The right things at just the right time.

 

(Thank you Ally.)

 

“You are exactly where you are supposed to be. If you are happy, revel in it. Appreciate the moment.

If you are unhappy; take note. Try to figure out what you are supposed to be learning in this moment.

For each and every moment woven together over time is your life. Each moment matters. Each moment has something beautiful to teach us.”

Perfect, right?  I believe that this can apply to all of us. 

I truly believe that there is no ceiling to our own personal best, I believe that we can go higher, and once we think we’ve hit our best, we go beyond that even. 

We learn during the whole process.

Good or bad.

I like to look back on these last few months, four of them to be exact, as I have been learning a lot, like so much, I thought my head was going to explode.  Now that the fog has lifted, and I see the whole experience with so much more clarity, I can see just what there was to be learned, and what I learned about myself.

Almost as important, I have learned who I can count on and trust, who has helped me learn and grow.

I am thankful to know who I am.  I am thankful to be comfortable and confident again in my own skin.  Most importantly, I have learned that I am just who I am for a reason, and I should never try to change that to please others, I should never abandon myself, who I am or what I believe to try to make a few happy.

Looking back on that time, how I viewed it while walking through it, it was dark and mostly lonely,  from where I sit right now, the future looks bright and beautiful!

So not lonely.

An attitude of gratitude.

I was beginning to worry that whatever Ashley has had was contagious.

I was starting to feels the blahs coming on, and was trying to pin down what was causing me to feel this way..

Could it be that I am trying to kick sugar?  (Just “kick it” in the “having it as a meal” form, not the occasional treat.)

Could it be that I am coming down with a cold?

Or maybe it is this crazy weather.  It is spring in Utah after all..  but another day of storminess, after gorgeous days of playing outside, were kind of a bummer.

I was feeling much like Ashley was.

I wasn’t in love with my hair, I was toying with the idea of cutting it, but then I knew I would miss it.  Especially when it comes to working out (trying to be more consistent with that one..) and being able to pull it back.  Then I would regret the choice.

I was feeling not so cute in my favorite jeans, so I opted for my favorite lounge pants instead.

I was still feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that I had to do, and all that I wanted to get accomplished..  I was feeling the blahs.

I wanted to “change-up” a lot of what I look at every day, make it more fun and exciting to me..  so blah-ish, all around me.

Then, two things happened that changed my focus:

1- Some close friends stopped by for a quick chat fest.

2- Merrill came home.

Being with people that I love, that love me too, that just know me, and I feel comfortable and happy with, gave me the perspective I needed.  I didn’t need to boo-hoo to them, just realize the blessing that they all are to me.

It would have been easy to lay it all out and cry to Merrill about every little thing that was weighing on me, but I couldn’t.  His happiness lifted my spirits.  He comes in the door everyday after his long day at work, and immediately greets me with affection.

I usually hear, “Hi gorgeous!”

(Even if I am sporting my favorite lounge pants and my hair is in a ponytail..)

There’s no doubt that the rest of our little family feels the same way about him.  As soon as the garage door is heard, all three girls are usually running to the door, waiting to greet him.  He shows all of us just how much he loves us.

Last night, after we had the kids in bed, we were together in our room.  The news was on, I was working on a project, then realized he was looking at me.  I looked at him to find him smiling at me.  Just that little thing pulled my mind away from the thoughts of all that I didn’t get accomplished that day, all those thoughts that would inevitably drag me down.

It was not a sweeping gallant act, just all of those little things.  I love him so much!

This morning, I wanted to start my day off much in the way it ended.  I was determined to not let the poor night’s sleep with far too many interruptions and feeling sick start me off badly.  I got children fed, bathed, and ready for the day, ate a good breakfast.  I set to getting small chores done, got in a good workout, and then relaxed in a hot (and much deserved) shower.  As I was reflecting on my day yesterday, pin-pointing the hormonal/overloaded/blah, and then thinking of the things that turned it around, I knew I had to post some of my gratitude.

I am blessed with incredible friends, both near and far.  To have a spur-of-the-moment chat (that also involved root-beer floats) was a blessing.  To be with them, for no reason, and enjoy each other’s company and the peace that comes with a friendship that is truly meant to be, was a needed blessing in my day.  I also found e-mails in my inbox later in the evening.  Kind notes, comments on one of many blog posts.  I receive thoughtful packages, treats, and cards, and I know that my life is blessed, very full of friends.

