The Real Teachers

(picture by Ben)

My kids love to draw secret pictures for each other and wrap them and put them under the tree. Or they pick one of their current toys to wrap to give to a sibling. These are their presents to one another and they couldn't be happier.

***

Yesterday, Ben told me to try to guess the Christmas word he was thinking of. I proceeded to shout out every word imaginable - tree, present, Santa, reindeer, stocking, and on and on I went. He gave me this look that said, "I cannot believe you haven't guessed it yet." I finally had to give up because I couldn't think of any more. And then he told me the word he was thinking. Jesus.

Why was Jesus the last word I would have thought of and the very first word Ben thought of?

This year I have been really wanting to teach my kids more about the true meaning of Christmas, but I really think they're the ones teaching me.

Update On Morbid Ella

I just couldn't not update you all on the latest chapter of the Morbid Ella saga. I thought we were done with words like "murder" and eating people in our home. Let me tell you how wrong I was.

I'll set the scene for you. We were in the middle of family scripture study the other night. Ella suddenly expressed the desire to want to pick a scripture to read "all by herself". She flipped open to a page that pleased her and attempted to read. Ella is doing great learning her letters and numbers in preschool but hasn't quite tackled reading just yet. Thankfully, Emma was sitting right next to her so when Ella wasn't quite sure what a word said she leaned over for Emma to help her. Emma looked at the word and whispered to Ella, "Murder".

Lee and I immediately looked at each other with wide eyes and the gates of laughter burst open like never before. We verified the page she was on and the word she pointed to. This really happened people! What are the chances that Ella would open to a random page in the Book of Mormon, and point to a random word on that page and that word would be Murder?!?!

Now, I am freaked out more than ever!

One Year Older and Wiser Too...

Our little Eva turned 9 on Friday. I cannot believe how time flies. It seems like just yesterday she was spitting up all over me. Most of you have probably heard her little story but I have never actually documented it before so I will now:

When we discovered we were pregnant with Eva, we were so excited. We were a little nervous because little Emma was only nine months old at the time. Eva was the easiest pregnancy I had, physically. I only gained 25 pounds with her and didn't have to be on bed rest, unlike the 75 pounds I gained and 2 1/2 months of bed rest I was on with Emma. It wasn't until the week before she was due that my blood pressure went crazy high. They decided to induce me and I gave birth to Eva without any problems.

Emotionally, my pregnancy with Eva was the hardest. We were told early on that the ultrasounds showed cysts on her brain. We were also told that sometimes this meant there could be serious problems. Other times it could mean nothing. It didn't help that when Lee and I were engaged we both confessed that we always thought we would have a handicapped child. That is a strange thing to have in common. I just knew this pregnancy was going to be that child. We hoped for the best but also tried to prepare for the worst.

When Eva was born everything checked out. She was healthy! It was quite a moment for us. She did swallow a lot of meconium and had to be taken away to be monitored but other than that things looked great. The next day a nice little nurse came to talk to me and let me know that Eva had two holes in her heart and that I would need to get in touch with a cardiologist. She also mentioned almost under her breath that Eva had stopped breathing during the night and turned blue but that she "seemed fine now". My initial reaction was one of anger. Why didn't they come get me? Why wasn't I informed earlier? Then I convinced myself that those nurses and doctors knew much more than me and if they said that things seemed fine than I was sure they were right.

I took her to the cardiologist and didn't get a ton of answers to questions, only things like "Well, the holes could close up. We'll just have to watch and see. Come back and see me in a month."

Eva always seemed to be in pain. Things just didn't seem right. She would just randomly start screaming. And then she had what I thought was a seizure. I rushed her to the doctor who then told me to get her to the hospital. Her doctor was pretty sure she knew what was going on but you can never be too safe so for the next couple of days Eva was poked and prodded and underwent every scary test imaginable. And then came the results.

Reflux. I was relieved it wasn't anything more serious but still worried about her quite a bit. I knew the next little while was going to be a challenge. Eva was put on expensive formula (Alimentum) - that smelled horrible - and expensive medication (Zantac and Reglan). She had to be propped up at all times, even when she slept, because she would choke on her spit up and stop breathing. Lee and I got pretty much no sleep for the first 6 months because we were so terrified of what might happen to her if we closed our eyes. My mom was my angel during this time. We lived only 7 houses down from her and she was always over checking up on us and helping with Emma who was still so young and demanding of my time. She took over so I could get rest. She was my saving grace.

