finding {JOY} in the journey

(So, my new calling keeps me busy. I think of things to post on my blog but never seem to have the time to sit down and write.)

Here are some things that brought me JOY last month:

A snow day. Finally! We had a blizzard warning Thursday night so they cancelled school for Friday. We woke up Friday morning to a light dusting of snow and barely a breeze. But we were glad Morgan got to stay home with us. Later in the day it snowed a little more and the wind did really blow. It's just good to have a day off once in a while.




A card for a friend so far away. Wish I could have gone for a visit.

A new checkbook cover to remind me to look for the JOY everyday.

A week of preschool at our house. Zane loves his preschool friends and I enjoy hosting the group every 6 weeks. Can we just do this for kindergarten too?!

Mini Apple Pie! Pure JOY!

A beautiful sunset... peaceful JOY.

Riding bikes. In January. What more can I say.

{ Be of Good Cheer }

I used to make New Year's Resolutions every year. But I would quickly become overwhelmed with everything I needed to improve in my life and would toss them all aside. A few years ago, I read a great book about setting goals and making them specific, measurable, and realistic. Now I choose one area to focus on for the entire year. What I've found is that all the other little things I want to be better at somehow fall into place as I strive to accomplish my ONE goal for the year.

Last year my goal was FOCUS. I wanted to do better at keeping my FOCUS on the blessings of eternity. In order to do that I had to do better at reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, listening to (and applying) the conference talks, following the promptings of the Spirit, and all the other things that help me keep my FOCUS. (Amazing how that works!)

So, this year I've decided my goal is to find JOY in the journey. It's so easy to be weighed down by our own burdens and the burdens of those we love. It's so easy to see all the bad in the world. I want to find something everyday that brings me JOY.

Sunday, our Relief Society lesson was based on President Monson's message in the January Ensign, "Living the Abundant Life." As we discussed the ABC's required to have an abundant life I kept thinking about a talk President Monson gave in the 2008 General Conference when he encouraged:

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family."

As we seek to have a positive Attitude, Believe in ourselves and others, and have the Courage to not only try but try again, we will have an abundant life and we will find JOY in the journey.

I have the above sign in my bathroom to remind me to "Be of Good Cheer" daily. My goal this year is to recognize the little blessings in everyday life that bring me JOY.

Finishing the Year With a Bang

It was a long, busy day. We got home late. Had dinner late. The kids were rushing around picking up things before they put pajamas on. Suddenly, Zane was jumping up and down, crying, gasping for breath, and blood was streaming from his forehead. He had tripped and hit his head on the corner of the bench at the dining table.

I felt like an octopus mom as I started grabbing paper towels and ice while holding my hand on Zane's head. After a few minutes I peaked at the wound. Man it was big!

I took him to the ER and they took us right back. The doctor kept looking at the wound and teasing Zane about being chased by girls. When he said the girls were gonna love the scar and would be all over him, Zane was about to climb off the table. Finally the doctor said, "It's big enough to need stitches but it's in a good spot for gluing. I sure hate stitching on these little guys." And glue it was. (Can't wait to see how much that tube of super glue cost.)

So, head wounds must make a person hungry. When we got home Zane asked for 2 pancakes with applesauce. (Remember, we had just finished dinner before the accident happened.) I snapped a picture real quick while he was eating. And a side note - Oxyclean really does a great job at getting out blood stains.

Tonight, Zane took a bath and we uncovered the wound to make sure it was healing. Morgan was concerned about the brown stuff and then remembered how many baths it took to wash off her belly after her surgery last spring. "Don't worry. It will come off someday."

The gash is 3/4 of an inch long. Yep. I measured it. It seams to be healing though and hasn't bothered him too much. New rule in our house: No skipping, no running, no hopping!

It's Christmas!

Morgan was the first one up and ready to open gifts! She patiently surveyed the gifts and quietly waited for Zane to wake up. (I was never that patient!) At 8:00 Scott couldn't wait any longer and woke Zane up. We had church at 10:00 so it was time to get things done!

This summer Zane REALLY wanted a "Cars" blanket. I promised he would get one for Christmas. I kept my promise and he was SO glad I remembered.

We gave them a few minutes to play and then it was off to church.

I woke up in a slump. I was feeling a little Charlie Brownish. I was sad Brittany wasn't with us. I was mad that Santa brought the kids BB guns when I specifically said NO. I could feel the tears building but was determined to smile. After all, it was Christmas!

