I had an amazing day yesterday. I made NEW friends and just felt renewed in all that I want to be as a woman, wife, mother...friend. I think surrounding yourself by others that INSPIRE you to be better is so important. I look up to so many woman. I want to share a little bit today about my amazing neighbor and friend- Wendy. I love you Wendy!!!!!!
I remember when my son Ty was only about five years old. (he is now 11 years old!!!!)
He was so mad at me because I would not let him do something. It was a Sunday morning and we were rushing to get to 9am church. I was getting so frustrated with his crying and finally I became angry at him. Ty being so cute said he wanted to go live with our neighbor- WENDY (who was one of his Primary church teachers and is AMAZING!!). He said "Wendy, never get's mad she is PERFECT!" I tried not to laugh to hard but I knew he loved his WENDY. She is the wonderful neighbor who has treats for the neighborhood kids, and she LOVES others. They had a pet rabbit Foo Foo that they let all the kids come and pet and feed. There was a daily trip to Ms. Wendy's house. I used to apologize to her over and over. My kids would watch for her car to arrive home. She showered the kids (my kids are so lucky!!!) with a little treat but more important LOVE. Wendy would hug the kids and make them each feel that they were her favorite. Later that day at church, I mentioned to Wendy that Ty wanted to come live with her and that he thinks SHE never get's mad. She started to laugh and said..."well, just this morning I was upset with my son and getting after him." We both laughed and by the time we got home, my little Ty was once again happy that I was his mommy.
I just appreciate those who help shape the life's of not only my children but myself. I think back over the years of the people who have made a difference in my life. Have I done the same for someone else? Have I made the world a better place? I know it's the SMALL things that really mean so much.
When I had my stroke when I was pregnant with Ty, I remember my entire neighborhood and church family came to my house EVERY day and helped our family. We had dinners and childcare for my little ones. I remember, my next door neighbor- BECKY who showed up at my house with cleaning supplies and rubber gloves on. She wanted to clean my bathrooms for me. I cried and was embarrassed that I could not do it myself. At first, I refused begging her that it was not necessary to come and clean my toilets. I learned a HUGE life lesson that day. I will never forget her act of service and her willingness to help us.
I realized how much it can help to simply do something. When my friend, Ginger lost her dear husband last summer I felt a need to help. How can I possibly help someone when they lose their husband at the age of 38? I knew that she had so much to focus on and to allow herself to grieve. She was now widowed with four young children. My heart ached and I was worried about saying the right words. This is one of my biggest fears. I went over to her home and a few of us deep cleaned her house. The feeling in that home was so beautiful. My heart felt the love of Heavenly Father within their home. The family was away and it reminded me of being able to NOW do what Becky had done for my family. I am just grateful that I had this opportunity.
I love this quote-
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference,
ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up
to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
Marian Wright Edelman
My son Zach is sick today. He was at a sleepover (no school today) last night and I got a call at 4am that he was up vomiting. I had been asleep for only an hour. I was dazed to get the call. I felt horrible that he had been sick at their home. * I am taking cookies to their family today!!!!- Then Zach came home and was still throwing up. MY super husband cleaned up the carpet and took charge. I share this because he did it without even waking me up. I had fallen back to sleep. He has a big day today at the hospital- two surgeries to perform and STILL he get's up and takes care of his son. I love HIM so much. This is just one of the reason's why I love him...he is a good dad. Zach is now sleeping but he woke up and called his dad. He just wanted Ty to come home and give him a blessing to get better. MELTS my heart!!!!!! Even though I'm dealing with a sick kid, big pressing deadlines, and more- wow...my heart is feeling HAPPY!!!!
Have a GREAT friday!!!!!
Check out Stephanie's AMAZING projects today on the COMPANY BLOG
PS... it's SNOWING here!!!!