How Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Taking care of three grandchildren for four days is easy. Just get up, fix breakfast, get everyone ready for the day--brush teeth, pack backpacks, get reading assignment done, fix lunches, have scripture story and prayer, off to school, take little one to pre-school, take a deep breathe, and get ready for after school. Then its pick up little one, get after school snack ready, get homework done, practice for music lessons--piano and guitar. Prepare dinner and get oldest off to Roadshow performance. Then its bedtime stories, get ready for bed, have prayers, and tuck everyone in. Repeat for the next three days. Now I know why I had my own kids when I was young. However, the special hugs and kisses are well worth it. It was also fun watching the three-year old and the two-year old that lives with me playing. They would chase each other around the table and play stop and go and laugh like crazy. There's my reward!

The Joy of Youth

I decided that I need to remember how to look at life through the eyes of a child. My little granddaughter danced and grabbed my hand and wanted me to follow her so that she could show me something in her room. I'm going to be tending her and her siblings for a few days. She was so excited and her face lit up with her beautiful smile. I thoroughly enjoyed her enthusiasm. Later my little grandson started running around our dinner table again and again. His little 9-month old brother started to laugh every time he ran past him. Both of them grinned from ear to ear every time he ran around. He did this for ten minutes and we all enjoyed his playfulness. Then he got a little train car and rolled it across the table to me. I rolled it back and he decided to climb up on the chair across from me. We kept rolling it back and forth. He loved the little game and so did I. I realized it was an opportunity to enjoy each other and there was nothing more important than that at the moment. Then he watched "Little Bear" and began laughing so hard we were surprised. He has watched it a dozen times, but today it struck him funny. He kept begging to have it played over and over again. I think I need to look for joy like my grandchildren do. I have a fairly positive attitude, but it was so much fun to look at simple things with a fresh outlook. I truly enjoyed the excitement and laughter these darling children brought to my morning. I'm going to look at simple things with a little more fun and excitement this afternoon. Hope you find joy and laughter in your day too.

Eat Dessert

We attended a funeral in Cedar City for a dear aunt. She almost single-handedly developed the Home Economics department at SUU and was Dean of Women. Her creed in life was "Life is uncertain...eat dessert first!" All the good things in life are to be enjoyed so count the star-filled evenings, the many friendships, warm embraces, and the times God has smiled upon your traveled way. That was the main message and a good time was had by all. There were so many laughs at this funeral that you had leave with a smile on your face. A day well spent. Hope your day was well spent too. I'm ready for dessert! (Really!!!)

I hope you have had the chance to see the YouTube performance by Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent. I am drawn to it every day and still get a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. This frumpy, unemployed lady took the courage to try for her dream at the age of 47. Millions have seen her performance that brought the skeptical audience to their feet after singing only four notes. When you watch it, you grin at the faces of the audience and judges as they see this talented lady win over everyone instantly. We, too, can choose to be courageous and set out to make our goals. It's another take on "eating a frog" to get the worst chore of the day done. One saying is: Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, "I will try again tomorrow." Some days seem as though we take ten steps backward instead of forward. But we need to stop and remember that we too can have success if we work for it. So, even though this week has had its challenges, I have made some progress and I will take courage and continue on until I see surprised faces of those who might not think I will succeed, especially ME! Oh, yes. I sometimes don't think I will make it, but I am learning things that will help me, so look out--here I come! Its always nice to feel like you can get back on track and finally get to the goal. Onward!

Golden Rule

I was reminded by a sweet friend the importance of treating others as you would like to be treated. You never know what heartache, pain, or suffering is hidden in someone's life. One saying that teaches this is: "Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak...because in your life you will have been all of these." If you live the Golden Rule everything in life will work itself out. If you don't live the Golden Rule, life will not have much happiness or meaning. Today I resolve that I will look for those who need a hug, a smile, and a listening ear. I know that in itself will make my day better. Thanks for the reminder!

Feel Good Day and Earth Day

Today I needed a "feel good" day. Sometimes we have to make our own joy and laughter. I've heard the saying that laughter is to the soul what soap is to the body. So today I will smile and laugh. Having lunch with dear friends gave a supportive, warm, happy feeling. Walking around the block brought smiles with blossoms, flowers, and birds singing. My youngest granchild filled our house with laughing over the smallest little things. One article I read suggested busting out with a silly laugh when you are in the dumps. You would have to go somewhere where you are alone, then people don't label you as crazy. Once you start laughing over doing something so silly, the endorphins in your brain will have kicked in and you have a whole new attitude. I haven't done that yet, but I think I will before the day is over just to have some fun! The choice to be happy can make or break your day. When shopping have you ever been waited on by someone with a smile and cheery greeting? It can make the whole day better. In contrast have you ever been waited on by someone who makes you wish you weren't there? They are grouchy and frowning. I decided I would rather be remembered as the smiling, happy one. No matter what your challenges are today, I hope you have a feel good day with smiles.

Better organized?

What a gorgeous day! My walk was such a delight in this beautiful weather. I'm working on some of my projects and enjoying my grandchildren. Next week I get three other grandchildren for a few days while their Mom and Dad take a much-needed break. I am trying to get a little better organized (as usual) and be better prepared for events that are coming up this week. I'm also trying to concentrate on some things that will enrich family life. I am so thankful for the opportunities that are mine. I know I can make better use of my time some days so that I can reach my goals. I am also identifying some new "frogs" to eat. Have to keep pressing forward, don't we? I'm also beginning my life story (Again!) and hope to write some every day. That might help me stay out of trouble. Hope your day is fantastic! You deserve it!