Lessons Learned

Daily life gives us continuous lessons. These are mine as of late:

-While beginning my first "real" job search, I have realized that I am competing with 23423 people for the same job. It's difficult to not get discouraged and remember (or find) reasons that you are unique among the rest. I am considering investing in a giant, neon sign for every room in my house that says, "It is not about YOUR plan. Calm down. Do your best." This is very hard to remember, especially after job fairs where your resume is tossed on the table atop 300 others.

-Four year olds can have the tempers of a hungry lion. Never underestimate a tantrum.

-No matter how many lists I make, I will still be going to the grocery store at least 2 other times during the week.

-Family reunions are not to be dreaded. They are to be cherished. It is truly a craft of God's for family to come together and not only immediately, but naturally feel/provide love and support for one another -even after long absences. The acts and love that come out of simply being family never cease to amaze me.

-Relaxation and good company is great therapy and essential to squeeze into busy weeks.

-A positive attitude can make the day go quicker.

-If you actually follow the recipe, things do turn out.

-God has a reason, plan, and purpose for everything. He is at work and when you step back and watch this it is the best show.

-Yes, kids deal with things no child should have to experience; but they also deal with things even no adult should have to experience. You may be there only smile, patient hand, or soft voice that day. There is so much you can't do, but the basics are what you can do.

-Things break---all at the same time.

-Boys don't see messes. This may come as sarcasm, but seriously, they really don't see it. An unmade bed simply means they just slept in it. Then the thought stops. Oh well, I prefer to make it anyway. Will hasn't exactly picked up on hospital corners.

-I like living in our little quaint town more than I have realized. The thought of moving makes me a little sad. (Not that we are).
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Pictures of events in the past few weeks. The whole Cousin family was back together for Will's Grandma's funeral. Although the end of a life is always a devastating loss, Grandma Cousin had been a victim of Alzheimer's for a very long time and it was a blessing to see her at peace. I did not have the opportunity to know her before the onset of the disease, but seeing the family she raised and loved, I know she was a very special woman.