CHERISH!

With the beginning of a new year comes a time of resolutions. A time to reflect on the previous year, of the things that were accomplished, of the things that were not accomplished. A time to make goals for improvement for ourselves. Last year I heard of people focusing on a word for the year and really trying to use that word to better their lives. I decided to try this and last year chose the word enjoy. In my reflection of last year I feel that I didn't fully and truly enjoy all that I should have. I still let the little things bother me...even make me mad. I still yelled at my kids. I was still not the patient, loving mother and wife that I should be. In fact, I forgot about the word I'd chosen and therefore didn't focus on truly enjoying my life with all the chaos is contained.

This year I'm going to do better. I chose a word that is more than enjoying; something with more oomph. My word for this year is CHERISH. Does Jason know that I cherish him? That I cherish the relationship we have. Do my children know that I cherish being their mother? Do my parents know that I cherish them and all the sacrifices they made for me. Do my brother and sisters know that I cherish their friendship? Does my Heavenly Father know that I cherish the many blessings he has given me? Do my friends know that I cherish having them a part of my life?

Throughout this year I will try harder to truly CHERISH life with all it's ups and downs. I will try harder to make the people in my life feel cherished by me. I will cherish the moments.

In keeping with this theme I want to record a cherished moment I had with Owen today. This morning I walked into the kitchen to find Owen sitting at the counter. This is our conversation:

Owen: "Mom, do you want to hear a really nice song?"

Me: "Of course I do."

Owen singing: "Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet he knows the way."

Me: "That is a nice song. Do you know who the prophet is?

Owen: pondering look

Me: "It's President Monson."

Owen with a big smile on his face: "Not Thomas the train!"

Me: "No, his name is Thomas S. Monson. But you knew his name was Thomas didn't you? Do you know what he looks like?"

We then proceed to the Ensign to find a picture of the Prophet. When I show Owen he says, "Oh yeah, I know him. I've seen a big picture of him in my class (at church). Tell me what Thomas Mence Monson says." A cherished moment! My 4 year old wants to know what the Prophet says. We find the Friend and I read the First Presidency Message to Owen. He's happy and I'm happy. A little while later Owen finds me. He has the Conference issue of the Ensign open to the middle pages with the pictures of the General Authorities. He points to President Monson and says, "Look mom. It's Thomas Mence Monson!" And pointing to his counselors says, "and these guys are his helpers!"

I had to record this cherished moment with this precious little boy.