When I woke up this morning, there was a gift sitting on my chair.

What to my wondering eyes did appear...

Sunglasses!

From my Jackson!!

They are so fancy!

And in this fancy clutch-type thing.

Is that what you call this?

I could use this thing as a purse!

AND, it also came with a bag!

You know, to keep them safe or whatever.

I'm kind of new at this fancy stuff.

I've never had sunglasses from any place other than the Dollar Store.

Aren't they SO amazing?!

Isn't my Jackson SO amazing?!

Be's

Some days are not joyful. Some days are hard...like really hard. Yesterday, I received an email from a teacher. She has two of my children in her class. She informed me that they cheated on a quiz. This mama does not deal with cheating very well. (Read over the last year of blog posts) I immediately called the children, who were at home. I informed them that this was completely unacceptable and that we would talk further when I arrived home. I don't think they were very excited for me to come home.

I prepared dinner, set the table and called the children in. I informed them that as they ate, I would speak and they would listen without interruption. And that is exactly what happened. I spoke to them about cheating, honesty and integrity. I reminded them that failing a class is acceptable as long as they hand in all of their work and do their best. What I will not ever tolerate is cheating and dishonesty. Afterwards, I read an article from President Hinckley from 1972, where he speaks directly to the Aaronic Priesthood. He reminds boys to be clean, be obedient, be prayerful, and be honest. He reminds them that they have the ministering of angels through the Aaronic Priesthood. I reminded them of the importance to be honorable.

As we were finishing up, someone knocked at the door. That usually irritates the heck out of me because the cute kids in the complex never stop knocking on the door. But this time it was the cute missionaries. They had a bag with root beer and ice cream and a card. If you know me AT ALL, you know that I DO NOT like surprises. AT ALL. Like, I still open my Christmas presents secretly early because I don't like surprises. I began to threaten the Elders to tell me who this was from. They wouldn't budge. Jackson started to tell me that I could be arrested for threatening. Whatever. I have no idea who this bag is from, but the gratitude that flowed through my heart was immense.

We are oh, so blessed. And, as President Hinckley promised decades ago, if we do what we are supposed to do, Heavenly Father will not forget us.

An Apple A Day

Jackson left this sack on the counter for me on Monday. It was a delectable caramel apple! On Tuesday, he left one for me and one for Xavier (my adorable co-worker). He also left a note that said, "An apple a day won't keep the wackos away!" I laughed and laughed and laughed.

I love my boys. They are so faithful, so brave, so protective. I love those babies of mine!

You ARE Enough. You ARE Loved.

So, yesterday I blogged about sobbing for a good portion of the weekend - when I wasn't at work and wasn't at the ER, I was crying. Rough freaking weekend. (Don't repeat that "F" word, I don't let my kids say it) Braxton went to his friend's house on Saturday. Right after he left, I called him crying and told him to come home. I needed him to put a movie in for me. He was a good son and comforted me. Then he left again to go to his friend's house.

Miss Teresa was trying to tell me that I was worth it, that I was enough and that I was loved. Then, Monday morning I got amazing, beautiful yellow flowers in a smiley face vase. I cried again, but good tears. The note said, "You ARE more than enough!! Love you!" I am so blessed.

I texted Rock (Ernie) on Sunday night to ask him if he could get me a piece of wood to color on. He made me this awesome oak lap table. I love it. So much. I can't wait to color on it!

Things are so dang hard right now, but I HAVE to look for the good in everything and there is SO MUCH GOOD. I am so thankful.

Gifts

Friday, I got home from work after a looooong, emotionally exhausting, physically trying week. I cried most of Friday in my boss's office. He loves that. I walked in and saw a package addressed to "Sassy Pants." It made me smile. Sweet Teresa had sent me a gift package with lots of fun things from Younique. I was so excited! Then I cried some more. I am so stinking blessed, People. So blessed. Heavenly Father absolutely knew who I would need to have in my life during this time and I couldn't be more grateful. Teresa is beautiful, kind, and has the most beautiful children!

You should totally search her on Facebook for your Younique needs!