The Three Best Things

If you have scheduled one of those days where you're going to be running, running, running from one thing to the next, let me tell you three things that you absolutely need:

A good haircut
Brand new underwear
Time in the temple

It's been a good day.

So Many Things

On a happy note, my poinsettia is thriving.  If I had any real wood at my desk, I would knock on it.

This morning while getting ready for work, I thought, "I wish I could have a whole lunch with my friend--just the two of us."  I emailed her when I arrived, and we actually took that lovely lunch together.  Bliss!

I got a new book for Christmas.  It is a beautiful, leather-bound copy of a biography about Lorenzo Snow.  Not only will it be a wonderful book to read, but it smells heavenly!  I LOVE that new-book smell (especially a leather-bound new book)!

My dad's email this morning announced that I am getting a new niece or nephew next year.  Woot!  Congratulations, Gavin and Kimberly!

Thinking about Life Again

A friend recently wrote something like, "Life is hard with occasional happy times.  It was meant to be that way, because it is a test."

I disagree with her.  I think life is meant to be happy with occasional down days.  That doesn't mean that hard things don't happen, and some hard things last a while. 

For example, right now my grandpa is on hospice care.  The main caregiver is my grandma, who is often not even recognized by her nearly-lifelong sweetheart.  There is very little Grandpa can do, so Grandma does it all.  It is a heavy load to bear for her.  She does better when she can at least get a good night's rest, but that is often interrupted by his trying to leave the house to "go to work" or his taking a fall.  It's really hard on her.  But my grandma has been an absolute CHAMPION through all of this.  Each time we speak she talks of the blessings she is receiving.  She laughs a lot.  She is incredibly patient and oh, so kind!

My grandma is doing something really hard.  She is more than 85 years old, and she deserves a rest.  But she is so grateful and glad to be capable of helping her sweetheart during this season.  And she knows that another season is coming.  In fact, the only way this difficult season will end is for Grandma to enter a season WITHOUT Grandpa.  Certainly that is a daunting thought.  But she smiles, "cowboys up," and does what needs to be done with happiness and gratitude.

Another friend taught me this week that life might be described as a 1-10 scale, with 1 being terribly miserable and 10 being as happy as can possible be.  Most people ride a roller coaster between 2 and 10, thinking that their happiness is at the mercy of life's circumstances.  My friend said she would much rather ride most days at a 6 or 7.  According to Elder Packer it's OK to have a "good bad day" every once in a while.  And certainly we should enjoy every moment of joy that is given to us.  But we also have a responsibility for our own happiness.  Like my grandma, we can smile, even when life doesn't seem easy or fair.  And by "smile" I don't just mean turning up the corners of our mouths (although that's a wonderful start).  I mean that we find true happiness in all that we do.

The other thing I really believe is that people who are happy attract happiness to themselves.  Choosing happiness is a self-fulfilling prophecy.  People who are happy will want to be with you (the "birds of a feather" philosophy).  And even though hard things will happen, if you are already happy, surrounded by happy people, making other people and circumstances as happy as possible, those hard things will just be another bridge to cross in a happy life.

It is true that most days we turn off the alarm clock, get ready for a day of work, take care of the mundane, and start again the next day.  Sometimes I think it would be fine with me if I were independently wealthy, travelled the world, ate all the finest foods, was never in another traffic jam, never had someone say harsh words to me or my loved ones, changed a stinky diaper, washed a dirty dish, tackled the never-ending laundry (again), got sick, or any of the other unpleasant things that might come to us in our lives. 

But what if we had never played a game of Lifesavers-in-Flour because it only cost us $.50?  We if we had never planned a fun stay-cation or party day so that we could be with our family?  What if we hadn't shared the love, acceptance, hugs, kleenexes, and hysterical laughter that come with heartbreak?   What if we had missed parenthood?  What if we were physically unable to do things (and even then...)?  What if we lived somewhere where "dirty" was the norm?

There's just too much to be grateful for, to laugh at, to love, to do, to see, to think, to feel, to hear, to EXPERIENCE and to LIVE to be unhappy, even when things are hard.  And the world would be a better place if we all took the responsibility to be happy ourselves and then pay it forward.

It's the Little Things That Bring Me Joy

I went to the cafeteria at work, planning to get a salad for lunch.  It was taco day at the bar, which is a favorite.  And guess what?!  They had the beautiful chicken/onion/green pepper mix.  *bliss!*  They haven't had that in a long, long time.

Isn't it amazing what small things can make your day?

Lucky, Lucky Me!

My friend and her friend spent about an hour with us last week.  Both of them said, "Being with your family was so fun.  I wish I had that."  I wish they did, too.  And I'm grateful we have it.

