Five Minute Friday: Real

I took a break from Five Minute Friday last week to post one of the hardest posts I have ever written.  But I am back in the swing this week and it's time to click over to the Gypsy Mama and join in on this wonderful writing exercise.

Today's prompt: REAL

Go.

Real can be amazing.  I decided this week to be real with myself and all of you.  I spilled my guts.  Put all my feelings out on the interwebs and posted pictures I would normally keep to myself.  It was scary and extremely hard, but I'm so glad I did it. 

Because REAL means I get to be encouraged by all you wonderful people that visit me here.  REAL means I get to hear your stories.  REAL means that you know I'm not perfect, and I know you're not perfect, but we love each other more for our imperfections. 

This week I received so many beautiful comments from you wonderful people.  And many more pageviews.  I hope sharing my story helped you or inspired you as much as your words and your visits inspired me.

It can be difficult to put our real selves out there.  Hard to present the real picture to the world.  We have so many perceived expectations of what people want from us.  From this experience, and many others, I've discovered that mostly people just want to know that everyone else's lives are just as beautiful and messy as theirs are. 

Real is what connects us.  Forms friendships.  Helps us to grow.  Helps us to become more of who we REALLY are and be better for it.  So thank you for letting me be real here, for your kindness, and for being real back.

Stop. 

What experiences have you had when you decide to be real with yourself and others?

Happy Thanksgiving

Several of my Facebook friends started doing a daily status of what they were thankful for.  I joined in on the fun.  Traditionally, on Thanksgiving I write a post about everything I am thankful for.  I know that not all of my friends, family and readers have access to my personal fb page so I wanted to compile a list of them here for you, and for me. 

I thought it would be difficult to come up with 24 things to be thankful for.  At the end of the journey, I realize it wasn't difficult at all.  In fact, I could probably continue.  What a great realization to recognize just how blessed I am.  I hope all of you find yourselves greatly blessed as well!  (For those of you who have already read these, feel free to skip down to the bottom.  Though, I did add to a couple of them.)

1. I am grateful for my husband, Matt.  We have spent almost a year on new beginnings.  I'm thankful for how a relationship can be repaired through love, trust, communication and forgiveness.  He works so hard to support (in more than one way) me and our family.  And he loves me and shows it daily.  I love you, Matthew!

2. I am grateful for my girls, Zoe and Paige.  They bring a light to my life that is indescribable.  Never before having kids could I imagine my heart stretching more than it did when I fell in love for Eternity.  Then they showed up and my heart just stretched bigger.  I thank my Heavenly Father daily for sending these miracles into my life. 

3.Today I am thankful to have a home where I can raise my kids in a comforting and safe environment surrounded by friends.

4. I am so grateful that Matthew and I both have good, dependable jobs that provide for our needs. So grateful that we have a steady paycheck every two weeks. There are far too many that we know who don't have this blessing. My hope is that they have it soon and that I never take it for granted.

5. I am grateful to be able to work from home so I can bring in income while remaining my girls' primary caregiver. Short of not having to work, I cannot think of a better blessing than that!

6. I am grateful for Matt's family. They have become my own family and I love you all so very much. I am grateful to have spent the entire day with them yesterday and many more to come.

7. I'm grateful for my family. I grew up with wonderful, supportive parents and siblings who I could count on. I am grateful to have grown up around my extended family and how much a part of my life they have always been. I love you all and miss you so much!

8. I have some really amazing friends. Some span over almost my entire life, some I met in school, some at work, some at church, some just randomly and some across the internet. Every single one of them is a huge blessing in my life. Many of them are like family to me. Many of them would do anything for me and I hope they know I would do anything for them. I can't imagine my life without my friends. They are my daily sanity. Love you, my friends!

9. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. Without Him I would have nothing, I would be nothing. He has picked me up when I was down, carried me when I could go no further, and nourished my spirit when it was broken. He has given me my beautiful family, and more blessings than I probably deserve. I am so grateful to have the relationship with Him that I do and I hope to continue to build it throughout my life.

10. Today I am grateful for our medical insurance, the best pediatrician I could ask for, and the general overall healthy of my girls and my family. We are so lucky.

11.Today I'm thankful to my husband, my Father-in-Law, my Uncle and all the other men and women who serve or have served in our military. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you to the families who support(ed) them. Thank you for the sacrifice made for the good of others. Thank you for protecting the right to freedom and keeping me safe. Happy Veteran's Day!

12. I'm thankful that my hubby and our friend are outside hanging Christmas lights on my house. First time we've ever had them in our 8 years of marriage. So excited!!

13. I'm so grateful to have a husband that assures me that I'm beautiful when I don't feel like it, when nothing fits, when I have a horrible morning.

14. I'm grateful for a weekend full of time with my little family and our extended family. Lots of priceless moments, firsts, and we come out of it with a Christmas Tree set up and lights outside. Oh yes, we did!

