All's Well

I have so many reasons to be happy (which I already explored as fleeting, but also desirable!)


No school today! So that blasted alarm clock didn't go off at 5:30am. No Seminary! No packing lunches and driving to school! Instead, Conor came into our room a little after 7am with his blanket and got into bed for snuggles in between Mom and Dad. A much nicer way to wake up.


I cooked oatmeal for everyone and then put Conor in the stroller, asked Aiden to tag along, and we went for a morning walk. Aiden told me what he knows about Martin Luther King, Jr. and we talked about the equality of all human beings and how one person can truly make a difference.

I've been doing so well at logging my 10,000 steps each day since 2009 began. It's become a 'non-negotiable', and the effects are starting to show:

*I am more cheerful.
*I feel empowered because I am getting stronger (heart and muscles).
*I feel confidence because I set a goal and am living with integrity towards that goal.
*The pain in my neck is diminishing, as surrounding muscles gain strength. This alone has relieved so much depression and mental energy that was expended in dealing with that pain.
*I lost an inch in my waist last week! (Haven't stepped on a scale--will do that Feb. 1)
*I want to do other 'good' things for myself because of this one good thing. (eat well, read my scriptures, floss, paint my toenails, clean something.)
*I can deal with the stress of the day better.
*I have time each day to just think and pray and breathe.

Anyway, I think a lot of this has followed as a ripple effect of painting my walls. The color is bleeding through to my soul! And the opportunity to attend class and develop my mind has given me renewed appreciation for life and my outlook on it.

Back to my day:

Conor likes to sing the "Honey, Honey" song from Mama Mia! (because he can actually say 'honey, honey'), so we blasted the soundtrack and danced around the family room.

I baked mini zucchini muffins (for school lunches) and zucchini bread.


I did my school reading assignments. Will do the writing later tonight.

My boys are off with friends playing, and Lyns has finished Facebooking and Biology homework and will soon go off to work with her sweet triplets.


I feel love for Adam, and appreciation for his hard work. Being tucked against him all night was comforting and delightful. And warm.

Nie is posting again, and she keeps my heart bursting wide open with love and compassion. I keep my nails painted red, partly in tribute to her. I'm finding I like living in red. It is my favorite color, after all!

Well, considering the peace I feel inside, associated with all these happy things, maybe this is joy! A peaceful contentment that all is right, or at least what isn't, is in God's hands, and not on my mind.

Blessed.