Moments Like These...

In our family, we talk about "poopy cookies". We use this phrase when referring to a movie that "just has one little bad part in it", or a book that needs "just one chapter to be skipped." The book may be great or the movie a must-see, but what about the "crap" that is in them? They are poopy cookies. If I were to give you the yummiest chocolate chip cookie and there was one piece of cat poop (or any other variety of poop) in it, would you eat it? I wouldn't!

I admit that although I would absolutely NOT eat a poopy cookie, I have seen those kinds of movies and read those kinds of books. Ho-hum, just another thing I need to work on.

But, my point for bringing this up, is to relate the poopy cookie to my life. A lot of times my life is wonderful with just spots of poop (trials, tribulations---you know, the hard stuff). But, unfortunately it can be more like a poop cookie with one sweet and yummy spot. So, when something really great happens, I want to remember it to help me get through the rough spots.

Life has been tough lately. We have more bills than we have money, John has had no luck in finding another job, the water heater is leaking, and so is one spot down in the basement, (I could go on, but enough about the crap). But then, a really wonderful moment occurred last week that I want to remember.

It was Saturday night (May 29th). The day had been fairly busy with all of us buzzing about doing chores, the kids then playing outside and John working on Mark's room. I was in the kitchen, washing the big dishes by hand. I had just made banana bread and it was baking in the oven. There I was, standing at the sink. I could see out into the backyard. At that moment, I could smell the banana bread baking, I could see Wynter in the backyard having a tug-o-war with Pluto over her shoe, I could hear Savannah playing with Lincoln and hear his shrieks of delight. I could hear Micah and John working and talking in the garage (soon to be Mark's room), Mark was playing on the computer and Hunter was "thinking" in the front room. In this moment, I felt such happiness and joy. We were all home, just doing this or that, but I felt such gratefulness in that moment. I was overwhelmed with the love I have for my family.

If that wasn't enough, a few minutes later Mark came into the kitchen. He said (I'm paraphrasing), "Mom, I was on the computer and I could hear you doing the dishes, I could smell the banana bread, I could hear Dad working on my room, and I just felt so happy, because I knew I was home." And then it happened. I cried. I hugged him and I hugged all my other kids. It was a good experience. Although, they all thought I had lost it, and might need to be admitted to the psych ward.

I needed this night, this moment. I've been hanging on to it, to help me get through the rough stuff this week. That night was definitely a huge chocolate chip in my crap cookie. But, the more I think of that night and the love I have for my kids and husband, the more I'm thinking that life is pretty sweet. It has so much to do with my attitude and having the right perspective on things.

John has had the opportunity to work some overtime at Klune, and it has helped. Somehow we're getting by. I can acknowledge that the Lord has blessed us. I am thankful for that. I've been cooking from scratch a lot lately, and have cut way back on my diet Coke consumption. We've been paying our tithing for 5 weeks now, and I feel we have been blessed for that.

I am so thankful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know my purpose and why we are here. Sometimes life makes me forget. (Or, more accurately, I choose to "forget" because I'm busy with life). I can see little moments of inspiration that I've had over the past couple of weeks that have brought me back to having that eternal perspective that we all need to endure well.

I know that life won't be easy, but that this is all worth it. It's all about perspective, and counting blessings. I will count some of my blessings now...

1. My husband. He is a hard worker. He has a job that is not in his field and that he doesn't particularly enjoy, but he works hard and does provide for us. He's positive and optimistic. He is fun to be around and he's my best friend.

2. My kids. My husband and kids are all I get to take with me after this life. I love them all so much. This is what life is about. Everything I do, I do it for them.

3. "The moment" I had Saturday night.

4. My calling as primary teacher. Teaching those little children, teaches me. I love sitting in sharing time and singing songs that re-teach me the basics of the gospel and remind me of what it is all about.

5.Good friends. I'm thankful for my friends who have the same values as I do, and who are uplifting to be around.

I'll stop here. But, I just may try to list a few things I'm thankful for each day, to keep that perspective.

Mark Is 16 Today!

Wow, I know it is cliche to say it, but time has flown. I can't believe that Mark is 16 today. When Mark was born, I exclaimed, "My baby, my baby, this is my baby!" I was so happy. I felt such joy.

Mark was a difficult baby. He had colic for the first few months of his life. We were both in tears quite often. But, he sure turned out to being such a friendly and fun toddler. When Savannah was born, I was single and living with my mom, who was also single. My sister was also still living at home. Mark was the man of the house with the four of us girls (poor guy), but he killed spiders and "protected" us girls as best he could.

Mark would stand up on the deck in the front yard and look over the fence. He would wave and chat with anyone who would walk by. It's amazing to me that he was like that because now he is so shy! People were so enamored by his blond hair, his bright blue eyes and his sweet smile.

Mark has always been very talkative with me, telling me very detailed and long stories. He has a very vivid imagination as well. He's also a very talented artist. I am so impressed with his abilities to draw and create. He not only creates pictures, but he writes stories, too.

I feel a deep and strong connection to Mark. When I was a single Mom, it was just he and I until Savannah was born. He used to snuggle with me at night and I'd read to him, book after book after book. We went to the park, went for walks, and spent so much time together.

When Savannah was born, he loved her so much. He was such a good little helper. He is very good with all of his siblings. He's not a diaper changer, but he loves to tickle and play with them. He and Savannah are very close. Hours after they are supposed to be in bed asleep, I will find them talking in Savannah's room.

Mark is a great son. He has his moments, but mostly he is very helpful and has a happy disposition. I am pleased with his accomplishments. But, more so, I am pleased with who he is. He is kind, funny, smart, creative, thoughtful, and he has a testimony of the gospel.

Mark, I love you!! Happy Birthday!























Self Portrait