We never got used to the projectile spitting up. We even swore that she aimed sometimes. And the overwhelming stench that permeated our home was like nothing we had ever experienced. It would hit you like a tidal wave as soon as you opened the door. She had a hard time putting on weight and there was no change with her heart issues. This became our new "normal".

I was always very grateful that Eva wasn't worse than she was. I knew of so many families that had it so much worse than me. But I was human and I had moments when I didn't think I could handle it. But I saw little miracles happen in our life every day that kept me going.

When Eva was nine months old we made the decision to move to Utah. It was a hard decision. Living in HB near my mom was all I knew. I wasn't sure if I was ready for a "big out of state move". But Eva's Cardiologist gave me some names of good doctors that she knew that practiced near where we would be living. That helped ease my nerves just a little.

I will never forget the last appointment I had with Eva's Cardiologist before we moved. She sat me down and, with a big smile on her face told me that both of Eva's holes had closed up completely. She assured me that I would never have to worry about Eva having a heart condition, that it was as if she was never born with them. Again, another miracle. There were many prayers of thanks given that day.

In addition to that, as soon as we moved I noticed Eva wasn't spitting up any more. It was like someone had reached inside her and shut off the Reflux switch. We couldn't believe it. She was cured just like that. Another miracle. All her problems stopped as quickly as they began. Not only did I gain a baby who finally smelled good but I gained a testimony of the reality of miracles. They DO happen. This time of year when we all remember the miraculous birth and life of our Saviour, I also get to remember the miracles that took place during the first year of Eva's life.

I asked Eva a bunch of questions and very reluctantly she answered them. I stole the idea from my friend Danika's blog. She is always so good at jotting down family history. I think I will do this for each of my kids' birthdays this year...

Favorite color: Green
Favorite number: 16
Favorite Drink: Sprite
Favorite Food: Sloppy Joes
Favorite Game: Uno
Favorite Animal: Cat
Favorite Song: I don't have one, but favorite singer is Miley Cyrus
Favorite TV Show: Hannah Montana
Favorite Movie: The Princess And The Frog
I feel sad when: I get hurt
I feel mad when: people be mean
I feel proud when: when I get good grades
I feel scared when: people scare me
I like it when my friends: be nice
I like it when my teacher: gives us Fruities
I like it when I: be nice
On the weekends I: play with friends
During summer I: go to Cherry Hill
At school I: work
I am good at: art
I wish I could: fly
I am special because: ? Because Eva couldn't think of anything, I will say that she is special because she is caring and patient and kind and beautiful and smart and talented and humble. I could go on and on.
Who is your best friend? Miah
Why? Because she is nice
What makes you laugh? jokes
If you were a parent for a day, which rule would you get rid of? chores
What do you want to be when you grow up? an artist
Do you think it would be hard to be a mom or dad? Yes
Why? having to deal with mad kids
If you could have a magical power, what would it be? Freezing people
What is the best thing about being 9? Being 9
What is the best thing about being YOU? ? Since I can't really answer this for Eva I will only say that I wish I could be half the person she is. She amazes me every day.

Every Friday in Eva's class, a mom or dad comes in for the last half hour to do something fun with them. They call it Mr. or Mrs. Fun. I signed up specifically to do it on Eva's birthday. Lee and I went in and played a memory game with the class which was all pictures of Eva. Then Lee played a song that he wrote for the class. Eva said that was the best Mr. or Mrs. Fun yet. That made me happy. We also celebrated her special day by going to see The Princess And The Frog. We also had family over for sloppy joes (Eva's pick) and lots of chocolate. She received a "real" camera for her birthday and hasn't stopped taking pictures yet.

Happy Birthday Eva!!!

Sucker For MoSo

This is Sonny...

He is the newest addition to our home. After the whole Zoe Incident I was hesitant to introduce a new kitty to Monte but I just had a feeling it would work this time. I am glad we tried again because now this is what we see every day...
Can you see Monte behind Sonny? They love each other. Monte treats Sonny like his little brother. They wrestle, they snuggle, they even bathe each other. It is really cute.

