I just feel the need to write about today. Far too often, unspeakably horrible things happen in this world. Today was just such a day. I was going about my business when I read about something happening in Connecticut. I immediately looked for more information. My stomach flipped and my heart broke when I read that someone walked into an elementary school and killed adults and so many innocent children. I could barely believe that someone could do such an atrocious thing. I thought of those sweet children's parents and how one person's actions has taken away their precious angels.

My heart aches for those affected by this event. I have shed many tears for them today. I have seen a loved one lose a child and I would not wish that on anyone. I have never seen such grief. I pray for those families to have comfort since I know they will not have peace yet. I pray for them to not be angry. I pray for them to feel the love of God in this unbelievably difficult time. I shed tears for the people taken from this earth. I shed tears for their families and friends. I shed tears for the poor tormented soul that did this. He will feel this grief one hundred fold and I pity him.

For those who remain behind and must feel the grief now, I pray that they will be able to feel the healing power of the atonement. It cannot bring their loved ones back, but it can help heal the pain and suffering brought by this awful tragedy. This nation stands beside them at this devastating time and many of us are sending prayers their way.

May our Heavenly Father's love and comfort be with us all at this time.

Just one of those days

I said something stupid to someone I really care about. Her feelings were very hurt. I apologized and tried to make it right. We both thought it was. Someone else stepped in and told me I was a terrible person. I was a jerk to them. It escalated. I almost lost the first person as a friend. Thank goodness she forgave me for all of it. It has been a really rough day. I'm just grateful for such a forgiving friend who loves me even when I am an idiot. People like her are few and far between and deserve to be cherished.

Thankfully, I Forgot Yesterday

I am not really thankful that I forgot yesterday. It is more that yesterday was difficult and I was not very grateful. Today has been better so far.

#3: Yesterday I was thankful for outside time. I try to spend at least 15 minutes outside every day. For my own sanity as much as for the Bean's. He needs a change of scene most days since our apartment is just not big enough for his need to explore.

#4: Today I am thankful for the Sacrament. I can't pay attention to much of church since I have to chase a squirmy kiddo around, so I have to focus on what I can and he is usually good until at least after the most important part of church.

Being Thankful 1 and 2

I am going to attempt to blog 1 thing I am thankful for every day this November. I am already a little behind the 8-ball on it, but 2 is better than 29.

#1: I am thankful that my little man does not have a lazy eye. There was some concern that his right eye might be very slightly weaker than his left. We went to the optometrist yesterday and found out that his vision is just right for his age. I'm also thankful that everyone at the optometrist was just wonderful! They all did everything in their power to help him have the best experience possible and everyone thought he was just the cutest thing ever.

#2: I am thankful for oral steroids. Bean has croup and sleeping has been a challenge. Coughing does not lend itself to good sleep. Thankfully, the doctor prescribed oral steroids to help with the inflammation in his trachea. He only woke up once last night instead of 4 times like the night before. That meant a little more sleep for me and more sleep for him.

If Only

Have you ever wanted to be somewhere so much that it makes your heart ache just thinking about it? I am dealing with that right now. I want to be in Las Vegas on November third. I want to see Sara Lauren, my first roommate, get married to a wonderful man. I want to celebrate her big day with her...

but I can't. I can't because we don't have $350 for me to fly out there. I can't because we don't have money for a hotel. I can't because people don't let a 23 year old rent a car. 

I will have to celebrate from afar. I will have to miss my roomie's big day. I will have to content myself with pictures of her smiling face.

Free Photo Book

I got a free 8x8 photo book from Shutterfly. Here it is.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create a gorgeous, high quality wedding photo album at Shutterfly.com.

On The Excitement of New Things

New Thing #1: Casey has two new jobs to replace his two old jobs! He is working at a hotel in the area and up at the school instead of working at Subway and Pizza Hut. Saying that I am thrilled to have him home most nights is  an impossibly large understatement. He works longer hours, but somehow, having him home at night is better for me than him being home all day and leaving right before the Bean gets fussy. We were also worried that money would be even tighter than usual with the Hut being closed until it moves to the new location. Thank heaven for answered prayers.

New Thing #2: I am selling Avon. I have always been kind of wary of direct sales type things. I am not a salesperson. I always feel like I am bothering people or being obnoxious, but this is actually really good for me. It gives me things to look forward to and something other than Facebook or Netflix to keep me occupied. I have had a pretty awesome outpouring of support even when people don't have the extra money to buy things. Basically, I have super amazing friends and family, but that is nothing new.

New Thing #3: The Bean learning so much all the time! He just doesn't stop. It is so cool to watch him figure things out, imitate us, and just generally be awesome. He says Mama, Dada, Hi, Yeah, Ball, and probably some other words that I just can't distinguish. He runs, throws balls, stacks blocks, and tries to eat with a spoon. He eats pretty much anything as long as he is in the mood for it. He loves green beans, chicken, and macaroni. He sticks his leg out when I am getting his pants or socks on. Basically, I think my son is awesome. Here is some proof!

Spelling "box", not really, but we can pretend

Sleeping, like a boss

Everything is a phone

Spaghetti night is the best!

Invisible roller coaster

Drunk, bowler hat Bean

This is seriously the best face ever

Like I said, everything is a phone

Last new thing: FALL!!! I love love LOVE fall! Pumpkins, apples, sweaters, scarves, boots, and not roasting to death! Fall is without question my favorite season. I am so happy about fall. Ok, the end.