this little life of mine

Well, here we are at the end of another November. Did you feel more gratitude this month? I sure hope so. I think that's the real secret to happiness: recognizing the good things in life (big or small) and being thankful for them. I know that even when things are hard or sad or unfair or whatever, there is always something to be thankful for. And if I can focus on that good, then the bad seems to fall away.

Stella, Elliot, and I went for a bike ride this morning and ended up at the park for a bit. Along the way, we visited with my sisters-in-law and picked up my nephew Chase. As I sat on the bench with the sun warm on my neck, watching the kids play, I felt happy. My life is not perfect, but it is full of more good things than I can count. And for that feeling of intense contentment, I am so thankful.


photo last May by Leah Davis

for good luck at the fabric store

I've been really lucky at the fabric store lately, which hardly ever happens. I found the most cheerful flannel for a cozy top and some pretty lace for a blouse. I usually don't buy fabric on a whim, but both of these were calling my name, and I couldn't pass them up. I started working with the flannel today, and I am so excited about it! I am thankful for fabric, and for the endless possibilities it contains.

phone chats

Leslie and me, 1981

Leslie and I don't talk on the phone all that often, but I sure love it when we do. She called me this afternoon, and we had a nice chat while she waited for Audrey to get out of school in Texas and I waited for Stella and Elliot to eat their turkey sandwiches in Arizona. Hooray for phones and sisters and phone calls with sisters! I am thankful for them.

not shopping

Mike is heading to Chicago for a business trip, so I headed to the store to find him a coat (and gloves and a scarf and whatever else is required for non-Arizona winters) (FYI: it's 81 here today). And oh man, was it a pain! After an hour Elliot, Stella, and I were toast. I am so so thankful that Mike does all of our Christmas shopping. Our Christmases would not be nearly as merry or bright if I was in charge of it all.

mornings with this boy

Elliot didn't wake up until after 8 this morning, which is almost completely unheard of. I had just sent Mabel and Oliver off to school and was in the midst of cleaning the kitchen when I heard him calling me from his bed. We spent the next little bit hugging on the couch, of course, because this boy simply can't start his day until he has been sufficiently hugged. It is one of my favorite things about him, and I am thankful for these slow, easy mornings together.

a new dress

Today I am grateful for new dresses and good deals. There's nothing like a new Sunday dress to make a girl feel pretty. I found this one at the DownEast warehouse sale last week for a song, and silly as it sounds, I am thankful for it!

for naps

Our entire house has been battling a cold for days. Even Mike got it, and he never gets sick. I am thankful that today we could nap. That's about all we did and it felt really good.

for time with my little family

We were feeling pretty desolate after we dropped my parents off at the airport this morning. So we stole Mike from his office and went to lunch. It was just a little thing. All of us crowded around a table at Carl's Jr, then the kids having fun together in the play place while Mike and I talked about Christmas presents. It was a small moment, but so full of contentment. It reminded me of that part in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that says "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." Not that Carl's Jr is altogether wholesome, but it just felt really good to be doing something together, small as it was. Today I am thankful for happy times spent with my little family. There is nothing better.

for health and strength

I never in a million years thought that I could run. But this 33 year old body of mine just finished it's first race! 6.2 miles of pure misery. Just kidding. Sort of. Oh, it was hard! And so many times I wondered what the heck I was doing. But of course I am glad that I did it. Sometimes it feels good to do hard things, you know? I am thankful for my health. My body is able to do all that I require of it, which is such an incredible blessing, and I am just so grateful.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

unexpected date nights

My parents offered to watch the kids tonight, so Mike and I are off to the movies! We hardly ever see a movie, but we've heard excellent things about Lincoln. I'll be sure to report about it later, but right now I am just so thankful for some one on one time with my Mike.

in my neighborhood

Yesterday, I walked through the park behind my house to visit with a friend. Today, I went across the street to do my visiting teaching. Everyday, Mabel and Oliver walk with the other neighborhood kids around the corner to school. I love that about our neighborhood! It feels small and tightly-knit and old fashioned in all the best ways. It is full of good, hard working people who genuinely care about each other, and I am grateful to live here.

my running partner

Last summer, Mike and I started running together. Let me tell you something: It is one of the best things we've ever done for ourselves. We've never been very good at having a regular date night, so our runs have become our time together. They are when Mike tells me about work, or when I vent about what's happening with the kids. We talk about our disappointments, our goals, and our dreams. Not only are we in better, faster shape, but we are so much closer, too. Running is really hard, but not with Mike by my side.

I am thankful for our runs, and I hope it's something we keep doing for a long, long time.

my parents

from Stella's birthday lunch on Friday

Even though we don't live near my parents, they make a great effort to be involved in our lives, and I am so grateful. They came to visit this week and I don't think Stella has let them go since they arrived. 

party planners extraordinaire

A few weeks ago, Mabel, Oliver, and Stella disappeared to the basement. I didn't know it, but plans for Stella's fifth birthday party were being discussed. Activities and a theme were decided (princesses, of course). Invitations and decorations were assembled. The guest list was finalized:

cousins Stella, Sophie, and Ellie

There was pin the tail and horn on the Unicorn, by Mabel.

