This past January we had an extra Relief Society meeting that highlighted five sisters. They each shared what some of their favorite things were and as a result we got to know each of them a little better. It was such a good meeting that this past week we did it again with different sisters and I got to share some of my favorite things! As I talked to my family trying to decide what to share I realized I really enjoy life. There are so many things I love!

Hot chocolate, pink erasers, raindrops on window panes,

Gel in little boys hair, the smell of sagebrush, chubby baby legs

My children laughing, sloppy goodnight kisses, bellies to tickle

Early morning sunlight, tea parties, bees humming

The tagline on my personal email has this quote from Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley, “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”

In other words, if you are going to laugh about it later you might as well laugh about it now.

Spilled milk, broken eggs, dented pickups

Whites turned pink, tantrums at weddings, cereal on floors

Of course there are times that truly are for tears and sorrow – the death of a loved one, job loss, a terrible medical diagnosis – those aren’t the times I’m talking about for laughing.

Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Come What May, and Love It)

How you deal with tragedy, that will determine your overall happiness. I’m grateful for my naturally cheerful disposition that helps me through a lot of motherhood mishaps. I truly love my life!

I love this picture! Julie seems to have finally realized her mom is nuts.  😀

Oh, and what did I decide to share as my favorite things? Well, come back each day this week to see!