My kids want another one but I promise I am done adopting cats. I don't want to become a cat lady. Two was even pushing it for me but when I see how cute they are together, and how in love my kids are with them, I am glad I did it.
We love MoSo.

Morbid Ella

The other day Ella said some rather interesting things.

Ella told me of a dream she had where her "friend" was murdered in the forest by axe wielding Indians. First of all, where did she ever hear the word "murder"? Second, why in the world is she thinking of such awful things?

That same day I made Ella a sandwich and cut it into four squares the way she likes it. As she picked up the first square she said, "Who was mean to me first? Oh yeah, I'll eat Emma first." Second was Eva. I thought third was going to be Ben but I was wrong. That would have been way too easy. As she was going for the third piece of her sandwich she stated, "Next is me because I always slap myself and it hurts."

Ella's morbidity thankfully lasted that day only, but days later I am still left wondering what in the world goes on in that girl's mind? Truthfully, I must confess that I think she gets it from me.

I remember telling some interesting stories in my day. When I was in first or second grade during show and tell I told the class that my Grandpa who had died was buried in the cemetery across the street from our school and his ghost came and visited me during recess. I had interesting stories for my class every week and my teacher was always so good about it.

So, I guess I shouldn't be surprised when I hear Ella's imagination at work. Maybe I am not surprised, but I am certainly entertained.

Why Wait?

I just signed myself up for the Ogden Half Marathon and started my training this week. It's not 'till May but I need all the time I can get.

Do you have a goal you want to work on but are putting it off until the New Year?

Why wait?

Start today instead!

Booger Monster

Warning: This post may cause your stomach to turn. And remember, I warned you!

Lately, as I having been trying to clean up a little around the house, I have noticed random slimy boogers wiped all around. I've seen them in bathrooms, on walls, on our fireplace, wiped on the floor, etc. It seems as though the booger monster has invaded our nice little home. Has this happened to you? If it has you know that slimy dried-on boogers are very difficult to remove.

Now, who exactly has become the booger monster is still in question. I know it is not me and I am pretty sure it is not Lee. So that leaves four more little ones that are keeping very tight lipped about the subject. I have yelled, I have threatened, and I have bribed the booger monster to come forward. It has not happened just yet. I am not sure what else to do. Maybe if I start wiping my snotty boogers all over their stuff they will realize how totally disgusting this practice is.

I know I realize I should be blogging about all the many things I am thankful for or catch up on the many wonderful things that have been going on with our family, but quite frankly, all I care about is catching this nasty, nasally, noisance.

I have one thing to say to this so called booger monster: You can humbly come forward and admit your guilt, or I will track you down and expose your guilt and your name on my blog for all to see. It's your choice.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm Alive

I can't believe it but I actually got my 3 remaining wisdom teeth pulled...and survived! Aside from really wanting crunchy food, I am doing great. What was I so afraid of? I went to sleep in the chair and when I woke up I had three less teeth. Go figure. I have had no swelling and no pain. It really couldn't have gone any smoother.

I was so terrified the night before. I started thinking of all the ways I could get out of it. Then I would remember the pain I had been having and all the gagging I was doing trying to brush those cotton pickin teeth.

I decided at the last minute, I would be brave just like my kids had been and just do it. There was a tiny part of me however, that was convinced I was going to my grave.

But I didn't, and now I am celebrating the conquering of one more fear. My kids want me to put the teeth under my pillow to see how much money the Tooth Fairy leaves me. I think I will do just that.

Open Wide...

Do you remember this memorable day at the Dentist from last year? I couldn't believe how smooth everything went. I want that day back. We recently went in for our checkups/cleanings and, let's just say it was not as pleasant. Since then, we have spent just about all of our extra time at the dentist:

Last week Emma had one cavity filled and Eva had two. Eva also went to the orthodontist. Looks like she will be needing braces sooner than later.

This week Ella had her first cavity filled, Eva had to have three more cavities filled and Ben had one cavity filled and two teeth pulled.

Next week I will be getting my three remaining wisdom teeth extracted, Ben has one more cavity to be filled and Emma has a turn at the orthodontist.

