Choices

I can choose to:

a) complain that I don't get much done during the day

or

b) enjoy the time I get to spend with my son

I can choose to:

a) be annoyed that my legs are sore

or

b) feel grateful that I am able to work out

I can choose to:

a) see my husbands imperfections

or

b) realize that he was WAY more good qualities than not so good ones and love that his imperfections are what make him who is is. And that person is my best friend, my eternal companion, my other half.

I can choose to:

a) pine over all the things I don't have that I want

or

b) be grateful for all the things I DO have

I can choose to:

a) dwell on my trials and all the challenges life throws at me

or

b) be grateful for all of my blessings

I can choose to:

a) look at my long list of to-dos and beat myself up over what I didn't get done

or

b) congratulate myself for what I did get done...even if it was very little

I can choose to:

a) hate the extra fat on my body

or

b) be grateful that I have enough food to eat

I can choose to:

a) complain about keeping the house clean

or

b) be thankful I have a roof over my head

I can choose to:

a) be frustrated that my back and knees constantly hurt

or

b) thank my Heavenly Father for giving me a body

I can choose to:

a) see my imperfections

or

b) see my strengths

I can choose to:

a) gossip

or

b) serve others

I can choose to:

a) compare

or

b) see the good in others

I can choose to:

a) be miserable

or

b) be happy

It's all about choices.

And I choose "B".

Our Savior's Love

A couple weeks ago, I sat on my bed to feed my son.

He ever so adorably finished his bottle.

I burped him.

And then the crying began.

I could tell he was in a lot of pain. This happens sometimes. Most days it's not too bad anymore (thanks to his meds), but some days he's not so lucky.

It was one of THOSE days.

I immediately held him close to me, rocking him back and forth and telling him "I love you, Little Ry Guy." But it didn't really help. I couldn't take away his pain. After a few minutes, I was almost in tears myself. I hated watching him hurt. And there wasn't a doubt in my mind that if I were given the opportunity to experience that pain for him, I would do it in a heartbeat. No questions asked.

And in that moment, I think I comprehended the atonement and our Savior's love for us more than I've ever been able to before.

Recap

October 21 was my cousin James' birthday. The family got together for dinner at a place called San Tan Flat our in Queen Creek. It was a really fun dinner place! They have tables outside and fire pits to roast marshmallows at. The also have live music. The food was pretty good, but the atmosphere was the best part! We can't wait to go again sometime. 

The next day, we had a fun game night with our friends Ben and Chelsi. It was so much fun! I miss hanging out with them.

On that Saturday, April, James, and the boys wanted family pictures. So we took some and got some of all of us together. 

The next week I was CRAZY busy! I'm on the ward activities committee for my church. We were throwing a Halloween carnival that Saturday and invited the whole neighborhood, not just the members. So it was gonna be big. But everyone seemed to love it and we got good comments from those who came. I'd call it a success!

Ryan was a cute lil' robot for Halloween! I scored his costume for $5 two days before Halloween. Wooo! It was so squishy. I think he liked it.

And finally, last Wednesday...I cut my hair! I chopped it off! What do you think?

Oh, and I forgot to get pictures...but last night--November 8--was the anniversary of my first date with Jess. As tradition, every year we've decided to relive our first date. We go to the same restaurant and a movie at the same theater. We did it last year, and we did it again this year. I love this tradition!