Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Weekend Getaway

Whenever we're in need of good company, fun times, and a slow-paced weekend...we head on down to Holden. This weekend was filled with lots of activities and events in honor of Memorial Day. Last week was rough for me with Grant's "teething" nightmares and not a lot of sleep...I somehow ended up a little discouraged and knew a short trip would be just the thing I needed. Throughout the weekend...I tried to look for all the little things that make every day life "special." Here were my 5 favorites:

1. Stepping out the door in the mornings and being greeted with the smell of trees and land. It reminded me of the smells of summer camping.

2. Playing a good game of PayDay with my sweet husband and brother-in-law, Dan. I haven't sat down to a good board game in ages! I grew up playing games and need to take more time to enjoy them now.

3. Running into a wonderful couple on my way into church. I was late and Grant was fussy...everyone was already inside. There happened to be a truck parked outside the door with the nicest lady and man sitting inside. She gave me the sweetest smile and asked how we were. She told me that her husband was too ill to sit in sacrament, but they faithfully came every week and the deacons administered the sacrament outside to their awaiting car. They also had a portable radio there so they could hear the service. I was humbled by their faith and dedication. It was the reminder I needed to take my eyes off of my own problems and refocus.

4. Eating good ol' fashioned picnic food. Let's be honest...I paid for that on my run this morning, but it was 100% worth it.

5. Laughing. How good it was to stop and take time to have a good laugh! Laughter does amazing things for my attitude.

I have a saying in my kitchen that goes "Life doesn't get much better than this." Last time my Grandpa Porter was up from Arizona, he saw the saying and asked "Do you believe that?" I answered without hesitation that I did. This last weekend I remembered that in order for that saying to be true, I have to remind myself to stop and see the beauty that life holds. It's always there...I just need to take time to see it.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Mama's Day

A mama’s day…
Is full of mischief and grins
Her work seems unnoticed at times

She can’t comprehend
The generations she’s touching
Motherhood gets sweeter with time

A mama’s day…
Doesn’t end when she’s fifty
There are still walks to be walked

Mama’s are there
In the most desperate of hours
Tending to their sweet little flock

A mama’s day…
Should be sunshine and flowers
Not full of hurt and pain

Little she knows
God’s hand is at work
Hoping she’ll dance in the rain

A mama’s day
Is quite delightful
Holding her little ones close

She knows a secret
Life is what you make it
Each second matters the most
-J.N.Stevens, May 2009

I'm so greatful for all the mama's who have enriched the lives of me and my family.
Happy Mother's Day everyone.