I am blessed with a great family!  I love my mom to pieces and to know that she is there, whenever I may need her is priceless.

Merrill is something that I feel I have said so much about, yet not enough.  He is my best friend.  He is always so supportive of my dreams and goals.  He encourages me daily.  He is honest with me.  He is there when no one else is.

I am blessed with so many things because of a loving Heavenly Father who knows me better than I know myself.  He has put these people in my life at the time when He knew I would need them the most.  I am right where I am, at this time in my life because I am supposed to me, because He put me here.

I also have to say, that it also helped, after I was lifted above the funk of the day, to reach out, beyond myself, to recognize what others need, what others would appreciate, that in serving others, we are made happier.  Our problems or “blahs” are put to the side because we aren’t thinking about ourselves.

Taking that extra time in the bedtime routine to snuggle with each of the girls and read them each a story, that helped to shift my focus as well.  To meet their needs, to show them an increase of love, helped me and rejuvenated me more than the “me time” I was dreaming of earlier that day could have.

(Not saying that “me” time is bad, I just knew that this was better this time.)

My day was full of blessings that I would be regretful if I didn’t document.

The root-beer floats also ranked pretty high up there on that list. ;)

There was a giveaway coming...

I announced a giveaway not too long ago (okay, it feels like forever ago..) for followers only.
I have loved getting to know so many people, both friends, family, and perfect strangers better through blogging.  Reading up on your lives, and what you think, is the highlight of my day.
I am so thankful for the many examples, thoughts, opinions, and listening ears (or would that be reading eyes?) that I can truly call friends..  sisters (and some brothers too..  I know you are out there..).
I know that sometimes, me, voicing my opinion doesn't fall on the most understanding of ears (or eyes) and feelings may be hurt, but I want all to know that I do not do this intentionally.
Sorry if you have injured feelings due to me and my mouth (or is that fingers?)..
Thanks for being friends, followers.
So, without further yip-yapping...
The winner is.....
Courtney!
And I can say, 100% this girl has stuck with me, thick through thin, up and down..  EVERYWHERE!!  Love ya girl!
And love to you.. ALL my followers .;)

Sisters...

Have you heard the good news?
Nie will be back!!
As this whole situation has taken place in her life and the life of her family, it has had me thinking a lot. Her sister has taken on a task worthy of sainthood! It has had me thinking an awful lot about sisters.. dang.. if I had a sister, I would want one like them..
I am an only girl.
Three brothers..
Ken..
Joe..
Me..
Then Kev..
Yup.
Only girl.
I will not lie. It definitely had it's benefits! No clothes to have to share.. no one to fight over time in the bathroom with.. own room.. I had friends who would tell me how much having a sister sucked. I didn't really feel a void, I am blessed with the most awesome mom ever!!
I did have a collection of friends. There wasn't always just one best friend, that area of life was most like the waves of an ocean. The friendships were always there, just more needed and right there at certain times in my life. The companionship ebbed and flowed when needed.
High school ended.
Life changed.
My friendships changed.
When adulthood was knocking at the door, was when I really desired a sister-like relationship. Someone, besides my mom (whom I love dearly!) to talk about marriage with, to talk about pregnancy, babies, and kids with..
My brothers got married, and I did get sisters, awesome sisters!! What a blessing they are..
I also have other "sisters".. women who would rescue me without a plea from me for help.. women who are always there for me no matter what.. women who might not have been raised in the same family I was, but have the same values, morals, and goals.. women who are always there to talk to, for long periods of time sometimes! Who celebrate with me, cry with me, laugh with me, a lot.. who enjoy pancakes ;) other late night snacks and gabs.. who share the same interests.
So, I don't have to long after a sister.. I have many.
I wish I had a picture of each of you.. I'd post them all, as pictures of "my sisters"..
Love you all!
Thanks for being my sisters..

One day down... almost.

