Saturday, March 29, 2008

Gratitude

Thank you, muchas gracias, obrigada, merci, danke, mahalo, grazie, arigato, sha ja! I am not normally outwardly very sentimental, however as I am feeling very blessed, I feel it is quite appropriate that I share my thoughts and feelings. As many of you may know, we are expecting a baby in July. And as many of you may NOT know, we are also expecting a lot of debt due to student loans, as we have decided that I will stay home with our baby instead of being the breadwinner of the family. On that note, stress levels in our home have reached an all time high, money has become a serious issue, but our belief in our decision remains to be what we feel is the right thing for us to do.
So why all the gratitude? I tell you what, when you're striving to do what's right, the Lord really looks out for you. The way He is blessing us at this time is through others' love, generosity, kindness, and Christ-like characters.
At the beginning of our pregnancy, reality began to set in. We'd have a lot we needed to get, and with what money? A crib, mattress, bedding, bassinet, baby tub, car seat, stroller, bouncer, clothes, bottles, pump, dresser, etc, etc, etc.
Blessings have been poured upon us. Truly! My parents purchased us a crib. Richie's sister Rachel and brother-in-law Troy have given us a crib mattress, bassinet, and clothing galore! My sister Cassie has given us a tub and a baby bouncer! My Aunt Maxine made us a darling blanket and burp cloth. A lady in my ward offered us a brand new stroller she said they never used. A man I work with donated a dresser to us. Richie's brother Ryan helped us by picking it up in his truck. A grandmother of one of my students offered us a wonderful slider/rocking chair. Richie's classmates gave us a couple gift certificates, baby clothes, and wash cloths. One of my students gave us a gift bag full of baby necessities and fun things. My sister-in-law Schuyler's mother Deniece made us a darling blanket. We have been blessed. And I don't even think this is the end of it.
I have no doubt in my mind that if you are truly striving to do what's right, the Lord will bless you. He wants to. I realize I often don't give as much recognition in this fact as I should, but the truth remains. He loves me. He loves you. He loves us. And for that knowledge I am incredibly grateful. So again, Thank you, muchas gracias, obrigada, merci, danke, mahalo, grazie, arigato, sha ja! I love you all!








16 comments:

Tara said...

That is awesome Ang! That just totally confirms that you are doing the right thing. We are in the same boat right now. Money is sooo tight but somehow we make it and I LOVE staying home with my little guy. You are going to love it! I am excited for you!

Love ya!

Samantha and Tyrel Ross said...

That is so awesome. I have so happy for you and Richie and I am glad you didn't let money stop you from having a baby, especially since I now how badly you were wanting one!! I am so happy that amongst the stress you are doing so well and so happy and grateful!!

Lauren and Trevor said...

Amen to all you said Angie. Thanks for reminding me of all the blessings we have in life. Your gratitude is what makes it all even more special. Isn't it so neat to imagine your little girl sleeping in the crib, sitting in the bouncer, wearing the clothes....what a special time! Your little girl is so lucky to be coming to you!

Liz said...

I can definitley relate as of lately Heavenly Father's direct hand in our own life too. How pleased HE must feel to hear of your gratitude. Thanks for sharing. I do have a car seat if you are interested too. We'll talk when you are up here for Wed.

Brittanie said...

So true! Loved the post. I am also glad things are working out so well and MAN... what great friends and family:)!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful blog, however there is one name that was embarrassingly absent. Don't worry, that won't last. I love you both SO much. When do we get to see a picture of pregnant you? - Mommas-

Rachel said...

I'm so glad you are being so blessed. I'm also glad that we were able to unload a TON of storage stuff on to you. And I am glad that I will be able to see my darling new niece wearing things that I had saved for another baby girl! Love you guys!

Maria said...

Good for you!! You are amazing!! I know everything will work out for the best!!

Megs said...

I am so happy for you two. Good luck with everything. I will keep you in my prayers. By the way, are you having a boy or a girl?

tiffromney said...

That's so great! You guys totally deserve the blessings...you are such wonderful, giving people yourselves. I miss you tons, girl. Way cool post...thanks for sharing your insights into life.

Beth said...

Hey Angie- that is so neat that you guys are being so blessed! Devin and I are in a similar situation and feel the same way! It surprises me how much Heavenly Father is watching out for us! Congratulations on getting all of those things!

Jenni said...

I'm glad you have all your baby gear! I'm so excited for you too - you'll make awesome parents. I really appreciated the way you took me under your wings when I was new in the ward - you both are so kind and sweet!

Kim and Scott said...

I love that you wrote about this, I think you put it so perfectly. I remember feeling so scared about money and loans etc... when we were pregnant with Taylor. I remember after all of our worrying things started to happen, our neighbor just gave us her beautiful crib for free and tons of boy clothes. Then other things happened too and it was like we were just taken care of in ways we didn't even know we needed to be. I remember feeling so loved and grateful. I never wrote down my feelings though, and I wish I did. I loved reading this because it caused me to remember the way I felt at that time. I am so happy for you guys. Love you! Kim

The Meade's said...

That ROCKS babe! What a blessing. I am very glad (as I am sure you are as well) to hear that you can stay at home with the babies. oh I n eed to email you something...... check your email!!!!

jeanine said...

Only 80 days to go! Woo Hoo!

jeanine said...

That is so cool.

I saw your sister Cassie today at church (Bob was blessing his new little girl).