{ Who am I & Tuesdays Ten. }

{Thoughts}

WHO AM I?

Good question eh who are we? What do I stand for? So many questions we all have for ourselves aren't there in the quiet moments which are rare what do you think about? Are you where you thought you'd be? Doing what you dreamed of? Are you happy? Are you at peace? What would you change?

As I was driving the other day somewhere I had the thought 

..."if you want it, work for it, do it, & achieve it"

This life is short and there are things I want to accomplish. 

 There are seasons to each of our lives 

maybe you have an empty nest, young children, middle growing children, maybe your looking, working & searching? 

But whatever it is  we all have dreams and wishes and plans for our lives. Sometimes they take a back burner at certain times in life and we forget them for awhile but they always make there way to the front of the things I wish I could do........ wish I was doing and then the what am I doing? 

I think if we want things bad enough we have to be willing to sacrifice time maybe? money maybe? But never my Children because now is my middle time raising children and its going by way to fast.

 I think back to the time when I cried my eyes out 

month after month 

year after year 

and then decided to stop crying AND DO SOMETHING about it because it was obvious if we wanted a family, if we wanted children... we had to DO something! 

We had to diverge on the normal path in life and take the one less traveled. But along the less traveled I gained so much more than I ever would have. I gained four children through more tears, prayers and paths not only on my part but on every single person touched and affected by each of our adoptions.

 I grew up. I learned that nothing is easy I learned that there really are plan b's and c's even if we didn't chose them,

 That there are better options sometimes. 

There are eternal consequences and blessings just waiting through the pain. There are blessings we don't see till later in life sometimes. There are paths we didn't realize we even took because of something that affected us or altered us in a way we didn't think of.

AND ...

that is what life is because our choices DO matter they direct our paths in life. They alter our paths sometimes. But ultimately through prayer, faith, fasting and believing in a greater plan and in good things to come whether here or in the next life. Faith is a big part of that.

I can honestly say that I have grown and come to understand the why of some things that have happened in our lives. 

Some that were gut wrenching and heartbreaking for me to go through and some that maybe not a single soul even knows or understands that we go through.

But I'm coming to understand that sometimes maybe 15 or 20 years or maybe 50 for some.......... that sometimes they aren't coincidences that just happened to happen.. 

they are faith building tests and experiences put in our path to shape us and make us better.
Life is hard never easy but some of us make it harder on ourselves and do things we never otherwise ever thought we would... or have to go through and for each of us that is different. But in the end our choices to those "hard things"

are what make the difference in our happiness.  That help us so we can grow, that we can learn and that we can see where those choices take us or took us to get to where we are today. We keep making choices everyday we will make mistakes we all do ..... we move on. 

But along the way we learn who we really are.  

 "Its not the load that breaks you down, its the way you carry it." 

-cs Lewis

------------------------

So Who am I?

-I am a Wife

-I'm a mother

-A sister A daughter An aunt A friend

-A daughter of God and I know He loves me

-I dream of traveling.... going to Europe is a big big dream of mine

-I dream of going on a mission with D someday

-I love books about pioneers, history, & war  about real peoples struggles and overcoming written in story form

 - I have four children and an amazing husband who I love with all my heart

- I love adoption because it made me a mother

- I love chewy candies hot lips peaches and scotch mints 

and then healthy, clean food.... salads fruits and veggies
-I eat a gluten free diet because it makes me feel so so much better I have strong willpower {just ask my friends;)

- I love morning sunrises, evening walks and sunsets

- I love the ocean the sounds, the smell, the feel

-I love storms, rain and trees and nature

-St George and mountains are some of my favorite places to be

-I love boating, camping and spending time together every summer away

- I love family history learning, breathing and understanding stories of those gone before us.....

- I love to exercise.... I love to run and push myself and see results

-I like tanning once in awhile and getting my hair & nails done once a month

-I like fashion & clothes at great sales and discounted prices I hardly buy things at full price and I like the on line sort

-I love to check the mail and do every single day.

-I love mail packages letters all of it {well except the bills;)

-I love people watching and people in general and there stories

- I love my children and what they teach me 

-I want them to grow up and find true love like the amazing examples all around them

- I want them to be happy, healthy, & filled with a burning testimony and strength it will take to make it through these times 

-I want them to  know that obedience is truly happiness that there is no other path

-I love service. I love to see people making a difference in others lives making people happy

-I love positive upbeat people who are unbroken by what they have been through they are the strong and take what is given them and make life stronger for themselves and those around them....

-I love the peace that comes from going to the temple, from searching and reading my scriptures daily

-I love knowing and feeling that there are things right in the world and holding tight to them.

- I'm allergic to oranges, mango's nuts etc etc  and wool, sulpha drugs tea tree oil and about 50 other things
{I'm also glad I know what I am allergic to so I can avoid it.}

-I love downton abbey, biggest loser, sappy romances and action packed bourne type movies, prison break and parenthood are among my favorite all time favorites:)
-I love lots of music of all kinds

- I love baths, a clean house and order.

- I love my forever family.

-I am thankful everyday for all that I have and how blessed to have what I do. To feel strong and grounded. To feel determined and defiant that my family will do everything in these walls of our home and what we can DO NOW to make it through this life together standing tall and standing for Something.  Despite the pain, pitfalls and tests.

Because thats why where here to see how we do when it gets rough.

So who are you? and what do you stand for?

------------------------------------------------------

Love this analogy. So very true.

Riptides

Good Choices Brings freedom

Some might argue that the restrictions and guidelines

set by our Church leaders takes away our freedom.

This analogy explains how the opposite is true:

A man was

walking along the beach and

saw

a

sign warning about

a riptide in the ocean. It

prohibits entering the water; however, anybody is

free to ignore the sign and enter the water. Once

they enter the water, however, chances are good

that they will be captured by the riptide, in which

case their options will be severely limited.

The

person who chose to ignore the warning is now in

real danger.

If that same person, however, had

chosen to not enter the water (which we can all

agree would be the "right choice"), they are free to

do many other good and "right"

things.

They are

free to enjoy the sunset, to collect seashells, to go

home and do something else.

So who is the one who

truly

loses their freedom?

------------------------------------------------

OKAY Tuesday 10:) Around here

1. B-Ball is done and I got myself a bored teenager which only translates to teasing and lose of privileges....Hoping for some spring league starting soon to keep the boy busy:)

 

2. Saw Annie today with L and  a friend such a cute cute show loved it. 

3. Hit a milestone:) 

exciting to probably only me:) LOVE my fit bit flex its kinda like the only friend I've had in the past month pushing me to work harder, achieve and get results:))  ha ha;)

4. Reading this. love it.

5. Going here in a couple months JUST me and D can't wait for some just us time:) We both need to get away:) and feel the sun.

 

6. Getting close to missing these two in our lives as they embark on a new exciting chapter for a year in Washington..

7. Ended up in ER on valentines day with massive ear infection I seriously felt like I was 2 it hurt so bad! Got some antibiotics doesn't hurt but still can't hear:( Great V day eh! 

18 years ago valentines night D got down on one knee at the temple and asked me to marry him how grateful I am that night finally came and that I said yes!! The best yes I ever said and I love him more every year! 

8. K2 leaned over to me on Sunday after listening to two cute little girls sing "If the Saviour stood beside me"

 He says "that was so good mom.... it makes me feel so warm inside like I want to cry" That boy feels the spirit so strong sometimes he gets it and its so touching to me that he recognizes what it is. 

Interesting how very different we all come. How differing our personalities are from the beginning no matter what part in our families we play we are all so different, and all have unique qualities to offer and give.

9.WE all need help to get to where we want to be:) Love this quote though!

 

10.  and because a post needs a yummy recipe this was so good maybe just to me ha ha but I loved it (I don't do dressing but each to your own:) Recipe link here

Have a great week:) 

For most of us its reading week and the kids are running wild sleeping in {ha ha I wish mine knew how to do that;) No real plans just a break from routine but kinda just feels like it was Christmas and then kinda makes me really thankful for school and great teachers;)  

Whatever it is where you are enjoy it:)

{ Monday again? }

Yep another week...... seriously where do they go.... sometimes the weeks go by and I wonder what I did besides run around from here to there ...pick up after kids and make more meals and do yet more laundry..... 

Then I get a little discouraged in that thinking I'm like a single mom sometimes then that gets me thinking and comparing to others {which one  should never do} because it doesn't take you anywhere good. Because in reality looking around there will always be someone who is smarter, richer, prettier, skinnier, more talented  then we ever will be.  

BUT you know what....... that kind of thinking gets us now where but negative land and unhappiness. 

Its about turning things around and being thankful for what we DO have! Because as much as those negative voices make there way in .....we have a roof over our heads, good jobs, food, money and great kids and hopefully a great spouse .....which I do and support fully in all his busy capacities. But sometimes in the middle of another blah winter it gets kinda discouraging but I have many blessings and for that I am super thankful:) 

We have to be the best we can be and appreciate the good things in life that we do have instead of what we don't have or wish we had and thats where we feel contentment and happiness in the simple and pure joy each day brings is we look for it:)

 "This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not."
Thomas S. Monson

Joy in helping a child feel confidence in himself and see the good he does to build them up thats JOY...

 We worked on this star student poster board for school this weekend together looked through a lot of pictures and made him realize what a star he really is! 

He will do big things....{wish we were in ST G right now I need some sun}

 Watching this girl grow up and try to find her place in the big, bad world she is her own little soul:)  She had a grade five play last week and did great she loved it singing and dancing acting she was SO happy and excited ! She did a great job we are so proud of her! 

Small steps, great things.

