Okay, actually I'm not such a fan of the overtime. And I feel bad for my sweet husband who has been working it a lot lately. I know he is exhausted.
But in the interest of trying to be grateful, even when things aren't ideal, I will look on the bright side of the over time...
It's helping us rebuild that savings we just spent on the van transmission...
So, though I think it's lame my husband is never home lately... And though I think it's lame he's missing out on watching the munchkin become a pro at the whole walking thing (she loves that she can travel with her birthday lamb ;))...
At least there is a silver lining. So I'm going to go ahead and see it that way :).
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
(Semi) Local Honey
Ever since 2011, I've had allergies around this time every year. Since that's the year I started dating my husband, I like to say it's his fault ;).... Because I'd never had them before :). Even in Alabama where the pollen is thick enough to turn a white car yellow in a matter of days. (True story).
I'd heard once that eating local honey could help with allergies. I'm pretty sure I heard that when I lived in Alabama. But, as I'd never had issues with such miseries, I dismissed the information. Fortunately it stayed tucked away somewhere in the recesses of my brain. Because I've had reason to summon it forth.
And this year, I'm trying out the theory. With semi-local honey. See, back in October at a family gathering for my husband's side of the family, one of my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law gave everyone honey from their bees. Which is really quite awesome, if you ask me. I thought it was cool back then. Now that I remembered the allergy possibility, it's even more awesome. The reason it's semi-local is because they live on the other side of the State. But I'm willing to try anything. And surely some of the bloomin' vegetation is the same in both parts, right :)?
So every day, I get a nice taste of yummy fresh honey. That doesn't come from the store. (Not that there's anything wrong with that kind -- we have some -- but it probably has less chance of helping my allergies, since it could come from Alabama ;)). And so far, so good on the allergy front.
And if this continues and I make it through July with no flare-ups... Well, I'll be investing in some local honey every year. Unless we get brave and start keeping bees ;). Because, though it can be pricey... It's totally worth it if I don't spend two weeks sneezing my head off and having a dripping nose and burning eyes :).
So I'm really grateful I have this stuff to give it a go with. Grateful for an awesome brother and sister-in-law who shared their bounty with us :).
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Karen D
Just the other night, I was telling my husband how much I admire my friend Karen D. She is a strong woman in ways I can only wish I was.
For example: she has given birth at home... twice.
I am in awe of women who can do that. Yes, I know there was once a time when it was the only option. But I'm a modern-day city girl. And I'm also a bit wimpy. So women with this kind of strength amaze me.
But there are many other reasons I admire Karen.
I know Karen from church. I remember when they first moved into our Ward, because she speaks Spanish and was an interpreter. Which I thought was totally cool. I didn't really get to know her until a couple years later, though. She was the fourth member of our awesome Primary Presidency. The one where we all became friends. The one made up of Christina, Karen, Tawni, and myself.
One of the best things about Karen is her sense of humor. She says some of the most hilarious things. I will never forget how she was talking about her husband wanting to have chickens, but their house was in the middle of downtown on a lot that wasn't really large enough for chickens and on a busy street. She said, "I could just imagine someone coming by and stealing a chicken and running down the street with it." And okay, maybe that's not funny as I write it here. But when she said it, I laughed so hard. Because I pictured it too.
Karen is willing to help out. Like all the time. Even with a million things on her plate. She helped do the Appreciation Brunch for our friend Christina a couple weeks back, even though she and her husband have been in the middle of packing and selling their house, and even though she has to work, and even though she has two little ones...
And she's a great teacher. She has been teaching the young women in our congregation on Sundays. And I always love getting to be present for her lessons. I really can't put my finger on what it is, exactly, but there is something in the way she teaches and talks to the girls that I find really admirable. And she gives great talks in church. She applies things to every day life -- and does it in a way that is both humorous as well as thought-provoking and inspiring.
And she is one of the most beautiful women I know. Both inside and out. I am always amazed at how pretty she looks -- like all the time.
Anyway, I am grateful for Karen. I am grateful to know her and call her a friend. Grateful for the laughter we've shared and the memories we've made as we served together. Grateful for the example of strength she is to me -- and to the young women in our congregation.
What are you grateful for today?
For example: she has given birth at home... twice.
I am in awe of women who can do that. Yes, I know there was once a time when it was the only option. But I'm a modern-day city girl. And I'm also a bit wimpy. So women with this kind of strength amaze me.
But there are many other reasons I admire Karen.
I know Karen from church. I remember when they first moved into our Ward, because she speaks Spanish and was an interpreter. Which I thought was totally cool. I didn't really get to know her until a couple years later, though. She was the fourth member of our awesome Primary Presidency. The one where we all became friends. The one made up of Christina, Karen, Tawni, and myself.
One of the best things about Karen is her sense of humor. She says some of the most hilarious things. I will never forget how she was talking about her husband wanting to have chickens, but their house was in the middle of downtown on a lot that wasn't really large enough for chickens and on a busy street. She said, "I could just imagine someone coming by and stealing a chicken and running down the street with it." And okay, maybe that's not funny as I write it here. But when she said it, I laughed so hard. Because I pictured it too.
Karen is willing to help out. Like all the time. Even with a million things on her plate. She helped do the Appreciation Brunch for our friend Christina a couple weeks back, even though she and her husband have been in the middle of packing and selling their house, and even though she has to work, and even though she has two little ones...
And she's a great teacher. She has been teaching the young women in our congregation on Sundays. And I always love getting to be present for her lessons. I really can't put my finger on what it is, exactly, but there is something in the way she teaches and talks to the girls that I find really admirable. And she gives great talks in church. She applies things to every day life -- and does it in a way that is both humorous as well as thought-provoking and inspiring.
And she is one of the most beautiful women I know. Both inside and out. I am always amazed at how pretty she looks -- like all the time.
Anyway, I am grateful for Karen. I am grateful to know her and call her a friend. Grateful for the laughter we've shared and the memories we've made as we served together. Grateful for the example of strength she is to me -- and to the young women in our congregation.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
That My Husband is GREAT with Kids
The past couple mornings, we have been helping some friends by watching their kiddos. Well, today it was just one kiddo.
And my husband, though he is on swing shift and getting home late at night (and getting to bed even later), has gotten up and helped me both days.
I think I'm pretty decent at watching kids. You know... making sure they don't kill themselves or each other... But my sweetheart is great at playing with them. Yesterday he got the laundry basket down and was giving rides to them. Both days he built towers with them (including our munchkin, of course, though she isn't quite ready for the clothes basket rides...), made cardboard box mazes with them, cardboard tunnels, etc.
I'm in charge of getting them snacks and lunch. He makes time at our house fun and exciting. And I somehow manage to do things like make a double batch of bagels or healthy oatmeal applesauce muffins (toddler snacks). And not feel exhausted like I just finished a marathon (after having 3 kids under the age of 4 for a few hours). All because he is so wonderful with the kids.
In fact, yesterday, when we had both of the kids, and their mom came to pick them up, the little girl told my husband she needed a hug before they left. So he gave her one. We learned today, when their dad came to get the little boy (she had pre-school today), that getting a hug from her -- with her initiating said hug -- is a huge deal. Apparently it's a rarity. So obviously I'm not the only one who is impressed with my hubby's ability to be awesome with kids.
And I'm so grateful :).
What are you grateful for today?
And my husband, though he is on swing shift and getting home late at night (and getting to bed even later), has gotten up and helped me both days.
I think I'm pretty decent at watching kids. You know... making sure they don't kill themselves or each other... But my sweetheart is great at playing with them. Yesterday he got the laundry basket down and was giving rides to them. Both days he built towers with them (including our munchkin, of course, though she isn't quite ready for the clothes basket rides...), made cardboard box mazes with them, cardboard tunnels, etc.
I'm in charge of getting them snacks and lunch. He makes time at our house fun and exciting. And I somehow manage to do things like make a double batch of bagels or healthy oatmeal applesauce muffins (toddler snacks). And not feel exhausted like I just finished a marathon (after having 3 kids under the age of 4 for a few hours). All because he is so wonderful with the kids.
In fact, yesterday, when we had both of the kids, and their mom came to pick them up, the little girl told my husband she needed a hug before they left. So he gave her one. We learned today, when their dad came to get the little boy (she had pre-school today), that getting a hug from her -- with her initiating said hug -- is a huge deal. Apparently it's a rarity. So obviously I'm not the only one who is impressed with my hubby's ability to be awesome with kids.
And I'm so grateful :).
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Opportunities to be a Part of Bringing Joy to Another
I had a hard time figuring out what to title this, because it's hard to put it in words simply and have it make sense.
Tonight was a young women's activity. And the older girls (16 through 18) wanted to take dessert to one of the elderly women in the congregation. So we set it up, the girls made dessert, and we went by for a dessert visit.
And it was amazing. 4 different generations of women sat in a room and chatted about dances -- then and now; first dates; family... Things that span all generations. The youngest "lady" in the room was 1 (my munchkin accompanied me today, since Daddy is back on swing shift). The eldest in the room was 88. And the rest of us were sprinkled in between. And as we talked about dances now (everyone dancing in a circle, nobody really pairing off) versus dances then (real dancing -- like the Fox Trot), I couldn't help but wonder if the girls could envision this sweet woman at 16. Did it become real to them, that she was once their age, dancing with the sailors in Seattle?
