Thoughts of Excitement and Humility

As I lay here wanting to sleep, my mind is racing at high speeds. I feel so full of gratitude and happiness for my life now and the potential my life can bring.

Tonight, the sister missionaries came over and we had to say good bye to one of the most genuine, kind, loving and faithful people I've met since living here. Her time has come to an end and she will be returning home this week. I love her so much and wish her the best. 

I feel ignited with passion. My goals are set high and my mind is focused on helping to better our life and myself. I want to share this wonderful opportunity called Mary Kay with everyone! 

My parents read my recent blogs and told me how proud they are of me. Always a wonderful thing to hear. 

My heart is full with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for leading us here where we can grow as a couple, as a family and as individuals. Where we've had the opportunity to help others, influence others and be missionaries. What a great and wonderful opportunity. 

I'm so grateful for a husband who loves me and believes in me. Letting me that I can when I don't believe in myself. Adam is my best friend. I can tell him anything without judgment being placed upon me. Without a scornful glance that contradicts his words or actions. A man who still melts my heart with sweet kisses and love for his boys. His testimony is genuine and swells the heart with the Spirit. And I am so proud of him. 

My boys are my pride and joy. I don't tend to brag about myself, but I have no problem bragging about my boys. All three of them. I'm a proud mother and wife. One who wants the world to know how wonderful they all are and how much good and joy they bring to others. 

And lastly, I feel humbled. I know some days I struggle with too much emotion. That its hard to get out of a funk. But tonight, I lay here humbled that The Lord has blessed me so richly. And I know that if I continue to do what is right, and strive to be even better, I will be blessed even more richly. And I thank my Heavenly Father for trusting and loving me to never give up on me. 

My Blood Runs Pink

Yesterday was the new fiscal year for Mary Kay. I wanted to start day off strong. It wasn't quite up to par, but I'm pleased with knowing I tried my best. But I don't want to talk about that today. I want to talk about why I joined and why I have stuck with it. 

I joined Mary Kay February 26, 2014. I wanted to help bring in a little money and hopefully build some self confidence. Because let's be real, most of us need to  some extent. When I first started, it was exciting, confusing and intimidating. I had entered a wonderland filled with positive women who wanted to see you succeed. I hadn't actually met any of these women though, they were a recording on my screen that I could pause and rewind. While that was motivating, I longed for someone to stand beside me and teach me. To guide me. To look at me and say "you CAN do this". Unfortunately, that moment never came for me. I was unaware, however, that a director should have done all those things from the beginning. I had waited for a phone call from some mysterious lady who would tell me about these so called "unit meetings" and other import details. That phone call never came. Eventually, I had forgotten that such a phone call should have come. It faded from a memory to a forgotten thought. 

At this point, the enthusiasm that burned within me, faded to a flicker. Confusion and intimidation ran wild creating chaos and fear in my heart and mind. All hope was lost and forgotten. 

I sold product here and there. Mainly to family, a.k.a my mom. Once in a while I would be on the Mary Kay Intouch website trying to navigate my way through while stumbling across stunning prizes and gifts. I couldn't quite figure out how to earn such lavish items. And those I did comprehend seemed so far from reach. 

When February 26, 2015 started to near, I thought to myself that I have to decide if I'm going to continue doing this, what seemed at the time, impossible journey. The decision was daunting. However, I felt abandoned and lost. I had read a little hear and there about team-building. The idea sent fear rushing through out my body. I had no idea what I was doing, no confidence, full of doubt and thoughts that I was not good. Why in the world would I ask someone to join my team? It was laughable. About a week before my year mark, I booked my first party. Let me repeat. My FIRST party. I was set for the beginning of March. I was so scared and excited! I had no idea what to do. So, I watched videos and YouTube. Well, the party came and I didn't completely fail!  I made a few small sales, which was liberating. But I made no bookings. Disappointment. 

Well, April rolled around and my Director, that mysterious woman who never called, added me to a discussion board. I posted about being lost and needing help. No responses. Well, on May 9th, I decided to post once more but in a different area in the discussion board. The next day at church, in Relief Society, we had a lesson on The Book of Mormon. The teacher had challenge cards to read the entire book in 30, 60 or 90 days. Well with two toddlers I went for the 90 day challenge. I made a commitment in my heart with my Heavenly Father that I would complete this challenge. Apparently, He believed me, because that night I got a response to my post! Then Monday came and I got another response. Someone who gave me four names of Directors in my area. One of these names stuck out, so I looked her up in the Mary Kay website and there was her number. My heart skipped a beat. I sent her a text. My head raced for the next couple of hours hoping and praying a response would come. 

While along dinner, a miracle happened. She texted me back. What?! I was literally jumping up and down, screaming and dancing in the kitchen like a teenage girl who just got a text from her crush. I was elated! I promptly texted her back after doing my jig in the kitchen. She invited me to come to her unit meeting held every Tuesday evening. Which could not come fast enough my friends! I was so excited! 

That first meeting I just soaked it all in while grinning. I probably looked like some creeper in the back. But these women didn't know just how much they meant to me already. They were my beacon in a raging storm of emotion and trial. That burning fire that faded out was reignited that night. A passion grows inside me at a rapid pace. I want to know all I can and be all I can be. I have dreams which I plan on making a reality. While my confidence may still struggle at times and some days seem dark and impossible, deep inside I know that with The Lord's help I can accomplish anything. Hey knows that I truly desire to help make a difference in people's lives and I know I can do that with Mary Kay. So watch me as I learn to fly because honey, I will soar. 

