Thankful for Silence

Today, I'm thankful for silence.

"Do we know how to shut the door, stop the noise, and tune in to our own inner lives?" - Katrina Kenison

I'll explain: My newest purchase on my Kindle (LOVE. IT.) is Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry, by Katrina Kenison. The author is a mom (obvsiously) that has discovered the secret to enjoying life is by silencing the noise around us. She decided her young kids didn't have to be in so many activities - that just a few would suffice. She didn't need to always have music or the DVD player on in the car. That sitting in silence sparked conversations she would never have had with her kids. She also found that a little silence meant she simply didn't feel as rushed or hurried. She felt peaceful. And peace leads to happiness.

Happiness is a journey. I used to think, One day I'll be married. Then I'll be happy. Then, it became One day we'll be done with school. Then we'll make lots of money (funny, right?), and be happy. Then, I realized that happiness can come regardless of our circumstances, if we just seek it. Plenty of people are married and unhappy. Plenty of people make lots of money, and are still unhappy. So, I started to figure out ways I could change my attitude. Then, a friend mentioned I should read this book - she said it changed her life.

I encourage you all to tune into your inner selves, to find time to be thankful for our daily activities, which, in turn, will make you so happy for what you have.

I'll leave you with one last quote:

"I am convinced that the simplest, most effective way to enrich family life is to return quiet to our homes." - Katrina Kenison

What are your thoughts?

I'm POSITIVE we're still here... Right?

It's been a while.. a LONG while, since I blogged. I think I just got tired of it for some reason, which is ridiculous, because I love to write. I used to be GOOD at writing, but now I'm lucky if I write things coherently enough for others to understand :) So.. bear with me, I have something to say.

This year has taught me a lot about patience, about how we don't always get what we want WHEN we want it. From not passing the bar for the first time (Did I mention Billy knocked it out of the park the second?) and not getting other deep desires of our heart, I allowed myself to get frustrated and angry.. at God.. and other people who had what I wanted.

After taking the bar (the second time), Billy and I packed up and moved out to Utah so he could work on a film while we waited (and waited) for results. I was allowed much introspective time these past few months to look at myself, and figure out who I want to be. I saw something I didn't like - I was moody, semi-rude, snappy, and allowed myself to be jealous of others. Not cool, right?

I thought about how I used to be - I was always a positive, bubbly person who didn't sweat the small stuff. Where did that girl go? I made a promise to myself that I would find that girl again, and become happy and positive.

Then, something happened, I realized my life freaking rocks! I get to be a wife to an amazing man who loves me, and treats me with respect. I get to have the most beautiful little boy on planet earth! Sure, I don't have more kids, and that breaks my heart at times, but I have been blessed with him - which is more than a lot of people can say. My husband has a great career, and a great one to fall back on. And, we have great and supportive family and friends.

I found happiness, and life is great.

Things I Want to Punch

1. Property managers who say apartments in Oregon don't NEED air conditioning. This is absolutely true of the tenants don't NEED to sleep in the summertime.

2. Jeans that stretch to wear. What they don't tell you is that you're buying jeans that are going to fit you for about 4 hours, max. By lunch time, you feel like you're swimming in your jeans.

3. Game shows. I HATE game shows with a passion. You know that feeling you have when you're about to confront someone and it's going to be awful? For some reason, I have that gut feeling every time a game show is on.

4. Houses painted in easter egg colors. Pretty sure the reason they're called easter egg colors is because they're meant for EASTER EGGS. Please paint your house something neutral so your neighbors don't hate you.

5. Blue dye in hair gel. There is ONE type of hair gel I've found that works for Ethan's hair. Unfortunately, it's dyed blue. Did I mention Ethan's a boy? Doing his hair is considered a sport in our house. It consists of me frantically running after a giggly little boy who thinks it's a game of tag. I always end up getting gel all over his face, and because it's blue, he looks like a little smurf when all is said and done.

Forget Yourself and Go to Work

These words of President Hinckley's have been such an inspiration to me. Who knew doing chores could make you happy?

This Picture

This picture...

....Warms my heart. There's something so profound about him looking up. I want him to always look up. Always realize his potential is larger than life. To always be smiling. This picture makes me think of the infinite possibilities in Ethan's life. So thankful for my baby. So thankful his future is bright.

Random

Ethan is obsessed with my shoes! I don't really blame him. Girl shoes are so much more exciting than boy shoes. I finally gave in, and this was the result:

Practice makes perfect.

Ethan so excited! YES, I know it's weird. But it was also so fun to see him so excited. Also, I can't wait to show his future girlfriends.

Aaaaaand here's his easter basket/helmet. Doesn't he look Russian?

Easter 2011

Due to not passing the bar, Easter weekend wasn't exactly our favorite. But Ethan sure had a great time! Isn't he so grown up??

How can a boy be so photogenic?

Ethan opening his Easter package from Mema.

Mema's Easter basket, which he has deemed a helmet that must be worn whenever he's on his bike. Needless to say, we've gotten plenty of odd looks from passersby.