I don't know if it did or not. But I do know that these girls touched the life of a lovely woman tonight. They made her feel important and special. She invited us all back any time. And we plan to take a whole dinner to her -- hopefully in a few months -- and eat with her.
These wonderful young women served someone wonderful today. Let her know she is not forgotten. Let her know she is not too old for them. It was a joy to watch. A joy to be a part of it. A joy to see the girls visit and chat and talk about their own lives with someone who lived through wars these girls only read about in History books.
And I had the benefit of witnessing it. And realizing, too, how correct Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley was when she said, "We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young, and hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old... We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other." What a beautiful thing.
What are you grateful for today?
Tonight was a young women's activity. And the older girls (16 through 18) wanted to take dessert to one of the elderly women in the congregation. So we set it up, the girls made dessert, and we went by for a dessert visit.
And it was amazing. 4 different generations of women sat in a room and chatted about dances -- then and now; first dates; family... Things that span all generations. The youngest "lady" in the room was 1 (my munchkin accompanied me today, since Daddy is back on swing shift). The eldest in the room was 88. And the rest of us were sprinkled in between. And as we talked about dances now (everyone dancing in a circle, nobody really pairing off) versus dances then (real dancing -- like the Fox Trot), I couldn't help but wonder if the girls could envision this sweet woman at 16. Did it become real to them, that she was once their age, dancing with the sailors in Seattle?
I don't know if it did or not. But I do know that these girls touched the life of a lovely woman tonight. They made her feel important and special. She invited us all back any time. And we plan to take a whole dinner to her -- hopefully in a few months -- and eat with her.
These wonderful young women served someone wonderful today. Let her know she is not forgotten. Let her know she is not too old for them. It was a joy to watch. A joy to be a part of it. A joy to see the girls visit and chat and talk about their own lives with someone who lived through wars these girls only read about in History books.
And I had the benefit of witnessing it. And realizing, too, how correct Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley was when she said, "We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young, and hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old... We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other." What a beautiful thing.
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, May 26, 2014
Having Savings
So remember when our van's check engine light came on? Yeah, definitely not one of the happiest days of my life.
But the van's been continuing to work. And I've continued to drive it. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before we'd need to get it fixed. Whatever it was.
So the hubs bought one of those code readers to find out what the check engine light came on for. The result of that wasn't super-conclusive. And it ended up resetting itself and the check engine light went off. Until I got back on the freeway at high speeds again.
So we knew we needed to take it in and get it looked at. Meanwhile, the transmission started slipping. And we knew it was going to be a transmission issue for sure then. And we knew it was going to be a costly fix. And after calling around for estimates... We found out we were right.
And I'm not really thrilled about that. We weren't exactly planning to spend this much money on a vehicle we bought less than 2 years ago. But, life happens. And tomorrow the van goes in for some overhauling.
And I am grateful we have savings to to be an umbrella on the rainy days. Like this one. It is a blessing. Because though it may be discouraging to see a lot of money going out, it'd be even more discouraging to have to go into debt.
And here's to hoping this means the van will last us 10 years!!! :). With a "new" transmission.
What are you grateful for today?
But the van's been continuing to work. And I've continued to drive it. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before we'd need to get it fixed. Whatever it was.
So the hubs bought one of those code readers to find out what the check engine light came on for. The result of that wasn't super-conclusive. And it ended up resetting itself and the check engine light went off. Until I got back on the freeway at high speeds again.
So we knew we needed to take it in and get it looked at. Meanwhile, the transmission started slipping. And we knew it was going to be a transmission issue for sure then. And we knew it was going to be a costly fix. And after calling around for estimates... We found out we were right.
And I'm not really thrilled about that. We weren't exactly planning to spend this much money on a vehicle we bought less than 2 years ago. But, life happens. And tomorrow the van goes in for some overhauling.
And I am grateful we have savings to to be an umbrella on the rainy days. Like this one. It is a blessing. Because though it may be discouraging to see a lot of money going out, it'd be even more discouraging to have to go into debt.
And here's to hoping this means the van will last us 10 years!!! :). With a "new" transmission.
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Opportunities to Honor Those Who Gave All
Once upon a few years ago, I worked at a local funeral home/cemetery. My mom still works there. It was easily one of the best jobs I've had. And many days I still miss it.
Memorial Day weekend is a big weekend for the funeral home. They present a program to honor and commemorate those who served in the Armed Forces and gave their all: those who died while serving. Every year, each veteran's grave is marked with an American flag. But for those 18 men who gave their lives, whose final resting place is this memorial park, the funeral home also does an additional honor. This year their graves were specially marked with placards. And tonight, at their annual Memorial Day program, their names were read, along with the war in which they served and died and their death date; and a bell was rung for each. This was the first year I saw this part (it may have been in last year's program, but we didn't attend with our 2-day old), and I have to say it was a sacred experience.
Those men died, that I might enjoy the freedoms I have. It is humbling.
The program is beautiful, and I am grateful for such events, which allow me to honor, even in the small way of simply attending the program, those men (and women) who have served this country and died for the cause. It is a humbling reminder that freedom isn't free.
What are you grateful for today?
Memorial Day weekend is a big weekend for the funeral home. They present a program to honor and commemorate those who served in the Armed Forces and gave their all: those who died while serving. Every year, each veteran's grave is marked with an American flag. But for those 18 men who gave their lives, whose final resting place is this memorial park, the funeral home also does an additional honor. This year their graves were specially marked with placards. And tonight, at their annual Memorial Day program, their names were read, along with the war in which they served and died and their death date; and a bell was rung for each. This was the first year I saw this part (it may have been in last year's program, but we didn't attend with our 2-day old), and I have to say it was a sacred experience.
Those men died, that I might enjoy the freedoms I have. It is humbling.
The program is beautiful, and I am grateful for such events, which allow me to honor, even in the small way of simply attending the program, those men (and women) who have served this country and died for the cause. It is a humbling reminder that freedom isn't free.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Silicone Cupcake Cups
Today was a full day. A good day. But so very full. By the end of it, Munchkin was definitely feeling a little over-stimulated.
So I got these from Lea for Christmas. I also got some silicone mats -- which I use all the time. I love not having to scrub stuff off cookie sheets. It's blissful :).
But today was the first time I made cupcakes since Christmas. So it was the first time I got to try them. And they are just as awesome as the mats!
True, it's nice to just throw away the paper cupcake cup. But it is the pits when you run out of them -- and you haven't run out of batter. It's happened to me before. I really dislike having to scrub out muffin tins. Almost as much as I dislike scrubbing cookie tins. And now I never have to worry about that again! Because I'll always have these, and they are reusable! And the cupcakes just popped right out, so I could easily have re-filled them pretty much immediately and baked again. (Today I happened to have paper ones as well, so I used those too. It was a full day, after all).
So Baby Girl ate her first cupcake. Sans frosting -- per the compromise with her Daddy. I'm pretty sure she was okay with not having the frosting. The cupcake was a treat, and she was cramming it in!
And I got to enjoy using the silicone baking cups to make the cupcakes :).
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, May 23, 2014
The Past 365 Days
One year ago, my mom called me and asked if there was a baby yet. I said there wasn't, but that the doctor predicted he'd see me in the delivery room before the following Tuesday, the date the non-stress test was scheduled. She told me to enjoy my last little bit of freedom.
That last little bit of freedom was just over 12 hours. And I can't say I enjoyed it. Because the next 12 hours consisted of massive cramps (okay, so they were contractions) that came every two minutes apart, puking all over myself and the van on the way to the hospital, being a pin-cushion for the nurse who couldn't get the IV in, puking throughout the night (though there was nothing left in there!), an epidural gone awry (that turned into a spinal through an epidural needle with 8x the dosage for a spinal going into my spinal cord), and an hour of pushing harder than I've ever pushed in my life (which is exhausting).
But then the most beautiful moment happened. I felt my baby placed on my stomach. I touched her and felt a tear slide down my face as I said, "There you are!" And, shortly thereafter, I learned for sure that she was a girl, as we'd suspected all along.
And ever since, I have had the most amazing 365 days of my life. I have experienced a love deeper than I can possibly explain. I have felt a protectiveness that just was there all of a sudden. I have known lack of sleep like never before, but I have also known it was worth it more than anything else in the world. I have cried. I have laughed. I have learned. I have ached. I have gained patience. I have realized what really matters. I have accepted that sometimes I just need to let go. I have known feelings of depression. But I have known so many more feelings of extreme joy.
And it's true: maybe in some ways, my freedom is gone. But in so many ways, I feel like I have more purpose than I ever have in my life.
365 days of watching my daughter grow. And learn. Learn to smile. To laugh. To sit. To play. To eat "real" food. To crawl. To walk. To dance. To trust. To obey. To love. To hug. To kiss. To sleep. To babble. To splash.
365 days of love. Of hope. Of joy. Of deep gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the blessing of my precious, beautiful little girl. She is my joy. And I cannot imagine what life would be like without her, now that she's here. It has been the hardest "job" I've ever done. But also the most rewarding. And the best. The absolute best. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
These have been the most poignant 365 days of my life so far. And for that, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
That last little bit of freedom was just over 12 hours. And I can't say I enjoyed it. Because the next 12 hours consisted of massive cramps (okay, so they were contractions) that came every two minutes apart, puking all over myself and the van on the way to the hospital, being a pin-cushion for the nurse who couldn't get the IV in, puking throughout the night (though there was nothing left in there!), an epidural gone awry (that turned into a spinal through an epidural needle with 8x the dosage for a spinal going into my spinal cord), and an hour of pushing harder than I've ever pushed in my life (which is exhausting).
But then the most beautiful moment happened. I felt my baby placed on my stomach. I touched her and felt a tear slide down my face as I said, "There you are!" And, shortly thereafter, I learned for sure that she was a girl, as we'd suspected all along.
And ever since, I have had the most amazing 365 days of my life. I have experienced a love deeper than I can possibly explain. I have felt a protectiveness that just was there all of a sudden. I have known lack of sleep like never before, but I have also known it was worth it more than anything else in the world. I have cried. I have laughed. I have learned. I have ached. I have gained patience. I have realized what really matters. I have accepted that sometimes I just need to let go. I have known feelings of depression. But I have known so many more feelings of extreme joy.
And it's true: maybe in some ways, my freedom is gone. But in so many ways, I feel like I have more purpose than I ever have in my life.
365 days of watching my daughter grow. And learn. Learn to smile. To laugh. To sit. To play. To eat "real" food. To crawl. To walk. To dance. To trust. To obey. To love. To hug. To kiss. To sleep. To babble. To splash.
365 days of love. Of hope. Of joy. Of deep gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the blessing of my precious, beautiful little girl. She is my joy. And I cannot imagine what life would be like without her, now that she's here. It has been the hardest "job" I've ever done. But also the most rewarding. And the best. The absolute best. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
These have been the most poignant 365 days of my life so far. And for that, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The Hoe
I'd take a picture to clarify... But it's over at my grandmother's house.
That's where the garden is, so that's where the garden tools are.
And the reason I'm thankful for the hoe today is because Baby Girl and I took a stroll on over to the garden today to give it a peek.
Noticed lots of grass coming up around the plants we want to have grow.
So I broke out the hoe and went to work. (And let me give a shout-out to my amazing little munchkin, who watched from her stroller the whole time without a peep of complaint! This kid is awesome.) True, it's not ridding the garden of the grass when I do it this way... But it is interrupting their growth cycle. And I was able to do pretty much the whole garden in about 15 minutes. Looked way better -- as far as weeds go.
Then I watered with the ultra-cool nozzle thing I bought last week. And this is where the munchkin gets her reward: I hold her while I water so she can stick her hand in the spray. She loves it.
Anyway, it would take forever to weed just by hand. So I'm grateful for the hoe that allows me to be productive in a fraction of the time!
What are you grateful for today?
That's where the garden is, so that's where the garden tools are.
And the reason I'm thankful for the hoe today is because Baby Girl and I took a stroll on over to the garden today to give it a peek.
Noticed lots of grass coming up around the plants we want to have grow.
So I broke out the hoe and went to work. (And let me give a shout-out to my amazing little munchkin, who watched from her stroller the whole time without a peep of complaint! This kid is awesome.) True, it's not ridding the garden of the grass when I do it this way... But it is interrupting their growth cycle. And I was able to do pretty much the whole garden in about 15 minutes. Looked way better -- as far as weeds go.
Then I watered with the ultra-cool nozzle thing I bought last week. And this is where the munchkin gets her reward: I hold her while I water so she can stick her hand in the spray. She loves it.
Anyway, it would take forever to weed just by hand. So I'm grateful for the hoe that allows me to be productive in a fraction of the time!
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Theresa S
Tonight we had a Relief Society activity. The main focus of the activity was ministering to others. Letting the women of our congregation know they are thought of and loved (particularly some of our elderly sisters who are home-bound). So we made up plates of goodies and we paired up and went on visits.
And I got to go with my friend Theresa. Oh how I love this woman. She is so hilarious. She has a heart of gold, and she's willing to help anyone. She puts people at ease, and I'm pretty sure nobody has ever felt like she was judging them. I admire her a lot.
The first time I ever saw Theresa was very shortly after I moved here to Washington. I went to the Temple with my mom for the Stake Temple night, and saw Theresa. My mom spoke with her about something -- and it was clear to me my mom knew her quite well. After Theresa was out of ear-shot, I said, "How old is she?!? Like 15?" Hahaha. My mom said, "I don't know, but she has kids."
So, based on what Theresa told me tonight, she was probably about 23 or 24 at the time. But she looked super young. She still does. Can I say that I maybe sort of envy that about her ;)? (I've always looked older than I am. At 15, that was awesome. At 33, not so cool...)
Anyway, it made my night to enjoy this opportunity to visit some of the elderly sisters in our congregation with Theresa. She is a warm fuzzy kind of person. She just overflows with kindness and love towards others. And did I mention she is hilarious? I am rarely around her longer than a minute before she has me laughing about something.
So yeah, I'm grateful I know Theresa. I'm grateful I can call her a friend. I'm grateful we have the chance to work together through church callings. She's one of those one-in-a-million, and she is a blessing in my life in many ways. Especially tonight.
What are you grateful for today?
And I got to go with my friend Theresa. Oh how I love this woman. She is so hilarious. She has a heart of gold, and she's willing to help anyone. She puts people at ease, and I'm pretty sure nobody has ever felt like she was judging them. I admire her a lot.
The first time I ever saw Theresa was very shortly after I moved here to Washington. I went to the Temple with my mom for the Stake Temple night, and saw Theresa. My mom spoke with her about something -- and it was clear to me my mom knew her quite well. After Theresa was out of ear-shot, I said, "How old is she?!? Like 15?" Hahaha. My mom said, "I don't know, but she has kids."
So, based on what Theresa told me tonight, she was probably about 23 or 24 at the time. But she looked super young. She still does. Can I say that I maybe sort of envy that about her ;)? (I've always looked older than I am. At 15, that was awesome. At 33, not so cool...)
Anyway, it made my night to enjoy this opportunity to visit some of the elderly sisters in our congregation with Theresa. She is a warm fuzzy kind of person. She just overflows with kindness and love towards others. And did I mention she is hilarious? I am rarely around her longer than a minute before she has me laughing about something.
So yeah, I'm grateful I know Theresa. I'm grateful I can call her a friend. I'm grateful we have the chance to work together through church callings. She's one of those one-in-a-million, and she is a blessing in my life in many ways. Especially tonight.
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Couple Scripture Reading
One of the things my husband and I try to do daily is read scriptures together. We are mostly successful.
I am grateful we take the time to try and fit this in, because it is time for just he and I. We are able to read together and ponder together. We can share ideas and discuss how what we've read might apply to us and our lives -- our situation.
True, it's not always easy to find the time (quite often our schedules are hectic). But I am grateful we've made the effort -- even if it means one of us is giving up some sleep to make it happen (when he's on day shift, it's usually him; when he is on swing shift, it's usually me :)).
I know this is strengthening our marriage and providing us with other blessings as well. And sometimes, it's what turns an otherwise difficult day around and ends it on a happy, positive note :).
What are you grateful for today?
I am grateful we take the time to try and fit this in, because it is time for just he and I. We are able to read together and ponder together. We can share ideas and discuss how what we've read might apply to us and our lives -- our situation.
True, it's not always easy to find the time (quite often our schedules are hectic). But I am grateful we've made the effort -- even if it means one of us is giving up some sleep to make it happen (when he's on day shift, it's usually him; when he is on swing shift, it's usually me :)).
I know this is strengthening our marriage and providing us with other blessings as well. And sometimes, it's what turns an otherwise difficult day around and ends it on a happy, positive note :).
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, May 19, 2014
Lots of Clothes
Talk about a random thing for which to be grateful.
But every Monday, I do the bulk of our laundry. I try to do the whites first, because they are my least favorite to have to fold (there are a ton of whites -- and they almost all require folding).
But it occurred to me that it's really something awesome: that we have all of these clothes (and sheets and towels) to use on a daily basis.
We have been so blessed through hand-me-downs from amazing people for our little girl that we have yet to have to buy her any clothes at all. And I don't think we'll have to until she's at least 3. Isn't that amazing!?!
And just the other day, I was looking through my closet and noticing all my clothes. My nice clothes. Which I don't have much occasion to wear these days, as my mom uniform is pretty much jeans and a t-shirt. (Is that sad?) But, if I wanted to -- or if I did have occasion to -- I have lots of nice clothes from which to choose.
And I even have lots of jeans and t-shirts. So many t-shirts, in fact, several are stored away for the day I finally make my t-shirt memory quilt.
The point is, we have been blessed to have much. And while I may often forget, when I'm sitting on the couch folding underwear and towels and t-shirts and onesies, and trying to compete with the toddler who thinks it's great fun to throw the freshly washed and folded clothes onto the floor (she has a dislike for organization at the moment...)... Deep down I realize it's a wonderful blessing to have all those things to fold. Because it means we have clothes to wear, towels to dry off with, and sheets to sleep on.
What are you grateful for today?
But every Monday, I do the bulk of our laundry. I try to do the whites first, because they are my least favorite to have to fold (there are a ton of whites -- and they almost all require folding).
But it occurred to me that it's really something awesome: that we have all of these clothes (and sheets and towels) to use on a daily basis.
We have been so blessed through hand-me-downs from amazing people for our little girl that we have yet to have to buy her any clothes at all. And I don't think we'll have to until she's at least 3. Isn't that amazing!?!
And just the other day, I was looking through my closet and noticing all my clothes. My nice clothes. Which I don't have much occasion to wear these days, as my mom uniform is pretty much jeans and a t-shirt. (Is that sad?) But, if I wanted to -- or if I did have occasion to -- I have lots of nice clothes from which to choose.
And I even have lots of jeans and t-shirts. So many t-shirts, in fact, several are stored away for the day I finally make my t-shirt memory quilt.
The point is, we have been blessed to have much. And while I may often forget, when I'm sitting on the couch folding underwear and towels and t-shirts and onesies, and trying to compete with the toddler who thinks it's great fun to throw the freshly washed and folded clothes onto the floor (she has a dislike for organization at the moment...)... Deep down I realize it's a wonderful blessing to have all those things to fold. Because it means we have clothes to wear, towels to dry off with, and sheets to sleep on.
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Tammy R
Once upon a time, in a place called Alabama, I had a blog-stalker named Tammy. And her daughter, my dear friend Stacy, ratted her out ;). And so I called her out on my blog.
And thus began one of my most treasured friendships.
Now, I knew of Tammy before this. I mean, I'd known her daughter for several years, and the nature of the South is that you know a little about a lot. (And sometimes a lot about a lot too.) And I'm pretty sure I went to a Stake Young Women leader event at some point in which she was present -- and, I believe, responsible for the key lime pie Blue Bell ice cream being at said event -- and therefore responsible for at least a few of the grams of fat I enjoyed over the next couple years I was still in the South. But up until my days in Tuscaloosa, I'd never really talked with her or had the opportunity to get to know her.
But then she blog-stalked me. And I found out. And I teasingly ratted her out. And she got my email address from Stacy. And we became email pen pals.
And for someone who loves to write... Well, our marathon emails back and forth were something I looked forward to every day.
And a friendship formed. And blossomed. And remains, even after all these years and all these miles.
So the first time I actually hung out with Tammy was sometime in May 2008. She drove to Montgomery from Dothan(ish) and I drove to Montgomery from Tuscaloosa. And we just hung out and enjoyed some Olive Garden and window shopping and some dessert at Panera Bread. We talked and chatted and laughed and told stories. And it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.
And from the then on, the memories just kept a-comin'! Because she was there at Ruby Tuesday's the night the waiter thought she and Stacy and I were a little odd. And she was there beside me and Stacy as we endured (through possibly bleeding eardrums) the Scuttle-like singing abilities of good ol' Pierce. And she knows that some song lyrics just get stuck in your head (Sup-pa-pa troop-pa-pa). She knows her daughter can never be surprised by someone flying in from Washington State for a Twilight party (because her daughter will dream about that very thing happening). And she knows that some people are crazy enough to drive to Forks and La Push to send authentic Forks dirt and La Push sand back to Alabama for said Twilight-themed parties. She also shares in the knowledge of what it feels like to be looked at strangely when you walk into Winn-Dixie in pajamas...
And over the years, she has been one of the best, most compassionate listening ears I've ever spoken with. She is wise. And faithful. And brave. And courageous. So many things I admire. She is loved by so many. Including me. And I'm grateful she blog-stalked me all those years ago. Because otherwise, I'd have missed out on a beautiful friendship.
What are you grateful for today?
And thus began one of my most treasured friendships.
Now, I knew of Tammy before this. I mean, I'd known her daughter for several years, and the nature of the South is that you know a little about a lot. (And sometimes a lot about a lot too.) And I'm pretty sure I went to a Stake Young Women leader event at some point in which she was present -- and, I believe, responsible for the key lime pie Blue Bell ice cream being at said event -- and therefore responsible for at least a few of the grams of fat I enjoyed over the next couple years I was still in the South. But up until my days in Tuscaloosa, I'd never really talked with her or had the opportunity to get to know her.
But then she blog-stalked me. And I found out. And I teasingly ratted her out. And she got my email address from Stacy. And we became email pen pals.
And for someone who loves to write... Well, our marathon emails back and forth were something I looked forward to every day.
And a friendship formed. And blossomed. And remains, even after all these years and all these miles.
So the first time I actually hung out with Tammy was sometime in May 2008. She drove to Montgomery from Dothan(ish) and I drove to Montgomery from Tuscaloosa. And we just hung out and enjoyed some Olive Garden and window shopping and some dessert at Panera Bread. We talked and chatted and laughed and told stories. And it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.
And from the then on, the memories just kept a-comin'! Because she was there at Ruby Tuesday's the night the waiter thought she and Stacy and I were a little odd. And she was there beside me and Stacy as we endured (through possibly bleeding eardrums) the Scuttle-like singing abilities of good ol' Pierce. And she knows that some song lyrics just get stuck in your head (Sup-pa-pa troop-pa-pa). She knows her daughter can never be surprised by someone flying in from Washington State for a Twilight party (because her daughter will dream about that very thing happening). And she knows that some people are crazy enough to drive to Forks and La Push to send authentic Forks dirt and La Push sand back to Alabama for said Twilight-themed parties. She also shares in the knowledge of what it feels like to be looked at strangely when you walk into Winn-Dixie in pajamas...
And over the years, she has been one of the best, most compassionate listening ears I've ever spoken with. She is wise. And faithful. And brave. And courageous. So many things I admire. She is loved by so many. Including me. And I'm grateful she blog-stalked me all those years ago. Because otherwise, I'd have missed out on a beautiful friendship.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Multi-Spray Hose Nozzles
One of my shopping tasks yesterday was to pick up a hose nozzle sprayer thing for watering our garden. I decided to go with one that had multiple stream options.
And I think I did an A+ job!
Made it much easier for my hubby to select the perfect stream for gardening the various plants in the garden :). How awesome that they make such a thing! 7 different options from jet stream to mist! It definitely makes watering the garden easier, more efficient, and more effective!
I may not have made such a great choice on the hose... but one out of two ain't bad :).
What are you grateful for today?
And I think I did an A+ job!
Made it much easier for my hubby to select the perfect stream for gardening the various plants in the garden :). How awesome that they make such a thing! 7 different options from jet stream to mist! It definitely makes watering the garden easier, more efficient, and more effective!
I may not have made such a great choice on the hose... but one out of two ain't bad :).
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Ensign Magazine
Today was kind of an emotional hard day for me. It was one of those days when the silliest thing made me start to cry and struggle to keep the tears at bay.
Those kinds of days just happen sometimes.
But it made me grateful for the Ensign magazine (a magazine published by my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
I enjoy reading most of the articles published in the monthly issues. But my favorites have always been the stories in the back, submitted by people throughout the world. Stories of miracles. Stories of tender mercies. Stories of faith. Stories of comfort. Stories that speak to my heart during times of need.
And in that way, tender mercies for me.
Yes, I may be a little behind (just wrapping up April's issue), but the timing was perfect. Because what I read today, I needed today. And so I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Farmer's Markets
So this afternoon, my munchkin and I met up with my friend Amalea for an afternoon walk at one of the beautiful city parks nearby.
Upon pulling into the parking lot, I was quite shocked to see so many vehicles. Until I realized the Farmer's Market was set up there.
And it was quite a pleasant surprise. So for part of our walk, we wandered around the little Farmer's Market to see what there was to see. I love stuff like this. If I had a million dollars... Well, let's just say I'd have bought a lot of stuff. Like raw local honey (to hopefully stave off allergies). And some sourdough bread that looked absolutely beautiful.
Instead, I brought home a pint of Viking ice cream. No, the irony wasn't lost on us that we were walking -- and then each of us bought a pint of ice cream. But this stuff is really good home-made ice cream. From milk that apparently comes from these people's cows. It's rich and cream (the ice cream). I got the dark elf -- which is dark chocolate. If only April was here... I'd buy her some. I just don't think it'd ship to Alabama very well.
I like seeing the things local people make -- or grow or harvest -- and try to sell. It's awesome. I remember there was a Farmer's Market once on the UA campus. I went to it and bought some jalapeno pepper jelly.
True, the prices are a little higher. But it's local. And I do like the idea of supporting local businesses. And sometimes, you just get way better quality like this anyway. Like that ice cream.
Oh my... What a treat. Maybe I'll have to go back next week... and the next week... and the next.
What are you grateful for today?
Upon pulling into the parking lot, I was quite shocked to see so many vehicles. Until I realized the Farmer's Market was set up there.
And it was quite a pleasant surprise. So for part of our walk, we wandered around the little Farmer's Market to see what there was to see. I love stuff like this. If I had a million dollars... Well, let's just say I'd have bought a lot of stuff. Like raw local honey (to hopefully stave off allergies). And some sourdough bread that looked absolutely beautiful.
Instead, I brought home a pint of Viking ice cream. No, the irony wasn't lost on us that we were walking -- and then each of us bought a pint of ice cream. But this stuff is really good home-made ice cream. From milk that apparently comes from these people's cows. It's rich and cream (the ice cream). I got the dark elf -- which is dark chocolate. If only April was here... I'd buy her some. I just don't think it'd ship to Alabama very well.
I like seeing the things local people make -- or grow or harvest -- and try to sell. It's awesome. I remember there was a Farmer's Market once on the UA campus. I went to it and bought some jalapeno pepper jelly.
True, the prices are a little higher. But it's local. And I do like the idea of supporting local businesses. And sometimes, you just get way better quality like this anyway. Like that ice cream.
Oh my... What a treat. Maybe I'll have to go back next week... and the next week... and the next.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Our Tower Fan
Well, this is the second stretch of hot weather we've had this month. I'm a little concerned this may mean it will be an unpleasantly hot summer. (I'm not one for the heat... It makes me super grumpy.)
