Good Week VS Bad Week

Reflecting on the past couple of weeks, I am trying to gain some perspective about what makes a good week and what makes a bad week for me. Even though the stress level has gone up this week, things have been somewhat smoother(don't read too much into somewhat, please). So here are some clues to what makes my week better.

Attitude is clearly a big part for me. Not just going through the day but embracing the day. Not just enduring but really enjoying what I have. Meaning four children who I get to help grow. And remember how when I worked full time I would actually count the exact time I was MISSING with my children. And knowing their love for me is unlike no other.(even when I am not enjoying them).

Really savoring the little moments that are often easy to miss. Just like my quote says in the title of this blog.(you have to go look now) When I look back on my day, I always remember these moments first. And then I squeeze my eyes shut and imprint them in my memory for a raining day.

Planning the week in my mind, on the calendar, on daily lists, just plain ole planning. So when I get home from swim team after 3 hours, I am not cooking dinner at 7:30. Just as an example.

Making sure I do things for myself, like going to the gym. Turning on all the lamps at night so I feel calm. Reading something that inspires me or reread a Twilight book for the tenth time. Just saying.

Remembering to pray and actually ask for help. From someone who wants me to have a good day, everyday.

And friends who really care about me and my little life and all that it entails.

I think that is my little guide. So even when your husband has been out of town for 5 weeks straight, your 6 year old is having an emotional crisis, and you actually miss your 14 year old when she is at school, you can do it! I can do it! I think I can. I think I can.

Brotherly Love

I start by admitting I lifted this photo from my sister in law's blog(sorry Cindy). I am just that lame, I didn't take one picture when my awesome brother John came in town for work. He got to see us for a few days. It was so fun having him around. He is a great guy, smart and really just fun to be with. I know he will always live in Utah(grrrr) but I vow to at least visit more! Anyway, this is his cute family, wife Cindy(She is amazing as well) and their cutie JJ. And she is having #2 in October.

So thanks for taking time to see us and being a great uncle. And for mowing the yard. And for making the neighbors talk.(Wondering where I got this hot lawn guy/boy toy since my hubby was gone! Let'm talk) You are the best!

Karma Has Come My Way

This has to be one of my best stories in regards to Craig's List. Dana and I have been talking about selling our road bikes for a while. One reason being that we never made time to ride them, unless you count last year when we went on a family bike ride and I wrecked b/c my feet were clipped in. Ouch! Secondly, they take up precious space in the garage. So I decided to list them for a super deal of 100 each. I posted at 10 pm and by 8am I had 50 replies. Hum...maybe I under priced them a wee bit. So by 9:30 they were sold and gone but I was feeling like I should have sold them for more so I could get a new kitchen table. After thinking about it all day, I felt a little sorry for myself b/c I thought I am never getting a table. So I decided to get on Craig's List for the millionth time to look and behold.

This just added table appeared. Exactly the style I wanted, located 10 minutes from my house! I phoned the lady and she called back in 20 minutes. She said she had just posted it 30 minutes earlier. MEANT TO BE.........

So I am the proud owner of the table I wanted, plus 4 chairs and one leaf. Just a short paint job away from being my dream table. Oh, HOW MUCH? $125 baby! So I took my $200 cash and handed it over. The same day my bikes sold. Karma totally came my way. Now I am sanding, sanding to get ready to paint(with my $75 left over) and on the look out for two more chairs...

I heart Craig's List and Karma....and little petty prayers being answered.

Easter Egg Hunting

Thanks to my friend Kelly and her neighborhood, my kids went to a pretty fun egg hunt! Cole won a coloring contest and Mallory found a special egg and won a stuffed bunny. Good Times!

Cole's big prize!

Two crazy hunters with all their goods

Mallory and her new bunny and her cute bunny nose!

Mallory Cole and Mia with their friend Mason. The candy was good, the prizes were awesome and everyone was happy! Yippee!

Beautiful Surprise

Me and these two little cuties were coming back from the gym when this van pulled in behind me. I was a little worried and tried to get into the house fast. Right when I was shutting the garage, he came walking up with these

So I stopped(then thought it is a perfect plan for a stranger to "bring" flowers, like candy for kids!). I said,"Are they for the neighbor?" No, Mrs. Tucker. WOW! For me? Really?

Then Mallory said with a stunned look,"I guess he just wanted you to have flowers!" I had to explain someone who knew me sent them. I didn't think it was Dana , not b/c he doesn't send flowers, he does. But b/c I played a mean April Fools joke on him yesterday and knew he was not too happy with me! Sorry again babe! So now I have these beautiful tulips to look at thanks to...my MOM! Thanks mom, they made my day. Love you!