Dandelions or Sunflowers?

Much to my annoyance, dandelions have been popping up everywhere in our yard. I cannot tell you how much I despise dandelions; probably because every Spring they take over our yard and it seems as if we spend the entire summer trying to keep them at bay. Gracie, however, loves them! Everytime she sees those little yellow demons popping up she says "Mom look at the beautiful sunflowers!" and then proceeds to pick as many as she can for me to put in a vase and put on display in the house. Today, I was digging up a few from my flower bed and she was traumatized that I would kill the flowers. You are probably wondering where I am going with this. . . After Gracie's and my conversation about why I was killing the dandelions/sunflowers, I started thinking how nice it would be to have the heart and mind of a 3 year old. To look at everything and everyone for the good that is in them instead of the bad. They seem to be able to find joy in everything. When or where in our lives to we lose that? I have decided to try to look at the world more as a child does, I am willing to bet it will make a big difference. So my point is enjoy the dandelions!

Peter Pan Syndrome

Do any of you ever get really sad when you think about your little ones growing up? I 'm sure I'm not the only one having issues with this. I just love my little girls so much; I love when they cuddle with me and Durke in the mornings, I love when they climb up on my lap, or fall asleep in my arms. I don't ever want them to get big, and not want to hug me anymore, or even worse get so big that they move away. That sounds like the most horrible thing ever. I know that all stages of life are probably fun and we can learn a lot, but I am selfish and I never want Gracie and Abi to get bigger than they are right now.

General Conference...

I love General Conference. It is so nice to be able to have our leaders speak to us. I don't know about you but it seems like every time I feel that one or two talks are just for me; this conference was no different. I loved Elder Ballard's talk to the young mothers. It gave me a little boost of energy to keep going. Motherhood can be very difficult and sometimes it does feel like we're doing it all alone. It is so comforting to know that Heavenly Father knows how we feel and is there to help. I also liked the little bit to the husbands, boy am I going to use that against Durke! I also really liked Elder Russel M. Nelson's talk and when he said "Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life." What great advice for all of us parents. President Monson is so amazing. He is so sweet and such a great example. I hope you all enjoyed conference too.