Happiness

  Seven years ago I wrote this post about things that make me happy. I want to add to it. Comedy - Jim Gaffigan, Brian Regan, Nate Berghatze, the original cast of Studio C, some SNL, Jesterz with my friend Desi as a part of the crew Instagram - I like to peruse it for short periods of time. It also helps distract me when I am sick and at the dentist which is great! My adult children -They are smart and funny and well adjusted. Imagine that! Learning about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. President Nelson asked us to spend time each week studying this and I absolutely love it! 

It’s November! I love November! I love the cooler weather, Thanksgiving, our Thankful tree and being thankful for all that God has given to us. This last weekend I had a migraine and I lay awake last night not being able to sleep. I decided to count my blessings. After half an hour or so I fell asleep, grateful for what I have been given. It felt like I had exercised a grateful muscle and it felt so good. A few of these things were: - My kids- Elizabeth and Ethan and Jonah and Asher and Declan and Rosie. They are all healthy and well! -Missions- Asher has been serving for 14 months in Ohio. He loves it and I love him! - Josh. He works so hard for our family and is progressing in his program. - My Mom. I love talking to her and checking in with her. - My Sisters. I love how thoughtful and kind each one of them are. They are amazing! - My Savior. He has done so very much for me and has been in it in the thick of things from the very start. I love Him and am indebted to Him for all that h...

The other day I found out that one of my friend is expecting a baby. Oh, how I enjoyed being pregnant and having brand new babies (no wonder I had 6 of them)! In a small moment of baby hunger, I had to remind myself. I am not in my baby era. I am in the Kindergarten Era. I am in my sixth grade era, my missionary serving era and my 3 oldest thriving away from home era, my married to a PhD student era. My youngest is in Kindergarten. And she loves it! She is doing amazing things! I drop her off in the morning with a carpool and then I have the mornings all to myself. Can it get better than this? I suggest not. 

  Today my two youngest sang and spoke in their Church Primary Program. They do this every year. And it’s one of my favorite Sundays! This year was particularly special since it’s Declan’s last one as he goes to the Youth group next year when he turns twelve. He is ready to be done! I watched from home today with a migraine and took some pictures from the tv. Declan played This Little Light of Mine on the ukulele and Rosie sang a duet with Lizzie on As I Search the Holy Scriptures. Great job, guys! 

I haven’t blogged in here for awhile. But, now I’m back! Hopefully you are all still with me.  Life has been busy! I’ll just briefly hit the highlights and then move on from there! Elizabeth turned 23! Hooray! Ethan came home from selling pest control and started working at In n Out. He and Jonah left together for BYU Provo in August and are rooming together. They are having the best time! We sure miss them though.  Asher had three areas and four new companions and hit his one year mark in September! He’s doing awesome! School started and with is Declan started 6th grade and Rosie started Kindergarten half day in a Montessori program. They both love school and say those exact words “I love school!” What a blessing to have found a great fit for these kiddos. Josh continues to work and take a few classes each semester for his PhD program in Complex Adaptive Systems. He absolutely loves school too! I have been staying home- cleaning the house, exercising, resting and reading. It’...

Katrina Kleinman is married to my nephew Alec. She started a podcast called I feel my Savior’s Love. A few months ago, she put out a call for guests. I texted her and a little later we talked on zoom- talking about an experience (or two) where I have felt my Savior’s love for me specifically. I was pretty nervous but I think it went well. I haven’t listened to it yet since the sound of my own voice is weird to me! Without further ado, here it is: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-feel-my-saviors-love/id1799605905?i=1000709372418 Enjoy! ❤️❤️❤️