Christmas Miracles

Christmas is such a magical time of year. It brings out the best in the people, and reminds me how much I need to love and help the people around me. I'm constantly amazed about the generoisty and love that is shown throughout this season. It makes me so happy to see how society takes a moment to remember to think about others instead about themselves.

My husband is great at this. He is a very loving and generous person. He loves to leave big tips to cheer up the waiters or waitresses, he helps people with computer and car problems in his very little spare time, and he is constantly finding ways to help people get back on their feet. He is a constant reminder to me that I need to be more generous and more giving. I grew up in a household environment that was full of anger, yelling, and verbal abuse. I learned from an early age that I need to look out for me. I'm so grateful for Broden to help remind me to find ways to help others and forget about my worries.

Miracle 1

I have to be honest to say that sometimes Broden's generosity worries me. I worry because I feel we aren't saving enough money and we are spending too much (I worry about money constantly because of the lack of money growing up). I even have to admit that sometimes I get upset with Broden when he gives way more than we agreed upon. A few weeks ago, our jeep stopped working. The weather got really cold at Broden's work and the coolant wasn't sufficient to protect the jeep. Thus, the jeep froze and many parts ruptured. The cost to repair the jeep was just a few hundred dollars less than what we paid for it. It was a really expensive fix. Broden said he could buy the parts and fix it himself, but we both knew that wasn't a great option. Broden has been working between 60 - 80 hours a week for a year now so the jeep would get repaired when Broden had time.

The automotive shop we took it too told Broden that the cost of the jeep was taken care of. We were shocked. The mechanic told Broden that he wanted to take care of the repairs and cost because he felt he needed too and because he has seen how much Broden has helped so many others out. This was a huge blessing and a miracle in our lives. We didn't have the money to afford such a costly repair. I'm so grateful for the love and generosity displayed by this kind man because he was an answer to our prayers.

Miracle 2

As I am sitting here writing about this miracle, some might question if it really is a miracle considering the way that I feel right now. But, I can't deny what I know. This month has marked the first time in a little over six years that I have actually woken up and felt refreshed and alive with energy. Six years ago, my health took a turn for the worse. I was an extremely hard working, up before my alarm clock, marathon runner that wasn't afraid of anything. Then, my body decided to rebel against me. I developed tingling, numbing, and burning pains in my body and an extreme exhaustion that never left. I struggled getting up in the morning and struggled walking up stairs. My ability to quickly master new material and succeed at my tasks with ease disappeared. After many many tests (spinal tap, MRI's, muscle/nerve, blood), it was concluded that I have Multiple Sclerosis. Techincally, I'm labeled as pre-MS meaning that I will develop into full blown eventually. I display all the symptoms and characteristics of MS, but don't have any clear defined lesions on the brain or spinal chord. When I was told that I would need to do an MRI every year to check my brain/spinal chord, I told them no. I said it is ridiculous to treat people until they develop lesions (scar tissue). It is like treating cancer patients when they get to a stage 4 instead of a stage 1 or 2. The only good thing about this is that I don't have an official diagnosis so my insurance rates don't get affected because "techincally" I'm healthy and "it's all in my head"

Anyways, I was able to have several days where I felt great from the start of the day and where my tingling/numbness was practically nonexistent. Even though my symptoms are back full blown right now, I am grateful for those days. I can hope that this is just a beginning of better days. I can hope for the miracle that someday my body will be healed and I won't be afflicted by this ailment anymore.

What miracles have you seen in your life?

5 Years

Last Friday, the 20th, marked five years of being married to Broden. I can't believe we have been married for 5 years. I know to many people this is a small number, but it is a big number to us. We have had good times as well as rough times. Despite the rough storms we have weathered, I am so grateful that I married Broden. The trials we have experience have only made us stronger. I personally feel that I don't deserve Broden because he is too good for me. In the words of Broden, "God loves you.". God sure does!

Our anniversary was a really special one because we finally got to spend time together. Because of Broden's work schedule, we haven't been on a date for over 3 months. I was so happy when I found out he was able to get the day off so we could celebrate our special day. Other years, Broden had to work.

We wanted to make it special so we decided to go do sealings at the Logan Temple. I wanted to hear the sealing words again and help other married couples to be married for time and all eternity. It was such a beautiful experience. When we got married, I decided that I would get married in my temple dress. I did this so that every time I go to the temple, I would remember that I got married in it. I am so happy that I did this because I got to do sealings in the dress I was married in!While we were at the temple, we met the cutest older couple who were also celebrating their 56th anniversary. It was so cute to watch them interact with each other and see how time has strengthened their love for each other. I hope Broden and I will become like that couple.

