Many mornings, on my way to work, I have passed the cutest old couple out walking. The lady is so bundled up that only her eyes are showing. The man has on his coat, hat, scarf, sun glasses, and the biggest smile I have ever seen! He also has a cane with him, which he usually carries (he may have been using it once). And every time I see them, without fail, they are holding hands.
The first time I saw this couple, I thought, "This part of town isn't that great, they are old, and it is freezing! What are they doing outside walking?!?" Then I noticed his smile. He just radiates happiness. I don't know anything about him or his wife, but, just by looking at his smile, I know they are happy. The freezing weather doesn't matter, that's why they are bundled up. They have probably lived in the same part of town since before it was much of a town. They are walking together, probably just like they have been their entire life, so why stop now just because their hair is white. I'm sure they look forward to that walk every morning.
What an amazing thing to be able to radiate happiness like that, especially as a couple. They probably have no idea that they have had an influence on some stranger driving by because of a smile! Seeing them in the morning puts a smile on my face that I want to pass on all day. That's the kind of person I want to be some day; the kind that makes you want to smile every time you think about them!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Working Mom
Ever since Samantha was born, I have not had a full time job. I have subbed on Fridays when Michael is home and I have a small, at home business I make things for and sell online, but those are both things I can do if and when I have time.
A couple months ago, a teacher I substituted for asked me if I would be willing to be a full time sub while she went on maternity leave. After a lot of thought, prayers, and discussion with Michael, we decided that I would help her out for 3 of the 6 weeks (she had another sub that could do the other 3 weeks if I couldn't do all 6). My three weeks started last week, and now I know why I'm not a working mother!
I have gained a new found respect for mothers of young kids who work outside the home. That being said, it is not the life for me! Every morning is a struggle to get kids ready, out the door, to the babysitter, and to school on time. Once I get to school, I really enjoy the job. I work with great kids and even better teachers. It is so fun to be teaching again! But school ends, and I have to get the kids and start my day. Every time I pick up the kids, Zach crawls to me as quickly as possible! I love it! He is so happy to see me! Samantha is another story. She always cries and says, "No go home!!!" After finally dragging her out the door with Zach in tote, we get in the car and often, as soon as we pull in the garage, the crying starts again. I get her into the house, look at the mess from the day before and the morning, and the headache strikes! By the time Michael gets off work, figuring out what to make for dinner seems almost impossible.
I love that I am having this experience. It makes me appreciate that I can be home with my kids. I appreciate that I get to know what they are doing every minute of every day. I get to know what, when, and if they are eating good things. I can regulate how much television they get. I get to read them stories. I get to kiss them at nap time. I get to be the one that raises my kids. That is a huge blessing that is often times hard to see. Being a stay-at-home-mom can get so monotonous. Cleaning, cooking, diapers, screaming kids, etc... every day can be hard to deal with. But I have learned that when you work, you still have to deal with it, just add working to the list!
I'm sure there will be a point in a month or so, after working is a thing of the past, when I think, "I'm going crazy with the house and kids!" But, for the next week or two, I have a little different perspective!
A couple months ago, a teacher I substituted for asked me if I would be willing to be a full time sub while she went on maternity leave. After a lot of thought, prayers, and discussion with Michael, we decided that I would help her out for 3 of the 6 weeks (she had another sub that could do the other 3 weeks if I couldn't do all 6). My three weeks started last week, and now I know why I'm not a working mother!
I have gained a new found respect for mothers of young kids who work outside the home. That being said, it is not the life for me! Every morning is a struggle to get kids ready, out the door, to the babysitter, and to school on time. Once I get to school, I really enjoy the job. I work with great kids and even better teachers. It is so fun to be teaching again! But school ends, and I have to get the kids and start my day. Every time I pick up the kids, Zach crawls to me as quickly as possible! I love it! He is so happy to see me! Samantha is another story. She always cries and says, "No go home!!!" After finally dragging her out the door with Zach in tote, we get in the car and often, as soon as we pull in the garage, the crying starts again. I get her into the house, look at the mess from the day before and the morning, and the headache strikes! By the time Michael gets off work, figuring out what to make for dinner seems almost impossible.
