Give oh, Give Away

http://byunews.byu.edu/archive09-Feb-brooksforum.aspx

I happened upon the BYU devotional this morning when Little E wouldn't take her nap and I was exhausted trying to find something to take my mind off of my weariness. How lucky I was to have done so, thank you Heavenly Father. The message was given by Arthur Brooks. He is the president of American Enterprise Institute and presented his studies on the connection between giving and success. What a great message. It will be rebroadcasted on March 1st, this Sunday. I HIGHLY recommend watching it.

Smile

I've been having some hard nights the past few days, because Little E was teething it threw her system all out of whack, but last night she actually slept without waking up. Therefore it feels as though the sun is shining and birds are singing. I'm in a much better mood so I thought I'd post 10 things that make me smile. Maybe they'll bring a upward curl to your mouth too...

1. The sound of my kid's belly laughing.

2. Parades.

3. Baby animals.

4. Kids singing along to the radio.

5. My husband saying he loves me.

6. Baby pictures.

7. Elderly couples holding hands.

8. Bed head. Especially my brother's.

9. Seeing my mom cry when she thinks about my dad.

10. Australian sheep dogs in a trance.<- that's for you Sarah

Scouts, oh so fun

Funny Ha Ha

Last Wednesday was packmeeting and Racer X received his Wolf patch, Duty to God and a plethora (Jefe, what is a plethora?) of other awards. It was a very nice evening. As you well know, the mother of the awarded scout gets to receive a pin for all of her hard work at encouraging her son as well, so when I joined Racer X up front to receive said pin he looked at me with bewildered eyes and said,"Why do I pin it on you? Dad helped me the most."
I sheepishly chuckled and looked at Lover Boy who turned red then nudged his son. "Just pin it on her." You gotta love what kids blurt out sometimes, pure truth.

History and Hope

I know a lot of people today will fill their blogs with entries about today's historical inauguration, so how can I resist? I watched this morning and although I didn't vote for Obama I still awed at how far our country has come. Who knows what will happen in the next four years, but you can't deny the implications of this turning point in history. Good or bad. I know the economy struggles, society strangles, and the world, as a whole, holds their breath for the next trauma awaiting, but I am hopeful and optimistic. Why? Well, I believe what our prophets, current and ancient, have said. If you remember the last general conference, then recall the consistent message of hope and love. Heavenly Father wants us to feel joy. Regardless of what happens outside of us, we can feel peace and joy as we continue to look toward Christ's return. Or how about not even His return, but His existence. It really is that simple. We do not need to carry everything on our shoulders. Christ asked us not to, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Give it to Him and enjoy life. Yes, life is hard. Sometimes it downright sucks, but so does a good workout, a fulfilling hike or bike ride, yet you still have fun as you do it. So lift up your head and smile in the face of life's experiences.

Ode to the "Best Friend"

So I know I'm doing this the night of my best friend's birthday, but better late than never, right? I thought I'd do a special post dedicated to her on her birthday. What can I say? I love her guts! We've been best friends since '96 and we still have a blast together. We are so lucky to live close by and we get to see eachother every week. What's so great about Skanky Hoe?(<--nickname from High School) She's down to earth, no nonsense, we love the same things and laugh together about all of life's drama. She is a fabulous wife and mother. I'm so lucky to have her as my best bud. I hope she had a great birthday and hope she knows how wonderful she is. Love you Sarah! Like the pic?
Peace out........

New Year's Resolutions

While I haven't set any resolutions this year, I have recently started a new exercise program. P90X, heard of it? Well, it kicks my butt! So for anyone looking for a really fun program and one that truly works, you should try it. We'll see in 90 days whether I've go the ripped bod, but even if I don't, it feels so gooooooooood to exercise. I don't get tired of the work outs and I have already seen results. The real test of time is if I feel comfortable in a swimming suit after 90 days. Luckily I've got 180 days until pool time.

Which reminds me, it's that time of year when I dream night and day for a beach and warm water with a warm breeze and a mamosa in one hand ......ooops... I mean a cold glass of soda and a good book in the other. So I'm taking donations to make my dreams a reality, it really is for the good of mankind.

So until next time, TOODLES. <---see mom I did it!