Monday, May 23, 2011

The Lemonade Stand

As the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Well, I guess it's time for a little lemonade. Warning: this post may be deemed TMI, so read at your own peril.

The lemons; bitter, but without them, you'd have very little.

  • Sickness - within the last three weeks, every single member of our family has found themselves throwing up or with diarrhea; or both. I know, I know.... TMI. I hate the stomach flu. I hate sick kids. I hate throw-up in cars and on carpet, but it happens.
  • Pregnancy Scare - yes.... you heard that right. This little bit of info is why I'm taking my dad off the email list for this post. What do you get when you're puking during the time you're ovulating.... yep, the fear that you'll have a fifth child, despite your best efforts to prevent said child. Happily, I am not announcing a pregnancy, but life has been a little stressful because of this little accident.
  • Cancer - yep, you read that right. Doctors are fairly certain that Matt's dad has colon cancer. We're not exactly sure how far reaching it is, but it's not looking good. He has surgery tomorrow to cut out the spot they currently know about. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.
  • My month-long boycott of store-bought baked goods. This has been WAY harder than McDonald's. I want a freaking donut! Not cancer, I know, but a lemon, nonetheless.
  • School projects. I love my kids teachers, love them dearly, but I am soooooo done with boards, and papers, and programs. Enough already.
The water; those things that help to diffuse the bitterness of life's trials.
  • I am so grateful for the lessons and comments made at church. For the things I learn that give me hope for the future. They help me to endure and to want to be better.
  • Gainful employment. I am thankful for Matt's job. Just like anything in life, there are highs and lows. He is gone a lot, but I am grateful that he does something that he enjoys. He is challenged in his daily tasks and is given opportunities to excel. He has spent the last two months working on an extensive application for his company. It is 56 pages and has been no easy thing to complete. I am so proud of him for his efforts. I am also very grateful that he has a boss that is mindful of our family, our life together, and is all to willing to give credit where credit is due.
  • A home. As we have endured storm after storm this spring, I am grateful that my family is blessed with a nice home. Some place that is warm; literally a refuge from the storm. There is nothing quite like laying in bed in the middle of the night and listening to the storm rage outside. I am constantly reminded about a story my dad told me. It's important to be prepared so that you can sleep when the wind blows. What a great lesson.
  • Good friends. I cannot honestly say what I would do without my great friends and neighbors. I would also add family to this list. Someone to laugh with you when you're happy, and a shoulder to cry on when you're sad. I am so grateful for those people I know that are willing to help me with my home, my children and my life. It truly does "take a village."
  • I am grateful for the power of the Priesthood. I am thankful for my husband who exercises his Priesthood. For blessings and assurances of comfort.
The sugar; those bits of sweetness that bring pure joy!
  • My children, of course. Gotta love them. They help me through the days, and bring me great joy. They make me laugh and there are times that I can't wipe the smile from my face.
  • Harmon's Grocery Store. Stick with me. I am in love with a grocery store! I grew up in West Valley... the land of Bob and Randy. They finally opened up their store in Farmington and I am love with it. In fact, last week, Matt and I went on a date there. Matt sampled shrimp, we went gaga over the produce and took in the vast selection. We made plans to go again.
  • Bunko. Love my bunko girls. It was at my house and although I didn't love having to clean and cook, it was so much fun to have folks over.
  • Good books. I love the escape of a good book. I haven't been reading as much as I'd like to and I'm looking forward to having some more time to do it during the summer.
So there's your lemonade. Anyone want to buy that for a nickel?

Now please don't think I'm complaining. I'm documenting.
  • I am grateful that although we have been sick, my children and my husband, and myself have gotten better. A little Gatorade, some Saltines and a banana or two and we're sitting pretty.
  • Babies. I love babies. I love Will. Even if we were pregnant and having another baby in January of 2012, we would be okay. If truth be told, this is the area of my life that I feel most unnerved about. I think we're done, but I thought that after Jack, too. I wish I knew what to do. I'm getting old, I have gray hair; but if Heavenly Father wants us to have another one, I'd do it in a heartbeat. How do you ever know?
  • Cancer. I don't have a lot of experience with this one. The only folks I've ever known with this have been old. They didn't deserve to get it, but it wasn't entirely tragic. My father-in-law is only 60. He still has a lot to do. I am really hoping that the situation isn't dire. But if it is, I take comfort in knowing that we are all here on earth as part of a greater plan. I am thankful that we are a "Forever Family" and that the bonds we enjoy here on earth last into the next life.
  • June 1st can't come soon enough. Next Wednesday will find me eating a maple bar. Enough said!
  • School's Out For Summer! At least in a week or so. Can't wait. Lot's of fun things to do!
We are blessed. No question about it. Even life at it's worst, isn't half bad.

PS.... if you have a blog, send me a link 'cause I want to see all the crazy stuff in your life too!

No comments: