happiness floods in

Saturday brought life-changing, heartbreaking news to my extended family. And like many of life’s “really awful things” it’s not something I can discuss openly. As hard as it was to watch my mother die, at least I could talk, write and cry on your shoulder.

But I cried on my children’s shoulders and my siblings and poor Erik’s halfway across the country on a business trip. Darling Ben drove up from BYU just because I needed him. And through the tears and the phone calls we did all the Saturday things…

my sneezing, coughing babies chatting with the Playmobil fairies

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and talking Dad’s ear off (if you call Gabriel, plan on twenty minutes or so).

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stacking cups

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and crashing them down
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finishing the wedding album for this gorgeous couple.

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don’t you just love them? Mike and Leah are the sweetest people.

Xander and Mary covering the table with paper, tape, crayons and clue as they crafted elves and paper chains– “I can’t practice my viola right now, Mom. Mary and I are getting along really well.” They know this about me: I’ll tolerate any mess, any lack of diligence when they are getting along beautifully.

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this cute elf appeared above my desk

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and admit it, you envy my new Christmas door wreath.

Bored with their own creations they began hauling Christmas boxes up from the basement leaving a joyful trail of tissue paper, styrofoam bits and melted candles.

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yes, my children do live in their pajamas

Happiness bubbles up beneath my feet and trickles over my shoulders. I know I am profoundly blessed and I’ll allow nothing, no one, to sabotage or dim my joyous gratitude.

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November 12, 2010
November 18, 2010

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13 Comments

  1. Selwyn

    November 15, 2010

    I’ve nothing but love, respect and admiration for you guys. Luvies, SK

  2. Annie

    November 15, 2010

    Oh, friend. Sending love. xo

  3. Jeanelle

    November 15, 2010

    I do envy your wreath. 😉 And sending you lots of love and virtual hugs. I went to the Harry Potter exhibit this weekend – you guys would love it! If I had a big enough house to hold all of you, I’d demand you make arrangements to come up for a weekend so you could see it. But because I only have a tiny condo, I’m going to just encourage you to think about it…

  4. Blue

    November 15, 2010

    when tough times come, i am trying to remind myself the following three words: “beauty from ashes”.

  5. Cath

    November 15, 2010

    I’m tearful for you. But so inspired by your courageous gratitude. The wreath made me chuckle. The cups made me smile. And “saying yes” to hauling out Christmas decor made me salute you. I love you.

  6. Linn

    November 15, 2010

    Beautiful, grateful post sweet friend. Thinking of you and praying for your family.

  7. Lisa

    November 16, 2010

    Oh life’s awful things…always getting in the way of living! I’m so happy you are able to see beauty through the chaos, bless you!

  8. Tracy

    November 16, 2010

    Love you and sending you warmth, love and thoughts.
    xoxo,t

  9. Kerri

    November 16, 2010

    So inspiring, Michelle. I HATE the kind of pain that can’t be talked of openly. Burdens are so much lighter when able to be shared. But reading your happiness through yor upain gives me a little light. So thanks. You’ll be in my prayers.

  10. jenjamin

    November 16, 2010

    That is beautiful! SO very much to be grateful… in abundance.

  11. Rachelle

    November 18, 2010

    I’m sorry for your pain. The pictures in this post are inspiring and beautiful, as always. I agree… the BEST times in life are listening to my kids playing/laughing together and getting along really well. There’s nothing quite like it. One of my greatest wishes is that they’ll be friends with each other in adulthood.

  12. Travelin'Oma

    November 18, 2010

    I’m going to add some stacking cups to my Oma kit! You always find the beauty in everything. I hope things work out for the best for you and your loved ones!

  13. Tasha

    November 18, 2010

    Praying for guys. I’m glad God gives you so much joy and beauty to balance everything out. Love you all!

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