Life's Simple Pleasures

This week I'm grateful for life's simple pleasures. I think kids are the best at enjoying life's simple pleasures. So these are some simple things in life that we have enjoyed this week.

For Saint Patricks Day we didn't do a whole lot, but I did make green pancakes, green eggs and green milk. The kids were so excited. Something so simple as a little green dye really can spice things up at our house!

Andy insisted on taking a picture to show his class (which we haven't done yet).The decorations are from my Mom who was here for St. Patricks day a couple of years ago- thanks Mom

Here are some more simple pleasures of the kids:

Andrew: Andrew made a kite in school yesterday- just a simple dimond shaped paper with a crepe paper tail and a string attached. It's amazing how a paper kite can entertain kids. We took the long walk to the church (across the street) and flew the paper kite.

Sara: This week I tried to be a super homemaker like my mom, and made bread (white and wheat). It wore me out! How does she do that so often? Anyway, Sara liked it. She likes putting in the flour, mixing sugar and cinnamon for cinnamon rolls... helping in any way. So why is putting in a teaspoon of salt into something so fun for little girls? I don't know, but I remember loving to help my mom cook when I was younger too. Another simple pleasure Sara likes is to read. When I don't let her play on the computer, she likes to grab some books and read, even though she's still a beginner.

Mac: Because of the nice weather, we've been going on more walks. Mac likes to watch the birds, dogs, cars, people... He likes to immitate the sounds of everything. When we hear the train he says, in a high pitch "Oooo, Oooo", "brrrrooommm" when the cars pass, and chirps and barks when we pass the birds and dogs. He's not much of a talker, but he makes a lot of sounds. I'm thinking he's going to be our musical child.

I think that sometimes, in this day and age, we think we need lots of things to make us happy... video games, new clothes, cars, computers... but it's living the simple life that makes us most happy. Not that I don't like the modern technologies and things we have, I do and am so grateful for them, but I'm happiest going on walks on a nice day, visiting with friends and family, and spending time with the kids. So... this week that's my goal- spend more time enjoying the simple, real, things in life rather than the other stuff.



PS- This made me think of the book Too Many Toys. It's about a kids with too many toys... and ends up playing with a box.

Every Member a Missionary

This is good for me to think about my blessings because sometimes I'm overwhelmed with the not-so-fun things in life... like kids throwing up in the middle of the night (that happened last night)... no sleep... all the wonderful things mothers go through. That being said, I've thought about what I'm thankful for this week and it's my new church calling. I LOVE it. Here is one of the reasons: I love missionary work.

A couple of days ago I went on visits with the Relief Society president. We went to visit a recently widowed lady. Before we left, the RS president decided that we could both share a favorite scripture with her. Now, during my mission this would have been a piece of cake because I always had scriptures in my mind and was able to find what I wanted right away... Now only a few favorite scriptures come to my brain, sad but true. So, I thought of one that I thought might help comfort this lady.

It was a nice visit and really brought memories of the mission back to me (she had a few crosses hanging up in her house... nothing like a religious discussion and crosses to bring back memories from Spain:) Anyway, the RS president (who is a return missionary too) started reading her favorite scripture to this lady, and guess what? She was reading several verses, and I thought, "Wait a second, this is the chapter I was going to share!" So, it turns out we both chose the same scripture, only she didn't read my favorite part in the chapter, so I was able to read it. (2 Ne ch. 4- my favorite verses 19 and 34) So, was this coincidence or inspiration? I'm not really sure, but I'd like to think inspiration. It was just such a nice feeling sharing the gospel with this sweet lady, and she appreciated the visit.

So, how have I seen the hand of God in my life this week? I think God has given me the opportunity to be a missionary- to share the gospel and help others. I've got to tell you, since the mission I pray for missionary experiences, because I know how important it is and the great feeling it gives to me. It's just hard to get out of that comfort zone and actually do it. I needed a calling to help me :) I love missionary work.

Here are three things that I'm grateful for this week:

1. Grandparents

2. Family

3. My Bed

Grandparents:

This week we went to Tavish's grandparents' condo at Bear Lake. It's such a nice place- a nice condo in a nice area. Tavish's grandparents are very kind to let their children and grandchildren use it. I feel a little guilty using their very nice condo that they are paying for... but I know they like to have their family use it. So, thanks Grandpa and Grandma Bay! We love it there.

Family:
We were with Tavish's family at the condo. It's a nice vacation and the kids LOVE playing with their cousins. Bear Lake is cold, but I am blessed with very good in-laws which makes it much more enjoyable. Here are some of the things we did- if you care to know.

We had a leprechaun visit and leave some surprises for us. Mac liked the sugar...

Played on the playground...

Walked down by the lake...

Played tennis and frisbee...

Went to the hot tub...

Played games....

Ate WAY too much...

(I don't have pictures of that)

My Bed: After sleeping in a different place with overly excited children that get up before the sun, I'm sure grateful for my bed. It was so nice to come home and sleep. The kids even slept in until 7:30 AM. (I know... that's not really sleeping in, but compared to 5 or 6 it is!) I'll never understand why my boys like to get up EXTRA early on vacation. What kind of vacation is that?! Anyway, after a fun trip, I'm sure happy to be home to get some sleep!