I love that I am having this experience. It makes me appreciate that I can be home with my kids. I appreciate that I get to know what they are doing every minute of every day. I get to know what, when, and if they are eating good things. I can regulate how much television they get. I get to read them stories. I get to kiss them at nap time. I get to be the one that raises my kids. That is a huge blessing that is often times hard to see. Being a stay-at-home-mom can get so monotonous. Cleaning, cooking, diapers, screaming kids, etc... every day can be hard to deal with. But I have learned that when you work, you still have to deal with it, just add working to the list!
I'm sure there will be a point in a month or so, after working is a thing of the past, when I think, "I'm going crazy with the house and kids!" But, for the next week or two, I have a little different perspective!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Discoveries
My latest discovery: Being a working mom is hard! I'm glad it is only for 3 weeks! It is only day two, and I already have a headache every time I walk in the door.
Zach's latest discovery: Wax paper!
Get mad, or take a picture! Good think he's super cute!
Zach's latest discovery: Wax paper!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Amazing People
I've been a little neglectful with the blog lately, but I said I would share a little more about what I have learned the past few weeks, so here it goes.
One of the biggest things I have learned is how amazing people are. I don't think I can even name most of the people that have helped my family, but I can tell you that we are thankful for each of them. I want to share a few examples of the service and love shown.
The prayers. I can't tell you what a help the prayers of others have been and continue to be, especially for my brother and his wife. I have never felt so strong the prayers of others. I know in the past I have wondered if my prayers for people really help. I now know, without a doubt, they do!
The babysitting. I am so blessed to have great friends! As soon as I heard about the accident, I couldn't decide which friend to call to watch my kids. I knew all of them would say yes in an instant. What a huge blessing it was for me to not have to worry about my kids for a minute. And, to not have to worry about hurrying home to take them back. I had so many offers to babysit too. It may seem simple, but it was huge for me!
The calls, texts, messages, etc... I always thought that in times of hardship it was better to leave people alone. I was wrong! All the calls, texts, Facebook messages, etc... that my family got that week, and continue to get, have been so uplifting. Its nice to be thought of. There were even people that we hadn't talked to in years that were calling, offering to help. My family has been overwhelmed (in a good way) with the wonderful people that have expressed their love and concern. Many of the messages never were responded to because of time, but every single one of them was a blessing. Next time I have a friend or family member going through a hard time, they will be at least getting a text from me. It is nice to know someone cares!
The money. A charitable bank account was set up for people to donate money to my brother and his wife. I can't believe the amount of people that have donated. I threw an auction on my Facebook business page and got a huge response. Some lady from my brother's church sponsored a bake sale and got local businesses to sponsor it. There are have been so many people, many who know my family and many who have never even met us, donate their time and their money to a family in need. At a time like this, money should not be an issue for them. They should work on healing, and they can because of the generosity of others.
The dinners. Between all of the members of my family, we have been fed well. The week of the accident I didn't have to make dinner once. My neighbors brought so many dinners that I was able to take them to the hospital and feed everyone I could get to eat. Again, it seems like a simple thing, but it was a huge blessing for us.
The love. I don't think we, as a family, have been through a harder time. I also don't think we have ever felt more love from friends, family, and our Father in Heaven. What a blessing it is to have that love and the faith to make it through.
Thanks to all of you who have supported our family in these, and many other ways. You are a blessing in our lives! I can't thank you enough!
One of the biggest things I have learned is how amazing people are. I don't think I can even name most of the people that have helped my family, but I can tell you that we are thankful for each of them. I want to share a few examples of the service and love shown.
The prayers. I can't tell you what a help the prayers of others have been and continue to be, especially for my brother and his wife. I have never felt so strong the prayers of others. I know in the past I have wondered if my prayers for people really help. I now know, without a doubt, they do!
The babysitting. I am so blessed to have great friends! As soon as I heard about the accident, I couldn't decide which friend to call to watch my kids. I knew all of them would say yes in an instant. What a huge blessing it was for me to not have to worry about my kids for a minute. And, to not have to worry about hurrying home to take them back. I had so many offers to babysit too. It may seem simple, but it was huge for me!
The calls, texts, messages, etc... I always thought that in times of hardship it was better to leave people alone. I was wrong! All the calls, texts, Facebook messages, etc... that my family got that week, and continue to get, have been so uplifting. Its nice to be thought of. There were even people that we hadn't talked to in years that were calling, offering to help. My family has been overwhelmed (in a good way) with the wonderful people that have expressed their love and concern. Many of the messages never were responded to because of time, but every single one of them was a blessing. Next time I have a friend or family member going through a hard time, they will be at least getting a text from me. It is nice to know someone cares!
