Emmy's Turn

Emmy might be the kindest kid, well in ways she acts towards me. I think it has to do with age and being thankful. Well I'm thankful for her and what a great support and friend she is to me. She has help alleviate some pressure off me in my child care duties these past few months since she has been home from school. I was pleased and relieved to get a chance to go overnight to Monterey with Emmy.  We had a family Annual pass, but Emmy hadn't had the opportunity to go since she watched Spence last time. I appreciate Brian going to work late and coming home early to support us in our journey. It was a lovely drive down with little traffic and beautiful vistas of greenery.  We went straight to the 17 mile drive when we arrived Emmy got very excited and the rocky beaches and we stopped at almost every cove or outlet on the tour.  We walked around Carmel and generally stayed out of the rain and enjoyed Hotel was great. I loved the fireplace restaurant in the lobby and the roaring firepit outside. It was very relaxing.  The next day we went up and down cannery row and we so happy. Emmy seemed to love the turtles, sea otters, and going to Bubba Gump's fish restaurant. I loved a  rainbow we saw and the sun coming out. It was so warm and colorful outside and I truly was happy.

Princess and St. Patty

Believe it or not, It is hard to get pictures of my kids. Celia dressed up as Elsa one day, finally. She has been asking for an Elsa costume for years and when I found a beautiful one that fit her, it took some getting used to. With a shirt underneath she was ready to play princess. We watched the movie Frozen together and had a grand time.  We do get a lot of family time together. It is nice. My folks hosted a St. Patrick's Day dinner and we enjoyed over at their house. Life flies by, it is good if I can even document a little. We are teaching Joseph to drive the Land cruiser and Emmy is doing quite bit with her single's ward. Spence is in a more calm mood lately which is always welcome.  This year is going to fly by, I just know it, but I'm going to try to enjoy and work hard in the meantime.

Be Mindful

Spring has Sprung in town, finally. I love the early spring in Northern California. The blossoms are so noticeable with color burst and fragrance. Flower bulbs have grown in my backyard and I'm feeling a sense of gratefulness. Grateful for the warmer weather, It was 79 degrees yesterday.  We are making plans to visit other places soon and I see the light at the end of the school year tunnel. Although I am beginning to miss the driving I'd do all day before Emmy came home from school. She is such a great help and I needed the reprieve although I"m missing the quality time I would spend with each of my children as I drive them to and from school and activities.  Spencer has been making up for it. When he has any time off of school we ride and ride. This last weekend we saw so many vistas of heights and beauty nearby our home.

We had a scare with my Mom's high blood pressure. Something like this sure puts life in perspective and how important it is to take care of your body.  We all have insecurities, stressor and ways we deal with adversity.  My goal is to try and live healthily and spiritual enough to tackle each situation with moderation in all things. Not too much shopping or food, or idleness. I do love my walks and yoga and delicious fruits and vegetables. Preparing healthy food for the family and taking time to feed ourselves mentally, intellectually, and also physically is worthwhile and quite the balancing act. Reflection and tracking seems to help with trying to keep things in order. There are so many distractions these days, we can be separated somewhat from mindfulness. I'm glad we have the routine of the Sabbath day and Temple worship. We can remember and explore the different facets of ourselves. Scriptures can be the bread of life. Prayer and exercise and mediating can improve our happiness and feelings on life.