12*31*13

:: That my kids are getting old enough that we can enjoy the same things together. My girls and I did a Just Dance Sweat exercise and it was fun for me to do that with them.

:: For my sweet friend offering her home while they were out of town so that we could have a party with friends without having to do it at my in-law's home. I love to plan and have gatherings, as well as my own identity and it was nice for me to feel that part of me that has been on hold for a while since we've lived with in-laws.
Don't worry- only a single window broke while we were there. Nice.

:: For games. I love games and love how games usually bring people together. We played Telestration and it's always a great time and lots of laughter!

::That Mark has been busy this week at work. It seemed with the week before with Christmas, he only worked one day, which is nice to have the break, but with a house on the horizons, it's been nice to have him be busy.

:: For growth, even though I don't like it at the time. Both Mark and I got callings in our new ward even though we will probably only be there for two months. Both of the callings are ones that we are not super excited about (primary teacher for me and scouts for Mark), but I know that in a short time, we can learn and be apart of something if we have the right attitude.

12*30*13

:: Being able to go and do several errands with all four kids and we all survived!

:: For going to the library with my kids and watching all four of them with their piles of books, sitting and intently looking/reading them. Such a great, peaceful sight.

:: Being able to sleep in. I know the days are coming to a close when we are back at a routine, so it's nice when my kiddos sleep in so that I do to!

:: For letting writing. I've recently started writing (like a physical letter, y'all) one of the young women that was in my Sunday class. I wrote several people growing up, before email was around, and even a little bit after, so it has brought lots of great memories as I've been writing her. Not to mention that I get a letter in the mail that's for me and it's a bill or junk mail!

:: For Davis. I can physically feel him growing up and growing out of younger children things. I love to hear him talk and hear what he has to say. Soon, he'll stop saying "Oatmilk" and "Nwinja" and I will miss it.

12*29*13

:: For having time this morning before church to do a craft with my girls. Rainbow looms are the latest craze.

:: For Mark making cinnamon rolls.

:: For Brenner loving his Legos. I love how his face lights up when he tells me about his latest creations and how much thought he's put into the inter workings. Puts a smile on my face.

:: For a wonderful RS lesson on focusing on the 3 hinges (Scriptures, Prayer, Journals) and how simple those things are, yet Satan makes them feel/seem so complicated. I really feel like I need to make these more of my priority and one way to do that is to wake up before the kids to get a majority of that done. I know when I've put these things firsts, I always end up having way more time to do the "extras" in life and I respond better to life.

:: For a lady telling me that the second time we lived with the Lawson's and were in their ward, that she remembers Brightynn coming to church with 50 + hair clips in her hair and me being a young mom and said she was impressed that I would let her come to church like that and knowing that it really doesn't matter. She said that kind of wisdom doesn't usually come until your a grandma and she's told that story many a times.

I had to chuckle because that doesn't sound like me. I do struggle with those situations, especially with Brightynn, about her choice of clothes or hair. I usually don't let her exercise her free agency as much as I should because, it honestly doesn't matter. :0)