Little Things

We survived the storm this weekend! We had our second nor'easter here in Boston. This last one was a lot more intense than the first. Water was coming over the sea wall a couple hours before high tide, so I packed the boys up and we headed to a friend's house for the day/night. Thankfully our apartment didn't flood! A tree did fall near it though so that tells you how strong the wind was.

Now on to the real reason for this post!

The boys were outside playing with their trucks one afternoon this week. I was wishing we were doing something more fun especially with how much we've stayed home lately. Then the thought came to me: "They are having a blast doing what they're doing."

As moms we guilt ourselves way too much and I'm totally at fault with doing this too often. We need to remember more that our kids enjoy the simple things just as much (or more) than the big outings we take them on.

This was a great reminder that I needed this week and if it does anything, I hope that it will help you remember to not be so hard on yourself!

We are their everything...

There have been days lately where I've struggled being a happy mom. It's a job I've always wanted and I'm so grateful for the title of Mom, but it's hard. It's tiring-both mentally and physically. Sick days don't exist and cleaning up messes happen multiple times a day. 

I first came across this quote a year or so ago and stumbled upon it again last week:

What a great reminder this is! 

Happy Monday!

Hard is Good!

Top- Kohl's

Black Jeans- Primark

Shoes- Old (Similar)

Bag- Old

I recently listened to this talk and the main thing I got out of it is doing hard things is GOOD!

Of course nobody likes having to do things that are hard and uncomfortable, but for some reason lately I've been realizing that by doing and going through these challenging experiences I've grow so much more and become the wife/mother/woman I want to be! Without these experiences I may not be that same person, I'm not saying that I'm perfect, far from it in fact, I'm just saying that I'm better and more capable than I was before. 

 It has been amazing to reflect back over the last year or so and see how far I've come in my personal growth by doing some hard things.

We all have our own levels of hard and it’s never good to compare your trials. So don’t even try to wonder why someone’s trial seems easier than yours!

One of my favorite parts of the talk is this:
"In the world of nature, hard is part of the circle of life. It is hard for a baby chick to hatch out of that tough eggshell. But when someone tries to make it easier, the chick does not develop the strength necessary to live. In a similar way, the struggle of a butterfly to escape the cocoon stregthens it for the life it will live. Through these examples, we see that hard is the constant! We all have challenges. The variable is our reaction to the hard."

In my recent growth what has made the biggest difference to me is trying to react more positively to the hard situations! 

I have to end with this amazing quote by Thomas S. Monson:
“May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.”

Love you guys!

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How I Really Feel About Moving to Boston

If you know me and my husband then you know that we like wide open spaces, no traffic, no crowds...you get the idea. Ever since we found out we're moving to a big city (Boston), I've had an internal struggle of wanting to feel happy and excited but at the same time knowing that this upcoming change may at times be difficult.

Any move is hard and brings changes. I have a really hard time with change. I hate feeling uncomfortable (duh) and unfamiliar with a situation. I also didn't realize how much I wanted to live closer to my family until that week we found out we were going to Boston and it's even further away than Virginia! 

  But with that being said, I know that faith and fear cannot exist at the same time. I need to choose to have more faith because I know that we are being put into this city and situation for a reason and we can and WILL get through it!

(Found Here)

Thanks for listening to my ramblings:)

Special Notecards

Something that many people don't know about me is that every night before bed I write something that happened to me or my family on a index card. I have done it since January 2013 and it is fun to see what I have written down year after year. Many of my close friends and family can find their names written on the cards and know that they helped me that day or made an impact in my life.

Lately I have wondered why I have kept doing it for so long and I kind of felt like it was a waste of time because who would even look at those index cards 20, 30, or 40 years from now. I also felt like I write so much on this blog and a private one I have that I didn't need to keep going with the index cards. 

I mentioned to my husband that I was probably going to stop and he thought that I shouldn't without really giving me a reason. Well recently I was scrolling through Facebook and I came across this quote and has given me motivation and direction to go with what I write on these special cards.

"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: "Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?"

As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance-even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.

My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God's kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done."

Henry B Eyring

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Time in the Snow + New Years Thoughts

Our Christmas break is officially over and it's so sad, we love spending time with our families.

2017 is bringing lots of changes to our family that we are very excited about-My husband gets his Match results for oral surgery residency, he graduates from dental school, and we move to another state. All of these will happen in the first six months of the year, who knows what the last six months will bring!

