I've been telling myself something similar to the quote above for a few weeks now.  Most days the committee listens, but some days they are having a party!  It's a struggle, but I try to focus on the good things in my life:  my kids, my husband, my faith, my friends, etc.  This helps greatly!  What doesn't help:  the waiting for things to work out (see my last post).  It seems like there's a tiny light at the end of the tunnel, but it's still far away and hard to see.  Until the light is fully in view I will keep following the advice above.

“It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love.”
—President Thomas S. Monson, “We Never Walk Alone”

 

 

I couldn't resist posting a beautiful 'springy' picture!  I saw a handful of robins on our front lawn this morning and then when I went into the kitchen there was a flock of birds on our back lawn.  What better thing to send me into 'spring fever'?

There are several reasons why I am ready for spring.  The robins are part of one of those reasons.  Without snow, the earth believes it is spring time!  Flower bulbs are blooming, birds are singing and people (including myself) are running around outside without even a jacket.  Another reason:  I am ready to open up the windows and air this place out!  Get all the germy, stuffy air out of our house.

I also have spring fever because I can't wait to watch my kids play soccer again.  M is playing, as she has for the past 6 years.  M and some friends also talked DH into playing for the first time in 6 years.  S, however, has decided not to play again.  After watching M and DH play a church basketball game (and getting to play with them for a few minutes) S decided she would rather play basketball.  Too bad the season is half over already.  But if she changes her mind we can still get her signed up for soccer.

I'm also hoping that spring brings some answers for us.  We are kind of in limbo right now, waiting for some things to work themselves out.  It is so hard to wait.  However, we know that the Lord will allow everything to work itself out as He wants it too.  Just being patient for those things to happen is hard.

"Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.
To all who feel they walk in darkness, I invite you to rely on this certain promise spoken by the Savior of mankind: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Thank you to my wonderful mom for posting this quote today.  She knew it's what I needed.  After attending the temple last night with my hubby my heavy heart was lightened.  I am so very grateful for these holy, sacred temples.  I can't say I learned anything from the actual session, but I got what I needed and was there searching for:  peace. 

 

I've been struggling to find the 'something' in each day.  It's hard to do when you're children are struggling.  M is sick...again.  Nothing new.  M's asthma weakens the immune system, so every little virus latches on!  M just gets caught up from the last school days missed, and then misses more school.  It is a never ending cycle.  When I called to excuse her from seminary yesterday, Bro. D asked if there was an end in sight.  It almost made me cry.  The only thing that might help is to move somewhere where the air is cleaner.  Not exactly an easy solution.

 

The joy that I did find today came as I went to DJ and S's parent/teacher conferences.  They are both doing very well in school and have met their goals from the last parent/teacher conferences.  There was only one goal that DJ didn't quite meet...that of getting in trouble for talking too much. The last conferences were right after we moved here.  At the end  of the first day at the new school DJ's teacher had to ask if DJ spoke English.  Really!?  That should give you a clue as to how shy our kids are.  DJ is the most shy though.  That is why Mrs. H set that goal for DJ.  This time it is for DJ to ask her how she's doing a couple of times a week ,because it makes her day when DJ talks to her.  Seems like an odd goal, but DJ is doing great in every other aspect of school.  S is doing good too.  The goal was a bit opposite...Mrs. B asked S to listen better and not talk to friends when they are supposed to be listening. 

 

I am learning that each of our kids will grieve in their own time.  M had one of those moments a couple of weeks ago.  DJ had one today.  S had one at bedtime after I had to tell the kids that we had to postpone our trip to visit my mom.  S was afraid that we wouldn't get to see her again.  I quickly understood that S was worried about that because of their other grandmother's death a few months ago.  I was able to calm the fears and explain that we will see my mom again soon, and that grandpa B and grandma S are watching over us each and every day. 

 

This post has gone all over the map a bit.  Sorry for that.  I hope you, with me, can find that something each day to bring gratitude and joy.