A Few of my Favorite July Things...

I am glad it is August! Luke's health has been on a roller coaster this last month, from great, doing well, to awful, doing so poorly!

It's hard to watch his discouragement and to feel so helpless about it all. I'm afraid I haven't been the most upbeat person to be around... which doesn't exactly help anyone.

Switch to my beautiful niece, Alyssa-

she is pregnant right now and has a rare complication that means she hasn't been able to eat anything for months. The doctors tried so many things to help, including several attempts at temporary feeding tubes. Nothing worked well enough- so now Alyssa has a permanent feeding tube- no fun at all! And she still has such a hard time- and isn't even due until December! To make it even worse, she also has at least one kidney stone...

But she is such an example to me! Here is her FB post today (and she means every word!):

"'Happiness is a choice only you can make' I love this quote. Specially today when I feel so sick it's so important to remember that you get to choose no matter what your trial is if you will be happy or not. Choose happiness and you will find good things in every situation!"

So I thought I should follow this great example by making a short list of some favorite July things that make me happy: (in no particular order...)

1) Luke- it makes my heart sing when he prays and refers to our marriage as something 'precious' to him. I know he truly loves the Lord and loves me.

2) My MIL (and FIL)- they are THE BEST!!! they are always so kind to me and so giving to all of those around.

3) Most wonderful 1st grandchild! With the best parents!

4) My little girl dancing!

5) my bishop- (speaking over the podium during sacrament meeting and everything!) He had been talking about the importance of 4 minutes. Then he switched to speaking to husbands about the importance of their wives and showing love- he ended up telling all of the husbands to go home, sit on the couch next to their wife, and then to kiss her- yes, for 4 minutes! Fun bishop!!! And great thought too! 

6) New addition to our home: 

Although I did not get to practice my re-upholstery skills on this (yet), it is so beautiful! And brings a smile to my face just looking at it... Plus Josh had somewhere to sit when he came by this week.

7) My Father-in-Heaven- He is always there for me! I feel his presence when I am able to attend the temple, and I feel His influence as I 'suddenly find' people as I am doing family history work... He is the ultimate happy thought!