Tuesday Treasures

Today's "Tuesday Treasure" is a little different than some of my others. If you are looking to be uplifted or to read something profound, you are going to be disappointed. Here are a few of my treasures today!!

Why, you may be asking, did I choose these items as what I cherish most today! No, it is not because I love cleaning!!!! No, it is not because I got a lot done today! No, it is not that I wish I had a maid ( well, maybe that one is a little true :) No, it is not any of these reasons at all. So, why all the cleaning items? Well, let me just say, there is a reason why we call her "Tornado Tayla"!!!!!

This girl, lets just say, has an eye for adventure and discoveries!! She doesn't leave any stone un-turned or any drawer unexplored! Although I chose not to take a picture of all the many "adventures and discoveries" she found today, the previous two pictures may give you a little idea of the fun she had. And notice, she is still in her jammies!! This girl doesn't waste any time- she starts early!! :) The sad thing is, I think Tayla uses my make-up more than I do!! :)

But, in all seriousness- I wouldn't trade her and her mischievous ways for the cleanest house in the world!! Besides, in cleaning up after her, my carpets get vacuumed, my floors get swept and mopped, I get a few loads of laundry done, and Tayla gets a few baths a day and is very clean- so not all is lost!! And any time I can spend with my precious, sweet daughter is an amazing gift that I will TREASURE always and forever!!!!

I love you, Tornado Tayla!!!

Hang in there!!

Tonight I am sad! At least I have a lot of sadness in my heart. There are a lot of things I hold dear to my heart, but besides the Gospel and my family, my friends are at the top of my list. And lately I have watched a lot of my friends go through some really hard things. A few of my dearest friends are dealing with the foster care/adoption system, and let me tell you-at times it is really messed up!! Don't get me wrong, I have seen, many times, adoption at its best- bringing sooo much happiness to families and the baby/child! I have a lot of friends that have been very blessed by adopting. As a labor and delivery nurse I have been a part of many successful adoptions and it is one of the most beautiful things! But I have also seen the very disturbing flip side!! There are NO rules for the birth mom and it makes me FURIOUS!! Peoples emotions, especially when a baby is involved, are NOT something to play around with! Just the other day at work, a young, very immature (in the nurses opinion) teenager did just this to a family. Just like that she changed her mind and in a snap of a finger, destroyed the excitement and hope of a young couple! It's just plain wrong!! (Big breath in, big breath out- o.k- I'm calm again! :) Anyway, my friend is going through a little different situation, but is still with the adoption agency. Why is it that some people FEEL like they have so much control and feel so empowered! Some people just like playing God- and it's very disturbing and very wrong! I really shouldn't say much more about the situation but the fact of the matter is that I have a friend and her family, who I care deeply for, who are sad beyond words. The hardest thing for me is that there is not a darn thing I can do about it- I take that back, I can pray!! I know that prayers are so powerful and do more than anything else I can do. I am indeed thankful for that.

I also have a dear friend that is going through a really hard time in her marriage. (many of us have been there, done that- it is not fun!!) I love this family so much and love this friend like a sister! I want to take all her problems away and just fill her up with the love and respect that she deserves!! Again, not much that I can do, except pray! I just want to fix it and I can't! I can however be there if she needs anything! (hint, hint!) I love you- you're the best! Hang in there and don't ever forget all the people who love you and think you are amazing-especially our Heavenly Father!!

One of my friends that I love dearly is a single mom! Now that should say it all- I don't know how she does it!! But not only is she supporting her and her son, by herself, but to do so she is working 2 jobs! She frequently works 6-10 days (12 hour shifts) in a row. Once again, I don't know how she does it. I am a complete tired mess after working 2 or 3 in a row! She is an amazing woman and is so intelligent. I often am embarrased at how little I know compared to her vast knowledge of sooo much! It breaks my heart to see her sad. She has had a rough life and often feels like giving up!! But, she doesn't!! She plugs along every day, doing her best. I wish I could take some of her sadness away and help her so she doesn't feel so alone! P, I love you and I know a lot of people feel the same way! These hard times will pass, just take one day at a time and remember that I am here whenever and wherever you need me!!!