Our older son agreed to sing in church with me today.  His voice is fabulous, and it was a blessing to sing with him.

Spencer said, "That was one of the best musical numbers I've ever heard in church."  Landon said, "Not one of.  The best."

Hobo dinners tonight!

Huge thanks to Joanne, our pianist extraordinaire; Suzi, a friend of 25 years, for bringing over a sweater for Ash; Jeri Lynn, who lent me her sewing machine AND came over later in the day to make sure I was still sane; and Kayla, who brought over her bolero jacket, just in case.

Also, huge thanks to all of you (special thanks, Daddy!) who responded to my last post.  I'm still welcoming comments.  I'm still trying to be teachable.  I'm also feeling better.

I am incredibly blessed.

A List of Love from the Weekend

In no particular order:

1.  Running with the girls.
2.  An excuse to play in the mud (I don't think I have EVER played in the mud before).
3.  Lindsey asked to meet the extended family.  (She doesn't know what she's asking, but it still made me happy.)
4.  Colton walks in and calls us Mom and Dad.
5.  Landon trying to teach me to Jerk (and something else).
6.  Colton thinks I'm cool because I tried to Jerk (and something else).
7.  Singing in the car.
8.  Cotton candy!
9.  M&M's!
10.  Pineapple!
11.  Slushies!
12.  Awesome fireworks show on the ground and in the sky--all from my front yard.
13.  Great discussion with Briana.
14.  Great discussion with Briana and Taylor.
15.  Landon told his cousins (in my hearing) that his favorite place to be is home.
16.  New clothes for work.
17.  Black shoes that don't squeak (finally!).
18.  TWO PAIRS of black shoes.  Bliss!
19.  Smallest "crowd" I've ever seen at Lagoon.
20.  Only 85 degrees during the outdoor picnic--glorious!
21.  Silver Lake.
22.  The whole family at Silver Lake.
23.  I love our beautiful state!
24.  I love our beautiful family!
25.  I love having grown-up children!
26.  Holding hands with my sweetheart.
27.  Listening to Spencer laugh on roller coasters.  (Best. Laugh. Ever.)

Top 10 Highlights for a Day

10. Yummy spaghetti for lunch
9. Tonight my friend Stacy is teaching RS meeting. Can't wait!
8. Email from my SIL today, stating that they are looking for work in Utah. Woot! (This is in addition to my sister, who is also on the Utah job hunt.)
7. Dave invited me to ride his bus home. I said, "Right, where would I go? To my in-laws?" He said, "Well, pick your poison, I guess."
6. Devotional with Jesse today.
5. Joe's wife had twin boys yesterday. He sent pix today of Boy A and Boy B. :)
4, 3, 2, and 1. (Yup, it's that good.) Landon sent a text today. It said, "OK not that I'm having no fun here but I want to come home. I miss you guys. I miss yelling at Bri. I miss Ash being nice. I miss Mom and Dad giving of things and Tay his smartness and Bella her dumbness."

Ten Days of Giving Thanks...Day Four

Today I'm thankful for a happy attitude.

My parents were always "The glass is half full" kinds of people (still are, actually). We didn't have a lot of money, but I didn't know that. There were rules about bringing people home without asking first, but I don't remember ever being told, "No, that person cannot come over." We were always encouraged to share our opinions, even if we disagreed. Sometimes we had to agree to disagree. One morning I awoke to my mother laughing hysterically at my 14(ish)-year-old brother pitching a fit. We could be mad for a while, but we had no choice but to get over it.

When changes occurred, we were encouraged to look for the opportunities in the changes. (Anybody out there remember when we changed to the consolidated Sunday schedule at church?) :)

There have been a number of times, just this week, when I have caught myself thinking, "Well, at least we can..." or "This will not matter in ___ years" or "I'm so glad __________ happened" or "K, that's how it is. What can I do to change the situation?"

I consider myself a happy person. I consider myself a blessed person. I think it's because I had to practice that mentality through my childhood and youth.

Technically, I guess you could say I'm thankful for my parents, but family is coming later.

Things That Make Me Happy

One could argue that nothing can make me happy--it is a choice I must make. OK. I'll buy that. But humor me for today:

1. Spencer and I got to have dinner with the Ulches last night. It was heavenly and happy and fun. Thanks, Bob and Stacy!

2. Today--in spite of the fact that I do not consider myself a runner--I ran 7 miles. Count them! 1--2--3--4--5--6--7! Isn't that amazing? Me!

3. Taylor dusted the ceiling fan yesterday. (Find joy in the small stuff.)

4. It is a glorious, perfect, beautiful fall day!

5. Tomorrow is a regional broadcast (Stake Conference). So while I get to dress up and go to church, I do not have to sit alone through Sunday School or Relief Society. AND we will be home just after noon. Woot!

