Day 43: Giggly Girl

That was my Darling A this afternoon.

It was pretty intense.  And even a little forced sounding at times.  But, she just kept on going.  She thought she was hilarious.

And after a long day with a lot of stress--and not nearly enough time with her--I really needed those giggles.

I love my little baby so much.

And some good pumpkin carving time was some good times, too.

Day 42: Character Building

Today was that kind of day.

But, I survived it.

And every day I'm learning more and more that I am not alone, but have many people who love and want to help me.

And this sweet little Darling has decided she is a big girl and needs to sit at the counter on the bar stools with her big siblings.  You can't really tell in this photo, but she is SO proud.

The photo did capture the tale end of one of her current funny faces.  It involves a lot of lip puckering.  And usually a head nod, or two.

It's pretty funny.

Day 41: Scriptures

We promised Sweet P a new set of her very own scriptures for her 8th birthday.

Then we found out that there was a kind of a shortage because they were updating and improving the scriptures.

So, we had to wait.

She had to wait.

I think she thought we'd forgotten.  But, it just took a while for them to come.

Today they finally did.  I love how excited she was about them.

And the new plan HH came up with for our scripture study a few days ago.  It's a lot more effective and going so much better.

Day 40: Hair & Share

My hair is the longest it's been in a while and it's making me a little crazy.  I finally made a hair appointment and that was today.

It's so nice to have my hair back to a more manageable length.

But, while I was there, I came clean with my friend who cuts my hair.  And told her about the tough time I've been going through.  I don't share these things because I'm paranoid of how it will make people judge me.  That they'll think less of me for having depression when I have such a great life.  But, she was so compassionate and caring.

And I don't know how to explain how significant that was for me.

Day 39: Poppin'

Today I made some popcorn.

Not your average popcorn.

Two kinds, actually.

One with cinnamon, caramel, brown sugar, almond bark, and pecans.  And butter.

One with peanut butter, honey, almond bark, and peanut butter cups.

They were both delicious.  The first was my favorite though.  In case you were wondering.

But, they both made me really happy.

Day 38: Play Time

The kids' friends came over this afternoon.

They had so much fun playing together.  It was really fun watching them play together.  They even had some fun running around the backyard, enjoying the last semblance of warmth before we return to North Pole conditions.

And it was cute watching Darling A and her little buddy stand at the glass door, knocking with chubby fists and asking to go outside, in their cute baby babble.

Double baby time = double the fun.

Day 37: Chocolate Milk

I went to the grocery store after a bit of a rough morning.

I hope you don't think me flippant.  Or weird.

But, I might have told Heavenly Father that I could really go for some chocolate milk.

Lo and behold, chocolate milk was on sale.  The good kind.  Whole milk from my favorite dairy.

It done tasted good.

Day 36: Smoochy Baby

That was Darling A today.

She was full of love and affection.  That overflowed into wide, open-mouthed kisses smack on the lips for me.

It was a bit slobbery and goobery, but it was so cute and sweet.

It made me smile.  And brought me Joy.

Day 35: Bakery

Today I made bread and apple pie.

It smelled pretty nice in my kitchen.

And I got to take a loaf of bread to the woman who picked all of the apples that have made the last two pies possible to thank her.

It was a nice opportunity to get to know her better.  And it always feels good to say 'thanks'.

Day 34: Still Running

This morning was one of the kids' favorite days of the year--their big race day.

HH ran with Sweet P.

I got to run with Little M.

He did it in under 9 minutes!  I was so proud of him.  And it was a great time running together.

Then we headed to the pumpkin patch this afternoon.  It was insanely busy and crowded, but we still had a really great time.

I think my very favorite part was introducing Darling A to the pigs.  She screamed with excitement and enthusiasm.  Those who don't know her looked over with concern because her screams seem like those made in fear.  But, that's just how Darling A is--overflowing with personality and life.

Day 33: Brewery

Tonight was the Halloween party at the church.

HH was asked to brew up a bunch of root beer for the big event.  He got there early, so it could be nice and bubbly in time for the party.

