Oh Joy!

Disclaimer for reader:
Pretend these pictures are at the end of the post. Somehow I uploaded (downloaded) my entire post to the family web site instead of mine. So I had to put the pictures on again. Oh joy! Last Friday Dropping everyone off at school, stopping at Maverick for a diet coke, putting cute Gracie down for a nap and just sitting in silence.

Yesterday, figuring out that Gracie doesn't need expensive toys. A bag of fruit snacks will do . Waking up this morning to this. If you can believe it I was sleeping in between the two of them :)

Waking up this morning to this. If you can believe it I was sleeping in between the two of them :)

This afternoon having my very own rudolph come knocking at my door.

This is for the two Becky's in my life. Both of whom I have had about the same conversation in the last two days. After telling the tales of our children and their mischieveous, somewhat funny behavior. After talking about how we can't believe we have 4 and 5 children. How we cry nearly everyday and wonder how we are going to do it. How we want to teach our children the principles of the gospel and how to squeeze everything in between homework and stuff. The question is posed. How do I find joy in what I am doing everyday?

I can tell you how I find joy. It is getting up every morning, getting dressed, going to school, seeing the teachers and my kids at school. Coming home to a lazy afternoon to my little kids and starting the day over again. I have said before, I am not a great stay at home mom. I think I am a good stay at home mom, but it isn't my favorite thing. After Gracie was born and I made the decision to stay at home this year I knew I had chosen the right thing. I also knew it wouldn't be easy on me, thankyou post partum depression. Last August When school started I decided I wanted to really find joy everyday staying home. Now in December I realize I don't have to feel "joyful" all day long, I just have to choose to look at the things that come up differently. Becky B. reminded me of this. She said to me today. "I will always remember when Lindsey broke her leg when she was little and you called me and said. well she broke her leg, but at least I get to sit for awhile in the quiet waiting room." And when Tyson was a baby and pooped in the bathub everyday for a month she said to me "well. At least I have the cleanest bathtub in the neighborhood!" So here's to feeling joyful.

Maybe not every single second of the day but through bits and pieces.