6. Did I mention I just ran 7 miles!?

:)

It's a good day.

The Kind Things People Do

As you can see from my previous post, the morning hasn't gone extremely smoothly. It's all OK--it's just life. BUT--

People are so kind!

Amy laughed a little and told me not to worry because everything was fine.

Dave brought me a plum he had just washed.

Briana made me some hot chocolate to go with the rainy morning.

Spencer told me he loved me.

Keith stopped by my desk to say thank you for taking good care of our men.

The men brought me a plate from their safety luncheon (yum! Olive Garden!).

Sometimes mornings go awry, and there's no sense crying or whining about it (so disregard my last post). And anyway, we are surrounded by good and kind people. Aren't we blessed?

Things That Make Me Smile

Amy's belly.

A 15- to 18-month old who did NOT want to get back into the stroller after lunch. (When he saw me laughing at him, he gave me a big grin!)

PaymentNet accounts where I have EVERY single receipt I need.

Emails from my mom.

Phone calls from my sweetheart in the middle of the day.

Successfully completing my morning run (and not having to think about it tonight!).

Friends getting engaged. (Congratulations, Kim!)

Crazy, funny blogs!

The fact that I can eat 10 M&Ms and not feel terrible about it.

Quickly turn it upside down and smile your frown away!

Happiness is...

...gathering the family for prayer, and then spending 1/2 hour just talking and laughing and teaching and learning.

...feeling the Holy Ghost as people you love in your family, ward, and neighborhood share their feelings about the gospel and the Savior.

...knowing and hearing that your son has a testimony.

...receiving hugs from many little children.

...watching your daughter take a leadership role among her peers.

...listening to your son reverently perform a sacred ordinance.

...crying as valiant children sing: "We are children holding hands around the world, like an army, with the gospel flag unfurled."

...having a dear friend take your hand to lend comfort and support when your heart might break.

...knowing that you are leaving loved ones in wonderful hands.

...delicious dinners!

...having a cherished friend take you in her arms and whisper, "I love you."

...knowing that there is more to life than mortality.

...singing praises to God with extremely talented people who share your convictions.

...having your children greet you happily when you walk in the door.

...getting to climb in bed with your best friend to end a beautiful day.

Feeling Weepy

As I walked into work yesterday, I looked toward the west, where I saw the Angel Moroni sparkling atop the temple in the morning sun. It was beautiful, and it filled me with gratitude for what we have in the restored gospel.

As I read Kent and Kathy Wood's blog, I considered what a blessing for their stake and for their children that they have such a treasure as this.

A friend of mine at work came under attack yesterday, because he and his underlings were doing their job. It made me so angry!

Amy is in training for two days and will not be in the office.

Taylor went to a friend's yesterday afternoon without telling anyone where he was going. We did not hear from him till we had sent a mass text to his friends to see if anyone had seen him. He got the message that we were looking for him, so he came home. It was innocent, but it gave me quite a fright!

I had to spend more than I wanted to in order to stock up on things we needed at home.

I could not get to sleep last night, in spite of being dead tired.

All of these things make me want to weep.

Better get my prescription refilled. :)

Things That Make Me Happy

This picture actually shows a number of different things:

1. Spencer.

2. Spencer sleeping peacefully. (At least he was till the flash went off.)

3. My soft down pillow (under his right arm).

4. A good book.

5. Clean sheets.

And then there is:

A warm, dry house.

Warm running water.

Laundry when it is done.

Singing.

Laughter.

Homemade bread.

The whole family around the dinner table.

The whole family.

Ibuprofen for aches and fever.

Solarcaine for sunburns.

Computers and blogging. :)

Counting My Blessings

Today I had the opportunity to speak to two good friends. Both conversations led to the fact that we are so blessed, even as we face adversity.

When I was 23 I had a miscarriage. It was not a fun experience, and I would not wish it for you or ANYONE. But I also would not trade it, because right from the beginning I was able to see Father in Heaven's hand in blessing me through this trial. That was the first time that it really occurred to me that even when I can't choose what happens, I can choose how I react to what happens.

For the most part, I try to be a happy person. It helps that I spend my life laughing at all of you--sometimes because you were even TRYING to be funny. You are cheap entertainment.

But I believe that you have to choose to be happy, even when things are hard.

I'll be honest. I feel like my life so far has been pretty easy. Am I blessed because I'm happy or am I happy because I'm blessed?

I don't necessarily think of myself as a woman of faith, but I'm sure glad to KNOW that God is there.

Why NOT be happy?

P.S. You may have to remind me of this when I'm whining to you about something hard. Nevertheless--it's true!