Happy

I've been trying to think of a way to recap the last year and a half. As a family, we've been through a lot. There have been exciting times and boring times, stressful times and relaxing times, hard times and easy times ... I think you get it. :) I would like to make a list of all the things we've done (just for fun) and post it, but that takes too much brain power for a midnight post. So, I thought of a way to recap everything in a word... HAPPY! I am so proud to report that through it all, thick and thin, I've been so happy!! Life is so great! When I think of what's really important, it is very easy for me to be happy. The unfair, confusing, and mundane aspects of life seem to quickly fall by the wayside and I am uplifted by all of the wonderful things that I have. Even though life gets hectic and I lose my cool every once in a while, it's really easy to come back to happy when there are so many good things around me. Here are some pictures that I found that show me being happy. I rarely post pictures of myself, so this is a little out of my comfort zone... I'm 100% sure that I am the LEAST photogenic person that I have ever met

Easter '10

Disneyland Oct. '10 Who isn't happy at D-land on "It's a Small World"? My friend snapped this picture when she lovingly photographed our family at an impromptu 'Christmas Card' photoshoot. Todd's been making me laugh for the last 12 1/2 years... it's impossible not to be happy when you live with this guy! Here is a brief list of things that make me happy every day... 5 Kids that wake up happy every morning 5 kids that love to snuggle 1 husband that might be the hardest worker I know A Clean Kitchen (or entire house when possible) Studying the Scriptures and other Doctrine Teaching (institute, primary, or regular ol' mom-teaching :) Watching my children learn things Family Dinner Together every night Tucking my kids in bed

The list could go on and on... there are millions of things in my life that I have to be thankful for, but these are my favorites. These are the things that keep me going day in and day out.

If life is treating you unfairly and it's hard to be happy, make your own list. Start simple, write down things that make you happy that actually happen regularly. Leave out things like romantic walks on the beach, breakfast in bed, and shopping with no budget. Focus on the things that you do and have everyday that are wonderful. If we spend time thinking of all of the things that we wish we had, we lose sight of what's right in front of us. If we focus on the things that we "didn't get done" we forget about all of the wonderful things that the Lord blesses us with the strength to do everyday. There were times in my life when this list would've looked very different. That's ok... there's a time and a season for everything! There are always positive things to find even in the most crazy times!!!

I am thankful that I am able to find so much joy in motherhood. There is nothing else that I would rather do...

Life isn't perfect, but it sure is awesome!!