Expressing Gratitude - Day 13

Today was my friend's birthday so after we dropped The Lime off at school, Doodlebug and I ran to the store to get her some balloons and a treat. We were going to quickly drop them off so I left my bag (with my keys in it) in the car.

Before we knew it, she invited us in and we chatted for a bit. We eventually ended up back outside and chatted a bit more while Doodlebug opened and closed the car doors.

Honk! Honk!

That's the noise the car makes if you close the door with the keys inside of it.

My friend gasped and I said, "No! It's okay! The doors won't lock with the keys inside."

A few minutes later, we finished our conversation, said our goodbyes, and Doodlebug and I headed to the car. I took one look inside and realized the doors were most definitely locked. And inside the car were my keys and phone.

I turned around, held my head in my hands, and told my friend I needed her phone to Google LaVor's work because his regular cell phone is kaput and I didn't know his work phone number.

He answered his phone, I laughed to lighten things up, told him we goofed, and he said he'd come rescue us.

So Doodlebug and I went back inside my friend's house where he played and she and I chatted for another hour. She graciously made Doodlebug a PB&J and he tortured (in the sweetest way possible) her two dogs.

I was relieved and thankful LaVor could come so quickly to open the doors, grateful my friend didn't care that we ruined 2 hours of her birthday, appreciated Doodlebug being a good sport just hanging out even though he was the stinker that locked the doors (and waited to poop until we literally walked through the door of our house), and learned if I take anything with me in the future it has to be my keys.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 12

It's been a little over a year since I was called to the YW program and about two and a half months since I was called to be the secretary. The timing was spot on because I was on the verge of asking to be released. Things were not meshing between me and my girls and I wasn't sure how much longer I could stay in that position.

But being the secretary is one of my favorite callings. I loved it in Primary and I'm enjoying it in YW. I love being organized and I'm not intimidated every week!

Because of that intimidation, as much as I tried, I had a hard time feeling love for those I was serving. It sounds awful, I know! But it's true and it makes me sad.

Then tonight happened and I felt that love! I felt love for them, I felt love for my Savior, and I could see the girls as He sees them.

We had Young Women in Excellence and the girls sang the theme song for this year, "Ask of God", accompanied by five girls playing their ukuleles.

Holy goosebumps! Tell me you can't feel the Spirit and see the potential in every.single.one of those girls! What an experience to finally be humbled enough to experience those feelings I'd been hoping for for so long.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 11

Last night, we went to In N Out for dinner and I asked if they had any hot chocolate. The manager said they had the machine but it wouldn't be ready to produce for a few more weeks. So The Lime asked if we could stop by the store and get some. It was getting late by the time we finished dinner and we promised him we'd have some in the morning. Except, the packets we had require milk and we didn't have any. Whoops!

So on my way home from work this morning, I swung by Safeway, grabbed a half gallon of milk and a package of powdered doughnuts, and set the cocoa and doughnuts on the counter before heading back to bed.

I woke up at about 8:45 to giggles and squeals of two little boys so excited for their hot chocolate and doughnuts.

How stinkin' lucky am I to experience pure joy through my kids' eyes over something so small? It took me maybe 10 minutes to drive to the store, grab the items, and come home but it made them so happy.

I'm so grateful for the lessons they teach me; that it's really the simple things in life that can bring us the most happiness.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 10

I woke up this morning and checked the weather before leaving for work. The weather app on the iTouch said no rain. Hallelujah! I feel horrible saying that but rain + newspapers = no Bueno.

Except, I got to work and the rain alert sign was lit and people were bagging their papers. What?!?! The girl next to me suggested to bag but not tie because it wasn't supposed to rain very much.

Well, it didn't pour but it definitely rained more than I anticipated.

I got a text from The Lime's baseball coach asking if we'd make it to the game. Uhhhh...if it stops raining.

And thankfully, it did stop.

Tonight was The Lime's last game and we were worried it was going to be cancelled. But it wasn't and we were thrilled to spend one last Friday night at the ballpark.

Sometimes I wonder who this kid is! He has such a talent and it's a joy to watch him play. I'm grateful we had the opportunity to cheer him on during Fall Ball. We register for Spring this weekend and I'm anxious to see what another season brings.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 9

I was tired, had a headache, was low on gas, and quite honestly just wanted to stay home.

We had a youth temple trip tonight and I had a list of reasons why I shouldn't go.

But I went and boy, was it the right choice.

I didn't bring any family names this time, which is my favorite thing because it makes temple trips even sweeter. But I loved seeing those that did bring family names doing the work for their loved ones.

The temple president reminded the kids that their ancestors were aware of them and were most likely standing/sitting with them tonight. I love imagining that! I love that there's so much hope, happiness, and excitement in doing work for those that have passed on.

Being able to leave the world for a few hours and relish in the spirit was exactly what I needed. I'm grateful for choosing the harder right rather than the easier wrong.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 8

I try really hard to always have something to look forward to. It doesn't have to be huge, although that helps, but I've found that if I have something to look forward to, I tend to be happier.

Like The Lime's dance performance that was tonight. He's been practicing for weeks and told me the other night that he was dancing to "Playground". That made me even more excited because I danced to "Motownphilly" in the second grade. Gotta love early 90's R&B.

Dancing isn't really The Lime's "thing" but he looked so darn cute up there and did a great job!

Other things I'm looking forward to are The Lime having school off on Friday, no rain in the forecast so I don't have to bag papers for work, the weekend as a family, our first visit at our new dental office, LaVor's parents coming to town, a trip to San Francisco, and Thanksgiving.

When I have something to look forward to, it also helps me to realize how much I've been blessed with. There's so much negativity EVERYWHERE nowadays that I gladly welcome something to brighten my day.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 7

My sister directly above me is 21 months older than I am. That meant we spent two years at each school together. While I found comfort in just knowing she was there, it wasn't until high school that we got to have (at least) lunch together.

I wanted that same thing for our kids which is why we started trying for a second baby when The Lime was 2. But Heavenly Father had other plans for us (because he's way smarter than we are) and we didn't get Doodlebug until The Lime was 4.

I was really nervous that with a 4 year gap between the boys, The Lime would be "too old" to play with his little brother. But Doodlebug has proved he can hang with the big boys. In fact, sometimes he seems like the big brother as The Lime yelps for someone to help him because Doodlebug is beating him up.

These two boys fight like it's going out of style but boy, do they also sure love each other.

My heart nearly explodes when they're sweet to each other and play nicely. I especially love hearing The Lime teach Doodlebug how to do something or helping him out. Like tonight, Doodlebug was having a hard time getting the toothpaste out and The Lime showed him how to squeeze everything down to the opening.

Or when The Lime finished his dinner first tonight and Doodlebug said, "Good job, Dieta!"

I see how much fun they have together now and can only imagine what it'll be like when The Lime is 18 and Doodlebug 14. Oh, the trouble they'll get into!