Happiness

I've had a lot of BIG trials in my life. If you look at this picture, it doesn't seem like I have. But we all have the tiger by the tail, as someone put it on Sunday, don't we? I deal with strong bouts of depression that come and go based on nothing in my life at the time- ok, maybe hormones.  I have dealt with a chronic illness that put me in bed several days out of the week and led to a move out of state. I have had- we have had- 3 miscarriages and one application to do foster care that didn't go through since we found out we were expecting. My daughter is also dealing with depression and anxiety and has bouts of doubts I cannot solve. I could keep going but I won't. Even though I have faced these trials and maybe because of them, I am happy. I am a happy Mother of 5 beautiful children and a handsome husband. I thank God for all that I have in my life and I hope that I can in turn help others as well.  

Well, I guess since I mentioned in my last post that I love it when it pours down trials, more trials have hit and I've been humbled. No longer am I prideful and rejoicing in that fact that this move has been hard. I am holding on and doing my best to rejoice in the small, tender mercies of the Lord. The Tender Mercies: -Even though we lost access to water last night because of a broken pipe caused by a repair man, we were able to get it back quickly this afternoon. -I finished the laundry right before we lost our water. -We were able to go swimming in our pool this afternoon (Heavenly!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pool at home idea!) and the water came back on right in time for me and the kiddos to have a hot showers! -Yesterday it rained and while we were figuring out what to do with the broken pipe, a double rainbow appeared. Amazing! -I have a stye (a red bump) in my eye from lack of sleep but was able to sleep in and it is getting better. -Even though it was something I didn't ...

Elizabeth- practicing her Articles of Faith on the sidewalk! Just yesterday morning I found out that the husband of a friend of mine- a girl that I visit taught at one point for about six months- had passed away last week. Due to complications of Depression. To say that I was shocked is putting it mildly. I knew that he had been struggling with Depression. She had told me of his struggles and of some of his thoughts and concerns. BUT!!! They had been married in the Temple. They have a gorgeous son who is about 3 years old. His wife is gorgeous- talented beyond description- and currently teaches fifth grade. All those BUTS made me not worry. I figured things would be okay. Things would turn out well. He would make things work. Yesterday reminded me that LIFE happens sometimes. Even though we are married in the temple, even though we have children and even though we are talented (or should I say especially?) life can hit us upside the head, break our hearts and knock us for a loop. We c...