And by the time the kids and I showed up, he was there with about 20 gallons of the stuff.  And proud as a peacock.  It was cute.

And Darling A was rocking her new winter boots.  Complete with pompoms on the backs.  I need to take a picture.

Day 32: Run Run Fast As You Can

Today was my first run since last weekend's race.

It was nice.  My knee was still a little sore, but it held up.  Even though I had to get it in as fast as possible, since I had to hurry back to get Baby B to preschool on time.

I love running.

Day 31: Rich

Tonight was sad.  Saying 'good bye' to my friend that I mentioned last week.

Somehow, this final good bye involved eating pie.  Again.

I got the chocolate peanut butter pie.  Seriously so delicious.

But, as always, WAY too rich.  I really should remember that next time.

Before that, I got to listen to my kids at their violin lesson.  And, as she does, our favorite instructor, was able to help Sweet P elicit some really sweet sounds from her violin.  It was beautiful in so many ways.

Day 30: TCBY

The library here does a Summer Reading Program.  The kids get a bunch of coupons for rewards after doing a certain amount of reading.  Including one for TCBY.  Our TCBY isn't super close, so we only go once a year with said coupons.

Today was that big day.

We got one for Darling A, too.

Strawberries & Cream.

She's started doing this lip smacking thing whenever she wants a bite or a drink from something.  Pretty fun watching her eat.  And smack her lips if HH didn't get each bite in quick enough.

Day 29: Sing Along

Darling A's personality just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

It is so much fun.

Ask me again when she's 12--I might feel differently about it.

But, for now, it's fun.

We get this face a lot.

And so does anyone who makes the mistake of smiling, waving, or trying to engage with her lately.

But, she's also started singing to herself lately.

And I love love love it.  I've got to figure out some way to record it.

Day 28: Hm.

I mentioned that Little M has been doing some extra work on his violin practice lately.  Today that hard work came to even more fruition and he did an excellent job.

So much of my time over the last few years has been working with him and Sweet P on the violin.  So, these Moments are so special and rewarding.

Day 27: Relaying It

HH and I got to participate in a long distance relay race this morning.

Well, all day, really.

This is me just before my second leg.

I had a bit of trouble with a tight knee, but was still able to finish all three of my legs (about 12.5 miles).  And it was so much fun!  I did it last year, but this year was even better.

In part, because I didn't have to bring along my breast pump, like last year.  But, mainly because HH was on the team this year.

Everything is better when he's around.

Day 26: Cheryl Crocker

Today I got to spend several hours doing what I love--cooking and baking.

I made a batch of my very favorite homemade bread, garlic breadsticks, homemade spaghetti sauce, and apple pie.

It was kind of more effort than I anticipated.  But, it was fun and it all turned out well.  And yummy.

And then we shared it with the cute missionaries working in our area right now.

And then we got ready for tomorrow's big day!

Day 25: Pie In The Park

This is one of my good friends.  She inspires me and makes me laugh.  And I love her.

And she's moving away. :(

So, we all met up at the park to eat pie, let the kids play, and talk our faces off before she goes.

I'm not going to lie--having my (first ever attempted) key lime pie be the most favorite was a bit of a Joyful Moment for my ego.

But, spending time with my friends, and reflecting on how lucky I am to have such amazing friends (even if they sometimes leave me!) was an even greater one.

Day 24: Security Blanket

This is mainly for Grandma.  Darling A has been attached to her blankie (given to her by Grandma) since she was ridiculously small and tiny.  Which is why we bought her a second.  Just in case...
One is supposed to stay put away (and clean), while the other is in her bed.  But, you can see, she has other ideas.  She walks around like this pretty much all the time.

Well, sometimes she has clothes on.

But, it's hard to cover up all those chubs.

Anyway, it was fun watching her drag them around today.

But, the best Joyful Moment of the day came tonight at Violin Lessons.  Our favorite instructor somehow got him to try his absolute best.  And it sounded so great, I almost cried.

Seriously.