Broden gave me a beautiful gift. He had a jeweler custom make a pea pod to hold our two pearls that we got in Hawaii during our honeymoon (our trip to Hawaii was on our first anniversary; our original honeymoon got canceled due to severe winter storms).

While in Hawaii, we decided to open up a oyster. In the oyster were two golden pearls. It was so exciting to have two of them. The lady told us that the golden pearls meant wealth and prosperity and that because there were two of them, then our prosperity would be doubled (one can only hope that this will come true). She also told us that twins are in our future (we will have to wait and see about that one).

Some of meanings of the gold pearls are: Riches, Wealth, Prosperity, Freedom, Success, Love, Illumination, Compassion, Self-Esteem, Courage, Passion, Wisdom.

I really needed this day to rejuvenate my tired soul. It has been a boost to my spirits and I have been feeling better since. I am so grateful to have Broden in my life because he has showed me that happily ever afters do exist! I am also grateful for the knowledge that Broden and I are sealed for time and all eternity and that we will be together forever.

Speaking of forever, I got Broden wood letters that spell out forever. This word has a special meaning for us because while we were dating, we didn't know what our future will be like due to my health problems. I gave me the wood letters because the modern gift for the 5th anniversary is wood and I thought this would be a fun project for us to paint/stain the letters and hang them up in our room.

Anyways, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

Skydiving

This past week has been a hard week for me. I wanted to write a post that makes me smile and helps me remember why I love being a stay at home mom.

Ian is my social butterfly. He sure doesn't get that from me. I'm more reserved. He loves to be around everyone, and he gets extremely distraught when he is left in room by himself for a few minutes. He adores Patrick and loves to watch him constantly. And, Patrick loves Ian too.

I'm so happy to see how much my boys love each other. My heart just melts when I see Patrick patting Ian's head when he is upset, giving him hugs and kisses just to be giving them, and asking where his brother is when he is taking a nap. Patrick sure is a great example to me every day of how much I need to promptly forgive and love freely. He sure is an amazing boy.

(note: the flash on the camera startled Ian and his eyes went super wide. I have to admit that this is one of the funniest things I have seen! And, he does it a lot.)

Anyways, Ian is full of energy and loves to wiggle and squirm around. He absolutely loves tummy time. During tummy time, he will lift up his arms and legs and it looks like he is going skydiving. It makes me smile and laugh every time I see it.

Every time he does his skying move, I think of Tim McGraw's song Live Like You Were Dying. You will see why if you listen to it. Enjoy.

Checklist

This is a post for me. This is a post that I write so I can become a better person, wife, and mother. I am the type of person that loves to have everything turn out actually as I plan. I hate when things don't go as planned. I also am the person that plans for the future and can end up finding myself wishing for future days to be here now. I sometimes get caught up thinking it would be nice when my kids can do things for themselves and how nice it would be when they don't need my constant attention so I can get my things done.

I find myself focusing on my checklist of things I need to get done such as:

• Make breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Wash and dry cloth diapers
• Do laundry
• Clean kitchen from all the cooking
• Clean up toys
• Dust or vacuum (depending on the day of the week)
• Check email
• Keep clean diapers on kiddos
• Get myself ready for the day
• Get kiddos ready for bed
• Reading/journaling
• etc.

And, I do a pretty good job at my getting my checklist done. I feel like I'm an okay mom for at least keeping up with all the household chores. When I start looking at things I have mentally checked off, I notice how I have forgotten what is truly important. I guess this Christmas season of trying to put Jesus Christ as the center of the celebration has caused me to do much reflection and evaluation of my character.

I noticed that these items on my checklist have taken precedent, and I am putting my husband and kiddos second. I am not saying that having a clean and orderly home is bad. I am saying that there needs to be a balance. I see how much my kiddos are changing, and soon there will be a time where they won't come to me wanting to be held, to play cars, or tell me about their amazing discovery. I don't want to miss out on those moments. I don't want to miss out building a trusting and loving relationship together.

