Rainy Day Adventure

Today is a delightful cloudy and rainy day. Grace and I went grocery shopping after dropping Alex off at school and enjoyed a wonderful time together. As we were leaving the store all the lights went out, from the storm I assume, and we enjoyed giggles as we made our way to the door that was pushed open for us by two of the employees. Grace even enjoyed our run to the van to avoid most of the rain drops. Below are pictures of Grace jumping in the rain a few months ago. Clearly the rain is so enjoyed by our little sunshine. Ahh, to enjoy the little things.

Just Pondering

I've recently been thinking about our perspective and how it affects our lives. I love to focus on the good, and allow my world to be seen from such a perspective that I may fully enjoy what is around me. I do not suggest that we do not allow ourselves to feel our sufferings, we should, every feeling should be acknowledged, but I am speaking of what drives us, our sufferings or our joys? I sometimes hear that this is not honest but I cannot agree. If so it would be dishonest to allow the negative experiences to define my focus and understandings as well. I think we all find that our behavior reflects how we feel, but how we feel is affected by what is going on at the time. To simply state, if we choose to experience the positive then we are happy, if we choose to experience the negative then we are sad. Of course there are times in our lives where there is great pain, I have felt some, and I ache for those of you who have felt it more, and it is the example of some of you that allow me to feel so strongly about where we place our thoughts. For a simple example, the other day I was at the store and a woman bumped into a stack of nuts in boxes. One of the boxes fell and she loudly announced that this was a sure sign that her day was going to be horrible. It was only 9:00am. I have many weaknesses, I am not the most coordinated person, I probably would have dropped the nuts too, I am not the best housekeeper, or the most organized and more. I have moments where I feel tempted to think that my world is not going so well because of such weaknesses that hinder my ability to be as great as so-and-so, however, this thinking only keeps me from progressing forward, overcoming my weaknesses and building on my strengths. What else would the adversary wish for us? I am not accepting his plan, I have a plan that I accepted long ago that is mine to keep and I will not be bogged down with the negative. When I focus on the the frustrations of parenthood, I miss all of the beautiful moments of great joy that it brings. When I focus on where I am lacking, I miss all of the great blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Oh, how I hate to miss such things. I don't think either point of view is dishonest, I've just decided that I do not have time to focus on all of the negative, which there is plenty, for I would then miss all of the good and great, for which there is more. I will deal with what comes, and I will allow myself to see the Lord's hand in all things, for it is with Him that I am able to see clearly the sweet blessings that are in my life.

Ahh, Music

Oh how I love music. Ken recently found a wonderful website called Pandora that allows you to select the groups of music you enjoy and play only that music. I have been quite busy and a little stressed as of late and I have been thriving on some of the most beautiful piano solos. It is amazing how music can feed your soul. What a beautiful gift we have been given, beautiful music to enjoy and the blessing of ears to hear.

Day Two

Today has been a blast. We were slow to get out because of the morning rain but the sun began to shine and we made it out the door. We went to Trader Joe's to get our food for the day, the best way to eat on the road. Then we went to a beautiful park enjoyed our breakfast and flew kites while Timmy played in the sand. Sarah and I took a run while Elice rested then we headed out to the beach. We had a great time boogy boarding, I was too exhausted from the tumbles in the waves yesterday to continue trying to surf, and Elice even made it out to join us today. We then enjoyed our dinner and took a walk over to a wave machine and watched while people attempted the wave and pushed through the heckling. We stopped at a little organic grocery store, almost peed our pants at the blond, long haired guy and the girl with the long red hair. Back at the hotel we played cards and packed up for our early day tomorrow. We are going to La Jolla before we hang out at the airport. I love being here, feeling so comfortable and safe. I love being with my sisters, laughing and playing. Thanks Brian and Timmy for putting up with us. :)

There is such joy in sisters, I feel so blessed Sarah and Elice are mine.

Sisterhood

I know this is my second post in a matter of moments but there is so much I am excited about and the two posts don't fit together well. I am sitting in a little hotel room in San Diego with my sister Elice. My sister Sarah is in an adjoining room with her family and we are enjoying a quick weekend getaway. I love this! I flew in yesterday and we went out to lunch where we girls became teenagers again. Laughing and playing around, being overly silly and obnoxious. We drove straight to the beach where I got schooled by the waves in my attempts to surf. I had so much fun and am banged up and bruised but I managed to get to my knees several times, even to my feet once but not long enough to let go with my hands. I finally quit when I didn't have the strength to push myself up any more. I love being with my sisters, it is so wonderful to strengthen these cherished family relationships.

Anger

I just read a most powerful address regarding anger. I really hate anger and I find myself succumbing to it more often than is appropriate (never). As stated, "Anger doesn't solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything." Anger is a powerful tool of the adversary, it is something that he uses to control us, to direct us for his evil purposes. There is nothing in this world more important than family and yet when we choose to turn to anger when we feel frustrated, tired, annoyed, unjustly served, etc... it damages our family in one way or another. I feel that I have worked very hard to overcome my weakness to turn to anger when I feel that I cannot control the situation and yet in speaking to my children the other day I realized that I have not done enough to teach them to avoid anger at all cost. Oh, how that aches my heart. The joys in this world are overshadowed by the anger we choose to turn to. What beauty and goodness there is in this world. There is great evil too but it is by our examples of love and kindness, turning away from feelings of hatred and anger, that will bring the greatest peace to our lives and to those around us. It has been proven to me time and time again when I strive to let go of my perceived injustice and focus on the love of Christ. I encourage everyone to read this wonderful address. Click here to enjoy such inspired words.

Joy in Narration

I love watching children narrate their world. The other day we were at a family gathering and one of the cousins children, who is just a toddler, was softly announcing everything he was about to do. I'm putting my shoes on, I'm going to the door, I'm going outside. I was so tickled at his cuteness and realized that it happens more often than I realized. These little ones are so treasured, I love knowing what they are thinking!