Blog therapy...and other resources.

Wowza!! I guess I need to always remember to resort to blogging when I'm feeling down. I have felt so much love and encouragement through the comments and some personal emails. Thank You!! I've also had some other thoughts and experiences this past day or two that have really helped too.

I have so much to be grateful for and was reminded of all those things constantly yesterday. Church was great as usual. Sacrament meeting can get a little hairy, but the kids are getting better all the time. Our bishop gave some remarks on being grateful and recognizing all our blessings. I'm usually really good at that, so I'm going to put forth an even better effort. There were great testimonies borne, and of course Primary was wonderful. I just love being in there with all those kids every week. It shocks me every week how much I enjoy myself and love all the kids.

Sunday evening I was able to just sit back and enjoy my kids a little bit. They are so amazing. I just couldn't get over how blessed I am to have them in my life. As I was laying down with them to put them to sleep I just couldn't get enough. I wanted to eat them up just as I did when they were babies. I couldn't hug them close enough, or kiss them long enough. My heart ached a little when I thought about them growing up and away. I do my best to brain wash them while they're young into believing that they must ALWAYS give mom hugs and kisses on demand...and unsolicited.Me...gobbling up Ella!

How can anyone be down with those two smiling mugs comin' at ya?!...the handsome men in my life!

So, I am going to revise my list from the previous post and put a positive spin on it all...an add to it...if you don't mind. (the revisions will be in blue...or auqa...or whatever this color is)

• I talk way too much and often get myself into trouble.
• My lack of shyness (is that a word?) has made it possible for me to develop so many friendships and relationships that I cherish. I truly like being nice and chatty with people. I'm sure some people find it disturbing, but I will talk to anyone, anywhere and most of the time I think it lifts their day. I compliment people often (yes, strangers) and always engage with people I'm interacting with. Whether it be the person at the checkout, or the people in the voting line. 99% of the time I walk away happier because I've made contact beyond that of the required communication.
  
• I don't say things well and often get myself into trouble.
• I have realized that I don't have to say things perfectly for most people to get the intention. I am opinionated, but I NEVER mean personal insult. I think most people are that way and that is why I almost NEVER get offended. If people think differently than me...GREAT! It makes for interesting conversation and growth in my thinking.
  
• I feel upset with the state of our country and social issues (I don't recommend YouTube videos of angry protesters).
• I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ which is not a perfect knowledge of things. I walk by faith. Faith is powerful and humbling. I feel more solidified in my beliefs and in who I am when my faith is challenged. I feel comfort knowing that God loves each one of us (His children), and is always there to guide and help us. He has a plan and is all powerful. My membership in my church is precious to me and I will not be brought to shame for any of my beliefs. I truly love ALL of Gods children. One thing I have been blessed with is the capacity to love people. I truly can see the good in anyone.
  
• My house is a disaster despite being perfectly clean less than 24 hours ago.
• My kids watched no TV Saturday besides when the babysitters came, and that meant a lot of creative play. Oh, and guess what?...WE LIVE IN OUR HOME. It isn't a museum, or a showroom. I'm glad that our home is one where friends want to come over and can play and interact. Cleanliness is overrated...right?! Please tell me it is.
  
• I'm sure I will be getting a photo cop ticket because of the flash that went off in the intersection on my way to the temple for a Primary activity...that just seems wrong.
• We are so blessed to live close to a Temple of the Lord. We are so blessed to be getting three more here in our state over the next several months. One will be about 5 miles away, located just past the soccer fields and Costco!! How's that for convenience?
  
• I have so many closets, drawers, files, photos, bins, etc. that need to be organized...and I've been saying that for a year.
• I am so grateful for closets, drawers, files, photos, bins, etc. that hold precious memories, and items that help me take care of my family. Paul and I have worked hard to be able to provide a stable life for our kids, and I am grateful to be able to have the "stuff" we need to do that. I will have plenty of time to organize when my kids are all in school all day. For now I need to do my best, but not let those tasks get in the way of nurturing and enjoying my children. Organizing is overrated right? Please tell me it is.
  
• I need a new car in a bad bad way and can't seem to pull the trigger on such a HUGE purchase.
• This is a great time to buy a car. Car prices have dropped. Gas prices have dropped, and we have always been frugal on the car front. I'm grateful that because of this frugality (again, not sure if it's a word) we are able to buy the car we need. I am so excited to get a new car that will hopefully seat 8, and won't have transmission issues.
  
• I just found a bin of baby onesies that I made for friends babies...and never sent. I'm seriously dying about that one. Any ideas for what to do with personalized onesies that will not fit the babies anymore (these are not common names)?! Any ideas on how to ask proper forgiveness for never sending the baby gifts?
• I am so grateful to have so many friends that have been blessed with babies. I will send the onesies along with a heartfelt note and gift, and hopefully brighten their day. Who expects a baby gift for their almost one year old?
  
• I have a dog that I personally have been incapable of house training. I'll take ideas on that one too. I've HAD IT!!
• I'm grateful...hmmmm...how do I spin this one...that my kids will be able to say they had a dog when they were little?! Is that good enough? I'm having a hard time finding the good in the dog. She sure is cute and friendly. How's that?
• Paul and I have been blessed with amazing parents who are still together to this day. They are such good examples of hard work, sacrifice, and unconditional love. None of us are perfect, but I'd dare to say that we got the pick of the litter when it came to parents. Paul's parents were able to come and visit us during Halloween and we enjoyed having them so much. We are lucky enough to now count my parents as our neighbors! Okay, so they live a few miles away, but it's quite an improvement from 675 miles. I got my chattiness (let's call it friendliness) from both my parents, so they are quickly fitting in and making new friends.
• Paul and I have also been blessed with siblings that we love and admire. They all are such great examples of courage and grace throughout the ups and downs of their lives. We truly love hanging out with them and count them as our best friends. We are so grateful that they have chosen such awesome spouses. It is so fun to integrate different styles and personalities into the family and learn and grow from each of them. My kids are so lucky to be surrounded by such great aunts and uncles.
  
• As I said in my previous post, I am so grateful for my country. It has afforded me the life and opportunities I have today.

So, as you can see, with friends, faith, family, and country...I've pretty much got it made. What else do I really need? Not much. Thanks for the boosts and bringing me back to the reality of just how great I have it. Oh, by the way...you do too!!