The money. A charitable bank account was set up for people to donate money to my brother and his wife. I can't believe the amount of people that have donated. I threw an auction on my Facebook business page and got a huge response. Some lady from my brother's church sponsored a bake sale and got local businesses to sponsor it. There are have been so many people, many who know my family and many who have never even met us, donate their time and their money to a family in need. At a time like this, money should not be an issue for them. They should work on healing, and they can because of the generosity of others.
The dinners. Between all of the members of my family, we have been fed well. The week of the accident I didn't have to make dinner once. My neighbors brought so many dinners that I was able to take them to the hospital and feed everyone I could get to eat. Again, it seems like a simple thing, but it was a huge blessing for us.
The love. I don't think we, as a family, have been through a harder time. I also don't think we have ever felt more love from friends, family, and our Father in Heaven. What a blessing it is to have that love and the faith to make it through.
Thanks to all of you who have supported our family in these, and many other ways. You are a blessing in our lives! I can't thank you enough!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
My Anniversary Is When?
Today is my 5th anniversary! Not a huge mile stone, but you've got to start somewhere! Sometimes it feels a lot longer than that and sometimes it feels like we were just married yesterday.
This morning I woke up around 5:20 while Michael was getting ready for work. He said, "Today is..." and I responded, "Thursday!" Thursdays are exciting because he doesn't work on Fridays. He was happy with my answer and continued to get ready.
As I lay on my pillow, I thought, our anniversary is on a Thursday. Is it today or next week. Sad, I know, but I had to think for a minute before I realized, yes, it is today! I'll blame it on the early morning, although (don't tell) it isn't the first time I couldn't remember my anniversary, and it probably won't be the last. Isn't that what the man is supposed to do? Forget the anniversary? Oh well!!!
This morning I woke up around 5:20 while Michael was getting ready for work. He said, "Today is..." and I responded, "Thursday!" Thursdays are exciting because he doesn't work on Fridays. He was happy with my answer and continued to get ready.
As I lay on my pillow, I thought, our anniversary is on a Thursday. Is it today or next week. Sad, I know, but I had to think for a minute before I realized, yes, it is today! I'll blame it on the early morning, although (don't tell) it isn't the first time I couldn't remember my anniversary, and it probably won't be the last. Isn't that what the man is supposed to do? Forget the anniversary? Oh well!!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
What I've Learn So Far
I have learned so many different things this past week and a half. Some I already knew, but just had my testimony of them strengthened a million times over. Here is a list of some of them (I'll expound on a few in later posts):
~ Prayers from others in your behalf work
~ Your prayers work
~ Just do it, don't ask if someone needs help, just help them
~ Having amazing friends you can count on is a huge blessing!
~ Families are forever
~ The gospel of Jesus Christ is true
~ Little children go straight to their Father in Heaven
~ I can't just sit
~ Sometimes my kids are going to drive me crazy, but that's okay; I still love them!
~ There is a plan for our lives, NOTHING is going to stop us from fulfilling that plan
~ Surrounding yourself with strong people (family and friends) is important; you can't make it through without them
~ Heavenly Father know what you need before you do, and he is a much better planner! Thank goodness He doesn't procrastinate!
~ Heavenly Father doesn't overlook anything
~ Hug your kids every day, tell them you love them every day, spend good time with them every day, be the best parent you can every day
~ Phones, Facebook, email, etc... are a huge blessing! As is a GPS!
~ Even in a hail storm of trials, there is some light. There are always blessing, just look for them.
~ Most importantly, Heavenly Father know and love every single one of His children!
~ Prayers from others in your behalf work
~ Your prayers work
~ Just do it, don't ask if someone needs help, just help them
~ Having amazing friends you can count on is a huge blessing!
~ Families are forever
~ The gospel of Jesus Christ is true
~ Little children go straight to their Father in Heaven
~ I can't just sit
~ Sometimes my kids are going to drive me crazy, but that's okay; I still love them!
~ There is a plan for our lives, NOTHING is going to stop us from fulfilling that plan
~ Surrounding yourself with strong people (family and friends) is important; you can't make it through without them
~ Heavenly Father know what you need before you do, and he is a much better planner! Thank goodness He doesn't procrastinate!
~ Heavenly Father doesn't overlook anything
~ Hug your kids every day, tell them you love them every day, spend good time with them every day, be the best parent you can every day
~ Phones, Facebook, email, etc... are a huge blessing! As is a GPS!
