What a beautiful day to enjoy pushing around Boston in his little car that he covets. The back porch had just enough room to be a "crash and burn" highway!

Happiness is...

Listening to two little boys giggle as they play in their "fort" made under the dining room table.
Sure it looks like a tornado hit our living and dining room but I'd rather enjoy the tornado while listening to giggles than having a very clean yet quiet home.

The Pumpkin Man

Yesterday Brandon was out working and Boston was still playing with his cousins so it was just me and Carson hanging out. We were able to work together on a school project he had. We turned his pumpkin in to a "Pumpkin Man" and together we wrote a cute little poem about this man. I relished in watching his creative side come out and spending a good uninterrupted hour side by side. We both need that. My joy this day was seeing him as he learns and grows. It was fun to just hangout and laugh with my not-so-little boy.

Trials ='s Blessing

So when I wrote the last post I had intentions of writing daily blessings. I really believe amongst trials, big or small, there is always blessings, big and small. I want to remember those blessings and realize how the Lord works in my life. Sadly I let time get in the way. I want to change my days so that they are not based around time limits but are based around timeless memories.

As I'm sitting here doing nothing, absolutely nothing, with no children I thought this would be a prefect opportunity to catch up...

Trial: I have been sick all week...I have a infection that if I'm not careful will quickly become spinal meningitis. I had spinal meningitis 10 years ago and never want to experience that again. It has not been a good week needless to say but I am confident the medication and blessing given to me will rid my body of the bacteria.

Blessings: 1. Dinner from a friend who totally brought it on her own without being asked. I was asleep and woke up to have Brandon tell me dinner had been brought. When I opened the fridge I couldn't help but to shed tears at the thoughtfulness of this busy person. 2. A friend who showed up to take Boston for how ever long was needed, putting no time constraints on the day. 3. Then my sister who called and took Boston for the remainder of the day and night and next day and still has him so I can recover. 4. My sister who offered to drive 2 hours to take both boys for the weekend. 5. A friend that had both boys for several hours one night and fed them dinner then has picked up Carson each day after school and kept him until bed time. 6. A mother who came over and brought "remedies" to help the sickness, did the dishes and folded laundry. 7. A R.S. president that has brought a meal and arranged for additional meals to be brought in. 8. A husband who hasn't complained at all while I lay in bed and moan, whine and cry at the pain I feel. Not to mention he's dressed the boys each morning, bathed them, got breakfast ready, did homework and site words with Carson, fixed lunch and still managed to keep up on his work load and prepare his talk for the ward he's speaking in on Sunday. 9. The helpful advice from doctors and the beauty of modern medicine.

As you can see the blessing far out way the trial.

Trial: Getting to the Relief Society broadcast on time, finding a babysitter, having the boys fed and ready for bed....Brandon had to be there that night to help with dinner, thus it left me having to pay $15 for a babysitter to attend this broadcast.

Blessings: I got to spend a few moments in the car with Brandon as we drove up there. I was able to listen to some very inspiring messages that I wish to never forget. I walked out of there feeling like the Lord does love me and I am apart of His plan. I had good conversation with others in the stake and it made me appreciate more that I live where I live. It was more than worth the money and hassle spent.

Trail: Getting the boys to be reverent during General Conference.

Blessings: We were able to spend an entire weekend home as a family. The boys were able to see the Prophet and other General Authorities. Having them sit on our laps for longer than 10 seconds. They enjoyed a weekend with their cousin who was here staying a few nights with us.

Trail: New Calling

Blessings: Learning the voice of the spirit. Learning organizational skills and striving to obtain leadership skills. Seeing the Young Women progress towards a happier more Christ-centered life, obtaining Temple blessings. Finding joy as the prepare now for a successful future in motherhood and marriage.

Blessings always out way the trials although it's not easy to see in the moment. I know this to be true. The Lord did not place us here to be miserable but "that we might have joy."

Turning over a new leaf.

It's never to late to change right? In light of this question and all that seems to be happening lately I have decided to change. Hopefully change for the better. When I shall leave this mortal existence I want to be remembered as a Christ-like woman, one who loved the Lord, who had an enlightening spirit about her. I want to be remembered as being genuinely kind, helpful and happy. Thus I will take these moments in life and record why they make me happy. Why certain happenings in life are not a trial but a blessing, a blessing that allows me to evolve into someone more humble and kind.

Let me start with today. Today my eternal love taught me a humbling lesson. I will forever be indebted to him for his kindness and acceptance of me and my shortcomings. He is my greatest example of humility and unconditional love. Today my love for him stretched further than before. Thank you Brandon. I Love you.

You're Invited!

As you may or may not know I have taken an interest and liking to yoga over the past while. I've received training and knowledge in this area and feel blessed I have found something that I enjoy and am passionate about.

On the same note of blessings I feel there are people in my life who have so graciously shared their knowledge and talents with me and now I want an opportunity to pay them back by "paying it forward."

Thus the point of this post...

I am starting a women's yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 5:15 am - 6:15am at my house for no charge. You are welcome to invite neighbors, friends or who ever you think will benefit from a challenging yet energizing work out. Bring a yoga mat or towel, a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing. This class is open to any "body" beginning or advanced. Come through the side gate and email me at jmeryhew at cox dot net or call with any questions or if you need directions. I'll start this class tomorrow...9/23. Spread the word! See you bright and early!

So what to write...

Last week we went to San Diego for a wedding. We hung out on the beach for two days, took our bikes and sand toys and the boys were completely satisfied the entire time. The drive over and back was pleasant, the hotel was decent and a great price. Overall it was a much needed break from reality and we had a really great time just hanging out as a family. Some day I'll post pictures.

Not sure what else I should say, all subjects on my mind seem to be touchy...schools, politics, friends, family. money etc...

I do have to say Carson's school has more the exceeded my expectations. His teacher is awesome and was even kind enough to come support him in the primary program this past Sunday. We are really praying for a missionary experience for our entire family. Carson was so thrilled to have her there although he acted very embarrassed.

This election is crucial to our families, our economy and the overall welfare of our near future. There are a few propositions on the ballot here in Arizona that can have a long lasting detrimental impact. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is following the presidential election or what's on our state ballot. The lack of knowledge and/or interest regarding this country and our immediate community is almost saddening consider what we're told regarding the importance of where we live as taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Friends...I'll comment some other time

Family...I don't want to paint a unrealistic picture and I'm not trying to do that. However at this time in my life I can't be more thankful to be married to the person I'm married to.

Money...sometime in life you begin to realize what's import and what's a complete waste of money

Time...again, sometime in life you begin to realize what's import and what's a complete waste of time. I try to analyze my time often and see how it could be better spent and when there's an extra minute or two in the day are those moments spent doing something that will increase my love of the Savior or pull me further under Satan's influence. It's crazy to think how many ways Satan's influence can slowly creep into one's life. Not to mention...are extra minutes spent strengthening my own testimony, my family and my community?

That's all for tonight.