A few things I have learned from this:
Nitrous does not work on Eva.
Nitrous works really well on Ben and Ella.
You better believe we'll be flossing more often.
My kids are the toughest, bravest people I know.
Giving blood, getting shots and other yucky doctor stuff does not phase me. Going to the dentist scares me to death! I am SO nervous about next week. I am feeling like I need to hurry and update my will.

All I am seeing are dollar signs whenever I close my eyes.

Dental gods, have mercy on us!

Boo!...and Holiday Thoughts

This Halloween was a difficult one for me. I struggled to get into the spirit of the day. I have gotten myself so busy that I am struggling to slow down and enjoy every moment of every day. The kids drew faces on our pumpkins. But because our carvers broke and because I am super paranoid about my kids using knives, I was the one carving all the pumpkins. I am SICK of carving pumpkins.

It wasn't until the morning of Halloween that I woke up to the warm sun streaming down on me and the smell of the holiday season in the air. That was all I needed to get into the Halloween spirit. The kids got all dolled up in their costumes and headed out bright and early for some tricking and treating. Ryan and Cheryl and the kids came over and we had a really good time. I even thought of a new rule of the house for Halloween: For every candy wrapper that fails to make it to the trash can, that person owes me one piece of their candy. It has worked like a charm. They remember to pick up their messes and, every now and then, I get a little goody as well.

kids, cousins, and friends

spooky and sweet

the girls look extra devilish thanks to photoshop

I am now officially excited for the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Some of you may have noticed that we are already turning on our Christmas lights every night. There is something to be said about leaving your lights up all year long. A very sweet neighbor recently came to my door and went on and on about how on top of things we are because we already managed to put up our lights. For a split second all I wanted to say was thank you. Then the honest engine kicked in and I confessed that we actually just never took them down from last year.

One reason why I am excited for the holidays is because of the fact that we have no money. For many of us having no money around the holidays can get a little stressful. I have decided to make the most of a stressful situation and think about the teaching moments I will have with my kids and most importantly, focus more on the true meaning of Christmas like never before. I believe that if I can pull it off, and with a little prayer in my heart, it will be the best Christmas yet. I want my children to understand that having a great Christmas is so much more than getting great presents.

Let's all have fun and enjoy the holidays and not get caught up with our busy schedules which is so easy to do.

Organic

One thing that happened while we were in Cali that I feel deserves it's own post was when we went to Old Spaghetti Factory for a big family dinner. It has become tradition since Lee's father passed away three years ago to continue to celebrate his birthday by everyone going out to dinner together. So that is what we were doing. All of my lovely children decided they needed to use the restroom at the same time so I took them. While the kids were washing their hands I noticed another mom staring at them. She asked me if they were all mine. I said Yes. She got a shocked look on her face. She then said,

"Wow! They all look so healthy...so organic!"

I immediately thanked her, assuming it was a compliment. But the more I thought about it the more I wondered if it really was a compliment or not.

Help me! What did she mean? We've never been called organic before. Was she saying that my kids looked like hippie kids...like plain Janes? Lee thinks she may have meant they were natural beauties. I am not convinced that's what she meant.

Is being called organic a good thing?

Cali Fall 09

For UEA Weekend we decided to pack up and head on down to our old stomping grounds. We had a blast and didn't want it to end. Here are a few highlights of our trip:

We got to visit Lee's 85 year old uncle, Leon. He has been battling skin cancer for quite some time. In fact, his doctors told him over two years ago that he had 6 months to live. Turns out his once black, death like arm is looking better and even starting to regrow hair. Leon believes it never was cancer and is confident he is on the road to recovery. It's pretty crazy to think that the doctor's originally wanted to amputate his arm.

Surf City USA aka Huntington Beach, California is where I was born and raised. Lee was raised in just the next city over, Fountain Valley. Although it was a little chilly we couldn't NOT go to the beach. Here are some pics...

Our nephew, Scott was our 5th child for the trip. We absolutley loved spending time with him.



We also spent some time with Eric and Julie and kids. We watched a little conference, swam a little and Julie made the best, yummiest dinner we've had in a long time.

Another thing we did was go to Togos for lunch. This is where Lee worked as a teenager.

