Terrorizing the Store

Yesterday was one of those days. I made the decision to take the kids shopping with me. After being in the store for about 5 minutes I remembered why I don't take the kids shopping with me. They were all running around, spinning the clothes racks, hiding in the clothes racks, touching EVERYTHING, pulling things down that they wanted... etc., etc., etc. My son even pushed another little boy in the store 3 TIMES! I was mortified. Next time we will definitely use the stroller!

I nearly lost it. I could not believe at how badly they were behaving. I thought I had done a better job at parenting. Looking back, I can see how I could have dealt with the situation better. Has anyone else ever been there though? I mean, I consider myself a pretty reasonable parent. And I also consider my children to be pretty well-behaved (for the most part).

I just know that the store employees were looking at me, wishing I had never set foot in there and were counting the moments until I left the store. I just hope they let us in there again someday!

Such is life!

Goblin Valley

This past weekend we went to Goblin Valley. If you haven't ever been there, I would highly recommend going. Personally, I haven't been there for about 6 years. It is amazingly beautiful. We hiked and played hide and seek. Mike and I sat by the campfire for hours, just the two of us, just talking. I loved looking up in the sky and seeing all the stars. The weather was ideal. It was in the 80's with a slight cool breeze. The sky was soooooooo blue with a few fluffy clouds here and there. And that red rock against the blue skies... what a sight!

I am so blessed. I kept thinking about all the memories we were building as a family. I felt so fortuate to have the opportunity to be there together. It was a vacation much needed!

I can't remember the last time I have laughed so hard. We had great company down there. We went with my folks and some of my extended family.

One night while Mike and I were talking we were thinking over our time spent there so far. As we discussed our stay there, we both came to the conclusion that in the end all that really matters is the ones you love. I know Disneyland is great and all, and I am so excited to take our kids there... however, the memories we made this weekend will last a lifetime. The bonding that occured over this vacation only strengthened our family that much more. There is something about no waiting lines, no time schedule, eating food cooked over an open flame, fresh air, smelling like campfire, and getting nice and dirty. No amusement park on earth could top that experience!

There were no distractions to separate us. We were surrounded by the beauty that God had created for us to enjoy. During one of our hikes, I looked around and thought about all the good that our Heavenly Father had placed and created for us just to simply enjoy. I kept thinking about this idea, "Man is that he might have joy". And my heart swelled with so much gratitude for Heavenly Father. How wonderful He is. He surrounded us with so many wonders that we might simply experience joy. I couldn't help but think that He was smiling down on us as He watched His sons and daughters play and laugh and love each other.

So, I am going to take the time today to enjoy. I hope you take the time today to find the simple joys in life and all the beauty that surrounds us!