We are doing pretty good! Seems just like normal... you know, staying up late, getting up early, and all the daily fun...
Took Ashley on her first field trip. It was at Apple Tree assisted living, in Kaysville. I took her to Apple Village in Layton... Apple Tree... Apple Village... Layton... Kaysville... all the same, right? Well, at least I wasn't the only mom who didn't get a little confused.
The kicker, I got a HUGE rock chip in the windshield trying to find the right place... gotta get that fixed...
I talked to Ash the whole way there, reminding her about when Grandma was in a Nursing home, telling her that it might be similar. I told her how happy these people would be to see her and her friends sing for them and talk to them. She was all confidence until we got inside and everyone kept looking at her. "Mom! They are all looking at me and smiling!!!" (GASP!) She wasn't much of a performer. Instead, I was, and Peyton danced...
They all thought that Peyton was a little boy... there is a bow in her hair, but everything else... they kept asking Ash if this was her little brother. Ash just looked at them and shook her head like they were crazy. Sweet old folks...
It was quite the adventure getting everyone up a 7 am, yes, 7 am, to get ready and be off to be there by 9 am. Thanks to Tif who let Lynn come play with Elle and took her to Kindergarten.. friends are the best (pancakes!)!
After the field trip, Ash went to pre-school for her last hour. I went to Target to get some birthday shopping done. I left Target with more than enough time to hit the light on Riverdale, hang a left onto the awesomely torn-up street (Randy, heart!), and drive to the on-ramp for I-84, straightway to get the kid. TWO cycles at that light and it NEVER turned green for us! I was calling anyone who would be close enough to get Ash, AND who was also on my authorized pick-up list, no answers. I had 10 minutes... I ended-up taking South Weber Drive, and speeding mind you, to catch the next on-ramp for the interstate. I get there only to find that street torn up and closed. More detours, and speeding, but I got there only five minutes late, that speeding helped ;)...
Now, were are having a pit-stop before the next round of single super mom begins!
I have to say I do feel good, up-beat. I missed the general Women's Meeting Saturday, was spending quality time with my main dude, but I watched it last night via the church's web site. I love that President Uchtdorf pretty much okay-ed all of my scrapbooking and creative stuff ;)
It was such a good meeting with incredible messages! Just the kick-off I needed for this next little while...

Pancakes...

I've gotta say, how thankful I am for such good friends.
Seriously, they are there for everything! You get support, encouragement, sympathy, empathy, laughs, memories, crying sessions (much needed at times), good times, soup, cookies.. PANCAKES.
I love to celebrate "birthdays" with good friends.. I love just goofing off and being spontaneous. I love that I can share my thoughts and feelings with my friends and not be judged. It's so funny how we are all so alike, that we can connect on so many different levels, the smallest of our personal make-up, we happen to have in common (i.e. the love of child birth, scents of candles).
I am thankful to have made many friends throughout my life. Sometimes we lose touch and get re-connected (thankfully!). In other instances, the circumstances of our lives enable us to find one another, strangers at first, fast friends soon after, sometimes we are blessed to be made family.
I am thankful for you all, for your examples, kindness, support, good laughs, and plenty of pancakes!!!
Love you all!

This and That...

Peyton's first 4th... well, this really was the 5th...Apparently, Ash thought that the "Build A Bear" dress was entirely appropriate attire for herself...I have been playing catch-up and clean-up ever since Saturday. Yesterday I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. I got to my millionth and one load yesterday, and shhh!!! I have been doing laundry since Saturday... yes, that includes Sunday... DON"T TELL MOM!!!
My house was in need of a good scrubbing. I did not take a picture of the state of my kitchen sink at the risk of ruining many people's keyboards with the expulsion of their own vomit.. it was bad.
The only thing that could possibly meet the nastiness of my sink, was this yeasty smell emanating from my refrigerator area... I could smell it every time I shut the door. So I investigated... nothing in there that would possibly be that old... shut the door. I can still smell it. So I resembled a bloodhound, for just a minute or two, sniffing around the outside of my fridge. Did something spill underneath it? I sniff some more, only to find there is liquid underneath the little tray in my water and ice dispenser area. Some sweet child who must have assumed that there was also a drain connected to the bottom of that area, poured their left over milk (?) from breakfast in there. With it being so warm, and not house cleaning day, it sat, and grew, and stunk. It was insanely gross. It took a Lysol bath overnight.
I have to say what incredible friends and family I have!!! I have received so much help, support, and encouragement, even when I didn't think I needed it.
Thanks to all, and thanks to Christie for teaching me new fun things, making my girls some way cute clips (I'll post pics later...) AND cinnamon rolls... I love ya! Thanks to our "other Grandma"or "Mama", Kathy, Brooke's mom... she made Peyton this precious hooded towel and a dress, smocked, and an identical one on a doll... so sweet!
THANK YOU ALL!!!
Now I am off to finish laundry, last 2 loads... and get groceries done...