15. Today I'm grateful for the occasional alone time I get to do whatever I want, without whining and complaining, or constant reminders to not touch anything at the store, or hearing "I'm hungry" or "I'm tired" and the whole time I am out. It recharges my soul and makes me a better Mother and a gentler Wife. Plus the reaction when I get back is always worth it. :)

16.  Today I am thankful my family will be together forever.

17. Today I'm grateful to the few people who watch or have watched my kids for me so I can go to work on the few days I have to, or so I can get out on a date with my hubby. I am indebted to you for life and there aren't words to express how grateful I am or how comforting it is to leave my precious girls with people I can trust to take good care of them. Thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart.

18. I'm grateful for our regular date night...even when it's spent at home. :)

19. I'm grateful for the first time I can ever remember really enjoying playing in the snow because of my family and our great neighbors!!

20. Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to take the sacrament, for the Atonement, and for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

21. Today I'm grateful for little toothy grins in the morning, "loves", giggles, imaginary tales, and everything in between. Even the hard stuff. Motherhood is definitely a roller coaster, but it's a ride I would choose to get on every time.

22. Today I am grateful for the motivation (self and supportive) that I have right now to continue on my health and fitness journey. I don't know how long it will take to get my body to where I feel comfortable in it, but my mind is healthier knowing I'm working on it and my life will be longer and more fulfilling because I am taking care of it.

23. I'm thankful for my history. My own personal and generations of history of those before me. I'm grateful for what I was taught and everything I've learned from them. Mostly I'm grateful for the traditions i grew up with and treasured memories that go along with them this holiday season.

24. Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend a day with family remembering to be grateful for my bounty.  Yes, we will eat lots of yummy food, but I will spend the day remembering that I am greatly blessed.  I only hope I can show my gratitude daily.  There are plenty of wants I have, but my needs are always fulfilled.  I know there are many who can't say that.  My prayers are with you that you will be comforted and protected and provided for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!  Yes, even to those of you who don't live in the US.  Take some time today to count your blessings!

On memories, gratitude, sacrifice and service...

Most of us are sick today.  We're snuggled up together in our pajamas reading books and watching football and documentaries among tributes to 9/11.  It makes me teary-eyed and I hug my husband and my children a little tighter.

Ten years.  It's hard to believe that much time has past since I was sitting in front of the TV in my boyfriend's (at the time) dorm after my morning music theory class.  I will never forget what I saw.  I will never forget how I felt.  I will never forget suddenly not feeling as safe to live in this country.

I grew up in a patriotic family.  I have a deep-rooted, strong love for my country...faults and all.  I know there are a lot of opinions on that day and what has occurred for years after.  Today I just want to publicly thank all those who keep me and my family safe and protected from all the different threats we could face.  From our local PD on up.  I am truly grateful.

My heart goes out to those who lost people they cared about that day, and to those who have lost people since- no matter the circumstance.  I know how memories like the ones spurred today can make you miss your loved ones.

I have learned a lot about complacency in my short life.  If nothing else, my only hope is that the anniversary of 9/11 helps people to remember to be grateful for what they have.  Always live to remember that you could lose everything in the smallest instant.

We all make sacrifices.  Some are much harder than others, some are much braver, some are recognized, some are not.  I think the important lesson that we can learn from all those who stepped up to help that day is that we need to be there for others.  Protect them, love them and DO NOT judge them.  Instead, find out what you can do to help.  Even in the simple way of being a true friend.  Serve others.

In the spirit of this, through blogging I have discovered a situation that happened to a family recently.  I don't know them, but it breaks my heart.  They are the Martins and they have just been through a very difficult situation.  Please click here to read their story and help them in any way you can.  I also have some friends, Aaron and Lexie, who opened their hearts to a little girl named Bella and said "yes" when many would have said "no".  Please visit their facebook page. At the very least, please send prayers or kind thoughts to both of these families.  Better, share their stories with your friends or on your blog.  If you can, helping them monetarily would benefit them the most.  Thank you for anything you can do to help.

Five Minute Friday: Grateful

It's time for Five Minute Friday! Click over to The Gypsy Mama for instructions if you would like to participate! (You totally should!)

Go.

I am finding it difficult to put into words all the things I am grateful for...especially in five minutes. So I'm going with the list option.

I'm grateful for Love.

Grateful for my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.

Grateful for Matt. Especially for having a second chance to have him in my life as my husband.

Grateful for Zoe. For how often she makes me laugh. For her testing my patience and making it stronger. For her beautiful, infectious smile and her singing.

Grateful for Paige. For her big beautiful eyes that seem to light up over everything. For how easy-going she is and how much she seems to really enjoy life.

Grateful for family visits. My Mom was recently in town with my little brother. It was so nice to have them here. She always does so much for us. I hope she knows how grateful we are for that.
Grateful for my family and friends. For all the love and support they freely give us. For the smiles, the laughter, the company and everything else.

Grateful for my home, my job, Matt's job. The fact that I am able to adequately provide for my family. We may not have everything we want, but we always have everything we need.

Grateful for this blog. For a place I can express myself, no matter who I am that day. And for people who are willing to read and comment and be part of my life.

Last, I am grateful for this opportunity to see all that I have to be grateful for. It's humbling.

Stop.