I have watched this boy grow so much these past few months gaining confidence on the court and in life.... growing into who is to be

and has a healthy self esteem and doesn't let things bug him  

{unless the littles get into his stuff;)  But thats a whole other story:)

He is so helpful loves me and sees what needs done to help he loves people always has but most importantly takes time to say hi to people and has respect and that makes me so happy! HE is truly an amazing young man who is growing up WAY to fast:(( I know I always say that but its so so true! We think it will last forever but before you know it they are teenagers and on their way up and out:( 

 Then this boy who makes my day everyday with his sweet words thoughts and ideas he is so creative, wants to know how things work and is always thinking of others or seeing that someone needs something todays was he wants to make a big comet sign for basketball watching tomorrow for K's basketball finals so sweet!! He told me he only goes to school because he has to and that he can't wait to come home to spend it with his mama! Melt my heart yes!! He finds kindergarten loud and confusing and only wants quiet time in the afternoon:) Such a sweet boy I don't want him to grow up ever either!!!

I'm thankful for this guy I get to share my life with! 

This valentines day {well actually technically the 15th} ..................... he asked me to marry him 18!!! years ago.. The best yes I ever said! We've grown together become stronger through our trials and built a family together. Through many different avenues and ways..... not the path I ever imagined but far better than I ever imagined! 

We never never know what is in store with each day month and year!! But I do know I am blessed to share each of them with this guy! He makes me a better person always has and I am so so very thankful for who he is and how much he loves us. 

 

So very thankful for the people and  things that matter  in my life everyday. I appreciate more and more the blessings I have in my life..life is never easy but when our perspective is ahead and we find the joy in the everyday it truly does help us to move forward everyday. 

There is so much wrong with the world all around so many things are abundantly crumbling. Evil is pictured as good or no big deal and good is looked upon that you think your better than others if you uphold traditional values and thinking then you are a bigot or old fashioned. Thats okay with me I will continue in my "old fashioned ways" till the world realizes what is missing and that is God and knowing that we have a Saviour who died for us and makes it possible for us to repent to carry out the atonement in our own lives and what a beautiful blessing that the world is missing thinking they are "happy".  

Prayer and having goals and helping others and being busy in good things can change lives. 

Not sure how it all became so twisted but I will continue to teach my children the good and to feel and recognize the good and that obedience is truly happiness cause it is no matter what anyone says.

 

Have a beautiful week:)

{ Me thinks Mondays...}

"Happiness comes first by what comes into your head a long time before material blessings come into your hand." 

— Jeffrey R. Holland

I'm still here life seems to keep getting busier and busier but not ever feeling accomplished. So much more like a taxi driver, cook, maid and referee but hey thats my job right :) Its all good... times and seasons this is mine:) I'm sure nobody else feels like this right;)

Well I decided there weren't enough updates on kid life and life in general between grade plays and basketball, piano and scouts and all the day to day things that keep us moving, growing and going we sure do keep busy... Kids are busy from day one aren't there but wouldn't have it any other way:)

 We've been basket balling like crazy... practices.... games and tournaments K has grown so much become assertive even game angry;) sometimes..... the fire in him is growing and he's pushing himself and practicing hard outside of practice because he wants it and is driven to try harder and I love that about him! Its so amazing to watch your children work hard and try hard and achieve little by little and step by step not only in this area but every area as they grow and thats what I love to see in my kids drive!

Grateful for great coaches who give their time and talents to these boys and do the best they can...

 foul shot boy..

Besides bball it was SO nice for a few days it felt like spring you could feel the sun and all the snow melted and we got OUTSIDE! K2 and I went on a few walks it was so so nice!

we had beautiful sunrises like these I got outside to run it was heavenly feeling so couped up and winter blueish lately it was a welcome change that is for sure!

 and just in case you wondered if M was still around:) crazy boy at heart! Love this kid! He keeps me on my toes well since he was born;)

 Little miss L does to but she runs when the camera comes out:( But she is loving getting ready for her grade 5 play and learning piano and a little babysitting in there too growing up way to fast:(

We had a surprise party for D's mom it was so fun and she was so surprised! Gonna miss them so much when they leave on their mission! {we also all got surprised when D's sister showed up from utah for the party talk about a double surprise when Grandma saw them too! So fun

Got to enjoy a beautiful warm walk around here on the same night so peaceful. heaven on earth:)

M e  t h i n k s

I read this quote this week and thought hard about it and had to read it a couple of times to fully understand it and its really true

"EVERY TRIAL IS JUST A HARD BLESSING"..

because lots of times we learn things about ourselves and what we can handle and what makes us stronger. I look at my family, my brothers and sisters, my in laws, my friends and people who are going through hard times.... really bad things sometimes. I see so many examples of
strength, faith and endurance that they've been through--some of the toughest trials out there. Some people feel sorry for themselves but for the most part people take what they are given and spend a lot of time on their knees, a lot of time searching asking why me even sometimes but enduring what they are given and through that give us all HOPE. Sometimes they are recipients of service which builds them up and those of us too with the opportunity to serve them.
Many blogs I read of people I've never met have touched my life in ways they will never know because of the faith they have had in the trials they are going through and what they are learning through all of it.
All I know for sure is that we have a loving Heavenly father who hears our prayers and sends others to help us, or teach us the things we need to learn. Or sends that one person at just the right time. We are watched over, protected and loved no matter how hard life is sometimes.
Life is a testing ground we aren't alone, and we aren't given anything we can't handle
He never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it. So I'll do all I can here and now. 

Because every trial is just a hard blessing.
True.
I think so.

Make it a beautiful week:)