Optimistic.

I hate leaving a "down" post up too long without adding something more positive, but it's been hard finding a snippet of time to redirect my thoughts (and written text) to the "up" side of things. I'm stealing a few moments tonight before we head off to the Call Family Reunion early tomorrow morning.

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I randomly chose a conference talk to listen to. I can't tell you how many times I have done that and heard exactly what I needed to hear. Today was no exception. 

"The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience." 

(Elder Orson F. Whitney, quoted by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

"Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly... Yes, life has it's problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland's maxims for living -- no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." 

(Elder Holland's complete message here.)

A quick rundown of "the rest of the story" (since I left you hanging in my "down" post):

Mar DID get to swim at the All-star meet (which we learned via text message at 5:45 the morning of).

Lane 8 both events, and with the boys for the 100.

We'll take what we can get.

She did not let it throw her, swam well, and placed 12th in the 200Free, 14th in the 100Free. She was just supa happy to have placed well enough to get ribbons.

And guess who was helping pass out medals and ribbons??
Some awesome Castle Rock elders.

I thought it was so cool I had to take their picture, and of course tell them my daughter was serving a mission, too.
I love missionaries!


Bill was here for the better part of last week:

I am glad he had the opportunity to spend some quality time with some great young men in such a beautiful place. {Even though I really really missed him.}


Lolo is really in London as of today! (Well, yesterday in London time.)
She was traveling to the mission home today to get her first assignment. I have thought of her all day, and can't wait for her next email, which I think is coming Monday. So long to wait!


Little Mama has kept the snapchats comin'.
I was able to successfully screenshot one of them (I am pathetic at screen shots on my phone and usually end up losing the snapchat FOREVER, so I take a huge risk every time I try).

Love this baby girl!

Whelp, it's taken me a lot longer than needed to finish this post thanks to my stingy computer (but I'll try not to whine). I'm looking forward to our BIG family reunion, even if mi madre has requested that I portray an ancestor... by acting like I'm her... I'm not a fan of acting, but I'll do it for my mama. I have told Mar on several occasions that I hope she internalizes my example and is willing to do whatever her mamita requests in the far distant future, just because I asked and she loves me.