A magic show + scavenger hunt, by Oliver.

A tea party lunch, with real tea cups and place cards.

A Pink castle cake (for the third year in a row!).

Make-up and nails with Mabel.

Three happy, fancy girls.

And dancing on the stage!

Mabel and Oliver pulled it off in a major way. From the planning to the execution, they did it all without any help from me. Oh, I am grateful! Stella and her cousins had such a nice time.  I don't know what I would do without those big kids. They are patient and kind and always willing to drop what they are doing to help. I am thankful for them always, but especially today.

our Stella

Out of all of our babies, we waited the longest for Stella to join our family. I didn't know it at the time, but that's just how Stella would be. She is on her own schedule and can't be rushed. I was so happy to be expecting her. I knew she was meant to be our Stella from the get-go. I did not know that she would be so completely fantastic.

She has Mike's sparkly eyes, my mom's thick hair, my non-existent lips, and Grandma Donna's penchant for friendship. There is a light that shines from her that is so happy and bright. She is a cheerful, giggly girl, and I can't imagine my life without her non-stop chatter. I love her so.

Today she turns five, and I am ever so grateful to have her in our family.

p.s. This is one of my favorite pictures of Stella ever. Oh, I just die!

a clean house

I spent all morning and a good portion of this afternoon cleaning. My parents are coming to visit tonight (hooray!) and there is nothing like impending house guests to spur the cleaning on and on (and on). Today I am thankful for a fresh, clean house, and for a body that is capable of cleaning it.

those who came before

My older brother and sister have been interested in researching our family history for years. They have added names and stories and pictures to our family tree, and I am so grateful for their efforts. Lately Mike has caught the bug, too. Late into the night, he will sit at the computer, searching for names and dates. But these are not just names and dates. These are people. Our people. I may not know them, but they are part of me. They are men who brought their families across oceans and continents searching for a better life, women who bore a dozen children to see only half of them survive to adulthood. They were strong and determined and full of so much faith, and I am here because of their efforts. I am grateful for them, and for the encouragement from our church leaders to find them.

Start your own search here.

You can find out why Mormons are so interested in Family History work here.

good people everywhere

This world is full of good people. People who protect our freedoms in the armed forces. People who bring dinner to a neighbor who is sick. People who dedicate their lives to serving those who are less fortunate. People who share a smile and brighten a day. I am thankful for them all. I really believe that there is good in everyone, and I am grateful when that good is shared with those in need.

My brother, Elliott, was able to help with hurricane cleanup in New York last weekend. This video, which shows the immense devastation, is really inspiring.

 

Mormon Helping Hands :: Hurricane Sandy :: Rockaways, NY from Joshua Brown on Vimeo.

in-laws

I have been watching my niece Hazel a bit lately. She is adorable. I am grateful that I am able to help my sister-in-law in this way. We are really lucky to live close to Mike's siblings and parents. It makes things like babysitting and cousin play dates and Sunday dinners so convenient. When we first started house hunting here in Arizona, we focused our search on newer, younger, farther away neighborhoods. But I am so thankful that we ended up close to family instead. I love my in-law family. Living near them is a wonderful blessing. We get together often, and we have such a nice time when we do.

inspiration

We had Regional Conference this morning. That means that members of our Church all over the state of Arizona (over 90 Stakes!) were able to watch a broadcast from our Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Two of my favorite Apostles, Elder Holland and President Eyring, spoke to us. During the meeting, my heart was full of gratitude for the blessing of revelation and inspiration. I believe that God still reveals truth through modern day prophets, and I know that we are all qualified to receive personal inspiration through His spirit. These two truths bless my life everyday.

President Eyring, always tender and quiet, spoke of being a "wise optimist". In these difficult times, it is easy to be discouraged. But President Eyring reminded me that the wise optimist always has the advantage over the pessimist. A wise optimist prays and prepares. She tries and tries again. Things won't necessarily be easy, but if she persists with faith in Jesus Christ, she will see blessings and miracles. I know this is true, and I have a renewed desire to look on the bright side. Not naively or foolishly, but wisely, and with purpose.

Today was a really wonderful day. I hope yours was, too!

open windows and the late afternoon light

Now that the weather is finally cooling off, we can open our windows and doors and let the cool breeze blow through the house. It feels just like heaven. I was especially grateful for the pretty light yesterday afternoon. Sometimes a few minutes of good light is all it takes to brighten my mood.

And maybe some Pandora 60s Folk Radio, too.

a two year old

Two year olds are so fun! And mostly extremely exhausting! This particular two year old sure keeps me humble. Just when I think I have everything figured out, I make one wrong move and everything is despair and heartbreak. Here's the thing: when he is happy, he is the most fun in town, but when he's not, he's really not. This morning I am just grateful that on most days the smiles outweigh the tears.

