If Ye are Prepared,Ye Shall Not Fear

You ever had those days when everything seems to be shifting you off your path?  Maybe it is trying to wake up on a day you are just emotionally and physically spent, or maybe it's rushing the kids because they were dragging their feet.  Those things and more made up my morning yesterday morning.  Every pair of shoes my two year old owns had one shoe missing.  She decided to throw a fit as we walked out the door, because of what was in her sippy cup.  I've kept her home from the kids play area all week due to a runny nose and slight cough, only to have her nose run when she went back.  Are you feeling the frazzle? It all seemed crazy and as I was apologizing to my children when they went out the door for mommy freaking out this morning, I hung my head and took a breath and wondered what I did to have such a morning.  There is light at the end, I learned quite a bit today.


I learned that no matter how much you learn, some days are just more of a challenge then others.  I learned that reaching out to others is necessary for our emotional survival.  I learned that I have a great team by my side that is ready to lift me up on my challenging days. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a sign that my heart is opening up to trust others, and sometimes it just hurts to care.  I learned that my children are forgiving and that I can reach out to them sometimes, even when I think I should be the strong one.  I also learned that without the knowledge of who I am and where I am going, a day like this could leave me in the mire to kick the pricks and wallow. 

I hadn't prepared the night before for my morning schedule. I was tired from not sleeping well for two nights and emotional from challenging my beliefs.  I was seeing only the things I wasn't doing, instead of the countless good things was doing.  I wonder why I can't see the miraculous, gifted, loving woman that God made me!  I came upon a audio/video this week that touched me and still does each time I watch it.  Hold on.  Understanding the fear of who I can be with God is so essential, that it's imperative for me to break through my barriers and go forth with head high and shoulders back to fulfill those things I am put on this earth to do. So here is to vulnerability, truth, and showing up for life prepared and ready to roll, because.......

"If Ye are Prepared, Ye shall not fear"

(Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)

Wisdom Files- Watch this and see if you don't feel different

Santa Clause is Coming to Town!

It seems like I sing this song a lot more these final weeks before Christmas.  Maybe I just use it to have a little more peace... but here is to you all in honor of this special time.  If only our children, or anybody else could realize that sometimes all we want is no fighting and arguing for Christmas!  I wish Santa came more than once a year!
(Download our song as a podcast )
(Download our song as a mp3)

You better watch out!

You better not cry!

You better not pout, 

I'm telling you why.......

Santa Clause is Coming to TOWN!!!!!

Sydney really didn't cry.  She just sat there, not realizing she could ask for something from Santa.  She still doesn't get him, but she knows about Jesus and that's alright with me.  Abby said to me the other day "I really don't care what I get from Santa."  Somebody must have said something to her at school.  She is 10 after all. Phoebe asked for a DS and I didn't get it.  I guess it's a gaming thing.  I'm SURE she heard that at school ;).

I'm a Keeper

We had a great discussion on the family at church today.  I find it amazing that the week I seek for those who could help me be a better mother and parent....the discussion is had and many couples came to mind.  This same day my husband and I are swapping back and forth with our two year old and her runny nose.  I realized my desire to be a good mother is a good thing and that God is pleased with my efforts. 

For many people, a two parent secure household is normal for their growing up, as it should be.  I grew up very independent and played a bigger part than the average child with a single mother.  It is about the great and wonderful things I was taught, the great and wonderful things my husband was taught, and the two of us taking what works and finding the rest that works.  Isn't this earthly experience grand.

I'm grateful that on these days, God instilled in me a desire to learn and grow.  I think without that, I would be stuck in an unchanging place, and unable to see the good I am doing.  My sweet daughters shoveled the snow with me this morning and without asking went to help the neighbors.   My girls must have been watching, and helped me realize what a kindness that is.  I had never seen it that way from my perspective.  It was something that had to be done at the moment.  This is important when I reflect upon my day and mull over the things I could have done better.  I am going to reflect on the things I'm doing right more often.  I guess I'm a keeper!