It Is Better To Look Up.

I love this thought I ran across some time ago: "Talking about our problems [stresses, anxieties, failures] is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys."

I'll break out of my recent habit of posting about the things that are causing me anxiety, and post today about a few awesome things that have been woven in between the stress.

Last Saturday morning, there was glitter in the sky. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. In reality, it was light, fluffy snowflakes, gently floating and sparkling in the sunlight. I tried to capture it on the point-and-shoot... this was the best I could do.

Later that same day, we attended a Going Home Celebration for a baby in our ward.

The service was beautiful.

I was so amazed at the family of this sweet little boy. They are true examples of faith in our Heavenly Father's plan. I hope I can be like them in the face of seemingly unbearable challenges.

(The color-copied re-edited programs turned out BEA-U-TI-FUL. Much better than my lowly printer could do. It was a tender mercy. Things I've learned: color copies at Office Depot are awesome, and their customer service is so, so much better than Staples. I'll be using them again, for sure.)

I had a birthday. I'm not big on a BIG celebration... not because I'm concerned about getting older, I just don't love being the focus of attention. As I was scrolling quickly through facebook before I rolled out of bed that morning, I came across a totally over-the-top 10-picture post by my beloved in honor of the special day. I jumped out of bed and headed downstairs to the office where he still sat at the computer. I told him I truly appreciated his sentiment, and I knew his intentions were good, but would he mind removing the post? He took no visible offense, and quickly deleted it. 

Things went up from there.

Yes, I feel loved and appreciated. I have amazing family, friends, and neighbors.

I thought it was hilarious that Bill called Britt to correct her age typo on this cute Instagram. He had missed our family video chat the evening before, where I had told my kids I was going to start telling people I was 57... so I can hear "You look so young!" more frequently. Hah!

I spent a lot o' time on the phone with family, and chatted with several friends in person and via text.

Bill and Mar took me out for dinner.
(I was talking to Lynnea and Tay as Bill snapped this pic.)

Note: I had NOT taken a moment to even check my hair before heading out to dinner. I had been lounging on the sofa talking on the phone for a good hour prior to leaving, and had spent the morning at the salon {working}. I realized that I probably looked pretty disheveled when at one point in the evening I touched my hair and felt a big pouf of looseness/craziness in the back. Oh well.

Since my recent eye exam, my need for granny glasses has increased exponentially. If I want better vision for distance, my near vision (with my contacts) is horrendous. So I HAD to have Mar snap a granny (and poppy) pic.

After our delish dinner, Bill took Mar and I to Lush to pick out a bath bomb.

I couldn't resist choosing GRANNY TAKES A DIP.

Bill had also brought me some beautiful flowers. Love him.

I also love this quote:

"Experience has taught me that if we... exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy. We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance - and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction." (Elder Carl B. Cook)

Goals accomplished: 

Invitations in the mail!

Ward History delivered!

woot! woot!

I think I'll go take a bath now.