If it helps the garden be phenomenal, then I guess I can just tolerate it, though ;).
But anyway... When the heat arrives, so does my uber-appreciation for things like fans. Especially this tower fan. It has multiple speeds... it rotates... and it has a remote control!
And it's been keeping me cool for years and years. I can remember vividly one summer in Tuscaloosa when I slept on the couch (because the living room was the only room with a window unit a/c) with the a/c blowing and this fan blowing on me. That was a yucky summer. I'd wake up in the morning and the temperature inside was still 80 degrees. Blech. But at least the fan helped me be able to sleep! Nowadays, the temperatures don't reach 108 degrees (thank you Washington) (but I still whine when they reach 80 outside... ;)).
So let's just say The Nilla Life would be a whole lot less pleasant in the summertime without this wonderful invention. And that's why I'm grateful for it, especially around this time every year (and for a couple more months).
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Leah P
Leah P is a lady I know from church. And she also happens to be the lady who stays with my grandmother during the day, now that my grandmother can't be alone for very long anymore.
I definitely admire her ability to do the job she does. I fear I do not have the patience or tolerance for that sort of work. Which I know speaks volumes about me (and not great things...). But I am grateful for those who are cut out for such jobs. They are angels on earth in many ways.
But the other reason I'm incredibly grateful for Leah right now is that she is the reason I get to have a garden this year.
See, living in an apartment complex means we don't exactly have any land. And no land = no place to put a garden. Lots of people have suggested container gardening on our back porch area. Unfortunately we don't get enough sun there to make that a fruitful venture.
Last year, we put a garden in at my grandma's house. I thought it would be easy as pie for me to head over there every day and make sure it was watered, etc. But that was before I actually had a baby.
After I had a baby, I realized, once again, that -- just as John Lennon said -- life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Motherhood gave me a good reality slap. Walking over to my grandma's house every day was not something that happened with a newborn. I was struggling with baby blues and little sleep. And, quite frankly, I didn't care if the garden got watered most days.
Somehow we managed to keep that thing watered enough to have a pretty decent harvest. But I learned a lesson: I didn't want to commit myself to something that required my attention and efforts every day when it was an effort just to get to it. And there were a few other things that were deterrents to me wanting to do a garden this year.
But Leah saved the day. She said she'd be willing to water it, since she's over there every day anyway. What a sweet offer! And so I told her if she was willing to do that, we'd be willing to put in the garden, get the plants, and we'd share the harvest. Because, to me, that's a win-win situation. We have the responsibility to take care of the garden on the weekend, and I'll probably walk over once during the week to check on things too. But I don't have to make a point of going over daily. And that is a huge relief. But the garden will still get watered! And hopefully we'll get an abundance :). And abundance of zucchini, pumpkin, crookneck squash, butternut squash, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers. And maybe some corn.
So I am definitely grateful for Leah. Grateful she made the kind offer, and grateful we can share with her as we work together to grow a garden this year.
What are you grateful for today?
I definitely admire her ability to do the job she does. I fear I do not have the patience or tolerance for that sort of work. Which I know speaks volumes about me (and not great things...). But I am grateful for those who are cut out for such jobs. They are angels on earth in many ways.
But the other reason I'm incredibly grateful for Leah right now is that she is the reason I get to have a garden this year.
See, living in an apartment complex means we don't exactly have any land. And no land = no place to put a garden. Lots of people have suggested container gardening on our back porch area. Unfortunately we don't get enough sun there to make that a fruitful venture.
Last year, we put a garden in at my grandma's house. I thought it would be easy as pie for me to head over there every day and make sure it was watered, etc. But that was before I actually had a baby.
After I had a baby, I realized, once again, that -- just as John Lennon said -- life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Motherhood gave me a good reality slap. Walking over to my grandma's house every day was not something that happened with a newborn. I was struggling with baby blues and little sleep. And, quite frankly, I didn't care if the garden got watered most days.
Somehow we managed to keep that thing watered enough to have a pretty decent harvest. But I learned a lesson: I didn't want to commit myself to something that required my attention and efforts every day when it was an effort just to get to it. And there were a few other things that were deterrents to me wanting to do a garden this year.
But Leah saved the day. She said she'd be willing to water it, since she's over there every day anyway. What a sweet offer! And so I told her if she was willing to do that, we'd be willing to put in the garden, get the plants, and we'd share the harvest. Because, to me, that's a win-win situation. We have the responsibility to take care of the garden on the weekend, and I'll probably walk over once during the week to check on things too. But I don't have to make a point of going over daily. And that is a huge relief. But the garden will still get watered! And hopefully we'll get an abundance :). And abundance of zucchini, pumpkin, crookneck squash, butternut squash, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers. And maybe some corn.
So I am definitely grateful for Leah. Grateful she made the kind offer, and grateful we can share with her as we work together to grow a garden this year.
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, May 12, 2014
Others Who Have Mothered Me
It occurs to me that I probably should have done all my mother posts last week... But oh well. Now is as good a time as any :).
I have a wonderful mother. She has always been so good to me. And I feel so blessed.
But there have been times in my life when I went through rebellious years. Like my teenage years. And during those times, when I didn't want to deal with my parents... I'm grateful there were good women to whom I was willing to go to talk to. I had some amazing young women leaders. They were great examples to me. And they were willing to listen and be my friends. But they were also sure to give good advice to try to help me stay on the right path in life. And in that way, they mothered me.
I have known amazing women who have taught me skills. Like Donna, who taught me a lot about quilting. And I'm using that knowledge now as I work on I Spy quilts. And other women who have taken time to show me how to crochet and knit (even though I haven't kept up with either as I should have and will likely need to learn again...).
There have been special women who have taken me under their wing and loved me. Like Annie, who became my friend in Tuscaloosa and took me along with her to events at the University so I wouldn't have to either go alone, or not go at all (which is what I would have done if my only other option was go alone). Like Virginia who listened to me as I had meltdowns about my thinning hair and found ways to lift my spirits. Like Donna who, when I was ready to interview for jobs away from Dothan, gave me money to buy an interview suit -- and then gave me a piece of Polish Pottery to always remember her. Or Tammy who has always been a listening ear, and who gives the greatest, sweetest, most encouraging insights and advice. These women are among my dearest friends, but in these ways, they mothered me.
There are so many, the list would go on and on. Mother-in-law, grandmothers, grandmothers-in-law, aunts, cousins, friends... So many women have impacted my life for good. And so many of them, in a small way, have mothered me -- helped me grow and become the woman I am today. And for them, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
I have a wonderful mother. She has always been so good to me. And I feel so blessed.
But there have been times in my life when I went through rebellious years. Like my teenage years. And during those times, when I didn't want to deal with my parents... I'm grateful there were good women to whom I was willing to go to talk to. I had some amazing young women leaders. They were great examples to me. And they were willing to listen and be my friends. But they were also sure to give good advice to try to help me stay on the right path in life. And in that way, they mothered me.
I have known amazing women who have taught me skills. Like Donna, who taught me a lot about quilting. And I'm using that knowledge now as I work on I Spy quilts. And other women who have taken time to show me how to crochet and knit (even though I haven't kept up with either as I should have and will likely need to learn again...).
There have been special women who have taken me under their wing and loved me. Like Annie, who became my friend in Tuscaloosa and took me along with her to events at the University so I wouldn't have to either go alone, or not go at all (which is what I would have done if my only other option was go alone). Like Virginia who listened to me as I had meltdowns about my thinning hair and found ways to lift my spirits. Like Donna who, when I was ready to interview for jobs away from Dothan, gave me money to buy an interview suit -- and then gave me a piece of Polish Pottery to always remember her. Or Tammy who has always been a listening ear, and who gives the greatest, sweetest, most encouraging insights and advice. These women are among my dearest friends, but in these ways, they mothered me.
There are so many, the list would go on and on. Mother-in-law, grandmothers, grandmothers-in-law, aunts, cousins, friends... So many women have impacted my life for good. And so many of them, in a small way, have mothered me -- helped me grow and become the woman I am today. And for them, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, May 11, 2014
My Mom
Though I am sure many would argue with me, I believe I have the best mom... in the history of ever ;). I've always felt very blessed to have my mom as my mother. I have always recognized in her the aspects that make a mom -- a mom. Patience. Love. Unbelievable, unconditional love. Gentleness. Kindness. A sense of humor. Patience. Love. Laughter. Understanding. Nurturing. Maternal. Selflessness. Patience. Love. The ability to embarrass me, whether I'm 16 or 29...
And now that I am a mother, I realize even more fully how blessed I am to have my mother be mine.
Before I became a mother, my hope was that I might become half the mother my mom is. I can't say I think I've been successful, but hopefully I'm a work in progress. And I'm so very grateful to have her as my example.
