The ABC's of Back to School

The other day as I stepped outside for my morning run, there was a big, bright, full moon up in the sky and a chilly breeze rustling the leaves. I thought to myself, "It feels like fall!" - And I of course love the fall and everything that comes with it - the colors, the leaves, the pumpkins (and the pumpkin treats:), the resurrection of the hot chocolate, and for me, what is the beginning of all of the fun holidays and traditions. Needless to say, I was excited and had an added little bounce to my step that day.
This was also the day that we had our "back to school" family home evening. We pulled out our chalkboard and went through the "ABC's" of back to school. "A" is for attitude, "B" is for blessings, and "C" is for choices. You know, it's really up to us how we will approach each day, each situation, each trial, and each new experience that Heavenly Father gives us. If we will only look at the overflowing toilet as an opportunity to mop the bathroom floor, or doing the dinner dishes as an opportunity to talk about your day with those that you love, then I think we will find an abundance of happiness all along the way. Choosing to be happy and choosing to recognize the many blessings that are handed to us each day truly reflects a grateful heart. If I can maintain a positive "Attitude," seek to recognize my many "Blessings," and "Choose" to fill my home with peace and harmony, then the spirit will be ever present. I really want my children to be happy living here. I figure that heaven was probably a pretty spectacular place to live, and I don't want them to be too terribly home sick :). Even though we definitely have our moments of rivalry, selfishness, and hyperactivity, I really think that the children are learning how to make correct choices, count their many blessings, and strive to be genuinely happy as they go about their day. This was all very evident to me as I watched my three oldest on their first day of school. Kierra began her first morning with what she called her "gratitude prayer," Carew livened up the morning with his"sizzling finger to the hip" because he looked "so hot" in his new outfit:), and Dallin reminded us all once again that he belongs to the best family in the whole wide world!
I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father fills our lives with tender little mercies, and that by choosing to recognize all of the blessings that are sprinkled on us throughout the day, an attitude of happiness and optimism shows Him just how truly grateful we really are.
(P.S. Anyone for hot chocolate?:)

Blueprint of an Angel

One of my very favorite moments in the routine of my day, is when I leave the hallway upstairs and step inside the bedroom of my littlest angel. It's almost as if heaven itself has descended in a cloud and softly taken refuge in a little princess bedroom. It never ceases to amaze me how tender the feeling is inside that room; I become swept away in awe and fall in love with the scene that I find every single time.

The other day as I layed Kambriella down for her nap, I pressed my ear against her door hoping that the silence was a sign that she had fallen asleep. It was very quiet so I peeked inside only to find the view of two chubby little legs dangling out of her crib as carefree as if dangling her toes into a cool pool of water on a hot summer's day. She wasn't asleep yet and she didn't see me, so I tip-toed quietly out of her room with a smile glued on my face that carried me throughout the rest of the day. I thought to myself later on, "That was the sweetest thing I have ever seen and I hope she does it again so that I can snap the shot and push pause on that memory forever." Well, after a long Sunday of Primary songs, chocolate chip cookies, and playing with her family, she was exhausted and I layed her down and quietly snuck out of the room. Sure enough, when I crept back in to check on her, I was greeted by 10 little toes and I thought to myself, "Surely this must be the blueprint of an angel."

There is something so precious about tiny baby toes. They are a symbol of innosence and playfulness, of glass slippers yet to fit, and of faith yet to follow in someone else's footsteps. I can't help but wonder where her little feet will go, and all of the other little one's in my care for that matter. Will they walk straight and tall? Will they slip off their own sandals and try walking in someone else's shoes? Will they run where ever they go and will they go the extra mile? Will they embark on their own journey and find their own "happily ever after?" I pray everyday that Heavenly Father will help guide my footsteps so that the path will not be too hard for them to follow. Besides, who needs to follow footsteps when you've already got wings? In fact, with the blueprints of angels all around, I think I just need to follow their lead. :)

Tugging at my Heart Strings

I tuck my little ones in bed and head up the stairs only to be called back for "one more kiss" and "one more hug." With my eyes gently closed and their tiny arms wrapped around me, I try to record the feeling deep in my heart. -Because they are tugging on my heart strings and I never want to forget this feeling.
So many moments pass too quickly and I can't help but want to hold on to them forever, so I have decided to do what prophets have counseled for ages. Write them down. Henry B. Eyring gave a talk in conference a few years back and encouraged us to take a few moments everyday to try and recognize the Lord's hand in our lives. You know, I haven't been too good at recording those moments on paper, but my mind and heart are full of vivid still moments in time where I have felt the love of the Lord and His loving hand guiding me. I have consciously stopped to "be still" so that I might more fully be able to recognize those moments when He is there.
Being a wife and a mother has helped me to see that He is not only there, but He is everywhere. He is in the first light of the sunrise and in the brilliance of the moon at night. He is in the strength of daddy's hand and in the comfort of his touch. He is in the tender, sweet cry of our newborn baby and in the laughter of each little child. He is in the big blue eyes that watch in amazement as stories are told and lessons are taught. He is in the courage and faith of a family's humble prayer. His love is ever present . He is always there.
Today, there were 5 little angels tugging on my heart strings. As I washed the dishes, there was one who hugged me around my knees in a body language that seemed to say, "Here I am mommy! I want to hold you!" Another wrapped his arms around the core of my body as if to "get a good grip" and squeezed me tight! Two of the little angels puckered up so big that their lips stuck out farther than their noses! And oh to hear the sweet song of gratitude slip from their lips for the simple things in life. I never knew that scrambled eggs and pancakes could mean so much!
Well, I think this is going to be the beginning of endless memories! I want to use this time to record all of the "tugging" that goes on in my heart. I am so grateful for every day that we are given and for the opportunity to live within these walls, in the company of these precious angels...