I am truly humbled by the quiet promptings of the spirit telling me that I need to set aside these good things so I can do the better things. What will I remember years down the road: a clean orderly house and a mom who gets exasperated because she must clean or do her things, or a house with small messes and the memories of playing with my kiddos and having those precious moments where we spend time together doing what they want to do. I choose my family.

Here is my checklist that I need to do everyday:

• Cuddle and hug my boys a little longer
• Hold my boys tighter when they are crying instead of groaning inside saying not again
• Come join them as they play with their toys and use their imagination
• Read them stories especially stories about Jesus and other prophets
• Tell my boys constantly how much I love them
• When my boys need my attention, stop what I am doing and give them that attention
• And, of course, read scriptures and pray

I know that by putting my family first on my checklist, then our relationships will be stronger. I know that choosing these better things, then my life will be blessed. I know that priortizing my time the way it really should be, then everything will work out.

I am so grateful for this beautiful Christmas season!

What is on your checklist?

Ride

Broden was actually home on the weekend. Amazing, huh?!? We decided we wanted to do something as a family because we rarely get to do anything fun. We read about how our town was doing an activity up at a ranch in the canyon for free. This activity included seeing the elk and going on a sleigh ride. We decided to go to the ranch and check it out. It was very cold and snowy. Ian was in Daddy's coat covered in the blanket the entire time. The only time he was out of the blanket was for this picture!

At first I kind of thought it was dumb. The sleigh ride wasn't that impressive and I didn't really care about elk. However, when I saw how excited Patrick, I realized that I was being negative about our outing.

Patrick was so escastic to go on the sleigh ride and wanted to stay on the wagon. He kept telling me, "Ride. Ride." And, he loved looking at the elk and was thrilled at the fact that we got pretty close to them.

Here is a picture of what the sleigh ride looked like. 






I learned an important lesson from my son today. I need to look at the world through the eyes of a child. I tend to look at things so logically that it takes away the beauty and fun of the moment. I got to take a step back and see the wonder of the mountains surrounding me, the thrill of a chilly sleigh ride, and the awe of the elk.

This is one family outing that I will treasure! I'm so thankful that Patrick was able to teach me to enjoy the moment and see the beauty that is in front of my eyes. Every time I look at these pictures, I sure see the awe that filled my son's eyes when we did this activity.

How do you treasure the moment?

Lights!

Christmas is such a fun time of the year. I love the Christmas trees, the lights, and all the love and service everyone does for each other. We were all excited to start decorating for this beautiful holiday.

However, our Christmas tree took 3 days to put up because we got the flu and just putting up a few decorations sapped our energy (thankfully, my kiddos escaped the nasty virus). At least we were still able to enjoy getting everything up despite feeling sick and tired. So here are the pictures documenting our tree in progress over 3 days!


My son, Patrick, just loves lights. So you can only imagine his excitement when we were putting up a Christmas tree in the living room and putting lights on it. He loved the idea of having more lights in the room.

Patrick insists that the Christmas tree lights be plugged in as soon as he is up. I have to admit that it did annoy me at first because I hate to waste anything. However, I do love looking at the Christmas tree all lit up and it does make me happy! Thankfully, he doesn't have a constant reminder about our outdoor Christmas lights. Otherwise, those would be one all day long!

Audrey Bunny (Children's Book Review)

I recently had the privilege of getting a copy of Audrey Bunny. Because I have a pet bunny and I absolutely adore bunnies, I really wanted to read this book. And, I have to say that I am so glad that I did!

Audrey Bunny is about a bunny who has a mark on her chest. This bunny is very self conscious about the mark because it prevented her many times from being chosen by other other children. She feels that she will never be loved because she is not perfect. Until one day a sweet girl, Caroline, chooses her. Caroline names the bunny, Audrey, and Audrey does everything to hide her mark when Caroline and Audrey play together. Eventually, Audrey learns from Caroline that she was chosen because of her mark!

Audrey Bunny is based on the scripture found in Psalm 119:73 ("They hand have made me..."). At the end of the book, there are questions that you can discuss with your child and activities for you to do with your child. I think this such a great idea to get your children to apply what they learned in the book. Plus, the illustrations are simply beautiful and I find myself just flipping through the book to stare at the pictures.

I have to admit that when I read this book, I cried. I was so touched by the beautiful message about how God created you and how He loves you! I feel this is a message I want my kids to learn because other sources tell them frequently that they aren't good enough, aren't pretty enough, etc. I want them to have confidence in who they are! My son who is only 2.5 years old looked at me a little confused (didn't understand why I was crying) and patted me on the back. Even though he is not quite at the level to understand everything about the book, he did enjoy sitting on my lap while we read the book.

