Relations & Relating

One of the things most often taken advantage of in this life is family. While we are related to one another, we can't always relate to each other. Spending time with my sister this afternoon really helped with our relating. When we were younger we had very little to relate us. There were many years between us. Now, years don't matter and our lives are very similar. Though we are different in personalities, we can relate as mothers and sisters. Our relationship is growing and our bond is strengthening. Dad once said when all was done there would only be family. How much nicer to be left with someone you are relating to.

Happiness is. . . finding friends within your family.

Slowing Down

With spring break here and all the kiddies out of school, my husband took three days off to spend time as a family. A family PLUS one. We always gladly have some friend or another along with us. Yesterday we took a quick excursion to the local state park. We all had fun exploring the swamp and seeing sights we don't normally see. One of the best sights was my three year old's shoe floating in that swamp. Yes, my dear little one lost a shoe to the swamp monster. She was heart broken, but like all young children she quickly went back to checking all the tree holes within her short height and picking up every stick to use while walking. It was a simple, special outing for a family that lives to fast.

Happiness is. . . Slowing down to enjoy the simple things in life through the eyes of a child.

Peace at the Park

Going to the park with my crew always allows for time to sit back and watch. Okay, more like collapse on a bench and find a moment where you are not having to clean, straighten, or referee. But after sanity sinks back into my mind, I can watch. I can watch the children living their lives. I can watch their youthful enthusiasm and their unequivocal imagination. As i sat and watched, the girls congregated under the play apparatus and preceded to plan the best method for chasing each other around the playground - squealing at the top of their lungs. And then they huddled once more to plan it all over again.
Then I watched the young boys at the park. The quickly got together and started gathering the fallen logs and wood. They did not stop to plan as the girls had, but simply placed the wood and then went to find another piece. There was no telling each other where the wood went or how to place it. They each got their piece of lumber and placed it where they thought best. Then the next made do with what the others left and placed his piece. Soon they had a not so little lean to.

Happiness is. . . Watching girls making the experience what it is, and watching boys taking what it is and making do.

Hinckley Challenge

With the passing of a beloved prophet of the Lord, my sister sent me a link to the "Hinckley Challenge." The challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days, one day for each year he was on this earth. I have accepted this challenge and you can follow my progress on the chart. I found this short tribute to Pres. Hinckley, so that some may understand a little of our love for this man.

Family First

Life gets crazy the older and more involved your children become. Fortunately, the older they are the more they can do for you. My oldest, a daughter, is almost twelve. She is learning that growing up is hard to do, especially when Mom needs you to watch your siblings and you want to go off with your friends. In our family, the needs of the family come first. So when I needed her to watch her younger siblings for a short time (it turned into a little longer than a short time) she pouted and said okay. All worked out for the best, and I told her I really appreciated her help. She understood and went off with her friends (better later than not at all).
In trying to teach the children family comes first, I am really just teaching them what I was taught. My siblings and I are closer today, and our children love their cousins because we are close. I want the same for my children. And in the end all that is left for us (all we really need) is family. The family is for eternity - might as well build it, strengthen it, and enjoy it.

Happiness is. . . putting family first above all else.