things I'm lovin today

This has been a hard day. Margot has been sick and didn't sleep well last night, then I had issues with the receptionist at the doctor's office this morning. The girls are tired and cranky, and so am I.
Days like this only call for one thing: reminding myself how awesome my life is!

Things I'm lovin today:

1. Ruby Gloom- This cartoon is pretty awesome. Portia just discovered it today, and loves it.


2. General Conference is this weekend! My Carrie-sister and friend Simuka are coming to visit, and it's going to be amazing!

3. The fact that since the girls are so tired, naptime is going to be a breeze! You know I be snoozin later today.

4. Cherry Dr. Pepper. Enough said.

5. We are going to sign Portia up for ballet class. We tried one out yesterday, and she was in heaven! It's so cute! There's a recital in May, so get ready.

6. Today is National Walkie-Talkie day. Get it? 10-4? Ha!

happy book

My little sister, Carrie, has some pretty good ideas. She has decided to start what is called a "happy book."

She used this quote to explain. Its from Pres. Monson's talk on Sunday morning in General Conference. He said:

"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

Carrie decided to take Pres. Monson's words into action, and start her happy book. I'm going to steal her idea (sorry Bear) and start one too! I'm going to write in a journal every day, listing the things that I am grateful for!

I am very excited for this project! I think it will help me to not take the wonderful things in my life for granted! I have so many blessings that I don't always thank my Heavenly Father for, and a Happy Book will help me to be better at that!

What to Expect the First Year

Today was a hard day for us here in the Rawlinson household. Portia didn't sleep well at all last night, and woke up very early this morning, about 15 minutes before Brandon's alarm went off for school. He graciously took Portia to the living room so I could get a few more minutes of sleep, but came to wake me up as he left. Here's were the real trouble started. I didn't wake up. Wednesday is early morning mowing day for the maintenace crew, and I didn't hear him over the roar of lawn mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blowers outside. Portia was playing contently as he left, and he thought I was on my way out to play with her. An hour later, when the mowing ended, I was jerked out of sleep to the sound of screaming in the other room. Portia was all alone and not happy about it. The rest of the day has been along the same lines. Portia is exhausted, but won't sleep for fear of being put down by herself. It is 11:0, and I haven't eaten dinner yet, I haven't even had the chance to go pee in hours. The house is filthy because Portia hasn't let me clean it, and Brandon is off studying for a big test tomorrow. Definitely a hard day. But amidst all the fussing and wails, I have yet to feel regret for the choice we made to start a family.

I have the opportunity to spend time with several young moms at my school, and it is interesting to listen to them talk about their kids. Usually they mention them in congruence with complaints. Their tones are rich with comtempt, and sometimes even disgust, as they blame their children for extra pounds, lack of sleep, and a diminishing social life (as it turns out, binge-drinking and clubbing is a little difficult with a 2 year old at home). I marvel that they can overlook all the innocence and wonder in their children and ignore the pure joy that easily comes with spending time with them.

I am grateful that I belong to a church that teaches the importance of families. The countless General Conference talks, Relief Society lessons, and examples from leaders and fellow members of the church have taught me from childhood that being a mother is the most rewarding and important job I could ever hold. I firmly believe that my purpose on this earth is to raise my children to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

So as I sit here, hungry and tired, typing one-handed and balancing an angry 5-month old in my lap, I am happy and I feel overwhelmingly blessed.

General Conference

General Conference is this weekend, and I am beginning to get excited! I love listening to the messages from our priesthood leaders, and feeling the unique spirit that comes from their words. I love joining with family to learn and grow together, not to mention playing conference bingo! But my favorite part of General Conference is by far the music. Music is such a huge part of my life; the choirs stun me.
When I went to BYU, I had the opportuninty to attend conference once. I was thrilled to listen to the prophet speak in person, but listenening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "Come Thou Fount," with the perfect accoustics of the conference center, took my breath away. The Spirit was so strong, I felt my heart singing along with the choir.
I can't wait for this weekend, to hear our beloved prophet's voice, and the hear the many voices joined together in hymns of praise.