I love this book, and I think it is a great book to share with your family!

About the author:

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), author of I Will Carry You, What Women Fear, and Mended. She is one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

The Gratitude Box

Christmas is a such a special time of year for me. I love the Christmas trees, the lights, the giving of presents, and the love that people are more willing to give to each other. Christmas is also a time for me to reflect on the birth of my savior, Jesus Christ.

Recently, I have noticed that I have spent less time thinking of Christ and more time thinking about what I need to buy and what I think I need or my family needs. Once I truly noticed this, I was taken back by my selfishness. I was ashamed that I focused so much on what I wanted instead of what I have already been given. I was saddened that I spent more time thinking of me instead of people around me.

So I decided that a new Howell family tradition will be the gratitude box. I actually can't take credit for this one because I read about it in a small article that was published in the Ensign (magazine published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). I discovered it when I was clipping out pictures to make a picture book for my kiddos. Anyways, I really liked the idea of continuing Thanksgiving all through Christmas.


Each day you challenge yourself (and your other family members) to write at least one thing that you are grateful for. When you think of something you are grateful for, you then write it down on a slip of paper and place it in the gratitude box. If you think of more, then you will slip those in too. And once you get started, it is hard to stop. You continue this habit until Christmas Eve where you sit down as a family and read all the slips of paper.


I think this will be a wonderful way to show gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my Savior for all that they have done for me. I feel that this will help my family grow closer to each other and closer to God.

What do you do to make Christmas special?

Creative Listening

My son, Patrick, is gifted mechanically. He can quickly figure out how things work, and gets very determined to find out how things work. Hence, I have to have child proof doorknobs on all my door since he can unlock our door (including the deadbolt) and screen door. I don't want him getting in the garage which is full of Daddy's tools. Patrick looks at things in a different way, and it amazes me how he views the world.

He also loves trucks and cars. He has liked them since he could play with toy cars and point to actual cars and trucks on the streets.

Anyways, the other day when he was done coloring with his crayons (he calls them "colors"), he decided to spread them all around the living room. This didn't make me especially happy because I hate messes. I asked Patrick to pick up his crayons, and I figured he would go around and pick them up and put them back in the box. Well, I was SO wrong.This is how he put away his crayons:

He would gather his crayons, place them in his dump truck, and then dump the crayons into their container using the dump truck. Creative way to follow instructions! Just goes to show that there are numerous ways to tackle problems. Patrick reminds me of a character in one of  his favorite shows. Can you guess which one?? Curious George!!

Thankfully, I only have one mobile boy right now. It will be only a matter of time before Ian gets into everything. Right now he enjoys scooting and grabbing whatever he can. The other day I held a plate of food by him accidentally because I spaced the fact that he is grabbing things. And, within seconds he had a fistful of potato salad. He sure is a cutie.

Prayers Are Answered

This wasn't the post I was planning on writing, but I feel like I need to share the experience I had today. From my previous post, you now know that I have struggled with postpartum depression. I have been feeling extremely well. I do have ups and downs, but overall my down days aren't too bad. However, today was a really bad day.

My mood slowly worsened over the day, and my thoughts grew dark and dismal. I struggled with my patience today because I have been up most of the nights with Ian which lead to me feeling like a terrible mom. And, then those thoughts lead to other ugly thoughts about myself.  Broden was worried about me especially since he had to leave for work and I wasn't feeling any better. Broden is the one that helps me out of my moods and start seeing the positive about myself.

So I was left by myself and my dark thoughts. I tried to distract myself, but nothing worked. It got really bad, and I didn't want to get worse and be depressed for days. I then turned to Heavenly Father. I was hesitant to ask for help because I felt selfish. I felt like I shouldn't be asking for help when so many others I know need His help more. I pleaded with Him to help me because I didn't know what to do and I needed help to dismiss the terrible thoughts I was having. When I ended my prayer, these words entered my mind: Turn the light on and someone will come. I never turn my porch light on night because I try to minimize the amount of electricity that I use. I debated whether or not to do it, and the words entered my mind again. I decided I would have faith, and I turned my porch light on.

A little bit later in the evening, there was a knock. I went to the door and on my doormat was a bouquet of flowers and a note. I broke into tears because my prayer was answered, and I knew that Heavenly Father was telling me that I matter. My stormy clouds blew over and it was because of those flowers.