I could have gone on forever! Today's prompt is fabulous! What are you grateful for? Leave me a comment!

I can...

wear what I like
feel how I feel
choose who I love
marry who I choose
have a hundred kids
or maybe three
work where I want
and how I want
own a home, or rent
believe in my religion
and practice it
raise my kids
give them opportunities
have my own
learn and grow
read books
gain knowledge
have an opinion
share it
write on this blog
because I live here
the land of the free

As Americans celebrate our independence this weekend I hope we take a moment to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we could be liberated. I hope we take a moment to remember the sacrifices that are still being made so we can keep our liberty.

I hope we remember that freedom is not a privilege, but a responsibility. I hope we strive to be better people. To be kinder to those around us. To learn not to take offense, but try to understand and to respect. To move forward and not back. To do our duty to make use of the rights those before us gave everything, even their lives, to have. To ask what we can do for our neighbors, our communities, our states, our country, our world. Not what they can do for us. 

Happy Fourth of July!



Happy Thanksgiving

I'm going to be honest with you. This has been a rough year for me and my family. Truth be told, I will be especially grateful when it's over...and will be hoping for a much better year to come. However, as our U.S. holiday creeps up on me, I've been able to reflect over the wonderful things in my life and wanted to share with you what I am thankful for. Since I'm in a silly mood, I will do it as I spell out the word "Grateful"! (Bear with me.)

Gospel teachings. Heavenly Father is my rock. To try to live day to day without His wisdom, His guiding light, His comfort, His peace, His forgiveness is unfathomable to me. There have been many times in my life, and throughout this year, where I have turned to Him for help, comfort, or direction in my life and He has always been there for me. Also, I am thankful for Jesus Christ- for His example and especially his great atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. I'm thankful for the knowledge I've gained and an increase in my spirituality this year. I'm also thankful for my trials because they push me to be better than I am.

Real friends are far and few between for many, but I have several. Some live closer to me than others, some I've only met in internet world, but all of you have touched my life for the better and have stuck by me through good times and bad. I want you to know that your constant support and encouragement is greatly appreciated. I consider myself so blessed to have such amazing people in my life. You all are the family that I chose!

A love of reading, of music, and of the arts. Books take me to far away places and let me explore life through the eyes of thousands of characters. I'm grateful that I love to read and that my daughter has grown to also love to read. Music touches my soul in a way I can't describe. I love all forms of music, dance and expression and I'm so grateful for not only my musical talent, but for the talent of all people in this world who have grabbed my heart with their music and movement. I love many forms of the arts and am grateful that so many of you share your artistic talents with me through the internet.

Toddlerhood. Zoe is my greatest gift. I love being her Mother. I love the laughter and joy that she brings to my life. She pushes my buttons and exercises my patience but, no matter how frustrated she makes me, I love her just the same. She is so smart and sweet and lovely. She continues to be my little miracle. I have enjoyed watching her grow and learn as she went from baby to toddler. I'm grateful for the sweet moments when I get an unexpected show of affection, a silly laugh, when she dances to the music, when she talks...I could go on and on. I thank Heavenly Father every day for entrusting her to my care. I love you Zoe!

Employment. My heart aches for those who don't have jobs or who are having financial troubles because of lowered wages or effects of the economy. It's easy to think of only yourself and your troubles...and I have been up until recently. Then I realized how incredibly blessed we are just to have stable employment. I am especially grateful for my work-from-home job. It allows me to prioritize my life the way I need to as a Mother and I couldn't be more thankful. Our jobs may only pay the bills and little more, but because of them I have a house, food, a car and the necessities of life. That is truly a blessing right now.

Family. I have a great love for my family- which includes the one I married into. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people that I call family. People that will be there to help me, no matter my need. People who love and accept me for who I am. People who love my daughter as much as I do. To my blood family, thank you for dropping everything when I come home so I can get in as much time as I can with you, thank you for your love, your support, your friendship, your phone calls, your concern and for always being there when I need you. To my in-laws, thank you for stepping in as my family lives far away, for providing me sisterly/brotherly love and advice, for accepting me into your family as one of your own, for babysitting, for your friendship and for your service and support. To all of you, I wouldn't be where I am without you and I love you all dearly.

Unceasing service from others and for the opportunity to serve. This year has presented me with so many wonderful opportunities to serve and receive service. Whether through church, to a friend or from a friend, to or from neighbors, to or from strangers, I have seen so much selfless love this year. Service is a way to help people feel loved, relieved, supported, acknowledged and cared for. I pray I will have many more opportunities to serve my fellowman and to experience the kind of love for every person that Heavenly Father has.

Love is my partner in life, he is my best friend, my lover, my confidant and my shoulder to cry on. Without him, my life would be incomplete. He treats me as his equal and loves me more than I ever thought possible. He supports me in my decisions and encourages my growth. He is an amazing Father. To watch him with Zoe is a constant joy to my heart. He works so hard to take care of our family. I'm so grateful I am married to him for ETERNITY! I love you, Love!

I hope each of you take a minute to express what you're grateful for this year, whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not. I hope those of you that do celebrate have a great time with your families and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!