Here's another thing: I know that before I can blink my eyes, he'll be a big stinky boy who doesn't want to be rocked to sleep anymore. So I'll gladly (and hopefully patiently) take all of the tantrums if it means that he'll still be my baby for a little while longer.

to be at home

On my favorite days, we don't leave the house unless we want to. We are homebodies and that is just how I like it. Being at home with my children is one of my greatest blessings. It is not always easy, but I am thankful for this time in my life. I know that someday Stella won't want to play games on the floor with me and Elliot won't want to sit and read books on the couch, so right now I am happily and gratefully content to spend my days snug within the confines of our home. It is a good life and I am thankful to be able to do it.


p.s. If you are still seeking solace after Tuesday's election, I loved this essay.

as long as we're together

As I watched the results of the election last night, a deep pit grew in my stomach. I was sad, and so very disappointed. The best solution I could think of was to count my blessings. Before I could sleep, I peeked at my darling children, sleeping soundly in their beds. I looked around my peaceful, cozy home before I turned off the lights. I gave my husband a big squeeze. And I remembered how blessed I am. Oh, I am grateful for this month of Thanksgiving! It really will cure what ails you. I promise.

And so today, I am grateful for this little family of mine. We can weather these next few years as long as we have each other. Oh, I know we will be all right. We will be happy, and my children will grow. Mike and I will still love each other like crazy. He will work hard to provide for us, and he will succeed. Life will go on, and we will find joy.

These are the things that matter, after all.


This Sunshine & Shade photo from last year is still my favorite.

to be an American

Today is a big day in our country. I have been praying for my candidate, and oh! I hope he wins. But no matter the outcome of this election, I am grateful to be an American. I believe that this is a blessed land, and my patriotism runs strong and deep. I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy here, and for the constant promise of a brighter future. To be an American is an honor, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Now excuse me while I go bite all of my nails off in anticipation of the results tonight. Ah!

the desire to create

I love this quote from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the first presidency of our Church:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Creation brings satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take organized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty."

Isn't that great? I've been working on a few projects lately, and they have filled a part of my spirit like nothing else can. I am grateful for the talents I have been blessed with, and the ability they give me to be creative. But just because you can't sew, or don't enjoy baking or crafting or whatever, does not mean that you aren't creative!

Listen to what President Uchtdorf had to say about that:

"You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

Ah! I love that! So today, I am thankful for my talents, and for the desire to be creative. It is an integral part of my being, and of yours, too.

This two minute video sums it up nicely.

Go here to read President Uchtdorf's entire message. It is really wonderful, and sure to uplift.

the Relief Society

I accepted a new calling at church today. I get to serve in the women's organization, called the Relief Society. I am happy. Because of other callings I've had, I haven't been able to attend the Sunday Relief Society meeting since we moved to Arizona, and I have missed it!

As I told the ladies at church today, I like to joke that the tragedy of my life is not living near my mother and sisters. Being far from them is hard, but not really quite so tragic because I am a member of the Relief Society. The women in my Relief Society can teach me the things my mom would if she were near, and can love me and associate with me just as my sisters would if they could.

My testimony of the purpose of Relief Society is unbreakable. I know that as a group we can strengthen each other, increase our testimonies, and look after one another. I feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful organization, and very grateful to be able to serve there for the next little bit.

Here is a great article on fulfilling the purpose of the Relief Society, by Julie B. Beck, former General Relief Society President.


Guess what! You don't have to be a member of our church to join the Relief Society. Go here to find a Relief Society near you.

baking

I don't remember baking much when I was younger, but once I became a mother, it was one of my favorite things to do. There is just something magical about combining all of those different ingredients into something delicious. I don't know why that doesn't translate into cooking dinner, but I am always up for baking something. I am thankful for the creative outlet that baking is for me. Making a delicious treat for my family is one of the ways that I show my love for them, and I am grateful that I get to do it as often as I do.

This time I made Pumpkin Molasses Cookies. I think you know my feelings about pumpkin. These cookies were so good! They were just as yummy as my favorite Molasses Cookies, but pumpkiny and cakey instead of chewy. A new favorite around here, for sure.

A few things I did differently than called for in the recipe: I omitted the black pepper, because I just couldn't bring myself to add it. When mixing everything together, I creamed the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I added the egg and molasses and mixed well. I added the dry ingredients and the pumpkin alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Then I refrigerated the dough in the mixing bowl until my oven was hot and while each batch was baking. I baked them for 12 minutes. They were crunchy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and a little spicy. Yum!

early mornings

Three mornings a week, I get up before five o'clock to exercise. Waking up that early is never easy, but it starts my day off right, and I am glad for the opportunity. I get to see the pretty morning sky, exercise, and visit with friends, and I am so grateful.

Side note: I am thankful for naps, too.

thursdays

Thursdays are our "busy" days. Mabel and Oliver have piano lessons after school across town. It takes up our entire afternoon, but I am happy to do it. I know that piano lessons are a luxury, and I am thankful that we are able to provide them for our children. Plus, we have a really fantastic piano teacher! And that piano teacher has a fun park near her house where Stella, Elliot, and I can wait when the weather is cool enough. Today it was, and I am grateful for that, too.

And something silly: After two and a half years, I am thankful that I can finally (comfortably) fit into my pre-Elliot jeans. Hurrah!