How lucky am I?

Darren and I were both up way too late last night....  just couldn't sleep for some reason.
Darren was watching LOST and I was cyber-stalking.

This morning it was really hard to get up... which was a problem as we both had to be to work at 7. I could not be late as I needed to be in Cedar by 9.

(SIDE NOTE:  Our family could NOT function without my parents.  Seriously.  Around December, my dad found out that I'd been sent a letter from the school regarding the fact that N already had 14 tardies. FOURTEEN!!!  My dad took it upon himself to come every morning and takes the littles to school.  EVERY MORNING.  Thank you dad for showing your love through both word and deed).

I leave home first and get to the office and grab the keys to the state car. It's 7:15 so I'm late leaving.  As I'm walking back out of the office to head out of town, Darren is pulling in.  I wave to him across the parking lot as I trot my late bad self to the state car.  Darren detours after me, tells me to get in and start the car, and proceeds to scrape what looked like two inches of stubborn ice off the windshield for me.  I sat in the car and cried and watched the love of my life take care of his bride.

Life is full of blessings both big and small.  So grateful.

While I have not been a faithful blogger, I AM a faithful reader.
I check several sites almost daily to check up on what is new.
One blog that I've missed lately is the site of my sister Regina.

Regina used to be a pretty faithful blogger, but took a break after the death of her sweet dog Rosie.  It was just another tragedy in a list of traumatic things she and her family has endured in the last 12 months.  I have faithfully checked to see if there is a new update from her.

Today I was so happy to see a new note from her.  I read it quickly. Then I read it again.  Then I read it again.

I love my sister.  I want her to find joy.  I love that she is seeking for it.

I can relate to some of the feelings she has.  I question myself a lot lately ... am I being enough of this or enough of that? Am I spending my time in the right way? Am I spending my money in the right way?  Am I spending my energy in the right way?  And the answer usually is NO.  I'm not.  I dream of selling my house and downsizing so I have more money to spend traveling and giving the kids more opportunities.    I dream of not working so much.  I dream of having more time to spend on things I really love.  In other words I want a more simple life.  And I really could have those things.  But then in my mind I outline the life changes I would need to make and the steps I would need to take (the reality check of it all). And it all sounds so big and scary that I end up doing (wait for it). NOTHING.  And I have to realize I'm just not brave enough.  Right now.

So sister, I wish you luck on your journey. You have guided me many times in my life and I still look to you.

Below is a video of a song that the Young Women in our ward sang for New Beginnings in January. The song really touched my heart.  We have the CD and I listen to this song often.  It makes me happy.  (The video is a little distracting so I would actually recommend closing your eyes and just listening to the beautiful lyrics.)  The first time I heard it, I immediately thought of Regina as this is a message I wanted to share with her.  But I didn't.  I didn't want her to take it wrong.  But after her bold blog and her statements in it, I feel like it is now okay. So thank you Sister.

Want to hear my exciting idea??? I am making a family photo album based on the lyrics of this song.  Picture it . . .  it is going to be amazing.  And it has me excited.   And I like that feeling.

So sister.  Here's to you.  With love. 

Two Peas in a Pod

Click on picture to enlarge..

Received this pic from Aunt Ashlee today in response to the note I'd put on this pic of E3 on our family blog. They really DO look alike in my opinion. Oh to be so cute...

I admit I'm not one of those mom's that cries on the first day of school.
I LOVED school. I love this time of year. I love the school supplies, the backpacks, the new clothes.
I love the excitement of a new start.
Luckily it seems like the kids like school, too. That makes me very happy.
Good luck munchkins! Your mom thinks you are great!!!