Look in the mirror and find something attractive, unique, or whole about yourself.

Man, this one is a little more out of my comfort zone. As I look at myself in the mirror today, I see a tired, happy mama with a lot on her mind. No makeup, crazy hair. (Though not as crazy as usual. :)) Pjs all day. But so much time today was spent with my babies. Talking with friends and family. Weighing decisions and how they will affect us and others. It's been one of those days that looks less than productive on the outside, but felt so good and necessary on the inside. I'm grateful for those days that I can spend less time caring/thinking about the way I look and focus on how I'm feeling, thinking, and spending the time that I have with my babies. I feel a contentedness that I think shows in my face, tired eyes included.

Tonight, watch the sunset, or think about how you feel when you see the sunset.

The sky here is so big. It catches me off guard sometimes since I've spent most of my life among the mountains. The sunset is always a sign of the day winding down. Something I've come to appreciate more as a mom. I have some of the best days and some of the hardest and I'm always grateful for that fateful time of night when I get to just sit and breathe. I also always appreciate the newness of a sunrise. I need new beginnings, as most people do. New opportunities to feel better, think better, do better, and become better. What a blessing the sunset is to give us a time to reflect and prepare to begin anew.

Think of an unexpected act of kindness someone did for you recently.

Yesterday I had plans to get out and run errands, but we had some things come up and staying at home was just easier. I usually don't get ready on those types of days, but I found some time and made plans to go the grocery store. I did my hair, put on a little makeup, and got dressed in real clothes. (aka not leggings...) G saw me and said, "pretty mama." That sweet little compliment caught me off guard. Two year olds don't always have the softest edges, but man, when G does, I just melt. I hope she never loses her desire to make people feel good about themselves. I loved the happiness in her eyes as she did something kind for another person. What a beautiful little soul. 

P.S. She also told me "pretty mama" when I had washed all of my makeup off for the day. That might've been even better. 

Think of a trip you took recently or time you took off and how good it felt to relax, explore, or spend time with family.

During my birthday this year, Brian was on paternity leave. (For 6 weeks!) And we decided to take a beginning of the week trip to the temple, which for us is about 3.5 hours away. It was the first trip we'd taken as a family of 4. (Without any other grandmas, grandpas, and aunts to help us out.) I definitely can't say that a 3.5 hour drive with two littles is particularly pleasant or easy, but it was such a blessing to be together. Brian and I always have the best chats as we drive.

While Brian was at the temple, I took the girls to a nearby store and braced myself for the worst. It ended up being a really nice time while E slept and G talked and played with me while we shopped. I know that my prayers to have a smooth trip were answered.

We found a fun/weird park. Went to a children's museum and ate special(to me) food that we don't have around these parts. It was all so lovely. Not easy or relaxing, but most definitely what I needed and wanted for my birthday. Quality time spent with my family is my love language and it felt like the perfect gift.

(All that being said, next time I wouldn't mind a trip that is a little more relaxing...)

Look out your window. What is one sight that is beautiful to you?

This feels like a cheesy question, but I appreciate the reminder to look outside today. It's rainy and a Monday and I have committed to a lazy, at-home kind of day.

I love the colors of the leaves in the fall. (Who doesn't?) I honestly like change. It seems like with change comes new beginnings, new energy, and new things to look forward to. A way to renew my focus and celebrate the small things that come with each new time of year.

What is something I get a lot of pleasure from in life?

1. Watching my babies grow and learn
2. Family play time
3. Naptime (!)
4. Dates/time spent and good chats with Brian
5. G's singing, dancing, new words(or the way she pronounces any word, really)
6. E's rolls, laughs, coos, cuddles
7. Making our home feel comfortable, creative, and filled with the Spirit
8. Serving, teaching, and learning new things that bring me closer to God
9. Connecting with friends and family (The blessing of technology!)

Who has helped support me during my hardest times?

Brian.

He may not always have solutions. (Though he often does.) The important part is that he is willing to listen, support, and do what he can to lessen my burdens. I find so much light in being around him and especially being around him and the girls. All of us together seems to be the balm that I need in most situations. All of the hard things seem much much easier with Brian around.

What is one experience I've had this year that has taught me something I needed to know?

My experience is ongoing - being a mother of a toddler and a baby. Becoming a mom of 2 littles has me feeling like a constant mess with a heart about to burst with love, pride, and a bit of anxiety. It's made me realize that I'm stronger and more resilient than I thought I was. I can come out of uncomfortable, trying situations with more poise and patience than I ever thought I could. (That doesn't mean its a lot, but it's more than I generally expect.)

In that vein, I also am much less patient than I think I am. I find myself being bothered by things that I never thought I would. Getting a toddler to choose (and stick with) a pair of shoes. Cleaning up macaroni and cheese off the floor, walls, chair, dog - everywhere except for the table, where it should be. Buckling kids into carseats. Opening and closing all of the doors in the house. Getting spit up on after changing into a new outfit for the day. Trying to get the toddler to stop taking her clothes and diaper off. These inconsequential parts of motherhood cause much more stress, worry, and impatience than I would like, but the learning has been important. For me and for them.

I need to let go of perfection and control. As listed above, the bouts of my day that I have control over are few and far between and I am learning to be okay in the mess. Although I can claim a lot of imperfection, I can also claim so so much love for those two babies and that's pretty perfect.

What is one lesson I'm grateful my parents taught me?

I may have more than just one...

Generosity and Common Courtesy
The importance of quality family time
Sacrifice and Repentance 

To know my parents is to be fed by them. Seriously, you can't escape their house without some offer of food or drink. My parents love to take care of people. They love to give. I think gift giving is their love language. I have such fond memories of fun celebrations with thoughtful gifts, big feasts, and plenty of quality time spent as a family. I'm so grateful to have grown up in such a giving, loving, atmosphere where family always came first and no one wanted for anything. 

I was always taught to put the needs of others first. Always say please, thank you, excuse me. Give generous tips and compliments and acceptance. Hold the door open for others. Wait your turn. Offer food, drinks, and help. Be kind to all who serve you, whether they're paid or not. No one is perfect at any of these things, but I know the importance of them because they've been modeled for me my entire life. 

Sacrifice is different for everyone. It's completely personal. I know that because of the sacrifices of my parents, I have invaluable blessings in my life - a relationship with the Savior, my husband, my girls. I will never forget the things my parents sacrificed to provide me this life and I will be forever grateful for their example.