I am so grateful for prayer and for the love I have felt from Heavenly Father tonight. I am so grateful for that someone who came and rescued me from my troubling thoughts. I know prayers are answered and that everyone's prayers matter to Heavenly Father. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and loves all His children.

Baby Blues

I expect perfection out of myself. I expect to do my best every time I do something and if I don't, then I have failed.For those who know me this is probably not news at all. This has been a trait of mine for as long as I can remember.To illustrate this point, let me describe a day in Kindergarten. In fact, it was the day before Christmas Break. My class was doing a Christmas art project and I was working hard on making my Christmas wreath made from tracings of our hands perfect. The bell rang before I finished and I was in tears crying to the substitute teacher that I needed to finish the project. I'm pretty sure that substitute teacher didn't know what to think because what 5 year old would have a break down about finishing a project that was used to pass time away right before Christmas break? Anyways,  I also think some of it developed due to my home environment. You might be wondering why this paragraph is even here, but trust me it will help you understand my story better.

When I gave birth to Patrick, I felt empowered and strong. I did a natural birth without any pain medications. The labor was fast and I proved to myself and to everyone that natural birth can be done. So when the due date of Ian was fast approaching, I figured it would be about the same. Many people assured me that since my first labor and delivery was so quick, then my next one would be even quicker.

Well, it wasn't. My water broke around 2:20 am on July 15th and Ian didn't arrive until 5:02 pm. I was expecting a really quick labor and I slowly dilated. Thankfully, I don't feel labor pains until I hit a 6/6.5 so I mostly just waited around in the hospital (not fun at all). And, then for 3 hours I worked. I get back labor pains that run down the sides of my legs along with contractions in the uterus. It is like having your lower back and legs spasm and tighten at the same.

During the labor process, I was so disappointed that my body was not going through labor fast. My nurse told me that since I was completely induced with Patrick, I was most likely experiencing my "first" labor and delivery. Not a very happy thought for me. I was able to deliver Ian without any pain medication, but I didn't feel empowered. I felt so ashamed of my efforts. I was ashamed that I moaned. I was ashamed that I whimpered "It burns" while I pushed Ian out. I was ashamed that I wasn't in control of my emotions like I was when Patrick was born.

I was happy Ian was here; I just wasn't happy on the way I got him here. Broden and my nurse assured me that I was amazing and did a fantastic job, but I wasn't convinced. Because things didn't go as planned, I was upset. I felt like I failed myself. And, then I experienced something I never did with Patrick. I got postpartum depression. It was exacerbated by the following: me feeling like a failure (when I recorded my experience in having Ian, I cried most of the time because I felt like I failed), not getting a lot of sleep, not having Broden around because his job was making him do mandatory overtime so he was working around 70 hours every week (which left me up with Ian all night and me taking care of the yard work), trying to take care of Patrick and Ian at the same time, having my health problems worsen, being stuck inside, and not being able to run or do any form of exercised.

I wanted to lay in bed and cry all day, but I had to get up to take care of my kids and help out my husband. I tried to look composed on the outside, but on the inside I was a complete wreck. I would burst out crying at the smallest mistakes I did. I truly felt that I was worthless. I felt that my kids would be better without me because who would want me as a mom. I felt ugly, fat, pathetic, stupid, and I felt that the world would be a better place without me. And, my depression tapped into my past feelings of inadequacy during my childhood/teenager years where I was a victim of verbal abuse from my father. I grew to hate myself more and more everyday. And, I got more depressed because I was sad about being depressed.

It was an extremely hard period for me and for my family. Broden did everything he could to help me and I am so thankful I have a husband who didn't give up on me. After looking at a postpartum depression survey, the light bulb went off in my head. I recognized that I was depressed. I didn't want to talk about it to anyone because I didn't want to be judged. I didn't want people to assume things about me. However, I was so wrong. I wasn't judged and the people that found out were so supportive. I was shown so much love. I am so grateful for all the love and kind acts that were shown to me during this trial.

After having a long discussion with Broden about my options, we decided on a path that would be best for me. I would make it a priority to exercise, more specifically to go running (for years, running has been my way to unwind and feel good about myself), I would avoid chocolate and as much sugar in my diet since it can mess with your moods, be grateful, and see the good in myself. And, if that didn't work, then I would take medication. I didn't want to take medication because I love breastfeeding. Please understand that I don't think that taking medications is wrong; I was afraid I would get depressed if I had to give up breastfeeding. But I knew that if my other methods didn't work, then I would need medication to help me because I couldn't keep living in my present state.

