The Good Life

I love days like this one where there isn't anything really noteworthy (or blog-worthy) going on, but there is just this overall feeling of joy. It's a simple thing. I was feeding my kiddos snacks, and I was just looking at their cute faces and I was just really happy, knowing that I was exactly where I wanted to be. 

True, as a mom, I don't get a monetary paycheck, but I'm the one that gets more of these from her than anybody else:

 And I was there when Michael drove his first car:

 Amazingly, he did amazingly well.

It made it so I could reconnect with an old friend from high school and get to introduce her to fun things in Utah County. And remember why I admired her so much way back then. And fall in love with her kiddos. And miss her like crazy when we get too busy to get together.

I can't help but feel that despite the frustrations that come from being alone all day with these beautiful crazies, my life is extremely rich. I get a front row seat to the lives of these amazing, independent, smart, endearing souls that I get to call my kids.

And I get to rescue Rachel when her legs get stuck in those bars and she can't get them out.

No matter how many times I get after Michael for this or that, I remain his preferred choice for who tucks him in at night.

I'm the one who Monkey thanks for making a paper airplane (and when I say Monkey, I mean that purple striped sock monkey, voiced by Michael). 

 I have the best person by my side, keeping me going when I want to quit. Without him, oh goodness, I don't even want to think about that. I get to see the very best of him daily. 

Today, during the morning session of General Conference, Pres. Uchtdorf gave a talk about being grateful--not just about counting your blessings, but being grateful to the Lord for all that He does for us and gives us-- no matter what. We've definitely had our struggles together. We've had disappointments, frustrations, sorrows--but I wouldn't trade a single bit of it. I'm so grateful to the Lord for this wonderful life I have. I stand in awe of all that He has given me. He has blessed me with such a good life.