Hope

I am late in posting this, but here goes. My goal for the year is to have more hope. Yes, I know that makes me sound like I live in a world of gray gloom. I don't live there, but I have to admit to visiting at times. Most, if not all of you, 4 people who read my blog know that I have challenges with depression. My desire to feel more hope is tied to that, but not as closely as you may think. From the past decade I have learned a lot about how to cope with my depression and, dare I say it or I may jinx myself, I am doing really well.

I have recently realized that I want to be happier, I want to see the good in my everyday life and enjoy all I can. I love how positively alive I feel when I am hopeful. Hope is so shining. It seems to cast a soft golden light into every corner of my life. So I am focusing on seeking hope as a pathway to feeling more joy. I have learned from past experience that when I trust more in the Lord, I feel an increase in hope. So that's my plan. Trust in the Lord, focus on hope. Ether teaches that hope comes from faith and makes an anchor for our souls. That is my goal, the image of my soul being anchored firmly in Christ centered hope.

All Time Favorite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

This video makes me laugh so hard I cry every time I see it! I know it is an oldie for youtube veterans, but I adore it. I do wonder how the Dad got this on camera though, and you have to think it was a Dad not a Mom to just let it play out. Cheers!

(Mom, just click on the address, it is linked :)

Here it is

Here is my new hair. Noah took the picture.

Venus vs. Mars

I cut bangs into my hair this morning. Every female I know who saw me today commented on them, including children. Luke has told me multiple times today that I look funny. Jason has been home from work for a few hours now and hasn't said a thing. I think that is funny.

You are what you eat

Grocery shopping with all of my kids is one of my least favorite things to do. It is right up there with cleaning the shower. On Saturday it just had to happen, so off we went to Wal-Mart and Costco. The service at Wal-Mart is rotten on a good day, so I try to have extra patience and be grateful for the cheap prices in this city of expensive food. All went fairly well. At the checkout my kids were calm enough that I actually noticed something funny. This is what the guy ahead of me had in his cart: frosted flakes, fruit loops, white bread, 1/2 gallon milk, lunch meat, nacho cheese, 2 bags of chips,and candy. Do you think he was single?

Then, as we were hurrying in the freezing cold parking lot (yes, it really was cold, humidity with temperature and wind was like 10 degrees) an employee out getting carts came over and asked if he could help by loading my groceries. What???? It was a Wal-Mart miracle. And, true confessions...I have a jar of nacho cheese in my fridge. My brother bought it when he was here for the holidays and I have to admit it is yummy. Who knew non-dairy cheese product could be so delicious?

Don't Worry, Be Happy

This is a thank you card Sophie made for her cousin Olivia. I love the eyelashes.

In the spirit of my sister's new blog about finding more joy in the journey of life, here is my joyful moment from yesterday. I watched as Sophie marched back and forth in her room chanting, "You get what you get and you don't have a fit!" Turn,march. "You get what you get and you don't have a fit!" Turn, march, repeat. I have never in my life said that to her! Made me laugh though.

Momentous Occasions

We had quite the day today. Noah officially used the toilet for the first time!!!! Huge,enormous cheer!!

Luke and Noah also went to Primary for the first time. I was so worried. They just turned 3 on Wednesday and both spent Sacrament meeting fussing and crying. Jason said that he saw the look on the Sunbeam teacher's face as he took Luke out for the 3rd time and felt bad for her. Noah spent the whole meeting climbing all over me, trying to unzip my boots and fighting with Luke over who could pull my skirt up the most times. I have to admit I was glad when the meeting was done and they happily went with Jason to Primary. It turns out their debut was a rousing success. I hope it continues.