Forget Not To Be Happy Now

"Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life."

President Dieter F Uchtdorf, October 2011   

 



Dieter F Uchtdorf gave a speech in the General Relief Society Meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 2011 that has brought me so much comfort.  Here is the link if you would like to review it in its entirety: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/11/forget-me-not?lang=eng

The part that I have read over and over again is the reminder to be happy now.  He spoke of the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and how people in the story were ravenous in their search for a golden ticket.  They were so extreme in their searches that they no longer savored the chocolate that they had once so much enjoyed. 

Well, I too have been searching for a golden ticket and at times during the past couple years I thought my heart would completely break.  The search has been very personal and one most people just assumed we weren't on.  It has been hard longing for children only to be unsuccessful month after month after month after month after month after month after month after month after month, and then to experience the joy of expectation only to experience loss a couple weeks later. 

In seeking this golden ticket, there have been times that I have forgotten to be happy now.  In those moments I have always been comforted by a small voice.  No, not the still small voice, but the small voice of a precious 4 year old.  He will say things like, "I love you Mom!", "You are the best", "You're beautiful", "You're my best friend".  Sometimes he will just crawl up on my lap and snuggle with me while we watch a movie.  Sometimes we play games and just laugh together.  I would gladly take a houseful of children and we certainly will keep hoping, but I am happy now.  I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and beautiful son. 

Grandma Ida

We love visiting Grandma Ida.  We were lucky enough to get to visit her a couple of times during our trip in October.  So I know that I already did a post about visiting the farm, but we needed a separate post dedicated completely to this wonderful lady!

Temple Square

While visiting our families we did take some time to visit Temple Square.  It is such a beautiful and peaceful area.  



Visiting Aunt Kelly

It is always so much fun to visit Aunt Kelly when we ar ein town.  We loved spending time with her.

 

2012 Costumes

Cowboy at Sea Worlds Spooktacular

Dragon for the Eccles Dinosaur Park

Police Officer

Along with the above costumes Samuel wore his super hero cape for the Fall Festival at his school and to the trunk or treat at school. 

Fishing

Some of my favorite memories growing up were going to Barkers Fish Farm with my family - especially with my Grandma V.  We had such a great time and I am so glad we got to go there while we were on vacation.  Samuel had a great time.  He loved fishing and he really enjoyed being with his cousins.  If you live in Northern Utah or if you will be visiting, I would strongly recommend stopping here for some outdoor fun!  Here is a link to their website http://coldspringstroutfarm.com/ 

 

Samuel's First Fish

Trying to decide if he wanted to touch it

The Farm

We always have so much fun visiting Grandma Ida's farm.  Samuel loved giving carrots to the horse and to the goats - the sheep however did not want the carrots.  They we just interested in checking out Samuel.  

Fun with Cousins

Samuel and Cousin F got a ride in the wheelbarrow from Grandpa.  Grandpa ran then down the street to get the mail and all the while the boys were yelling "Again" and "Faster Faster". 

3 Good boys + 1 IPad = hours of entertainment   (Samuel enjoyed the IPad but even more he loved being with his cousins)

The Airport

Wouldn't you agree that Samuel is just adorable....if you don't then by all means, stop looking at my blog :)  In all seriousness, Samuel is such a good sport.  We had to get to the airport really early and therefore we left our house around 3:30 in the morning!  He didn't complain as we then waited for our plane to board.  He just sat and watched a movie. 

You may also notice that Samuel is wearing a bright yellow shirt.  We flew out on a Friday and Samuel was missing the yellow day party at school so we decided he could have his own yellow-day party.

Star Wars Birthday Party

While visiting family last month we got to attend Samuel's cousin's birthday party.  Samuel (and the other kids) all really enjoyed it.  I have such a talented and creative sister!  Here are some pictures of the party goers playing with their Light Sabers (these were constructed by my brother-in-law with pool noodles and electric tape)