Simple Abundance

There's a little sign that hangs above my sink in the kitchen that reads, 'Simple Abundance'. I've learned (often the hard way) that it's the little things, the simple things that take on the most meaning. This is the principal behind my love for our old faded Buzz Lightyear blanket. Today was an emotional day for me for many reasons and I really want to focus on the sheer sweet goodness of it all. Here is a short list of the things that touch my heart and keep it warm;

• Dayton - I often sit back and marvel at the miracle he is, how it all happened and just how lucky I am to have this sweet little boy. Monday I was in a pile of tears and he just sat and quietly rubbed my back. Surely if he were a Care Bear he'd be Tenderheart Bear. Need I say any more? So.Easy.To.Love.
• Ellianne - She's got a smile that is full of life, light and everything good. She's bright, sharp and shiny. She doesn't miss a thing and know how to take charge of a situation. I love to sit back and quietly watch her in action. If she were a Care Bear she would surely be Fun Shine bear with darling angel kisses scattered across her face (and then she would tell you all about it!) So.Very.Endearing.
• Adalie - Oh the grand finale she is! She is a little firecracker and burns white hot. She doesn't stop moving, has a very determined mind of her own and loves, loves, loves to be held. She is the perfect blend of tender meets strong. She really does complete us and if she were a Care Bear she would be Brave Heart and she would have the funniest and fiercest little roar to prove it. So.Absolutely.Darling.
• Phone Call Home - I started off the day with a call to my Dad and I must say that there are few things that warm my heart quite like a quiet chat with him. He's the ultimate life coach and way better than my favorite comfort food! I will take a 5 second convo with him any day over a new pair of cute shoes!
• VM's from Dear Friends - I received several today unexpectedly and I cannot tell you how much it meant to me. I was touched knowing that they thought of me and bummed that I missed the actual calls. This simple act of kindness brings tears to me eyes and makes me feel so grateful to have such genuine friendships in my life. I love being connected.

On the B Side: While it was different being on my own on Thanksgiving it certainly gave me time to quietly reflect on the things that mean the most to me in this life. I secretly love the quiet down time but am always happy to be up and running again when life hits...and it always does!

The Journey

After reading Clancy Pants latest post my mind was brought back to a poem that President Hastings shared with us on our wedding day. While I was unable to locate this particular poem I did find something of great beauty that I would like to share!

"One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice --though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. "Mend my life!"each voice cried. But you didn't stop. You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations, though their melancholy was terrible. It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones. But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do --determined to save the only life you could save."

~ Mary Oliver ~

These words remind me of our journey here in this world. There are so many influences in this world putting us down. They tell us that we aren't good enough, that we are of little worth and that we don't matter. We become preoccupied with "things" and lose site. We allow ourselves to become stressed and overwhelemed. These are the voices of the world and they tug at us and weigh in our hearts. These subtles influences try to take us away from the things that matter most.

As we move forward and trust the one voice that matters, that of a loving Heavenly Father we have hope, we begin to more clearly see ourselves for who we are and we realize our own sense of purpose. The road still remains full of fallen branches and stones that serve as impediments in our path but we suddenly come to the realization that we are not alone, that we can overcome these obstacles and we can FEEL hope. More importantly we learn that we can help others and it is all part of the process, part of the journey.

As a mother never has all of this been more ciritical and I love it! I love living it and I love picking myself back up every time I stumble. I love watching the children. Their resilency, their strength and their desire to keep trying impresses so powerfully upon my heart. They truely are amazing and my greatest source of hope.

On the B side: I am so grateful for the the light that is shining brightly on my journey! Even during some of the darkest hours I have quietly been reminded and reassured of who I am, why I am here and what I need to do. "When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us there is hope shining brightly" and yes the password is courage! xoxo