A lesson in friendship.

Yesterday afternoon I lost Max. I was cooking dinner and suddenly realized that I hadn't seen him for a while. The front door was locked so I was sure that he was somewhere in the house. I called, but there was no answer. I looked and couldn't find him. I thought maybe he had escaped through the garage and gone to play with his best friend next door. I went to check and he wasn't there. I came home and searched again-under every bed, in every closet and cupboard, in the yard. He wasn't anywhere. That's when I started to panic. Shila came and started helping me look through the house. I called Jen and within minutes she and Alyssa were out with their strollers looking around the neighborhood. Emily came home to help. She had been in the house about a minute when she found him asleep on the floor between her bed and the wall. I swear I had looked there! Relief washed over me and I was so thankful for my friends who rushed to help me. We all went back to our dinner making and other evening activities. Then Shila came over with her son. He was crying and wanted to see Max for himself. He was so worried that Max had been lost and thought that we couldn't find him. It brought me to tears to see that kind of frienship between three year old boys. What a sweet, tender heart! Max was oblivious to the whole thing, but I think he knows that he's got a special friend.

The crazy things moms do.

A few weeks ago I was in the mall and saw some beautiful holiday dresses for sale--all matching and all different sizes. I had one of those moments where I could picture my beautiful girls all dressed in their matching outfits and I caved. I know that my days of choosing what my girls wear are numbered so I had to take advantage of it. And then I was compelled to find matching outfits for my handsome boys too. I could imagine how gorgeous our Christmas cards would be this year. It was all fun in my fantasy world, but the reality was a little less than perfect. Mark's sister Leah was in town so I asked her to take some pictures. After fighting to get the girls hair done, getting everyone dressed just so, getting out the door, and discovering that Luke was still wearing white socks they all became resigned to the inevitable and were good sports. Leah was patient while we tried to get everyone just to look the same way at the same moment. It was a bit of a chore, but the result was a perfect, beautiful memory that far exceeded my fantasy. These are my real live kids with their quirks and imperfections and I think they're the most amazing people on the planet. And this year's Christmas card will be gorgeous afterall!

Way too much info...

This is a private matter (especially for Max) and maybe I shouldn't share with the whole world, but it's big news in our house. Max has been extremely resistant to potty training, much to my dismay. This week my mom sent him a chart to mark each time he pooped (sorry) in the potty. After marking the chart, he gets a treat. When he has seven days marked, she's promised a present. Could this finally be the answer? Well, he used the potty yesterday and today all on his own. I hate to see my baby grow up, but I've done my share of diapers and I won't miss those at all! I know I'm a crazy mom, but this MUST be documented and celebrated!

Where do the years go?

September brought a couple of big events to our family. Luke turned 13, making me the parent of-gasp-a teenager. I can't believe it's been that long. I remember very clearly the day he was born. I even remember the song that was on the radio as we drove to the hospital. I feel very blessed to have such a great son and hope that we'll sail through these next few years with mutual respect and as little pain as possible. :) Next, Lexi was baptized on September 6. Although her birthday was in August, she had to wait until the stake baptism in September. She was excited all of August and couldn't wait for the day to come. My mom and dad and Kevin came and Mike and Summer and their girls Kennedy and Sophie all came too. It was really cool of all of them to make the special trip. We appreciated them making the effort and I know Lexi felt special. Mark baptized and confirmed Lexi and I was reminded how thankful I am for him. He's a great dad and a great person. These are the days when I feel totally content and thankful for an amazing family.

It's amazing what you see when you look.

I just realized that three people commented on my first post. That made me feel pretty cool. Thanks girls!! It sure is nice to have friends. Seriously. That is an area where I am absolutely, filthy rich. I have been so blessed with amazing friends. They live all over the world. They're different ages and come from many different backgrounds, but I learn something from them all. It would appear that I don't have a thing in common with many of them, but it only takes a little time to find a small something that we share--an interest or hobby, our religious views, our sense of humor or maybe just that we live on the same planet--the possibilities are endless. How did I get so lucky?

Humble pie for breakfast.

Yesterday was one of those days. I had a great run with my friend Stephanie and then the face pain started. I felt frustrated and sorry for myself. And then I thought of all of the strong, amazing people I know and some that I don't know. I spent some time this week reading a blog that the beautiful and talented Jeninne :) told me about ( http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ ) It really got to me. There are so many kinds of pain in the world and so many different ways to deal with it. My personal scripture for the year has been Alma 5:27 where it talks about being sufficiently humble. I hope that my small problems will make me humble and tender and full of empathy. I stopped to count my blessings and realized that there was no way I could avoid having a good day!