everything

Due to the fact that my trip to Las Vegas was mainly a working trip for Adam I found myself alone for the majority of the day. At first it was a welcome break, but then as the days continued it was another reminder to me that I don't like being alone. Although it is always nice to get a break from the everyday, the everyday is everything I want.

I love my life.

12of12 reminder

Can you believe it, it's that time again--tomorrow is the 12th. It was a lot of fun last month to see so many of you participate so I hope you are all willing to give it a go again.

If you are new to 12of12 find out more about it here.
If not, if you're a seasoned player...consider yourself reminded.

xo

her widsom

A kinder gentler soul I could not meet and while she's so good and compassionate and loving to others, she is not very good to her. What I mean is, she doesn't see herself in the light that she sees everyone else. Watching her it hurts my heart because I know this is something she has inherited from me. I understand that feeling of seeing in everyone else all the good, but find it extremely difficult to look inwardly and see the same.



I found her one snowy afternoon during our Christmas break painting with her new paints. I watched her there for a minute, it made me so happy to see her deep in an art project, before I let her know I was there. Upon approaching her I caught sight of what she was working on--words, a reminder, and this is what it said,

art is the perfect talent for me! (don't forget)

My eyes swelled with tears and I almost lost it then, when i read her words, wondering if she knew just how powerful those affirmative words are. Sometimes our hearts lead us in places we don't feel adequate. We fall in love with something we don't do well or if at all. Tess loves art, but has often said she "doesn't feel good at it". Sound familiar? It does to me. It's hard to want to try when things don't come easy. Failure is a hard pill to swallow, but like J.K. Rowling said,

"it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all--in which case, you fail by default."

Our travels may come with failures and set backs, we may not be good at what we try first time, but at least that means we're living and inevitably those experiences will help us for the next time--for the next place our hearts lead us.

Tess not only are you an amazing artist, but you are insightful beyond your years. Thank you for reminding me that I am the only thing holding me back and how powerful my words can be at propelling me forward. Your truth is now my truth--art is the perfect talent for me! don't forget.


Have a great weekend.
xo

reminder

Just wanted to remind those of you who are participating in the 12of12 challenge that tomorrow is the 12th. Hard to believe it's upon us already. I'm telling ya, it does make the year go by faster, no?


This is September 2009 12of12. Funny how I can remember this Saturday perfectly. The girls were sick with the flu and we quarantined ourselves. It was a rough weekend to say the least, but I got a lot done. You know how they say when you hear something and write it down you're more likely to retain the information? Apparently taking pictures is the same way too. So there you go, another reason to do 12of12.

Have fun tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing what you captured on Monday.

it's that time again....

For those of you participating (fyi it's never to late) in 12of12 just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the 12th. If the 12th seems to come up quicker and quicker each month than you're not alone...this year is flying by for me. Can't believe we are almost half done.


[May 2010 | click here to enlarge]

You know the drill by now so I'll see you back here Sunday to share.
Have fun with your camera tomorrow.

It's the 12th!

I guess when you're out of town you really do put your normal activities aside. I almost forgot it was the 12th. Thank goodness for phone reminders and unwanted 6am wake up calls.

I hope the rest of you didn't forget, but just in case here's your reminder to have your camera on hand and ready to capture your day. If this post confuses you check out the "what is 12of12?" link on my sidebar.

Have a great one. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

xoxo
Amy

Sent from my iPhone

reminder to self

A few months ago while trying to get the kids out the door and do the last minute stuff we should have done the night before, I lost it with one of my girls. So much so that I was mortified with myself and so disgusted I had lost my patience. When it happened all I had time to do was apologize and wish her a happy day at school despite my outburst before sending them on their way. So there I was alone in my thoughts, sending my child out in the world probably wondering if her mother loved her. I felt, as I should, horrible, sick, and all I wanted was for her to have a good day.

As the day went on I had thoughts for nothing else. I cried, I prayed, I wondered how in the world I was entrusted with three beautiful children. The thoughts went on and on. Then at lunch I went and got the mail and among the junk was a letter with my name on it. It was from a woman in my neighborhood who I don't get to see as often as I would like.

Dear Amy,

About a month ago, I attended your Sacrament meeting. I believe I was sitting in front of you (or at least I saw what I'm about to relate from the front of the chapel). Adam wasn't with you because his back had been giving him some problems. I looked at you with your three daughters and it was the sweetest moment for me. I recognize that it was an unusual moment because your daughters were all quiet and satisfied. You were listening to the speakers. Your youngest was in your lap and Bella and Tess were on either side of you...leaning against you in their own, individual way. Again, at that movement everyone was content, and happy and secure. I felt as though I was watching a beautiful, peaceful Madonna with her three little ones. I truly hope that I can remember that beautiful scene. I was beautiful!

I am so grateful to know you and love you and to have been taught by you in so many ways. Please know that I miss you, but every day as I drive by your house I think of you...happily.

With all my love.....

God truly does know us, does He not? I knew the moment I saw the card, even before I opened it up that it was my answer. I was so grateful to this woman for taking time out of her busy life to send me a note that didn't necessarily need to be sent. She was my angel that day and reminded me I am a good mother....I do have something special with my girls.

As I went about the rest of my day feeling loved and forgiven I keep thinking about President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words from the 2008 Relief Society conference session.

In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.

Being the recipient of such kindness made me greater appreciate his words and helped me to understand them on a whole knew way. If answering someone's prayer makes them feel as I felt at that moment I can't afford not to do what is asked of me. On a gray day an angel is all we need and we can be that angel to anyone.