsifrandsen.

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