Even Little Hands Can Stop to Pray

Last week, Corbin began to fold his arms for prayer. While he may not fold them through all of prayer is fine by me. The fact that he does it all, is both satisfying and astonishing. To think that such a small boy and understand that when I say it's time for prayer, it's time to fold our arms as well. I'm so proud and happy that we can all fold our arms and be silent for a family prayer now. Corbin isn't quite sixteens months yet.  So you can imagine my joy and excitement to share such an important aspect of our life is already being accepted.

I love it when Alister kneels at his bedside to say prayer at bedtime before I ask.  He knows it's what we do.  While he may not fully understand it's importance yet, he understands that it's apart of our life.

I have witnessed that children recognize the Savior at a very young age.  I have witnessed that being consistent in showing little ones how to pray brings joy beyond belief.  Witnessing such moments has only increased my testimony of Jesus Christ.  In His love for his little ones.  It makes me reaffirms my belief that we are all born with the light of Christ.  That at a young age, we know Him.  We love Him.  And if we, as parents, continue to teach our little ones about Jesus and His teachings, that knowledge and love can grow into a relationship unlike any on this earth.  But as parents, it is our responsibility to not only teach these things, but we are to teach them with love and compassion.  With patience and kindness.  With strength and courage.

I don't believe I will ever tire of sharing my testimony with you all.  Especially since moving here to Indiana.  I have noticed a change in my soul.  It is more noticeable at times then others.  But, it is there.  That change is not only an increase of my love for the gospel, but an increase of compassion and love for those who are seeking truth and have not yet found it.  So I ask you, if you know someone who is in need of our Saviors love, please, share it with them.  Whether they accept it or not, is there one choice, but reach out.  Do not be ashamed.  Find courage.

Do not forget to kneel in prayer for yourself.  Teaching your little ones is important, but taking a few moments and conversing with your Heavenly Father is also important.  Perhaps even more so.  Because, if our children do not witness us praying, they may wonder if we do.  They may begin to wonder if we practice what we preach.  So kneel.  Bow your head and talk with your Father in Heaven.  For he longs to hear your voice.

Kneel.

Alister - Two Years

Two.... Two! I can't believe he's two! (now I can since this is going up so late.) But we had so much fun for his birthday! We took him to his favorite place... the Zoo! Plus, my family was here to celebrate with us!

I'll never forget the night I went into labor with Alister.  Some of you may remember that we were going to name him Conner Joseph.  But, as my due date got closer, that just didn't feel right.  Then one morning Adam thought, "What about Alister Pratt?" I loved it. :) We loved it.  That was the name.  Later that night, I went into labor and Alister came the next day at 1:47pm. After 14 hours of active labor and 3 hours of pushing, the little boy we had been dreaming of had finally joined us.  Like any proud parent, we knew he was special.  Still do.  Now, he's a tender-hearted little boy who shows empathy and exudes sweetness.  We couldn't be prouder to watch him grow, laugh, love, learn and enjoy life.  We love you so much Alister.

Corbin - One Year

I know this is late, But I really want to catch up. Corbin is now a year old. What happened to my baby? Now he's walking, "talking", sleeping through the night and done with formula! I am so proud of his accomplishments and he adds so much joy and laughter to our family. Corbin is small for his age group. He's still under 20 lb. and is 28 and a half inches long. Although his head is in the 98% so he's a little bobble head. :) Corbin says "mama", "dada", "hey" and "done" to get down from the table.  He loves "running" around the house with Alister and gets excited when Papa gets home. He's a momma's boy for sure and is my little buddy.  While we didn't plan on Corbin coming into our lives so soon, we couldn't imagine life any other way.

I couldn't get the type of pictures I would have liked, but these are still cute. :) Some are from the little birthday party we had with the Elders.

UPDATE: OH MY GOSH! I can not believe this was never published! I thought I did! Well... Enjoy!

Christmas 2014

It was our first Christmas as a family of four.  :) It was simple and wonderful.  While, again, I didn't get the Christmas pictures I envisioned, we at least have memories of it. Well, Adam and I do (maybe just me). ;)  We spent the morning of course opening gifts and spent the day relaxing and enjoying one another.

We also, had the Elders over for Christmas dinner which was a lot of fun. :)

Mother of Two

Becoming a mother to Alister was both terrifying and exciting. Becoming a mother to a second son brought new fears. Will I be able to divide my time evenly? Will I feel too drained? I now have two future Elders to teach and nurture. Will I be good enough? Will I teach them enough? Will they learn compassion and become tender hearted? Will they know charity? ... I have two future Elders. Over time, that fear has turned to excitement.  One that I'm not sure I would have come to know this early in the game if it weren't for all the wonderful Elders I've met here in Indiana.  I watched some youtube videos of missionaries returning home a while back.  A couple of them the sons raced to their mothers and embraced them and wouldn't let go.  I totally balled my eyes out.  It made me hope that I could one day know that feeling of joy, love, pride and relief to embrace my son after two years.

Being a mother of two boys has its own kind of pride. One that I'm so happy to know. I got a blessing a couple weeks ago from Adam and it was such a good reminder that The Lord has called me to be a mother.  That He has placed his trust in me.  That when I have doubt, He still has hope.  For that I am so grateful.

We get compliments everywhere we go on Alister and Corbin.  About how cute they are, Alister's hair, their blue eyes, Corbin's red hair, their good behavior.  People can't help but smile when they see those two smile.  When they watch as Corbin clings to me while sometimes flashing a smile their way.  If only these strangers knew just how much I truly do appreciate those compliments.  And while I do, I also wish they could know just how wonderful they really are.  I'll do my best to raise these boys in hopes that one day, they will both serve missions and they will be able to touch so many peoples lives.  Just as so many missionaries have touched ours. I hope that some of those returned missionaries read this.  Because I want them to know, that we love them. We miss them. We hope that they will continue to reach out and touch peoples lives with service, selflessness and charity.