Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I have so much to be thankful for and these last couple of months I have really been struggling with knowing my purpose and responsibilty in life right now. I know I am a mom and a wife but I always feel like I am losing myself as an individual. I know Satan is working so hard on me and trying to make me feel unappreciated and unimportant. But as I have prayed and read different things I have been reminded that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me so much! He knows my potential and through my struggles is making me a stronger person. He is aware of my needs even if they seem stupid and small. I have been so thankful for all of the people he has put in my life to teach me things and show me how important it is to stay faithful and dilligent in my everyday life. I am so grateful for everything I have. All of my needs are met and I have the best family I could ever imagine! I am so thankful for a husband who works so hard to provide for me physically but also strives to do whats right so I am taken care of emotionally and spiritually. I am thankful that he is worthy to give me blessings on demand as well as being able to give them to members of my ward. He is such a huge example to me. I am so thankful for my calling. As much work as it is, physically and emotionally, I have been so grateful for the opportunity to serve and give to others. That is where I find my greatest joy! I honestly enjoy serving others and want to pass that on to my children. There is such a "high" that comes when you forget yourself and do something for others. I have so much to be grateful for, but my biggest blessing is my children! I love them so much! I am so thankful that they chose me as their mom. I don't do most things right when it comes to parenting but I do love them more than anyone else ever could! They bring so much joy into my life! I wanted to post a few things they have said lately that have just simply, made me laugh:

I was changing my sheets and Brody says " Oh, did you pee the bed too?"

Chandler and Brody were fighting and Brody comes in and tells me " Chandler is not being nice. He will not be going on a mission."

I was getting dressed for the gym and was in my sports bra. Chandler looks at my so intently and says, " Umm, mom. Heavenly Father wouldn't want you to wear that. He likes us to cover our bellys and our, umm you know, chest."

I asked Chandler to turn down a show and he says "Iam a big brother, not a servant."

We were going to wal-mart and Chandler asked who got to park in the handicap spots. I explained to him who and why they get to park there and he responds " But Brodys cross-eyed. Cant we park there?"


I need to keep better record of the things they say! It seems like everyday I could have a huge list of the funny things they do and say! Stella is talking like crazy and some of the things she repeats are so funny. She loves to do anything her brothers do and will repeat almost anything they say! I love you guys! Keep entertaining us and making life so fun!!!

10 comments:

Kati said...

Your kids are hilarious! I love Chandler's comment about the handicapped parking...too funny! I'm not sure Brody would think the same thing though.

I feel bad for anyone who doesn't have kids, they are the best entertainment money can buy.

Unknown said...

Yeah, that parking spot one is hilarious! I was just telling Nate the other night...Rikki is ALWAYS doing something for someone else. And I know I dont even know the half of it. You have given up so much of your time to magnify your calling and I have been so inspired so many times.

Jennifer said...

They are seriously the funniest kids ever! I am laughing so hard right now.

Janette said...

I am so grateful at times in our life where we can reconnect with ourselves and see the true purpose of being here. I wish we could feel that constantly.
I am so glad we are able to see you and your little family as much as we do.
Those are some funny things they have said..laughed at the sports bra one..too funny

NAT said...

I totally agree with Janette. Sometimes it feels like I'm just going through the motions, but I'm thankful for children who get me back on the straight and narrow. If it weren't for them, who knows where I would be or what I would be doing. I've always said, "If people can't turn their lives around after having kids, then who knows what it will take for them to wake up."

Your kids are hilarious. Thanks for posting those quotes. It made my night.

Ashley & Cody said...

I agree with you 100%, and you have been such a great example to me. Sometimes I go to bed at night and wish I had handled things differently, or had a better attitude with my kids, but they love you no matter what. They help me be the best person I can be bc of how they react in situation. You are a great mom and your kids are adorable.
Your kids comments made me laugh so hard! The things they say are hilarious.

Anonymous said...

I was laughing my head off at the things your kids said. I love the one Brody said about Chandler going on a mission. I wish we could see you more. The kids are so excited to play with Chan-Brody-and Stella!!!! They are hilarious kids!

Anonymous said...

ps.... We all get the guilt....and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm trying my best and that's all that matters:)And... if I could pick out someone who has set an example for me to always be thinking of others....it's you!! You are always serving others and it shows in your kids too!!! You are the best!

katesmith said...

Rikki,
Your compassion and caring for others has definitely rubbed off on your children! I have always loved the way Chandler loves sharing with others. Believe it or not, you will miss your calling when you are released, because service definitely brings happiness . I love this months V.T. message where it says that in our service, a new dimension is added to our lives, and our sense of belonging, identity, and self-worth increases. This is the quote from my quote book for July 30th."I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty, but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it." Motherhood is an honorable, HARD, rewarding, profession and you need to tell Todd you deserve a RAISE!!! I am thankful for Todd's desire to honor his priesthood and I hope he will never change. Your good example is your kid's greatest gift.

Unknown said...

WOW. It is funny how things work out sometimes. I don't know how I missed this post... but tonight I have been having the EXACT feelings you decribed of unappreciated and unhappy with myself. Then I read your post... PERFECT TIMING I guess. I know that Heavenly Father has a hand in everything and that he put you in my life to help me. You have made me want to be a better person several times but tonight your post is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I know I am truely the most happy when I am serving others... but I guess I just need to be reminded!!! I also needed a good laugh and that is exactly what I got from your kids FAMOUS quotes! I can't wait to see you guys.