It seems that a lot of my friends are going through tough times right now! One is home on bed rest, giving it her all to keep her little baby in a little bit longer! Hang in there, Kilee!! You're almost there and before you know it your little guy will be in your arms!!!! Miss you!!

A few of my friends husbands have or are close to losing there jobs! These are such hard times! I am so sorry! These friends are being so brave and are working so hard to support their families! You are amazing to me!! There are also a few friends who are going to school, both part time and full time, (while being mothers!!) and are working so hard to finish their education!! You go girls!! :) It is hard but sooooo worth it! There is an end in sight, I promise! And all the hours of studying, sleepless nights and all the papers etc, will be worth it!!! I even have a friend who is taking classes so that she can be her husband's dialysis nurse so he can have his dialysis treatments at home! AMAZING!!!

I have one friend whose little boy is having problems with his kidneys! He has been taking steroid shots. The problem is that he just took his last steroid shot and if it doesn't work he will have to go on a specialty Chemotherapy drug that will wipe out his immune system! YIKES!!! The amazing thing is that she is being so faithful and doesn't complain AT ALL!! What a great example she is to me- she just takes life, and what ever it throws her way, in stride-one day at a time! Again, what an amazing person!!

You know, after writing this post, I really don't know what to say!! Most of you probably can relate and have friends that are going through hard times. It is so hard watching them suffer! I wish there was more I could do for them- I only wish that I could take their pain away! But I can't! But I do know who can- our Heavenly Father is very much aware of their situations and their pain! And when you think you are alone, it is then that He is carrying you!! He will never leave you alone!! Keep praying, dear friends- I know that Heavenly Father is listening and will help you!! I am incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends who teach me so much of life's lessons on a daily basis! I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they have been sent to me as great examples!! I hope and pray that all will go well with them and that the struggles they are going through, will soon subside! Just a little shout out to ALL my friends-- You are all the best and I appreciate you and thank you for being my confidants, my sound boards, my saving grace, my laughter, my FRIENDS!!! It brings me so much comfort to know that in times like these, where there are so many "bad guys" out there, that there are amazing people out there, like you, fighting back! And that your strength, your faith and your great works will be more than enough to take down the "bad guys!" Go, Fight, Win!!!! (cheesy, I know-it just seemed to fit!:)

Tuesday Treasures

Sometimes, in this busy life of ours, it is VERY easy to get caught up in what we "think" is most important and put all the rest on the back burner. Well, that's what my treasure is today- "all the rest!" I am so thankful for all the simple things in life; sweet giggles after a funny joke, belly-gut laughs during a tickle fight. Snuggling with the ones I love on a Sunday afternoon, taking up the whole bed when my husband goes to work. Eskimo kisses, big wet kisses from a baby. Reading a good book, watching a good chick flick. Licking the beaters after making cookies, the smell of warm bread. Dancing when I think no one is watching, a bride and grooms first dance. A warm shower, clean jammies. Freshly fallen snow, the way it smells after it rains. A friendly smile from a stranger, a strong, familiar hand to hold when I'm lonely or sad. The gift of being able to say "sorry" and to be forgiven. The glow of a sunset or sunrise. Just simply knowing that I am loved. Pretty much all the many things we take for granted every day!

This poem reminded me of the simple things and to embrace them every moment- for we never know when that tender moment will be gone and replaced only with regret! Life is too short and way too precious!!

Take time to play with your kids more. Silly play.

Run around with them. They love it.

Sit and cuddle your kids as much as you can.

Make sure everyone knows how much you love them-

Sometimes you never have the chance to tell them again.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Some things just don't matter-

They mean something, but they really don't matter.

Hold yourself accountable.

Remember that everyone has a bad day once and a while. Just like you.

Don't get offended. Assume that whomever said it, just didn't get it out right.

Give others a break. We are all fighting our own battles.

Remember that people aren't always going to remember what you said,

But they will always remember how you made them feel. Make them feel special.

There are too many people out there who need someone really bad. Be that someone.

Sometimes all someone needs is a shoulder to cry on. Give it to them and really listen.

Don't keep your distance. We are all supposed to be taking care of each other.

Life isn't about us, it's about everyone else.

Sometimes the simplest things to you, mean the world to someone else.Give it to them.

Live by example.

Have Faith.

Remember . . . Life is Good.

"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone. Do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering!"

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.”