blessings

peyton and i have been talking... we needed tonight.
got home a little while ago from our "presidency meeting"... we got a lot talked about, not all of it relative to primary... but that's a typical meeting for us.
i realize that it was inspiration to call these women, my friends, to be with me at this time in, not only primary, but in my life.
you guys have helped me out so much! we not only grow and bond serving together in our callings, but in sharing personal experiences and the wisdom we have gained in our own lives, we are establishing roots that go much deeper... i am realizing that i needed you for so much more than "church stuff" right now in my life.
see, someone knows more than we do, has a plan for us. makes me glad that i listened to this one ;)
so if your hubby is sour, or has a ? look on his face, tell him i said thanks, i really needed tonight, or yesterday night... whatever...
christie, julie, & jen...
i love you guys!!!

I Love Goldfishes 'Cause The're Sooo Delicious....

Ahhhh... Primary and Scouting are completely staffed!!! One less worry, but for how long???

Today was emotional little girl day at the Pitcher household... if it was possible to have any sort of reaction over a situation, it was crying 99.8% of the time. (I must add that this statistic excluded myself...)

I was finishing Ashley's hair in the bathroom when Merrill came in to finish getting ready, (the girls' bathroom is our "hairspray bathroom")... anyway... Ashely bursts into tears, no one has said anything to her, mind you, and I ask her what is wrong. "Daddy said I look crazy!" What a weirdo! Try consoling that one. Then she cries even harder because she has "boogers sliding out" of her nose... (crying intensifies...)

From the beginning of my pregnancy, goldfish, yes, those cheesy little crackers, were the only thing that would help to calm my nauseous stomach. Not just eating them, sucking on them. I discovered this gem during Sacrament meeting, you know, while the kids are snacking on them... I got many cases of Goldfish as gifts, or help, however you look at it...

So today in Sacrament meeting (see the irony setting in...), between contractions, I kept feeling this tickling feeling in my tummy, like Peyton has a constant wiggle... So after a while, I looked down to see if I can see whatever limb it was, poking out. I looked down to find Ashley, Goldfish in hand, making a circular motion against my tummy. She said she was "beeding" Peyton. Kind of funny considering the irony of the situation...

Lynn was getting in trouble tonight, a little sass, a little back-talk, you know, girl hormones/attitude... again... so as I am talking to her, firmly, she says, "I'm never gonna yell at my kids!" Merrill and I laughed out loud! I told her that that one was going in my blog... here it is...

I just have to say after the day I have had today, I am so blessed! Such great family and friends... hour long late-night phone conversations with some of my best friends, that make our husbands go "hmmmmm...", are the best!

Okay... Placenta effect! (Or maybe it's because this is my new and exciting toy!) My purpose, my whole goal with starting this blog, and my first post, I space it!!!!
Believe it or not, I can think of two blessings, that just jump out and grab me, already today.
Number one: A phone conversation I had with a friend that makes me feel like I am such a good person, and that what I am doing with my life is great! Being a mom has always been a big deal to me. I broke off one engagement because his opinion of what I should do when it came to mothering vs. working, changed. I have family who does not necessarily agree with the choice my husband and I have made when it comes to my staying home. So to have friends who are supportive and have the same struggles I do... are conversations and moments I cherish.
Number two: A car that started! Our car decided to not start the first few times I tried to start it today. I am not a car person, so my best guess was that there was something wrong with the battery. It is only a year old, the battery that is, but the car which is almost ten years old, has never given us any problems. (Knock on Wood.) We know the inevitable will happen, someday we will have to get a new car, but today I didn't want to think of that. I silently prayed, "Heavenly Father, not today, I don't want to worry about this, not right now please." I waited just a minute and listened to the girls talking about how the car was "broken" and "we'll have to buy a new one", opened a letter, and tried again, it took a few seconds longer than it should have, but it started, I got a cheer from the girls, and got my errand done! And it started right up again when I needed it to. Some might try to explain it away saying, that it probably was a battery issue and driving it charged it. But to me, it is a blessing.
Lesson: No matter how dumb we think our problems may me, how small in comparison to others needs and concerns, if it is important to us, it is important to Him.