And here's why:
My mom has the best sense of humor. She can laugh at herself, and I love that about her. Some of the greatest examples of this: Back in 2009, she, my dad, and I were driving from Alabama to Washington, bringing Christina's Jeep out. My dad was never willing to navigate (he doesn't feel like he is good at it), so he was either driving or in the back chatting. At this particular point, he was in the back and I was navigating -- my mom was driving. We were cruising through California and my dad was musing aloud whether or not we thought those orchards of trees we were passing were fig trees. My mom (who hadn't heard him properly) said (under her breath), "I'm pretty sure those trees are real." I had heard both things properly (and I was a little out-done with this roadtrip) and I reiterated: "fig trees." To which she responded, "Yeah, I think they are real trees." And I exclaimed: "FIG! He said FIG!" Oh my goodness. I still laugh so hard about that one. I mean, really? She thought he was proposing there was an orchard full of fake trees!?! She just about drove off the road laughing after she realized what he'd really said. And she still laughs about it too. Or there was this time when she was contemplating changing her ring tone on her cell phone. And she was going through each option. And had gone full circle and heard her phone ringing. An incoming call! Quite flustered, she quickly tried to push the button to answer it and said, "hello? Hello?" Yeah, it was just the little sample of the ring tone -- that just happened to be the one she had it set on. That was classic. I love that she laughs at these. It's a great example to me not to take myself too seriously in life.
I remember growing up, and for our birthday, she would come in and sing to us in the morning. Happy Birthday. That's how she'd wake us up on our birthday. And as much as I loathed mornings, I just couldn't be grumpy on those mornings. I remember when I turned 16, she stayed up late the night before with me and made a whole bunch of cupcakes for me to take to seminary and my Spanish class.
I remember in the summers, when we'd do our Bake Sale, my mom was always did the baking -- and supplied the ingredients! She did that so we could have 100% profit. I realized how kind that was when, in 1997, she came up to the States a little before us and my dad was in charge of taking us to the store to buy ingredients. He was all business. And the business (bake sale profits) paid for the ingredients that time. Haha... Sure made me appreciate my mom more for that! ;).
I love my mom's wisdom. A few years back, I was bemoaning my being "old." Haha. Mostly I was just feeling old and wondering if I'd ever get married. My mother, in all her awesome wisdom, gave me this gem: "The way I see it, anyone born the same year as me is either my same age or dead." It's so true. But for some reason, I find it so incredibly hilarious.
My mom is incredibly patient in ways I cannot comprehend. She never rises to an argument. She sees good in everyone. And always taught me growing up that there is good in everyone. And I guess she once told the assistant director at the library where we both once worked (in Dothan) that are no bad children, only bad choices. And that really stuck with him as he started raising his daughter.
My mom is a great cook. She makes bomb macaroni and cheese. And arroz con pollo. And empanaditas. And flan. And chicken. And stuffing. And gravy. And mashed potatoes. And pretty much any other comfort food you can imagine. And let's not forget the brownies, cookies, yadda yadda yadda. She frequently takes a full meal to the funeral home where she works to feed all the employees. And they all are happy when she does.
Righteousness and faithfulness. My mom never complains. She just keeps moving forward, no matter what sort of lemons life hands her. This is another area where I stand in awe and feel I have much to learn from her.
Let's not forget the embarrassment... So one time, when we were flying back to Panama, she embarrassed me by telling me (loudly, I might add) that the male flight attendant (who was quite cute, I will admit) was checking me out. And while a part of me was flattered... A part of me was mortified she noticed and said something about it.
And love. My mom loves me. And all of her children. I sometimes get a little scared at the prospect of having more children, because it is incredible to me that I could love another baby as much as I love my baby girl. But then I realize: I'm not the first of my mom's children. I am her second baby. And I have never ever ever not even once doubted her love for me. I've never felt like she loved my older brother more than she loved me. And this gives me confidence that it will be the same for me when I have more babies. That my love will grow.
As usual, I feel I have not done this justice. I just know I love my mom. I love the example she has set for me. I have felt her love throughout my life. I am very very blessed. The truth is, I don't really have the words. I just know the way I feel. And grateful is definitely among those feelings.
And here is a poem I wrote about her back in 2005 in my Creative Writing class. The changed perspective as one matures and realizes what a mother really is. Who she is.
A Different View
A lifetime ago she annoyed me:
A sing-song voice singing,
“It’s time to get up in the morning!”
A drill sergeant:
“Hila, your dish-night.”
A nag:
“Go clean your room; no MTV.”
A lifetime since she’s become my adviser,
My pillow for crying, my cooking instructor.
A lifetime ago, I was wrong.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Christina S
Since we just had a brunch to appreciate this wonderful woman I am blessed to call my friend, I think I will be grateful for her today :).
She is expecting Baby #4. And since they don't need all that much, but some of us still wanted to do something special for her, we decided to do an Appreciate Christina day. So we had a brunch and time to just sit and gab with ladies. And thankfully I have friends who are way smarter and more clever and creative than I. And Tawni (hereafter known as Tawni the magnificent ;)) had the idea to have everyone write something we appreciate about Christina.
And for me, there's a lot to appreciate about Christina.
For one thing, I admire a lot of the ways she handles parenting. I can remember sitting at her house during presidency meetings for Primary, and one of her kids would come over to her for one reason or another. Sometimes they were arguing over a toy. I observed her tell the child who had the toy he could play with it for 10 minutes and then it was the other boy's turn. And she would set a timer. The ensured that they both got to play with whatever the item was. And it amazed me, because that was a solution acceptable to both boys. Another time, I remember being impressed with how she would always remember to say please when requesting that her kids do something. "Please give the toy to your brother now." It really stuck with me. And I also noticed that she often gave her children choices. True, there was always one choice that was preferable, but the child still had a choice. Such as: you can choose to eat more of your soup and have dessert later or you can choose not to eat more soup and not get dessert. It seems simple, sure. But she made it clear to them that they were making the choice and choosing the consequence as well. And it has stuck with me.
For another thing, she is a great example of a leader. In 2011, I was called to serve with her as one of her counselors in the Primary presidency. While I had known her before -- we were visiting teaching companions at one point -- up until the time I served with her, she was just someone I was probably more in awe of and intimidated by than anything. I mean... She just seemed to have it all together (and frankly, she still does). But working so closely with her gave me the opportunity to really know her. And for us to become friends. I enjoyed working with her so much for those almost-two years that we served together in Primary. And I learned so much from her. Like the importance of delegation. And not just delegating, but also being willing to let go once you've delegated (and not micro-manage). I had the opportunity and privilege to be a part of a presidency that was close-knit and united. To see how smoothly we could all work together. And I think that will stay with me for the rest of my life. And we all became friends as we worked together. It was a beautiful thing. And, for a while, it was hard (at least for me) to adjust to us not working together once we were called to serve in other capacities. And so I cherish those times when all four of us are together again, like we had the opportunity to be today :).
And Christina is just a sweet person and a great friend. I am grateful to know her. Grateful to have worked with her and served with her. She is another of the greatest blessings of the Nilla Life.
What are you grateful for today?
She is expecting Baby #4. And since they don't need all that much, but some of us still wanted to do something special for her, we decided to do an Appreciate Christina day. So we had a brunch and time to just sit and gab with ladies. And thankfully I have friends who are way smarter and more clever and creative than I. And Tawni (hereafter known as Tawni the magnificent ;)) had the idea to have everyone write something we appreciate about Christina.
And for me, there's a lot to appreciate about Christina.
For one thing, I admire a lot of the ways she handles parenting. I can remember sitting at her house during presidency meetings for Primary, and one of her kids would come over to her for one reason or another. Sometimes they were arguing over a toy. I observed her tell the child who had the toy he could play with it for 10 minutes and then it was the other boy's turn. And she would set a timer. The ensured that they both got to play with whatever the item was. And it amazed me, because that was a solution acceptable to both boys. Another time, I remember being impressed with how she would always remember to say please when requesting that her kids do something. "Please give the toy to your brother now." It really stuck with me. And I also noticed that she often gave her children choices. True, there was always one choice that was preferable, but the child still had a choice. Such as: you can choose to eat more of your soup and have dessert later or you can choose not to eat more soup and not get dessert. It seems simple, sure. But she made it clear to them that they were making the choice and choosing the consequence as well. And it has stuck with me.
For another thing, she is a great example of a leader. In 2011, I was called to serve with her as one of her counselors in the Primary presidency. While I had known her before -- we were visiting teaching companions at one point -- up until the time I served with her, she was just someone I was probably more in awe of and intimidated by than anything. I mean... She just seemed to have it all together (and frankly, she still does). But working so closely with her gave me the opportunity to really know her. And for us to become friends. I enjoyed working with her so much for those almost-two years that we served together in Primary. And I learned so much from her. Like the importance of delegation. And not just delegating, but also being willing to let go once you've delegated (and not micro-manage). I had the opportunity and privilege to be a part of a presidency that was close-knit and united. To see how smoothly we could all work together. And I think that will stay with me for the rest of my life. And we all became friends as we worked together. It was a beautiful thing. And, for a while, it was hard (at least for me) to adjust to us not working together once we were called to serve in other capacities. And so I cherish those times when all four of us are together again, like we had the opportunity to be today :).
And Christina is just a sweet person and a great friend. I am grateful to know her. Grateful to have worked with her and served with her. She is another of the greatest blessings of the Nilla Life.
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, May 9, 2014
The Consulting Nurse
My baby has had a nasty cough all this week. Mostly at night. It is the first time she's ever had a cough that interrupted her sleep.
I am still amazed at how happy and tolerant she is, even when she isn't getting great sleep, though.
But still. Major lameness that she has had that cough. I wanted to give it a few days and see if it would get better. I mean, she did have that mild fever Saturday night. And she did have the fun snotty nose all week, indicating a cold. So I figured this was a cold that settled in her chest and she'd get over the cough like she has in the past.