Then my phone started ringing. My mom had been life-flighted early that morning for an emergency blood transfusion. Worried and unsure of her condition, we headed to church.

Every song we sang brought tears to my eyes. Tears of gratitude for my Savior. Tears of sadness for my Brittany. Tears of concern for my mom. Scott hugged me and asked if I was going to be okay. I choked through the closing song and wiped my eyes.

We had a wonderful ham dinner with homemade scalloped potatoes and spent a quiet afternoon at home. Scott took the kids outside to try out the new guns. Zane came in with a huge grin, "This is the best Christmas EVER!" he announced. His words brought joy to my heart.

After talking to my dad I felt much better. He was calm and taking care of things at home. I also got to talk to Brittany and finally felt the peace that I had been looking for all day. I am so thankful for modern technology that makes those miles seem a little shorter.

I am also thankful that Scott had the entire day off. I can't remember that ever happening. It was nice to be at home together! And then I wept tears of joy.

{ Christmas Eve }

All too quick, Christmas Eve was here. Scott grew up with the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve. After 11 years of marriage, I now willing participate in the tradition. We always open the gifts from Scott's aunt and uncle which usually includes some pajamas. This year I was the only one who got new pajamas. (I slept warm and cozy!)

The kids got some fun things to play with...

And new coats!
Way more than I expected and so very appreciated!

The Christmas story was read and the kids tucked into bed. My heart ached that Brittany and Levi were not with us.

Festive Preparations

Is it Christmas yet?!

My new calling required a lot of extra time before Christmas. It was so fun to help with the Ward Christmas fireside, put together the Relief Society Christmas dinner, create 13 food baskets for the widows, and organize a Giving Tree project. (As well as help a few families who would not have had food for Christmas.) I have a fabulous presidency which makes it even more fun to serve!

We went to Morgan's Christmas Program at school and sang some songs with the kids. (I love living in a community where we celebrate Christmas and not Winter. The kids even sang songs about Jesus. At school!)

We found time to make gingerbread cookies.
(Don't look too close. My cutter creates a gingerbread boy with a club foot.)

Zane loved squeezing the frosting from the bag!

Morgan just loved frosting! Everything!

I found time to make a gift. (I have a box of fabric for gits that didn't get made.) I LOVE the Welcome Sign and am anxious to make one for my shelf too.

I made some cards for a gift at our party.

And more cards for the kids to give to teachers and friends.

I usually type a full page newsletter to send to family and friends but this year it wasn't coming together. Then we received a card from amazing friends and I knew that was my answer. I totally copied her and had my pictures uploaded, news written, and cards ordered in one evening. I wasn't sure I would have them in time to send out before Christmas but I decided to just not worry about it. Check that off my To Do list.

And... we decided to make scripture tote bags for the past presidency. We each stitched together a bag (I didn't get any pictures) and then I made a cute little card. They were adorable! Trust me.
Is it Christmas yet?

Modern Day Mother

This is one of my favorite prints!

Modern-day Mother in Zion © Anita Mae Hart-Carroll
oil on board, 8th International Art Church History Art Competition

Prints can be purchased by contacting Anita at ahartcarroll@yahoo.com

As I attended our Stake Conference this weekend, this image kept coming to my mind. So many spoke about the need to strengthen our homes and families.

Some things I learned:

** We need to contend for the best conditions to raise our children. I am no "ordinary chicken." I need to do all I can to protect my family from the dangers that are out there.

** Faith is more than belief - it is ACTION. When you are doing what is right you are truly happy.

** Ask what you can do better and live your testimony every day.

** We must teach our children correct principles and how to stand for truth and righteousness at all times. Even when it seems they are not listening, they are. When they need it the most, they will remember the testimony you bore to them.

** Great blessings come from attending the temple!

** "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Life is meant to be enjoyed. At those times when we can't laugh at the experience, lift up your head, be of good chear, and turn to Christ who can heal ALL wounds.

** Sometimes life is a bunch of dots - we must figure out how to connect those dots. Scriptures, prayer, and patriarchal blessings will help us find the path.

** Don't lose your focus! Keep your eye on your goal of eternal life and you will have the faith to endure your trials and be strong for your families.

I also have 10 things we can do to strenghen our marriages. (That might just be another post.) It was such a wonderful weekend! I was especially thankful for the opportunity to attend the Saturday session with my husband who has to work most Sundays.

We live in a scary world. Our children need us to step up, wearing the armor of God, and defend and protect them. When you are on the Lord's side you can not fail!