As a teenager Lee worked with this guy, Greg. Now Greg owns the place and he let Lee make all of our sandwiches.

Lee said it was just like riding a bike. The kids thought is was SO funny that Daddy got to make their sandwiches.



We also went to Disneyland:

We didn't have to wait super long for the rides which was nice and it was so fun because for the first time everyone was tall enough to go on all the rides. Ella even went on Space Mountain, although I don't think she will go on it again for a long time. Disneyland really is a magical place...an expensive magical place. I could dedicate a whole post to my thoughts on how expensive Disneyland has gotten. It makes me mad. I remember when Disneyland was $24 for one person. Now it is over $70!!!! I am glad the kids had a good time because it may be the last time we are able to go with those prices. Thank goodness for Nani who helped us with the outrageous fee. We couldn't have gone without her.


The girls loved meeting Tinkerbell and her friend, Iridessa...

While us girls were meeting the fairies, the boys were over at the Jedi training. Afterwards Ben and Scott made their own lightsabers...

It is really fun going during this time of year when all the Halloween decorations are out. This was part of a big Dia de los Muertos display they had...

The Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island...

Ella taking a quick break...

It's not every day you can see these guys at Disneyland so I had to get a picture. Sally and Jack are also one of Ben's all time favorite charcters so I am glad he was able to see them.

We also spent lots of time with Lee's family and got to meet our new adorable nephew, Cashton. We had so much fun. This little vacation was a much needed trip away from our reality which is a little stressful at the moment. Thank you so much, Nani and everyone else for making our stay amazing. It was exactly what our family needed.

Sick

I am sick.

Fevers.

Raw nose.

Voice...gone.

Cough...definately not gone.

It's no fun being sick.

While we were driving back from Cali I could feel it coming on. The next day it reared it's ugly head and has been wreaking havoc on me ever since.

It's been four days since we have been home and I haven't unpacked.

I haven't even done the dishes. Ben told me this morning the dishes smell really bad. Sorry bud.

Lee has been trying so hard to pick up my slack. I love him for it. It's times like these when I realize just how lucky I am to have him, even if he doesn't want to sleep in the same bed as me. He is my Prince Charming.

But we all know the family doesn't run nearly as smooth when Dad's in charge.

I realized just how sick I was when I had to run to the store. I hadn't put on a stitch of makeup, I hadn't run a brush through my hair, I wasn't even wearing a bra. I know one day I will be mortified thinking back to that, but right now I could care less.

Yesterday, Ella played Polly Pockets for two hours by herself next to my bed while I slept. I feel like a real winner for that one. I have the most patient, understanding children. I love them.

Thank you T and C for the yummy dinners. You saved the day.

I am hoping that the worst is in the past and soon enough I will be back to my old self. But as for now, I need to go lay down...

Drat Those Gnats

NOT!!

This morning Eva asked me if you swallowed a gnat would it make you choke. I told her no, that they were small enough that you wouldn't choke. I then took the kids to school and went on my morning run. During my run I discovered that you can, in fact, choke on a gnat. I will have to correct myself when she gets home.

Yuck!

5th Grade Volcano Day

Emma had her Volcano Day this morning. I am choosing to blog about it instead of clean my horribly disgusting house.
She did such a good job with it. I shot some footage of it but of course, a mom stepped right in front of my shot at the last minute. She was just trying to help her son so I can't be mad. But here it is anyway...

Way to go Emma! Your volcano was a definate success!!

We All Scream For Emma!!

Do you have memories of the Ice Cream Man when you were younger? The Ice Cream Man could always make my day a little brighter with his assorted yummies.

My favorite were the candy cigarettes.

My mom hated it when I bought those.

To my kids: Don't ever buy candy cigarettes just to make me mad. You will pay.

I even remember "borrowing" money from my dad's wallet when he wasn't around when I heard the jingle getting closer and closer. I think I can even track the beginning of my forbidden love affair with sweets back to the Ice Cream Man from my youth.

As I got older and started having children, I began to realize just how creepy the Ice Cream Man actually was. An aging, and often time balding older man (this is nothing against bald, old men), luring pure and innocent little children with fun music and yummy treats. Evil, I tell ya. I vowed I would never let my kids get even remotely close to an Ice Cream Man or his creepy van.