Day 23: Joy Ride

Honestly, today's most Joyful Moment was as I was driving up the road with the kids in the back, rocking out to an old CD, made for me by my little sister (Thanks, Meg!), and I just felt happy.  Free of the heavy yuckiness that's been so persistent for the past several months.  Free to just enjoy and experience the beauty of my life again.

But, picking Baby B up from his (first ever!) field trip to the pumpkin patch.  Look how excited and happy he was!  It is rare for him to have a fun experience without the excitement overwhelming him and resulting in a tantrum at some point.  But, this morning he did just that.  Which made it all the sweeter!

Day 22: Locked In The Pantry

Not me.  Fortunately.

I watched a friends' kids today and her youngest (four days younger than Darling A) locked Darling A in the pantry.  You can see how upset she was about that.

It was really fun watching them interact.  And try to play with all of the big kids.

And I cleaned my house today.  In a deeper clean sort of way.  That doesn't happen very often any more.

It used to happen once a week...

But, that's just a sign that my priorities are straightened out, right?  Right?!

Anyway, it was a really good feeling (i.e. Joyful Moment) to have that kind of clean again.

Day 21: Super Show

We enjoyed another great day of listening to General Conference.  It was so nice to listen, relax, and be uplifted.  And I look forward to reading each of the talks and getting even more from them by going through them at my own pace.

And in between sessions, we were invited to watch the kids' "Super Show".  It was... interesting, to say the least.  I'm grateful to have such creative children, though!

Day 20: Just For Me...And Everyone Else, Too

Today was the first of our two-day General Conference.  Where we get to listen to a prophet and apostles of Jesus Christ, and other church representatives speak inspiring words.

It was wonderful.

We've been promised that if we prepare for General Conference in the weeks leading up to it and come with a question, it will be answered.

My questions this time were kind of really broad and difficult for me to even really articulate.  Fortunately, our Father in Heaven knows my heart and I can communicate with Him without putting my thoughts and feelings into words.

Still, as I prayed this morning, I told Him that I wasn't really expecting an answer to my query.  Since I wasn't entirely sure what my question was, I figured, how could I get an answer?

And then Elder Holland came to the podium.  Before he even began his message, I had a feeling I needed to pay extra attention to his talk.  But, barely after he started, this was confirmed as he began talking about mental illness.

And that's where I struggle to put my feelings into words again.  I just know that talk was for me.  Yet again, I am amazed at the Lord's ability to answer prayers and to meet my very individual needs.  While, at the same time, caring for billions of others just as individually.

You should really listen to Elder Holland's talk.  I know I will again and again.

Day 19: Captured

Darling A and Little M have a sweet bond between the two of them.  I watched them snuggle and giggle and play together all afternoon.  It was so sweet.

Finally, I thought to get a photo of it.

The precious snuggle they were in when I went to get my camera had turned into this by the time I got back.

Ah, well.

It was still a Joyful Moment.

Day 18: Carnival

I had a glorious run this morning.  It was just nice.  And head clearing.  And led up to a nice remainder of the day.

Isn't she seriously so beautiful?!

The kids' school carnival was tonight.  Good times (and Joyful Moments) all around.  The kids had so much fun.  And it was really fun watching them.

Day 17: Along For The Ride

Tonight I went for a bike ride with my HH.  It was so fun.  There are few things better than working out with my HH.  It was a nice long ride.  And the weather could not have been more perfect.  It was beautiful.  And I couldn't help but recall how miserably ill I'd felt last week when HH and the kids rode their bikes to the park.  I'm grateful to be feeling so much better.

Life is good.

Day 16: Rising

Sweet P was invited to participate in her friend's dance class tonight.  They demonstrated their newly learned routine for me when they returned.  So cute.

Today I finally felt like the dark cloud that's been hanging over my head for several weeks has cleared. Which was a Joyful Moment, among other things.

And my new pillow came in the mail.  After weeks of painful, fitful sleep, I'm super excited to (hopefully!) experience the pain-free relief this pillow is supposed to generate.

Fingers crossed!