Happy

Here are a few things that are adding to my happiness this morning-

I am not a garbage man, sewage person, cart return lady or anything that requires extended periods of time in the cold. I am SO grateful for that. 

I am capable of reading. I am not talking just about books here. How terrifying would it be to go someplace new and be unable to read signs or directions?

I have gotten to Skype with my brother serving in the Air Force who is stationed in Alaska. Plus I surprised my mom with that Skype last night. Let's just say she was thrilled having never experienced Skyping before.

Moments when I have the skill or resource needed to help someone. 

This is trivial, I know, but it brings me joy. I started a new journal. Officially filled up the last one and now I get to start again. I love that. 

Life is good. My life is good.

LEGOs really do hurt to walk on.

Many a soul have encountered the pain that is stepping on a LEGO.

Ruby needed to take that pain to a new level.

My poor babe was upstairs crying, not sobbing like she was injured or in danger. She just sounded frustrated with her situation. I figured she would come downstairs and seek comfort. She didn't. The sadness continued.So I went to save her.

I found her at the top of the stairs. She kept attempting to stand but quickly fell back down. That is when I realized the problem.

She had stuffed LEGOs down her footie pajamas. When she stood to walk they all went straight down her legs into the footie portion. So each time she tried to step the LEGOs moved under her foot.

She was not a happy baby. However, it did make me laugh while I removed about 14 pieces from her outfit.

Love one another

Last night during scripture study we looked up references to love.  One such reference is in the Book of Mormon, 2nd Nephi 31:20. It says "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."

We then discussed why we should love everyone.

Naomi's answer really resonated within me.
Why should we love everyone?  "Because we are here trying to learn to be like God. God loves everyone, so we need to learn to love everyone."

The simpleness of that answer sank deep in my heart.  You are right Naomi. You are right.

Pumpkin fun

A lovely lady in our ward gave my children each a tiny little pumpkin. It was much too small to carve and I personally hate dealing with kids and painting. So this is what we did instead.

They make me smile. Too bad I seem to have missed Caleb's.Caleb put arms and ears and everything. Potato head pieces jammed in pumpkins is definitely better than painting, in my opinion.

Just look at that smile!

In his absence

Sometimes you have to have someone leave for a little while to really appreciate what they do for you.

 My eldest son is away on a 3 day environmental science field trip. I knew that he is my most responsible, reliable child. I figured getting things done would be a bit harder without him here.

I was not prepared to find  my children up a tree instead of getting ready for school since their older brother wasn't there to help keep them on task. Hmmm... they really do follow his example.

***

The neighbor gave us two giant sunflower heads. Yesterday I finally boiled the seeds in salt water then baked them. They were pretty good, I baked them slightly too long, but everyone seemed very happy snacking on them. As I worked on paying bills this morning Phebe excitedly came to me," Look it is cereal mom!" She had put some whole seeds in a bowl and poured water all over them. Thanks Phebe, thanks, hope you enjoy eating it. 

So glad

Phebe: I am so glad I have a mom.
Me: Me too. I am so glad I have a Phebe.
P: Yea, it is great. (pause) I am so glad I have a mom with a head.

Um... me too Phebe, I am glad your mom has a head.

A Little Something Special

I have a couple of treasures I wanted to share with you.

The first is a necklace I told you about a long time ago. A lovely friend helped me create this.

 That is a piece from a disassembled VCR. I love it. 

I love the copper wiring and the green. So pretty! I really like my necklace and I like that I made it, 

OK, onto my Gen Con purchase. Every year I go saying boots are about the only thing that I would be really tempted to purchase. This year I finally did it. 

I love them.They are comfy and I love the colors and yeah, I just really like having them.

Just wanted to share.So I did.