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?