Do you ever feel....

Overwhelmed? Tired? Sad? Misunderstood? Stressed out? Overworked and Underpaid?

Lemme tell ya, This has been a week! BAH! This week involved basically all of the above mentioned emotions plus some. I am so done with this week. But I've been thinking, I get alot of comfort knowing I am not alone. When I call up my girlfriends, or say a prayer, I remember that I am not unique in these feelings. Others have been there, done that. And the best part is, they want to help! What a wonderful thing to have available! Imagine, a world FULL of women who understand each other. Amazing. I so appreciate all the beautiful ladies in my life. What a gift. Miss Sarah S. and her party, dancing her way into her 30th year, Miss Heather watching my crazy (yet wonderful) children, Miss Sarah R. taking me out to lunch, are all a testament to me of the power of women. These ladies were there when I needed it. They understand. I love them.

Speaking of...This week at JEllen's there will be a very special gathering of women (and some men I'm sure) to muster strength, pool talents and resources and do something AMAZING! We are a force to be reckoned with. (Mmmwaha) This is one reason I feel so passionately about the Relief Society of the church. We are women, garnering strength to change the world. So if you want to change the world, or just support another woman doing a good thing, I'd love to see you there! I have three seats open if you want a ride!

The torch; be yours to hold it high...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

to those who have fallen or who have lost.
- - John McCrae, May 1915

I find it so fitting that Veterans day falls in the month of November. I have always thought that this holiday is one of gratitude right up there with Thanksgiving. This year more then others I have felt rather emotional about the service that has been rendered down through the generations to provide what I enjoy today. What a legacy of dedication! I hope that I can show my thanks in the way I exercise my rights and freedoms, and in the way I teach my children to love their country. I hope today of all days we can recognize, regardless of what divides us, that we are all Americans.  Our idealism is the same whether on the left, right, tea room, or independant table. We are brothers and sisters, made such by these men and women who fought for their American family. I pray that those who have lost someone to battle will feel my love and appriciation for that sacrife, along with my neighbors and friends.

The Grandparents are coming!!!

I just had to share my total excitement in the fact that I will have not one but TWO very special helpers with me for the next WEEK!!! My Dad and Step Mom are flyin in tonight! Watch out Ohio, those two know how to party (and wash dishes, change diapers, and read books to insistent toddlers) I love it! Life is good.

Aren't they darling?

A Visual Feast of Cuteness

Gratitude

So life as explained earlier is a little nuts at the moment. We are all adjusting well but early on in this rotation I knew that there needed to be some serious efforts made to find a way to stay happy. This has been one of those moments that you know BEFORE hand that you will not be able to fully rely on your own strength and pluck to pull you through. Cue coping techniques. First on the list was a humble jar. (I love jars) This little puppy holds my gratitude.
This talk from general conference made me think alot about the way I allow myself time process thoughts of gratitude. I decided that a more concrete expression would help me hold those thoughts long enough to truly feel their blessing in my life. Each time I feel moved by the tender mercies from answered prayers or the thoughtfulness of others I jot it down and add it to my jar. (It is also quite useful when all I am having is negative thoughts and I need a way to pull myself out of my own crankiness.) Writing the words "I'm grateful for _____________" has been so enlightening. I amaze myself at the things I can come up with, even when, by all accounts, life should really stink at the moment. I love that when we pay attention to these small but important details we are better able to deal with craziness. Like today, for instance, I was on the phone with my sister-in-law (who also just had a baby)about life and other happenings. It could have been a rough moment. I had just found out that Jim was staying late for another surgery (which he didn't end up doing!) I was making dinner, and I had not napped. Ammon started bawling and as I went to see what was up I discovered Luke peeing on the floor, having just removed his clothing. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I just laughed, let my sister-in-law know what she was up for and cleaned it up like it was no big deal. Ammon stopped crying and dinner wasn't burned. Everyone lived and I maintained my sanity. There's a hymn that says "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count you many blessings name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done... So amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend Help and comfort give you to your journey's end." I have felt attended by angels in these last few weeks. I know that Heavenly Father cares about me, and my peed on carpet and my sanity. I know that when I pray to be able to "Run and not be weary, walk and not faint" That means physical and emotional support. That is something I can be grateful for.