Fast forward to last week. I caved. My kids got so excited when they heard the little jingle getting louder and louder. They ran into the house asking for money for the Ice Cream Man. I never saw them more hungry for anything in my life. I actually was a little scared at what they would do to me if I said no. For the next few minutes I tried my darndest to scrape up enough loose change for my kids all the while cursing the Ice Cream Man under my breath. Regretably, I found enough change and gave them the money, and out the door they went.

Sadly, or happily depending on how you look at it, my kids came back defeated. Apparently I had taken too long finding money. The Ice Cream Man had come and gone. I walked with them to the corner to see if maybe we could catch him but he was nowhere in sight...and neither was Emma. This girl has such a love of candy. She can sniff out any candy I may be hiding in the house. I figured she must have tried to catch him. Me and the rest of the kids walked home and I tried consoling them by playing with them in the front.

Wouldn't you know it, not ten minutes later we heard the creepy little jingle once again. In fact it got louder and louder. We turned to see if the Ice Cream Man was in fact coming back. Hearts were broken once again when we discovered it was only Emma on her scooter rounding the corner. Wait!! It wasn't only Emma! The Ice Cream Man was following closley behind her!

Emma had found the Ice Cream Man and brought him back to us!!

Since that moment, the three younger siblings have looked at Emma a little differently...with a little more respect.

And I have realized that Rafael (I don't know if that is his name, he just looked like a Rafael) is just trying to make a living like the rest of us. Will I always think the Ice Cream Man concept is a little creepy? Yes. But Rafael seems harmless enough. Maybe next time I will buy something for myself.

HAPPY

This too shall pass.

We all know those words but why is it so hard to believe sometimes?

Times have never been tougher for us, financially. Lee made the decision to take a job offer at a small company a while back. It could be a really great thing for our family...or it could not be. We haven't exactly seen the fruits of his labors just yet. It is really hard to stay positive every second of the day, but I try. I think I am doing a pretty good job. Truthfully, it's hard to be negative when so many other good things are happening. Here are just a few of the many things that are making me happy nowadays...

I crave family time almost as much as I crave chocolate. There is nothing that makes me happier than having good quality family time. We don't get enough of it, so when we do have it it's as sweet as fudge.

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After two weeks of having to wait her turn to start school, my little gal finally got to go. I am so happy for her. She loves it like nothing else in the world.

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Emma skinned her knee last weekend and has been walking like Frankenstein ever since. I am SO happy to report that she no longer feels like she has to walk like a cripple. She finally believes there is life after a scrape on the knee after all.

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After managing to kill just about everything in our garden this year and realizing my failure as a gardener, I noticed my cosmos flowers that I planted from seed decided to bloom. Everytime I look at them they make me happy.

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After a summer long hiatus from running I started up again. It was a pretty humbling experience to have lost all the momentum I had. My lungs were burning and I even had to walk some and I only went three miles. Nevertheless, I am happy just to be out running again.

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Both Ben and Ella played in their first soccer games of the season on Saturday. It made me so happy to see them both make a goal. What a way to start off!

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Eva is a sleepwalker/talker. I love it when she puts on a show for us. The other night she came down the stairs in a drunken stuper. She plopped right down next to me on the couch and started talking to me about these people that wrote super fast. I could tell she had been crying. It was very upsetting to her that these people were writing so fast!!! She went on to tell me that they were writing so fast that they began to scribble. She then started crying because she didn't like them scribbling. I asked Eva if she had had a bad dream about people who scribbled. She said yes. I asked her if she would like to go back to bed and she said yes. She then got up and clumsily went back up to her room and that was that. The next morning I asked Eva if she remembered any of it. Of course she said no. We all had a good laugh about it, including Eva. Laughing with my kids makes me happy.

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Ben has discovered the world of reading. I get so happy inside when I see him pick up a book and read it because he wants to, not because he has to.

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I helped Ella clean her room the other day. It was really messy, messier than I have ever seen it. After quite a while of cleaning we finally finished. We were both so happy. Ella turned to me and said "Did you know that Jesus is here?" I asked her how she knew that. She replied, "I feel Him in my heart".

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I have been really trying to notice all that I do have instead of all that I don't...and I have been a lot happier because of it.