Although I am excited for these events, they inevitably bring change and lots of it! I don't like change because it's hard and uncomfortable but with it comes growth. It's a great feeling to look back and see how much I've grown and know that I can do hard things and survive!! :)

I'm pretty bad at keeping my new years resolutions, so this year I've decided to write questions down for different areas of my life and look at them every few days, weeks, or months and see how I am doing based on how I answer each question. Hopefully this will help me to actually improve in different areas of my life!

We played in the snow quite a bit during the break. B loved it the first few times, but then realized that the house and car were warmer!

I hope your new years is off to a great start!

Linking up with Thoughts for Thursday, Thinking out Loud, Penny's Passion

Slowing Down

I watched this video earlier this week. It was a great reminder to me to slow down and enjoy the little moments in life. 

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Thursday Thought

I saw this quote and loved the meaning of it. Hopefully it will give you motivation in whatever is going on in your life!

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Thursday Thought {The Happy Life}

As I've mentioned before, I haven't been very motivated since Christmas break. I am getting more productive each day, so that's great! I came across this quote last week and it really stood out to me.  There are so many things we are looking forward to and things we want to get over with this year, but I need to try harder to make this a happy and memorable time of our lives! We only live once and I don't want to regret not enjoying Baby B and his two year old self, the simplicity of dental school life, and basking in East Coast living!

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Looking Forward

Recently my brother shared this quote on Facebook. It's a little long but totally worth the read! I really enjoyed it and thought many of you could benefit from what is said.
  

"The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see where we are going, measured against the backdrop of where we have been. Several years ago at BYU, I shared my thoughts on the scriptural story of Lot’s wife (http://bit.ly/1HWKn4z).

Often, like Lot’s wife, we long to return to past days. I have come to the conclusion that Lot’s wife did not just look back; she looked back longingly. In short, her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future. That, apparently, was at least part of her sin.

So, as a new year starts and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone, nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in.

To all such of every generation, I call out, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the “high priest of good things to come.”

Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever. That is a New Year’s resolution I ask you to keep this new year." -Jeffrey R. Holland

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Merry Christmas!

Let us all remember the true meaning of Christmas.

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Finding Christ Through Christmas

What do you do once Christmas is over to keep the Christmas spirit?

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Spirit of Giving

source

It's Christmas time!! I know so many people are ecstatic that December is finally here! On Tuesday I was cleaning and realized that I could listen to Christmas music without feeling guilty- it was great!

I love the spirit of Christmas and this quote sums up what we should be thinking about during this time of the year.

It's not about what you give this year, but how you give of yourself. 

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Thankful Thursday Link Up {3}

*This post contains affiliate links.

Doing these posts each week has made me really think about and appreciate everything I have in my life. We all have so much to be grateful for!

source

This week I'm thankful for:
-Lotion: I really hate having dry skin, so I'm always using lotion! Here are a few of my favorite scents!

-Naps: I love taking naps and I'm so grateful Baby B is such a good napper. I live for nap time, so that I can nap or get other things done.

-Good Sales: This past weekend Bath and Body Works was having an awesome sale- $3 lotions! I always end up stocking up this time of year and without sales like these I wouldn't be able to afford these yummy smelling lotions! I also buy all of my clothes off the clearance racks!
*Tomorrow I'm sharing some of my favorite Black Friday sales, so come check them out!

-Mountains: I love the trees in Virginia, but I really miss Idaho Mountains! I am grateful I grew up in such a beautiful state and that my parents took us hiking and camping in the gorgeous mountains!

Now it's your turn!
Thanks to everyone who has participated in this link up so far! It has been so fun to read what you are thankful for each week.

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Thankful Thursday Link Up {2}

Welcome back to another week of thankfulness! I love this quote and all that it means!

This week I"m thankful for:

-Rain: I love everything about rain except when I have to drive in it, but even good things come from that because the sun isn't blinding me:) 

-My Siblings: I talk to each of them(there are five) on the phone at least once a week or more.(Does anyone else do this because some people have said that that's a lot!) It helps that I have their only nephew with me all the way across the country ;), but I love hearing about their lives and keeping a close bond with each of them!

-My Job: I am so very thankful that I am able to stay at home with Baby B. I know that it's the most important job I will ever have and I love it! 

-Popcorn: I love popcorn and could eat it everyday! I'm thankful for it because it's a yummy and (almost) healthy snack, but lets be real, I love all things food!

