It is a Great Life...

    
         January has been trying....some things have happened that have been discouraging... Yet, I have tried to find strength to get through them.  Last night I was almost in tears, and I think maybe just with the blessing of working everyday this week, and the overwhelming sad events that have been part of January, I forgot to be kind and christlike and sweet... as I often do.  And to remember that there is goodness in the world and in the sweet family that I have despite some of the things that have gone awfully wrong this month.
I also want to share a quote that I read this morning:
In 1993, when President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) was president of the Quorum of the Twelve, he told young adults:
“I am here tonight to tell you that despair, doom, and discouragement are not an acceptable view of life for a Latter-day Saint. However high on the charts they are on the hit parade of contemporary news, we must not walk on our lower lip every time a few difficult moments happen to confront us. …
“Knowing what we know, and living as we are supposed to live, we really have no place, no excuse, for pessimism and despair.
“In my lifetime I have seen two world wars. … I have worked my way through the Depression and managed to go to law school while starting a young family at the same time. I have seen stock markets and world economics go crazy, and I have seen a few despots and tyrants go crazy, all of which causes quite a bit of trouble around the world in the process.
“So I am frank to say tonight that I hope you won’t believe all the world’s difficulties have been wedged into your decade, or that things have never been worse than they are for you personally, or that they will never get better.”²
There are no better days than these days, because “these are [your] days” (Helaman 7:9). You are here on earth at this time for a reason. You have what it takes. You have skills, knowledge, and natural talents given to you from God. If you live righteously, you will have access to the inspiration and strength you will need to triumph over any challenge you face. You will have the protection of a worthy life; guidance from the Lord through the Holy Ghost and prophets, seers, and revelators; and the power of sacred promises that are yours because you keep your covenants.
Take these things that are yours and have a great life!

Yes, it is a great life.... and I am going to try to remember that this year...

Would love to win an Ipad, wouldn`t you?

 Go to Frugal Family Fun Blog to enter to win an iPad and an assortment of children’s books courtesy of Target!

Kindness Challenge

      I have spent the whole year on gratitude.  It truly has been and made the biggest difference for me.
This next year I am planning to add to it the Kindness Challenge--as a year of kindness begins... Not sure if I am going to have a separate blog or just all to this one... I'll let you know.

Surprises

Christmas was so very different this year....
Maybe because my husband after 16 years of marriage figured out that palangi's like surprises.  And boy did he surprise me. With something that I have wanted for years... But what was sweet was that he wrapped it up with deodorant and other stuff I would have never figured out what it was.  I love it.

And because of a special card that someone gave us with a little bit of money in it.  Just that they would think of us, that someone would be that kind and give us that gift touched my heart.  Thank you whoever you are and I am sure that karma will be coming back your way in a very good way because of your thoughtfulness. And if you believe in Heavenly Father, and I do, I am sure he is smiling in Heaven for your kindness.

I am hoping that He will smile more for the things I do this year as well.

Christmas

    I am thankful for Christmas this year.  I've taken a much less about "things" approach and more about just keeping it simple.  The neatest thing is, my kids for the most part, did not ask for all those fancy gadgets that everyone else already has.  I feel sad we can't afford even one DSi for Christmas.  But we did find a lovely idea.  Three gifts like the Wisemen gave: A Gift of Meaning (something that means a lot to a person), A Gift of Wonder (something that is awesome) and a Gift of Usefulness ( socks etc.) So that makes things much simplier.  Plus a stocking so there is still lots of fun.

I am thankful for Christmas this year and that our little family is together...we've had a rough year like no other so it makes this Christmas together even better.
and for the cookies our neighbors brought us one afternoon this week  when we were sitting and feeling very sorry for ourselves....Cookies make everything better.

How To Change The World In 31 Days - A Challenge

I've been reading some interesting things.... I am thankful for people who have ideas that can change our way of thinking.

How To Change The World In 31 Days - A Challenge

I think I am up to taking the challenge, how about you?

World Aids Day- The Red Campaign

    
       I love the RED campaign.  It inspires.  It makes me feel like making changes.  Or at least going out and buying one of those funky red shirts at the Gap.  I love that it was an idea and now is a huge thing that even includes a day--today.  I'm celebrating World Red day.  Hope you are too.

Monday Mornings

Don't cha just love Mondays?

I used to really not like mondays because I procrasinated my planning for my class as a teacher for several years until Sunday night.  But now, seeing I am not working..well, not working out of our house, I feel very different about Mondays.

I always wonder what will this week bring? What will be happening? What exciting things can I look forward to?

I love Mondays.

My greatest irrational fear.

        Most of you don' t know this about me.  I don't tell many people but I was reminded of it yesterday when I finished work.  It was a grade 5 class and there was one little boy left and he came up to my desk and stuck out is finger (totally bloody) and said, "Can you help me with this?" --meaning put the band-aid on.  Little did he know that I was going to pass out (literally).  I get queasy about stuff like that and when I worked at the hospital (for one month) I seriously was not cut out to be there.  I knew it from the first day, tried to quit several times and finally was able to.  But, not before learning tons of stuff about hospitals--esp. that I did not want to get bacteria XYZ.  Not the real name, but you get what I mean.  Well, last week I went to the Doc and what do you think he told me? He thought I had bacteria XYZ.  And somehow had acquired it...Now, that has been pretty much my biggest fear and he said it!!  You should have seen my face.  You should have seen my reaction.  He was not expecting I would even know what XYZ was, let alone be freaked out.   I was.  At least, until yesterday when I went back and he said no, the tests came back and I don't have IT.  Sorry, I faint when I see blood, I get the Hibbie Geebies when I think about germs especially XYZ and I am so very very thankful for my news in the Doctor's office.
Other things I am so very thankful for this week:
*Aleki is home after a week in SLC
*My son's blog and writing ability--incredible
*To live in Canada and be able to go to the Doctor without a big bill and stress to pay for it
*My Mom out of the hospital
*Some great days TOC'ing with wonderful students, esp. yesterday
*A new mattress after over 16? years of marriage with out ever having a new mattress.
*A new warm hat (It snowed yesterday and it is soooo very cold)
*My kids --their report cards were so very sweet

And the most incredible feeling was.....
Coming home from work yesterday

and having Tommy come up and sit on my lap
and look at me like he really missed me

My husband

      For the past couple days my husband has been looking for a home for us.  I want to live in the tree streets, you see, and I kind of have my heart set on it.  But, we have not found anything yet.  Looking for a home is not only exhausting, it is REALLY emotional.  I understand why people usually only buy one home and stick with it their whole lives.  We were a little late on the stick with it thing, and we have only recently realized how important it is for us to get ourselve a place to call home. His trip to look for a house in my dream area has been a bomb, but he, well, he is the best in my books. Thank you, dear husband, for trying as always to make my heart smile and do the things I want. : ) I love you.