But 5 days is a little long. So today, at the suggestion of my mom, I called the consulting nurse. Based on my description, she said Baby Girl may be at the tail end of a bug; so she gave me some advice and told me to call her on Monday whether it got better or didn't. If it doesn't, then we'll be going in.
And I just have to say, I'm grateful for the service of a consulting nurse. I'm sure it's beneficial for those employed in the medical field as well: not everyone is going to just come in when they can call someone first and get advice and see if a trip to the doc is necessary. But it's definitely beneficial to me, too. Because when I feel concerned, I can call and ask.
This isn't the first time I've called the consulting nurse. I've called a couple times in the past for myself -- once right after we got home from the hospital (wanted to know if something in the medications I was taking would affect the baby due to nursing) and once a couple years ago when I was worried about a lack of pregnancy symptoms.
And though I think they are often set on putting your mind at ease, I do believe they also listen out for cues. That way, if it's serious, we go in.
So yeah, today I'm grateful for a phone number I can call -- anytime -- when I have a concern or question for a medical professional. I'm grateful it's a service provided. And I'm grateful she helped me today so I can help my sweet girl. Who is taking a marathon nap at the moment, I might add. And I haven't heard any coughs this whole nap! So here's to hoping we're on the mend and tonight will be a better sleep!
What are you grateful for today?
I am still amazed at how happy and tolerant she is, even when she isn't getting great sleep, though.
But still. Major lameness that she has had that cough. I wanted to give it a few days and see if it would get better. I mean, she did have that mild fever Saturday night. And she did have the fun snotty nose all week, indicating a cold. So I figured this was a cold that settled in her chest and she'd get over the cough like she has in the past.
But 5 days is a little long. So today, at the suggestion of my mom, I called the consulting nurse. Based on my description, she said Baby Girl may be at the tail end of a bug; so she gave me some advice and told me to call her on Monday whether it got better or didn't. If it doesn't, then we'll be going in.
And I just have to say, I'm grateful for the service of a consulting nurse. I'm sure it's beneficial for those employed in the medical field as well: not everyone is going to just come in when they can call someone first and get advice and see if a trip to the doc is necessary. But it's definitely beneficial to me, too. Because when I feel concerned, I can call and ask.
This isn't the first time I've called the consulting nurse. I've called a couple times in the past for myself -- once right after we got home from the hospital (wanted to know if something in the medications I was taking would affect the baby due to nursing) and once a couple years ago when I was worried about a lack of pregnancy symptoms.
And though I think they are often set on putting your mind at ease, I do believe they also listen out for cues. That way, if it's serious, we go in.
So yeah, today I'm grateful for a phone number I can call -- anytime -- when I have a concern or question for a medical professional. I'm grateful it's a service provided. And I'm grateful she helped me today so I can help my sweet girl. Who is taking a marathon nap at the moment, I might add. And I haven't heard any coughs this whole nap! So here's to hoping we're on the mend and tonight will be a better sleep!
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Lists
So I am a list-making fool. Seriously. It's sort of an obsession. I make lists for everything. I may have mentioned this before.
I have lists of books I have read (yes, that's plural, by the way... I have two digital lists: one online and one in MS Excel; and one hand-written list which may or may not be a little bit not current. But I still have it :)).
I have lists of books I want to read (2 digital ones, actually).
I have my grocery list (always on-going, because you know the minute I get back from the grocery store, I remember something I forgot...).
I have my "menu list" -- which is what largely determines my shopping list for 2 weeks.
I have my "to do" list for my daily activities.
I have my goal list for 2014. And then my goal list for the month. And the week.
One of my favorite things to do in the world (no joke) is cross things off "the list." I feel so accomplished when I do. Especially at the end of the day when my list looks like the one above.
To some degree or another, most people probably have lists, it's true. But I may be a tad obsessed, as I mentioned before. And here's why: If, say, I do something not on the list, I go write it on the list. And then immediately cross it off. It's a beautiful thing.
So yeah. I love lists. They make me happy. And keep me motivated. And organized :).
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Seeing the BYU Singers
Tonight we took the young women in our Ward to see the BYU Singers. It was a one-night opportunity. And it was a ton of fun.
It's just enjoyable to do something different. Good, clean fun. Good, clean music.
Impressive talent. Many of the songs were sung a cappella. And all of it done by memory (well, except the piano when it was accompaniment). Truly amazing.
I love to hear 4-part harmonies. I think it is especially awesome to listen to the bass voices and how deep some men are able to get their voices.
Of course, on the other hand, it's also completely awesome to hear how high some of those sopranos can get!
Anyway, it was amazing talent. And a fun night all around. I'm glad I could enjoy it! Totally rocked my day.
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Help With Family History
I decided to work toward meeting a goal set by the Bishop of my ward. This means picking up on working on family history (or genealogy, if you like that word better ;)).
I'm so not knowledgeable about this.
Lucky for me, I have a wonderful friend who is! (Okay, I probably have several wonderful friends who are, but my friend Amalea even serves in this capacity in her ward: teaching others how to get started on their family history work.) So I knew exactly who to call for help!
And because she's so awesome, she was more than happy to help me get started.
I fear this might become addicting ;). It is way cool, and I know I need to get working on things. I am actually quite excited about the prospect of discovering something new. Who knows if I will or not, but still... I can be excited about the possibility :).
So I'm grateful for Amalea helping me out today (and her offer to help me out in the future too). I know she is a valuable source of information, because she's been doing this for years! Just one more reason I consider myself blessed to call her my friend :).
What are you grateful for today?
I'm so not knowledgeable about this.
Lucky for me, I have a wonderful friend who is! (Okay, I probably have several wonderful friends who are, but my friend Amalea even serves in this capacity in her ward: teaching others how to get started on their family history work.) So I knew exactly who to call for help!
And because she's so awesome, she was more than happy to help me get started.
I fear this might become addicting ;). It is way cool, and I know I need to get working on things. I am actually quite excited about the prospect of discovering something new. Who knows if I will or not, but still... I can be excited about the possibility :).
So I'm grateful for Amalea helping me out today (and her offer to help me out in the future too). I know she is a valuable source of information, because she's been doing this for years! Just one more reason I consider myself blessed to call her my friend :).
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, May 5, 2014
My Glider
Back when we were still awaiting Munchkin's arrival, one of the items I just had to have was a glider. So I spent some time scouring Craigslist. And finally found one with a reasonable price tag that looked in good condition.
I still remember cleaning it in preparation for our baby. It used to sit out in the living room. I guess I thought I'd be out here a lot. And, initially, I was.
This chair has had a lot of use this past year. It's the chair I tried to learn how to nurse a baby in. The chair I sat in multiple times a day those first two weeks as we went through the awful (but at least partially successful) rigamarole of trying to increase my milk supply. It's the chair I sat in the weekend I started trying to convince Baby Girl that we sleep when it's dark outside -- the chair I sat in and rocked while singing to her in the dark.
But time passed. And our baby grew bigger. And she started sleeping through the night. And then she started sleeping in her own room. And so all the extra baby paraphernalia -- like the pack and play and the glider -- which had been staged in the living room for any eventuality, was either put away or moved to her bedroom.
Now it is the chair I sit in every night as I give her her last bottle. It is the chair where I get her sweet baby snuggles. Pretty much the only place in the house where I can enjoy the feeling of her sleeping on me. It is the place I sit in the middle of the night when she wakes up crying (which is rare, but it happened last night), and I hold her and rock until she goes back to sleep.
It is the place I picture when I think of the poem which includes these beautiful, poignant words:
So settle down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby,
And babies don't keep.
This glider already holds so many memories for me. And I know there will be more ahead. I'm grateful for it. Grateful for it's place in the corner of our sweet girl's nursery. Grateful for the moments it has given me with my precious daughter. Who knew a glider would come to mean so much?
What are you grateful for today?
I still remember cleaning it in preparation for our baby. It used to sit out in the living room. I guess I thought I'd be out here a lot. And, initially, I was.
This chair has had a lot of use this past year. It's the chair I tried to learn how to nurse a baby in. The chair I sat in multiple times a day those first two weeks as we went through the awful (but at least partially successful) rigamarole of trying to increase my milk supply. It's the chair I sat in the weekend I started trying to convince Baby Girl that we sleep when it's dark outside -- the chair I sat in and rocked while singing to her in the dark.
But time passed. And our baby grew bigger. And she started sleeping through the night. And then she started sleeping in her own room. And so all the extra baby paraphernalia -- like the pack and play and the glider -- which had been staged in the living room for any eventuality, was either put away or moved to her bedroom.
Now it is the chair I sit in every night as I give her her last bottle. It is the chair where I get her sweet baby snuggles. Pretty much the only place in the house where I can enjoy the feeling of her sleeping on me. It is the place I sit in the middle of the night when she wakes up crying (which is rare, but it happened last night), and I hold her and rock until she goes back to sleep.
It is the place I picture when I think of the poem which includes these beautiful, poignant words:
So settle down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby,
And babies don't keep.
This glider already holds so many memories for me. And I know there will be more ahead. I'm grateful for it. Grateful for it's place in the corner of our sweet girl's nursery. Grateful for the moments it has given me with my precious daughter. Who knew a glider would come to mean so much?
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Song "I Am a Child of God"
We don't have many rough nights around here. Usually Baby Girl goes down easily and without crying.
Tonight was one of the exceptions. She cried and cried and cried. Not sure why.
But I know that, when she is crying that much, very few things calm her down as quickly as me singing softly in her ear:
I am a child of God.
