Today

I have been asked- have you disappeared? How come so few posts? etc.... The honest reality is there just is not enough time in the day to wear all the hats I wish to, so the ones that aren't so important get put on the shelf, only to come out briefly as time permits. The blogging cap falls perfectly into this category.

A year a so ago I was struck by a visting teaching message in which my VT shared a quote about finding joy in the journey- hence the name of our blog. This message was reiterated by President Monson at this last General Conference ( he says it much better than I):

Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

Since that visit with my Visiting Teachers I have really strived to find happiness and satisfaction in the everday. Each night one of the songs we sing is " The Today Song" ( I really don't know the correct title)

Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine;

I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine.

A million tomorrows shall all pass away;

Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today.

Of course Andrew always likes to change the words in the second line to something that we have eaten and drunk during that particular day, so the song changes many nights. But we take time to remember the things that have brought us happiness each day.

So in the same spirit here are a few things that have brought joy into our lives the last few months.....

• Only the motherboard failed on the desktop, not the hard drives ( hence no pictures)
• Getting sunburned at the park yesterday ( 90degrees on Nov. 19th)
• Most days, realizing nothing important got thrown away by Zachary- he has a fettish for throwing things in the garbage ( we've lost a few sippy cups, toys and the DVD remote so far)
• The beaches in North Carolina actually look just like you see in the movies ( I went and visited Jenn for a few days in Oct)
• Flying all by myself. No kids. And I didn't have to sit by anyone else's either!
• Watching the boys lovingly take care of each other and want to be with one another. Tuesday there were no sports, no nothing afterschool and they happily played with each other in the backyard for over two hours.
• Brian slowly regain use of his arm- makes you appreciate a healthy body.
• Hunting through an apple orchard for any remaining apples- the boys had more fun searching for the few that were left than we expected. The hunt was worth it- they were very good.
• Hiking- there are so many fabulous things to see and places to go. We hiked in Chiricahua National Forsest over fall break- somewhat like Bryce and Zions incredible rock formations.
• Having Dawn live with us- the house seems so empty now that the downstairs bedroom isn't occupied. There was a third pair of hands around to help with whatever and when Brian was down and out, it was especially nice!
• Watching Matthew score a goal- it has taken three years, so it was quite a celebration when it happened.
• Matthew playing soccer with one of his best friends Korbin, it is fun to see them shoulder bump and chest bump when one does something good on the field.
• The nights when no one wakes up.
• The Sunday's when all the Primary Teachers show up- and we don't have to go look for subs
• Being able to work with some of the most wonderful women in my calling
• Serving.
• Listening to Brandon finally be able to play the Star Wars theme song on the piano.
• Having wonderful friends, who even when time and distance has separated you, stops by for a night; it is as if time has been erased.
• getting to the time of year when you are actually happy to say, " I live in AZ!"
• Andrew's universal acceptance of people.
• The WHOLE family getting flu shots
• Listening to kids conversations: Andrew's co-op preschool was over one morning and as we were eating our snacks the kids were discussing who created more: Jesus or Heavenly Father. They were going back and forth, until one boy said, "Did you know that Jesus teleports?" I didn't want to get into that subject... so we quickly redirected their thoughts. Another friend came over and said, " Andrew's mom, do want to feel my big muscles?" All the muscles in his face and neck were taut and straining, but there was no little bicep bulging. They just crack me up.
• The nights when Brandon goes to sleep without any issues ( these are joyful nights)
• Having all the socks match up when folded ( doesn't happen real often!)

Well the blogging cap must go back on the shelf for a time. Life for us good and busy.

So, what's brought you joy today?