-Being Busy: My life has been really busy with the many responsibilities I have- wife, mom, church calling, etc. Even though I sometimes want to be lazy, I'm so grateful for the busyness because then I don't feel like I'm just sitting around waiting for time to pass. It feels so good to be serving my family and others!

Now it's your turn!

Link up your thankful posts and see what everyone else is thankful for this week! Remember to come back next Thursday for the final link up! 

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Thankful Thursday Link Up {1}

I'm so excited to be doing this link up with you! We have so much to be grateful for and it's so important to write it down as a daily reminder! This is an amazing quote to apply to our lives!

This week I'm thankful for:

-My Husband: He is such a hard worker. I'm so grateful for his willingness to provide for our family so I can stay home with Baby B.

-Baby B: Kids are so great! I am so grateful for my little buddy! He definitely makes every day interesting and exciting:)

-Music- If you haven't listened to this arrangement from The Piano Guys you need to! Good music can make the biggest difference in your life. I'm so grateful for music that lifts my spirits!

-Seasons: I pretty much say that I love every season when the season starts, but then I always end up wanting the next season to come a month later. But I am very thankful I live somewhere where there are four seasons. I don'think I could live in an area where it's hot most of the year.

Now it's your turn!

Please link up below and see what everyone is thankful for this week! Remember to come back on November 12th and 19th as well!

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Thursday Thought {Gratitude}

When I was searching through my pictures for one that would work as a background for this quote, I came across this one and knew that it fit this quote perfectly.

Getting pregnant with Baby B took over a year. Because of that I was expecting the second go around to be difficult too but for some reason it has been even harder emotionally for me. We wanted our kids to be close in age and as each month goes by they obviously get farther apart. That may seem like a silly thing but that's what I'm feeling right now. I'm not asking to be consoled, and I know that many women out there have an even harder time getting pregnant than I do, or can't get pregnant at all. I just want women out there to know that they aren't alone and that even though it may seem impossible to be grateful at the moment, it's important to remember what we have been given and to always have a grateful heart.

We are so grateful for Baby B and this wonderful time we get to be parents to just him! I am having such a fun time with him right now and when another little one comes along we will have our strong mother-son bond! I know timing is everything and it just not the right time.

What are you grateful for right now in your life?

Other Important News!
 The Golden Ostrich giveaway ends tonight at midnight EST! She makes the cutest handmade signs and you don't want to miss out! Giveaway found HERE!

Don't forget that on Thursday November 5th, 12th, and 19th I'm hosting Thankful Thursday Link Up!! Come share whatever you're thankful for! Spread the word and follow for reminders!

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Making the most of RIGHT NOW!

As many of you know, my husband is in his third year of dental school. It's so nice to be over halfway through the four years! Last year I was in kind of in a slump. I was bored a lot and always felt like I needed to get busy and do something so I could feel accomplished and productive. Being a mom and wife is my top priority, but those late nights when my husband was studying were hard and I needed something to do! That's why I started blogging!

I've been thinking lately of what things I have done or am doing to make the most of the these four years in dental school. Hopefully these things will inspire you!

1) Make friends. This is so important! You need people to rely on and trust, especially if you don't have family close by. These friends become your family!

2) Have a hobby! Like I said above, you need something to keep you busy when your husband is studying. It's good to be active and constantly try to improve yourself.

3) Set up playgroups and/or craft groups. Every Wednesday afternoon, a small group of dental wives get together and craft. This has been a lifesaver for me! It's so fun to hang out and craft to our hearts content! Playgroups are wonderful for kids and it's great to have adult interaction during the day!

4) Go sightseeing. We have seen so many historical and nature sites the past two years! One of the reasons we choose our school is because there is so much to see on the East coast. Take advantage of it!

5) Be involved in hubby's schooling. I am always asking my husband about tests and procedures he's doing on patients. I want to know what's going on with him and want him to know I'm interested in it too!

What types of things do you do to stay busy and feel accomplished?

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Thursday Thought: Love Yourself

It's so important that you not compare yourself to others. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. There's so much negativity in the world that can tear us down and make us feel like failures. We are all children of God. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks of us, it only matters what He thinks!

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Thursday Thought: Forgiveness

Hello my favorite readers! This quote is such a good reminder. We can choose to be offend by something someone says to us. Especially with technology these days, you may take what someone says through texting or social media the wrong way and ruin your day, or worse, ruin a friendship.
It's always important to see the positive in all things and assume people's words or actions aren't meant to hurt or offend you.

Don't forget the enter the Fall Nail Giveaway found HERE! Your nails will love you for it!

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