~ Even in a hail storm of trials, there is some light. There are always blessing, just look for them.
~ Most importantly, Heavenly Father know and love every single one of His children!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Longest Week of My Life
I haven't been on for a while. First I just didn't know what to write about, then I just didn't have time. Now, I have time, and I know just what I want to say.
This past week has been the longest week of my life. On Monday, my brother's wife was in a car wreck with her two children. As soon as I heard, I didn't know what to do. Michael still had a half hour or so of work and the hour long ride home. I didn't know what hospital to go to, I didn't know if I should be calling my brother, I didn't know the kids were in the car at first so I was wondering where they were, I didn't know how serious it was, I just didn't know a lot of things all at once. Then, it came to me. I needed to call the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, UT and put their names on the prayer roll. They were going to need all the prayers they could get. I called, and then I prayed like crazy.
I finally got a hold of my brother, dropped my kids off at a neighbor's house (I will forever be thankful for her), picked up Michael, and headed to the hospital.
One of the greatest blessings of that night was getting to the hospital at the same time as my Aunt and Uncle. We got to the elevators at the same time; I didn't even know they were coming. My parents were 4 hours away, but getting closer every minute, so I was very glad to have someone there to help me keep calm and know what to do to help.
I won't go into the details of the night and next day, but my 2 year old niece, Ethne, passed away that night. My sister-in-law was in the ICU for several days. My nephew was released from the hospital the next afternoon with only 5 stitches and not a bruise on his body. He is our little miracle. After looking at the photos of the car, I am amazed that anyone lived. The car was broadsided by a cement truck and pushed 60 feet. I am so sad about Ethne, but I am so thankful for my sister-in-law and her son.
Over the last week there has been a lot of tears. I have never felt so sad. There have also been a lot of prayers, from my family and for my family. I am amazed at the outpouring of love we have received. I am so thankful for it. People I haven't talked to in years would be here in a moment if I needed their help. I have been asked several times what we need. I always say, "Your prayers." My faith in prayer is bigger than it has ever been. I can literally feel the power of the prayers being said in my family's behalf. This has been the saddest, but most spiritual experience of my life.
I know that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and loves all of His children. I know that he has power over all things. I know that he has a plan for our lives and that we will not be taken from this earth until that plan has been fulfilled. How thankful I am for that knowledge!
This past week has been the longest week of my life. On Monday, my brother's wife was in a car wreck with her two children. As soon as I heard, I didn't know what to do. Michael still had a half hour or so of work and the hour long ride home. I didn't know what hospital to go to, I didn't know if I should be calling my brother, I didn't know the kids were in the car at first so I was wondering where they were, I didn't know how serious it was, I just didn't know a lot of things all at once. Then, it came to me. I needed to call the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, UT and put their names on the prayer roll. They were going to need all the prayers they could get. I called, and then I prayed like crazy.
I finally got a hold of my brother, dropped my kids off at a neighbor's house (I will forever be thankful for her), picked up Michael, and headed to the hospital.
One of the greatest blessings of that night was getting to the hospital at the same time as my Aunt and Uncle. We got to the elevators at the same time; I didn't even know they were coming. My parents were 4 hours away, but getting closer every minute, so I was very glad to have someone there to help me keep calm and know what to do to help.
I won't go into the details of the night and next day, but my 2 year old niece, Ethne, passed away that night. My sister-in-law was in the ICU for several days. My nephew was released from the hospital the next afternoon with only 5 stitches and not a bruise on his body. He is our little miracle. After looking at the photos of the car, I am amazed that anyone lived. The car was broadsided by a cement truck and pushed 60 feet. I am so sad about Ethne, but I am so thankful for my sister-in-law and her son.
Over the last week there has been a lot of tears. I have never felt so sad. There have also been a lot of prayers, from my family and for my family. I am amazed at the outpouring of love we have received. I am so thankful for it. People I haven't talked to in years would be here in a moment if I needed their help. I have been asked several times what we need. I always say, "Your prayers." My faith in prayer is bigger than it has ever been. I can literally feel the power of the prayers being said in my family's behalf. This has been the saddest, but most spiritual experience of my life.
I know that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and loves all of His children. I know that he has power over all things. I know that he has a plan for our lives and that we will not be taken from this earth until that plan has been fulfilled. How thankful I am for that knowledge!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)