And He has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me,
Walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him someday.
Her crying stops almost immediately and she begins to calm down. So I rock her and I sing.
I love the song because it is beautiful. It is true. And it helps me remember who I am, too.
And I love that it has clearly become one of her favorites too.
And for that, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Tonight was one of the exceptions. She cried and cried and cried. Not sure why.
But I know that, when she is crying that much, very few things calm her down as quickly as me singing softly in her ear:
I am a child of God.
And He has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me,
Walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him someday.
Her crying stops almost immediately and she begins to calm down. So I rock her and I sing.
I love the song because it is beautiful. It is true. And it helps me remember who I am, too.
And I love that it has clearly become one of her favorites too.
And for that, I am grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, May 3, 2014
My Sister-in-Law Gwen
I'm pretty much always grateful for my sister-in-law Gwen. I am fortunate that she married one of my sweetie's awesome brothers (way before I married my sweetie, by the way) so that I can know her.
She's awesome for a number of reasons. Like she has the best cornbread recipe. And she makes awesome soups. And also I have come to really admire her parenting and hope to figure out how to be like her in a lot of those ways. She's been my go-to person for a lot of things, and maybe she doesn't know this, but in many ways I've viewed her as a mentor.
But none of those awesome things are why I'm grateful for her today specifically. That reason is that, as a baby shower gift (a year ago today!), she gave us some essential oils stuff for various baby needs.
I won't claim to know much about essential oils. Gwen does, though. She's a total guru at it and actually has a business having to do with them. I also can't claim to be all about oils. I haven't done the research necessary to be all about them, for one thing.
But here's the thing: today, after I got home from a baby shower, I discovered my little miss was running a fever. A low-grade one. And she definitely wasn't being herself. She wasn't crying and she would babble and crawl around a bit. But she was more snuggly and not at all excited about things like she usually is. Just not her normal self. So I knew she wasn't feeling well. And maybe this is a mommy fail in some ways, but I have no baby Tylenol or anything of the sort in the house. And I'm a little hesitant at times to automatically medicate. But then my husband remembered that we got several things as baby gifts from Gwen. I couldn't remember what all of them were (though we've now used all of them at some point in the last year, just not often enough for me to remember each one). And tonight we finally used the fever reducer one -- that just gets rolled on the bottom of her feet.
And I was so grateful for Gwen -- that she knows what she knows. That she provided us with something we could use to try to help our little girl.
Baby Girl is now sleeping soundly. And in feeling her head before she went down for the night, I'm pretty sure it felt a little cooler (I didn't actually take her temperature, though, so I'm going by feel). And so I'm going to say this was a success. We've also used the diaper rash spray and the upset tummy roll-on too -- mostly back in the day when she had lots of gas troubles and fussed a lot.
Anyway, I just appreciate that I had something to use tonight... And it was thanks to the thoughtfulness of Gwen. And from my mommy heart, I can't help but be so grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
She's awesome for a number of reasons. Like she has the best cornbread recipe. And she makes awesome soups. And also I have come to really admire her parenting and hope to figure out how to be like her in a lot of those ways. She's been my go-to person for a lot of things, and maybe she doesn't know this, but in many ways I've viewed her as a mentor.
But none of those awesome things are why I'm grateful for her today specifically. That reason is that, as a baby shower gift (a year ago today!), she gave us some essential oils stuff for various baby needs.
I won't claim to know much about essential oils. Gwen does, though. She's a total guru at it and actually has a business having to do with them. I also can't claim to be all about oils. I haven't done the research necessary to be all about them, for one thing.
But here's the thing: today, after I got home from a baby shower, I discovered my little miss was running a fever. A low-grade one. And she definitely wasn't being herself. She wasn't crying and she would babble and crawl around a bit. But she was more snuggly and not at all excited about things like she usually is. Just not her normal self. So I knew she wasn't feeling well. And maybe this is a mommy fail in some ways, but I have no baby Tylenol or anything of the sort in the house. And I'm a little hesitant at times to automatically medicate. But then my husband remembered that we got several things as baby gifts from Gwen. I couldn't remember what all of them were (though we've now used all of them at some point in the last year, just not often enough for me to remember each one). And tonight we finally used the fever reducer one -- that just gets rolled on the bottom of her feet.
And I was so grateful for Gwen -- that she knows what she knows. That she provided us with something we could use to try to help our little girl.
Baby Girl is now sleeping soundly. And in feeling her head before she went down for the night, I'm pretty sure it felt a little cooler (I didn't actually take her temperature, though, so I'm going by feel). And so I'm going to say this was a success. We've also used the diaper rash spray and the upset tummy roll-on too -- mostly back in the day when she had lots of gas troubles and fussed a lot.
Anyway, I just appreciate that I had something to use tonight... And it was thanks to the thoughtfulness of Gwen. And from my mommy heart, I can't help but be so grateful.
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, May 2, 2014
Abreva
I've suffered from cold sores (or fever blisters -- whatever you prefer to call them) my whole life. According to my mom, it's what broke me of the bottle.
I'm grateful to say that, as I've gotten older, I've had fewer of these bad boys (in fact, to find this stuff, I had to go digging through the purse I haven't used since I took it to the hospital to have a baby, so I guess it's been about a year, at least!). Because they are bad. As in not enjoyable. Although, to be fair, they've also been milder and less annoying in recent years too.
The main reason I get these -- when I do get them -- is stress. But I also get them sometimes when I've had a cold. And also when I allow my lips to get dried out (whether by wind or sun). One year in Panama, I went to Isla Grande with some friends and didn't put sunscreen on my face or any lip protection on. I got fried. And wound up breaking out with about 3 HUGE cold sores. At the same time. It was miserable.
I'm pretty sure the reason I woke up with one this morning is weather-related. I felt it two days ago when my lips started getting chapped. I started coating with the chapstick, but not soon enough!
But that's where Abreva comes in! This stuff rocks. I discovered it many years ago in Alabama. Prior to that, I tried various things, but never with this kind of success.
Yes, this stuff has a higher price tag. But you get what you pay for. And this stuff works. So I'm willing to pay the price. It also lasts me a long time (that tube pictured is very small).
For me, this stuff seems to nip the dumb cold sore in the bud quickly. I experience less itching, it doesn't spread as much, and it clears up a ton faster.
I have to say, it's not exactly pleasant to have these. I've never been grateful for cold sores. Not only are they annoying, but they are also ugly and somewhat embarrassing. But they are in my genetics. I'm hoping not to pass them along, but life is life and I guess we'll see.
And, since I am stuck with them, I am grateful there is Abreva to help me get through the experience quicker and with less unpleasantness.
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Days When Allergies DON'T Attack
In a cruel twist of life, after 30 years of living (with 3 of those being in Washington), I started getting allergies. And I've had them every year since (which is 3 years now...).
I am now completely sympathetic and empathetic to those who suffer from allergies.
It is no fun. Like, at all.
But I think it's kind of like having a baby: you forget just how awful it can be (the labor part, not the baby part) until you're smack dab in the middle of it again.
Because just a couple weeks ago, the hubs and I were discussing the impending doom of my allergies (which usually strike in early June) and I was saying that I would do better this year than last year -- that it probably wasn't that bad; that it had just seemed particularly unbearable last year because I had a newborn and wasn't getting any sleep.
But then the crazy weather went and got super hot (record-breaking highs is what my sweetie told me he heard at work today - blah!) and the allergies started acting up yesterday.
And yeah, I remembered it's not all fun and games. Ick.
The sneezing -- the itchy nose -- the constant-runny nose -- the chaffed nose (from all the nose-blowing) -- the burning eyes.
So not my idea of fun.
So I was dreading today when it was forecast to be hotter than yesterday (my allergies are worse on the hot sunny days). But I was still determined to try to have a good attitude about it -- and hope the allergies would be done in May this year and not come back in June :)...
But I didn't end up having nearly as many issues today! In fact, it was pretty much a normal day! Which made me ever so grateful :).
And yeah, the allergies may not last super long when they hit. But when they do... They sure do make me super-duper grateful for the 350 days a year when I don't have them!!!
What are you grateful for today?
I am now completely sympathetic and empathetic to those who suffer from allergies.
It is no fun. Like, at all.
But I think it's kind of like having a baby: you forget just how awful it can be (the labor part, not the baby part) until you're smack dab in the middle of it again.
Because just a couple weeks ago, the hubs and I were discussing the impending doom of my allergies (which usually strike in early June) and I was saying that I would do better this year than last year -- that it probably wasn't that bad; that it had just seemed particularly unbearable last year because I had a newborn and wasn't getting any sleep.
But then the crazy weather went and got super hot (record-breaking highs is what my sweetie told me he heard at work today - blah!) and the allergies started acting up yesterday.
And yeah, I remembered it's not all fun and games. Ick.
The sneezing -- the itchy nose -- the constant-runny nose -- the chaffed nose (from all the nose-blowing) -- the burning eyes.
So not my idea of fun.
So I was dreading today when it was forecast to be hotter than yesterday (my allergies are worse on the hot sunny days). But I was still determined to try to have a good attitude about it -- and hope the allergies would be done in May this year and not come back in June :)...
But I didn't end up having nearly as many issues today! In fact, it was pretty much a normal day! Which made me ever so grateful :).
And yeah, the allergies may not last super long when they hit. But when they do... They sure do make me super-duper grateful for the 350 days a year when I don't have them!!!
What are you grateful for today?
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