Go Forth!!

I showered.

As I showered, Eve let Rocco in from the snow.

I found him laying on top of the laundry piles I stayed up late folding last night as I watched The Pioneer Woman on Netflix.

A dirty dog, a bowl of dog food, and a bone-- on top of my clean laundry!!!

Ben and Eve are covered in marker.  Eve says Ben did it, but I'm not sure how he colored on the back of his neck.

Sigh.  Toddlers.

Do you know I have had toddlers for almost 16 years?!

I just got off the phone with a friend whose youngest is 12.  She's going to the mall, Christmas shopping, ALONE.

How... Boring.  ;)

"I believe when we determine within our hearts that by and with the blessings of God our Heavenly Father we will accomplish a certain labor, God gives the ability to accomplish that labor; but when we lay down, when we become discouraged, when we look at the top of the mountain and say it is impossible to climb to the summit, while we never make an effort it will never be accomplished."  Heber J. Grant, from Daughters in My Kingdom p 179.

I am determined.

I am climbing.

I am laughing at dumb dogs and enjoying these temporary toddler days.

I had the best scripture study as I used my online search tools to study "Go Forth" in the scriptures.

Most days, I just choose to go forth.  

My best days, I shine forth.

30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all...

(Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 138)

As the holidays approach, I have shared with my sweet husband, my favorite  quote of mine from President Hinckley (a prophet).  

"People wonder what we do for our women. I'll tell you what we do. We get out of their way and look with wonder at what they're accomplishing." 

—National Press Club appearance, March 8, 2000

Today-- I will move mountains (of laundry), I will feed the 5000 (or 10), I will clothe the naked (buy shoes and a coat for my own orphan children), and I will prepare a place that many shall come and dwell with us for Thanksgiving.  I will also talk with Him as I travel along many roads, and serve as I sort shirt and spirit sleeve orders at the elementary school...

Ben and Eve will be my very helpful companions as I climb.

I may be shining forth or just going forth-- but I am pressing onward.

Someday I will be Christmas shopping alone.  I will appreciate every second of it.  Trust me.

I don't believe I will miss these days, because I've taken a pretty big helping of toddlers that should carry me through to grandmothering years. Ha!  

I can't tell you the peace I feel as I raise this last baby of mine.  That underlying itch that I always had, just knowing that my family wasn't complete-- that is gone.  I am at peace and my life is full.  I have loved this stage of child bearing, and I am really excited to try just plain child rearing.    

Oh toddlers.  Laundry.  Trips to the store. A house to clean.  Christmas to think about.  A list way too long and never, ever complete. 

Eight is great!

Todd's texts from Germany make me smile.

Life is good!!

Go Forth!!!