More stuff

Well it's nice to know that I'm not alone. I think connecting with friends is a very good idea. In fact I did it quite a bit last week and I indeed felt a lot better. I truly believe I associate with some of the most amazing women on the planet. I know we are all imperfect but I don't think anyone needs to be perfect to be amazing. I just think the women in my life are good, non-judgemental, and they are doing their best and they are wonderful mothers. Those are rare things in this world. Anyway, because of your responses I'm going to file that advice "connect with friends" in the little filing cabinet in my brain labeled "things to improve on." I fully believe that just having it there there helps :)

I'm not finished my investigation on happiness and I will let you know what I learn. So far I have learned some important things. I may not be applying them yet, but I have learned them!

One important thing I have realized is that the Holy Ghost helps us to feel happiness and peace. I don't know why but I forgot about that for a while. I think as I try to have the spirit in my life, perhaps keeping the commandments a little better, it will lead to happiness because the spirit will be closer.

I think one of my biggest barrier to happiness right now is stress. It makes me grouchy and not nice to my family. Sometimes by Thursday I'm so stressed I can't calm down, no matter how much down time I try to take. One way I've thought to deal with it is to try meditation. I have been using it lately to relax and it really is helping, but I have to delve deeper into it.  I also have some other ideas brewing in my mind that involve packing up my family and friends and moving to a colony to live together and take care of each other better because I'm sorry but our society isn't set up to support stay-at-home mothers. Anyone in?

My investigation is actually taking me in some different directions, such as unconditional love, forgiveness and patience. But you know, one thing at a time.

I'm feeling better and I'm doing better. And moving in that direction makes me excited for things to come! Now onto Afton.

If only cameras could capture personality, because this kid has so much of it.

Imagine, you've just put her to bed and everything is silent. Aaaaaah...Then about half an hour later when you think you're in the clear, she comes out of her room like this:

And the next night, she makes her way downstairs where you are watching TV like this:

Let's just say Brad and I always have a good laugh.

If only she could always stay small enough to fit in the plant pot with no plant!

She joined Breanna at ballet class for parent watch week:

Wondering

I want to know Moms of young kids: (hello? Anyone reading this? :))

Are you usually happy? Peaceful? Joyful? Fulfilled? Full of energy? In love?

Or are you more often fatigued, irritable, disappointed, overwhelmed, unappreciated and stressed.

The reason I ask is, I never imagined myself being down so much of the time. If you are more often the former, I would like to know about your life. I want to know what your day looks like. I want to know what exactly makes you feel those things. I really just need total honesty.

When I feel happiest it's usually when I'm outside with my kids doing something active and the sun is shining and there's no wind. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold.

Now-I have a very blessed life. And that is why I question-why do I feel so tired and grouchy? Why can't I feel super good like you're supposed to when you have the gospel and your kids are healthy and you have food on the table and a warm home and family around, etc. I also get more down during the months of January through March. I know this about myself, yet when I'm down it feels like I've felt like this forever. (On the other hand, when I feel happy I also feel like I've felt that way forever and can't imagine why I wouldn't be...)

If you're not generally happy do you know someone who is? What are they like? I've been praying about it and studying the scriptures with happiness in mind and I have more questions I need answered!

Jesse's Birthday

Jesse turned lucky number 7. And Jesse, we sure are lucky to have you! Jesse was born with boundless energy, extreme curiosity and fascination with life that continues to this day. He has a wild imagination and uses it to create all kinds of entertaining scenarios with his sisters and friends. He's passionate and loyal-I mean, I really think he will always love Indiana Jones, but that translates to other things in his life also. He never has a bad thing to say about anyone and forgives easily. Right now he wants to be an archaeologist and picks books from the library that will help learn about that. He also loves Scooby Doo. Jesse is a perfectionist and competitive, which can manifest in good and bad ways that make me worry all the time; but I'm interested to see where those traits take him in his life. Jesse is an awesome brother and such a good friend. Seriously, I think he has the social awareness of a 20 year old. That can also be good and bad, and again makes me worry a lot! He has a good conscience-he really tries hard to choose the right. His prayers amaze me-they are sooooo long, but he asks for really good things and is always thankful for things like "the grass and the trees and the rocks and the cliffs and the mountains and the lakes" etc.

I think one of my favourite moments in motherhood came the other day when Jesse came to me while I was rushing around in the kitchen and gave me a nice tight hug. He said "thank-you Mom" in a serious voice. I said "for what?" and he said "nothing. I just love you." It was so sincere it stopped me in my tracks and I felt truly appreciated.

Jesse, I love and admire you so much. You are a great kid who makes the world a better place- who makes my world better place.

Jesse is totally into Scooby Doo and also loves treasure hunts and maps so I made up a scenario where a monster stole his presents and in their place was a note from Scooby Doo and Shaggy and a map. I decided not to have parties this year and wanted to do something different so Jesse just invited a couple of his close friends. They had to follow the maps which I hid in the park and at the lake to find the presents. At the end Brad jumped out with a scary mask and I think he really scared one of Jesse's friends! But the kids loved it and took it VERY serious, running as fast as they could from place to place. 

One of his presents was a bunch of scooby doo books I found on eBay. They are hard to find! As you can see he was pretty happy.

And I guess this is what smart kids do when they get together? Haha

 As part of the Scooby theme Jesse wanted cheeseburgers for supper and "cheeseburgers" for dessert. So I made cheeseburger cupcakes and also sent a bunch of mini ones to school with him. They were a big hit!

Jesse eating a cheeseburger cupcake. It looks like a real cheeseburger hey?

 The next day Brad took him and a friend snowboarding. Definitely one of Jesse's favourite things to do.

Happy 7th Birthday Jesse!!!