Thankfully, the sun has broken through the gray and dismal clouds and the last two months have been a welcome retreat. I was able to heal because I had help from my family, my friends, and from my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful to have my son, Ian, and he is priceless jewel to me. I have learned so much from him and he is only 4 months old. I'm so grateful that I am a mom!

Note:  I wanted to write this post so I would get over my fear of saying that I was depressed and my fear of making mistakes. I am working on teaching myself that what matters most is that I don't give up and that I pick myself up every time I stumble and fall.

Egg, Please

Each morning when I ask my Patrick what he wants for breakfast, he asks for an egg with a big grin on his face. He then runs to the fridge and opens it up and quickly points to the eggs and says, "Egg, please". He LOVES eating sunny side up eggs with a piece of toast. He dips his toast into the egg yolk and scraps up the egg white.

This obsession with eggs started a little over a month ago. My family was sitting at the table eating breakfast. I was having sunny side up eggs with toast and he came over to investigate. He then asked if he could try what I was eating. I gladly obliged him, and now he is hooked. Maybe his love for this food item came about because he loves the Dr. Suess book Green Eggs and Ham.

Note: He didn't want a picture taken today because he wanted to start eating!

My other boy, Ian, just enjoys breastmilk which I am so happy about. He won't be getting solid for at least three more months. I like to introduce solid food well after 6 months to avoid the chance of developing food allergies and to allow his digestive system to develop.

Anyway, something he really loves is tummy time. He just loves it and gets so happy when I place him on his stomach. I think he likes it so much because he can see what is going on better. Plus, I have a sneaky suspicion that he wants to get moving so he can follow his big brother around.

What do you enjoy eating? And, what do your kids like to eat?

How Gratitude Can Change Your Life

Instead of being at church, I'm at  home with my sick boys, I can't help but think about this Thanksgiving season and the importance of gratitude. I have to be honest and inform my readers that gratitude is something that does not come easy for me. Too often in my life, I dwell on the negative and what I want instead of what is positive and what I have been blessed with.

Former General Relief Society President, Bonnie D. Parkin, stated,

 "Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord’s hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful." (gratitude - a path to happiness). 

When I reflect my life, I realize how much I have complained and murmured. It is truly saddening how often I don't recognize the Lord's hand in my life. I have noticed that when I'm not grateful and when I'm full of anger and frustration, my mind is clouded with all that has gone wrong. Once I take a step back and start identifying the blessings I have, I immediately recognize how much the Lord has blessed me.

It is easy for me to get caught up in all the things I don't have. And, saddly, I sometimes feel that it is these material things that will make me happy. President Thomas S. Monson said:

"Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted" (divine gift of gratitude).

I don't like being negative and ungrateful so it is something I have been steadily improving upon every day. I have noticed that when I start to look at all I have been blessed with, my attitude changes and I am a much happier person.

Why should we have gratitude?

 President James E. Faust said,

"It seems as though there is a tug-of-war between opposing character traits that leaves no voids in our souls. As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum. I do not speak of rebellion against civil oppression. I refer to rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.(gratitude as a saving priniciple)

Gratitude establishes the ground work for good qualities. Gratitude helps us to stop thinking about ourselves and start thinking of others and what others have done for us. Doctrine and Coventants section 78 verse 19 states, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious".

In times of happiness, gratitude is easily found. We can readily see what we have because it is easy to see the beauty in life. However, when tribulation arises, it is much harder to see the good and the beauty of life. What do we do in those situations? What is our first response?

Bonnie D. Parkin continued in her address by saying,

The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord—even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace.

When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?

This concept of being grateful for tribulations is one where I am working on. It is too easy for me to complain and ask why me. With the help of God and my husband, I am starting to identify what is right in my life instead of what is wrong.

President Thomas S. Monston stated,

 "My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." (divine gift of gratitude).

 I want to touch heaven and I want a part of heaven in my life now.

Here is a list of some of things I am grateful for:

• My health problems for they allowed me to see what it is truly important in life and to slow down in my busy life so I could meet my husband
• My husband who constantly supports me during all my good and bad moods
• My two sons who show me how life is beautiful and to enjoy the present
• My Savior, Jesus Christ,who made it possible to return back to Heavenly Father by atoning for my sins.
• Working vehicles to make transportation to and from destinations easy
• Being a stay at home mom
• Family
• A home to raise my family in
• A yard to plant a garden and play with my family
• The gospel that brings me peace and happiness

 I encourage everyone (including me) to establish goals to become more grateful in life. Maybe try to do a gratitude journal, a gratitude board, etc. I know that when we practice the principle of gratitude, then we find true happiness. I know that being grateful allows us to see how God has blessed our lives. I know that gratitude erases the feelings of sadness, anger, and hurt.

So what are you grateful for?

Why I started cloth diapering

I never thought I would ever do cloth diapering. I didn't know much about it, but I though it would be gross and time consuming. With my first baby, I had so many dispsobles given to me that the cost of buying diapers was not high. Plus, I got some really good rebates and sales so I was able to stockpile up on diapers.

However, when I got pregnant with Ian, I knew that I would end up spending a lot on disposables. And, by this point, I started to hate the idea of all the junk that I send to the landfill. I like to conserve as much as possible and sending diaper after diaper into the garbage felt wrong to me.

I had a few friends that did cloth diapering and I was curious so I asked questions which led me into researching all about cloth diapers. The more I researched about cloth diapers, the more I grew to love the idea of using them. I'm happy to say that I have been cloth diapering for 3.5 months now and will continue to use them with all my kiddos.

Here are my reasons of why I cloth diapers:

1) Save Money - From the time your baby is born up to when your child is potty trained, you will spend approximately $2,500 on disposable diapers (consumer reports) Ouch! If you do cloth, then you will spend approximately $500 to $1,000 and you can reuse the cloth with each child. NOTE: you can save even more money on cloth by buying on sale, making your own, and being creative with what you have. So some people I know only spent a couple hundred on cloth.

2) Protect The Environment - Disposable diapers are the third most common consumer product in the landfills, takes up to an estimate of 500 years to decompose, and 1 baby in disposables will contribute to 1 ton of waste in the landfill (real diaper association). This just makes me sick because that is so much waste. Also, most people throw out the poop with the disposable diapers which is not good for the environment. Diaper packages tell you to throw the solid waste in the toilet before throwing the diaper out in the trash.

3) No Harsh Chemicals - My second munchkin had a really hard time being in disposable diapers due to his sensitive skin. Within a few days of being in them, he got a massive chemical burn on his bum (this most likely occurred because his urine reacted with the chemicals in the diaper). Thankfully, I was in the process of switching to cloth and I got him into cloth quickly. Once in cloth, his bum healed up. Also, during the process of making disposable diapers dioxin, a by product, is produced. Dioxin is linked to cancer, skin diseases, birth defects, and much more. There may be a chance that dioxin is in the diapers which is really scary.

4) They Are SO Cute - Cloth diapers come in a variety of colors and prints so your kiddos will have adorable fluffy bums. I have to admit that diaper changes are a little better now because I get to see my kids in adorable colors and prints. Here is the proof:

Anyways, here are my reasons for making the switch to cloth diapers and I don't regret it one bit. Stay tuned for more posts about cloth diapers (hopefully, you will want to make the switch!).

Enjoying the Silliness

While I was rushing around the house trying to get various tasks done, I noticed that my oldest son got into the stickers. He was so proud of himself and had such a huge smile. And, then I noticed something underneath his shirt. Not just one sticker, but 11 stickers! My silly boy thought it would be a good idea to put stickers on his skin and he didn't want them removed at all.

 It was nice to take a moment out of the day and enjoy the silliness of life. Sometimes, it is so easy to get so focused on all that we have to do that we forget what we really should be doing: enjoying life. To me, it was a reminder that I need to cherish these moments I have with my children because they are growing up so fast and I don't want to miss out.

My other boy doesn't understand what his big brother does, but he sure loves to watch him like a hawk. It will only be a matter of time before I have two mischievous boys running around. Hopefully, I can take a step back and enjoy the moment.

Welcome!

Hello Everyone!

This is Christina and here is my blog. I'm going to do this to update family and friends about my adventures with Broden and our kiddos. I'm going to post fun things about things I do such as running, gardening, cloth diapering, my adventures in going green, my thoughts about life, and, of course, the interesting things I do with my family.

I hope you will enjoy my blog and I hope to hear from you too!