Who I Am, Randomness and Free Writing

I often wonder who I am in the grand scheme of things, in my little place in this world.  What niche am I carving for myself?  I am a girl who drives an orange VW bug with a Boise State license plate frame.  I live in a yellow house with red shutters, comfortable porch and a welcome mat.  I cook in a yellow kitchen with red plaid curtains...my happy colors.  I love a clean home and organization, though I'm not perfect.  I hate clutter as it drives me nuts and messes with my feng shui.  I love chocolate covered raisins, Cherry Coke Zero, homemade pizza and salads with grilled chicken.  I am a reader, movie lover, yoga enthusiast and sometimes runner who enjoys journaling, writing, blogging and pretty pens.  I am a peacemaker, people pleaser and introvert.  I say yes to most things asked of me, just to please, even though sometimes I don't want to.  I'm an analytical thinker.  I have the ability to look at both sides and think things through.  I've never been one for spontaneity, but I'm trying.  I am a wife of almost 24 years to KT, daughter to two great parents and mother to three:  One air force son, one missionary son and one sophomore in high school daughter.  Being a mother is the best job I've ever had.  Yes, it is and has been tough, but oh so rewarding.  It's who I am and who I was meant to be.  I am a daughter of God, I love my Savior Jesus Christ.  I try to please Him, too, and I am a Mormon.

If I were to sum up who I am, this is who I am, the niche I leave... 

How would you sum yourself up?

What niche are you carving for yourself?

Back Pain AKA a Spiritual Experience

Source

The last few months have been a difficult experience for me.  I'm not going to complain about my back pain, I've done that before, but I am going to share an experience that I felt was spiritual in nature related to my back pain.

Back a few years ago, I receive a blessing that stated that I would live a life relatively free from pain as long as I was faithful.  That is a blessing I have always truly treasured.  What could be better?  Free from pain!  But, recently, I had found my faith in Him wavering as I struggled with this back pain.  I didn't understand how I could serve Him, be faithful and still have this back pain.  I just didn't get it.  What did I do wrong?  What wasn't I doing?

When I had my MRI and three bulging discs were discovered, my doctor said to me, "I don't know how you aren't in more pain than you are!"  I mean, I get up every day...Shower, perform a chore or two, I had figured out a way to cook dinner while sitting on a stool in the kitchen.  I was still doing and trying to be cheerful despite my issue.  He mentioned that a lot of people with bulging discs, especially three, don't even get out of bed and here I was doing...It was then that I had a spiritual epiphany, that despite my pain, my Heavenly Father quite literally had my back.  Even though I am not pain free, I am relatively free from the type of pain that I could have.  It could be worse if I didn't have Him in my life and I am so grateful for that!

Have you found gratitude through your trials?

 

Journaling, Happy Endorphins and {MMB}

 Henry B. Eyring "O Remember, Remember" - Liahona Nov. 2007.  "My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done. You remember that song we sometimes sing: “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”  

^{Today, over at MMB, I am sharing an article} about Journals 

and how they can be a tool for enhancing our happiness.  

Please stop by and take a look.  

**As always I appreciate your comments and support**

Because I have Been Given Much {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

Source

On my wall hangs a large count down calendar which denotes how many days Miguel has left in his mission.  After coloring in the dot yesterday, only 319 days left until he comes home,  I realized that #319 is my favorite Hymn in our church Hymnal.  "Because I have Been Given Much". 

Because I have been given much, I too must give.Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,who has the need of help from me.Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,that he too may be comforted.Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

The lyrics reminded me that despite whatever trials I am going through, I am so blessed.  And, because I have been given much, I have shared my son with my Heavenly Father as Miguel serves and teaches and loves the good people of Atlanta, Georgia.

I must remember every day to be grateful.  And that I am...

Hello Monday!

Hello Monday!

Hello fires in Idaho!  

This was taken from a friend's subdivision. It's beautiful yet frightening.

Source

Hello Hannah Anderson.  

So glad you were found less than two hours from my home. 

 Idaho rocks!  Just sayin'

Source

Hello MRI showing three bulging discs. 

(Not an actual picture of mine...)

Back pain anyone?  Now on to being healed...

Summer: Epic Failure

Source

I had a small list of things I wanted to accomplish this summer...things like painting a room and redecorating it, losing some weight with lots of time to exercise, go to an amusement park and get my roller coaster on.  My summer has become an epic failure due to this back issue.  I have accomplished nothing I set out to do because of this stinking back pain thing.  I have read lots of books and spent some wonderful time with Ladybug, but when I don't measure up to my mental list, well that's a hard pill to swallow.

I am finally getting to the root of the issues this week with further testing and imaging and ironically just  as I'm heading back to work.  This is the end of my school break, back to that school office and registrations.

As far as I'm concerned, summer break is never long enough.  

What have you been able to accomplish this summer?

Three Degrees of Separation {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

Source

Miguel has recently been transferred within his Church Mission in Georgia.  He is now living, serving and teaching within Lawrenceville, Georgia.  I'm sure you've often heard the theory of six degrees of separation.  The theory that says we are six or fewer steps away from anyone in the world.  Well, the other day, I made a random three degrees of separation from my son.  While visiting my doctor regarding my back issues he mentioned to me that he received an email from his brother who is living in Georgia.  His brother mentioned to him that there was a young man serving in his Church from our town here in Idaho and asked his doctor brother if he knew of him.  Being that my doctor is Miguel's doctor, too, he said, "Yes!  I know them".  So, my doctor's brother attends the same church in Georgia as Miguel.  That's three degrees of separation. 

I love how small our world can sometimes seem.

Air Force Man Returns

This past week we have been enjoying the company of TJ.  He came home for a visit from the Albuquerque where he is stationed in the AIR FORCE.  He hasn't seen these two jokers in over two years...They welcomed him home with a sign and to give him a hard time they put National Guard...Check out those patriotic socks and pink shoes.  That kids a hoot.

When TJ lived at home he worked at Little Caesars.  He couldn't even make it home before stopping for some pizza.  I swear this kid eats like 4,000 calories a day.  He is constantly eating.  

It has been fun for him to reconnect with his friends and amazing for us to have him home.  Today we put him back on an air plane.  It is never easy watching your kids leave.