Friendship

I am so grateful for friends. I love my family very much, of course, but I don't think I could survive in this world without really good friends.

I am grateful for the new friends I am still getting to know, but that I know well enough to let loose at a karaoke party:) (Thanks so much guys. That was just what I needed!)

I am grateful for friends far and wide that I met by chance (by the way, I don't believe in chance) in my travels far and wide. I may not have seen them since long ago moves, but this brings me to another item of gratitude. I am so grateful for the Internet/email technology to keep track of these special friends. I know that even if I never see them again (even though I truly hope our paths cross again) that we will be friends at heart forever.

I am grateful for old and dear friends from my youth that have helped me grow up (okay, I know I'm not that grown up). I have such good memories from you childhood and youth and it's because of a wonderful group of friends. I am grateful that I have been able to keep in touch with a few of the nearest and dearest, and I can't wait till I see them again.

I am grateful for my siblings and in-law siblings that have become some of my best friends. I am grateful for the many family gatherings that will take place this year, so that we can renew and strengthen these friendships.

To all my friends far and wide, please know that I love you and that you mean so much to me. I love hearing from you and being involved in your life no matter how new our relationship, how far away you live, or how infrequent our visits. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIENDS!!!

And for a friend that tagged me in her blog--here is my 4th photo in my 4th folder in my picture file. And I tag any of my friends who want to get in on the fun.

This is a picture of a primary class I taught at church in Dallas, Texas. We went with the whole primary to the Dallas Temple and had a wonderful experience. Ah, the memories. It's about this time of year that I miss Dallas. They are just starting to plant the pansies and the weather is gorgeous. I loved the early spring in Texas. It's the only time I miss living there:)

The Circle of Life

I have felt God in my life in the past week as we have delt with the death of my husband's Grandfather. It was one of those happy/sad occasions where he had been really sick and in pain and it was a blessing for him to be released from his pain, but at the same time we are going to miss him.

The day after I found out I could just see him as he is in picture that hangs in their basement. Younger and smiling. He's happy now, and I'm happy for him. . .and sad for us. Especially sad for Grandma. She's alone now. Of course she has loving friends and family, but I can't even begin to imagine life without my husband. And to top it off, this is the second husband she burried. She's been married just as long to the second as the first. It's gotta be one of the worst feelings in mortality to loose your best friend.

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of God's Plan of Happiness. We are each here on Earth for a purpose. We live our life the best we can and when we are called Home, if we've lived in accordance to God's will, we return to His Presence. I know this is where Grandpa is. He was such a good example. He was faithful to the end. He loved the Lord and tried to be like Him. I am a better person for knowing him.

On the other side of the spectrum, I anxiously await the birth of new nephew. He's been so anxious to come into this world. We've been praying for him to wait just a little longer for months now, and now that it's okay to come, he's taking his time.

Two great spirits are starting a journey. One begins mortality and the other looks foraward into the eternities. And thus the Circle of Life continues.

There is Beauty All Around

I saw God today as my children and I sang Christmas songs at the top of our lungs, rang jingle bells, and they danced around the room. It was especially cute watching the 1 year old watch the others and ring his bell when they did:)

I also saw God today as I was driving home from shopping (without any kids) in the first true snowfall of the season.

Gratitude

So I've been a real slacker in the bloggin world lately, both on this one and my personal/family one. But here is a belated Thanksgiving post.

I am so grateful for all of the blessings in my life. There are definitely too many to name. Here is just a random list:

My Savior and a Heavenly Father who love me and have a plan for me.
My Family who love me and support me and visit me and call me and pray for me.
My Husband who loves me and works hard and makes me laugh.
My Children who keep me on my toes and make me smile and give me hugs and sticky kisses.
My Friends who make me laugh and smile and help with my kids and reminicse with me.
My House to keep me safe and warm.
Plenty of food to eat. I feel blessed to never see my children go hungry.
My Calling. It's fun to work in the Relief Society and get to know the great sisters in our ward.
Cars that work to get us where we need/want to go.
Music--I'm especially enjoying the Christmas music.
Chocolate:)
Pumpkin Bread:)
Hot Chocolate with marshmallows:)

Okay, that's enough. Time to get back to the family.

"Count your blessings, Name then one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

What I've learned from Kindergarten

It's fun having a kindergartener, although, I don't feel I'm old enough. I got to go help at his "harvest" party yesterday and see him interact with his classmates. He was so excited to show off his little sister her sit by him on the carpet and make sure she got treats, too.

I've learned a few things from kindergarten so far. They have a list of rules. The list is short, and they are all to the point. They say them every day, and my son is learning them well, although not always following them.

I've decided these few simple rules are all that is needed for humanity. If only we'd follow them, the world would be a much better place.

Rule 1. Always try your best. If everyone tried their best, more would be accomplished, people would feel better about themselves. The world would be happier.

Rule 2. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. We could say goodbye to a lot of violence.

Rule 3. Follow directions the first time. How many times do we put of doing what should have been done yesterday. How often do I put off my children saying "just a minute" and then forget until they have to remind me again an hour later.

Rule 4. Be kind and respectful. Think of the world wide peace this could bring.

Rule 5. Be a good listener. I know that I personally need to work on this. The world can get so busy and noisy that we don't listen to what our children are really saying, what our spouses really need, what our neighbors (meaning everyone:) could use help with, and most importantly, what our Heavenly Father wants for us. We all need to find quiet time to really listen.

Broken Glass

I just had one of those moments of internal stuggle that we all deal with daily. My children were playing in a way that knocked over a large frame leaning on something on the ground. I asked them to be more careful and put it right back in the same place. The continued playing and knocked it over again, this time shattering the glass (luckily it was still in the bag from the store, so the glass was contained). My first reaction was of course to be angry with them for knocking it over. I reigned in my feelings and didn't raise my voice (small victory for me:). I then was angry with myself for leaving it in the same spot, knowing they were still playing there (I was in the same room with them). I did ask them to "leave the room while mom is mad." They are now happily playing and singing Called to Serve in the other room.

Two lessons from this.
#1 Children as soooooo forgiving. They aren't out there pouting that they were sent from the room, or that mom got upset at them. Why did I continue to pout that my frame was broken.
#2 It's just broken glass. It's replacable, no one was hurt.

Now I'm going out to play with my children.

Service and Cookies

I experienced the joy of service to day, both giving and recieving. It feels really good. I am so happy that I have friends that trust me enough to ask for help and others that are so willing to help when I ask.

I also took the time to make cookies with my children today. It's not the smoothest operation, but it's so much fun to watch my 5 and 3 year olds as they measure, mix, and fight about who's turn is next, and then try to keep them out of the dough. And it's not to bad to have a few cookies around to eat, either:)

Good Times!

I just read this on a friends blog and thought it was so amazing that I wanted to share it. (Mostly with myself:)

Our Greatest Fear
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinkingso that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously giveother people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson