Saturday, March 5, 2011

Finding Your Smile

Fridays are suppose to be blissful, am I right? But this past Friday (yesterday), I let things get to me. It was my own darn fault! I wallowed in my frustration and in fact I think I was more frustrated that I was frustrated. Ever done that? These frustrations were bred from petty things. Things that brought be down and needed to be let go. Besides, I was still trying to FOCUS on the positive, right?

I’m a firm believer that everyone has at least one blessing that makes them smile each day, but being willing to see those blessing is up to us. Well, as I laid in bed last night about to drift off to sleep, I realized that I hadn’t smiled all day. Wow, now that’s being Grinch (or maybe just hormonal, haha). Anyway, I nudged the hubs and told him some of my “petty” frustrations. Phew, that felt good to get if off my chest. As soon as I said these things, he immediately had an answer for me.

“Do what makes you SMILE, what you ENJOY! And do it for the right reasons!”

You know what happened after that? I SMILED and drifted into a nice deep sleep, at peace.
So this weekend, I’ve been focusing on my SMILE. What I ENJOY! And let me just say, it was easy to do with a little family celebration.

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Niece who Makes me SMILE!!

Party Time…..

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Have you smiled today?
Smile

Cheers,
LC

p.s.
A BIG BIG SHOUT OUT to HEATHER!! She's running her first HALF MARATHON tomorrow!

110 comments:

April said...

Haha, a smile can do so much for a person it's amazing!

kalli said...

oh your niece is so darling! yup i feel like i had the same thing happen-no smile and grouchy all week! i am doing great today but the trick is to do it during the work week........i love what your husband said! glad you are enjoying your day today :)

Blonde Ponytail said...

This post totally made me smile throughout--how could you not with those ADORABLE faces!! Love the hubs pic too--cheese!! :)

I tried on the aqua shirt, the color is my FAVORITE. It fits me, but quite snugly. Not sure if I can exchange the size--if not, it will be completely fine!! Just puts "the girls" on display a little more than I am used to!! ha ha!! Thank you again. I am putting your card in my running journal!

Kristina said...

YAAAY to our friend Heather - she's a rock star and she's totally ready for this!! :)

and another YAAAY for you finding your smile... that's how I started today - I spent TOO long feeling sorry for myself (health issues again!) and wallowed a bit myself. Then I realized even with the current limitations, I have a fab new doc and he totally believes we're going to find a solution, because he says I am totally invested. makes me feel so much better, and I (once again!) applied your Switch the Focus. you genius, you. Love Ya!

Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) said...

I have had a streesful tiring day of non-stop rehearsals (I'm a musician) from 9am-10pm today, but I just got back (it's 11pm in England!!) and this was the first thing I read! It's definitely made me SMILE and I'm going to go and have a long deep sleep myself!! Thanks for this post Lindsay:)

alex said...

I think it was hormonal ;) We all have those days...and it's okay...as long as we don't wallow in it for days... Husbands are the best aren't they :D Matt tells me the exact same thing :D

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

I most definitely smiled today - especially because of you!

Runningmoore said...

I just stumbled across your blog - and this post - and can't tell you how much I needed it! Thanks :)

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

Yay for Heather! She is great and I hope she has a great run too! I think you made her day too! I have smiled today, but I am also frustrated. I think we are close to making some life changing decisions so things are a little stressful (some self imposed) right now. Trying to weigh the good and bad of situations when you really don't know what the outcome will be makes things a little crazy in your head. I hope you have a great night Lindsay!

Stephanie said...

I am smiling today! My girls had really great conferences that made sooo soo proud. :)

lauren@spiced plate said...

ha! best smile ever!

lindsay cotter said...

exactly! I need to focus on this during th week as well. Monday will be a new
week for that!
Cheers,

Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and just so genuine!
 
Lindsay Cot



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lindsay cotter said...

hehe! That shirt is pretty snug on my girls too. Thats why my husband LOVES it.
I will totally ask for another size. No problem! Just glad you got a chance to
try it. They do stretch, so thats a good thing too!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh I hear ya! I am praying that all goes well with your new doc! I just know it
will! Keep me posted. I'm excited for you. Thanks for you words of
encouragement, as always!
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Oh Emma, i'm so glad you this made you smile after a long day! Sleep tight.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

yea! That was my plan. :D
Have a great race friend. I will be praying for a good one!! 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

Sarena,
I hope all this passes soon. I know it must be hard. I'm praying that you kind
find a smile in it. Keep me posted.

 
Lindsay




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Dorry said...

Oh sweet friend! Our phone call today changes my whole mood and helped me put things in perspective. Just being able to RELATE to someone is such a gift...and a reason to smile. :) I'm excited to see you tomorrow!

And your niece is so adorable - she's definitely not lacking in the smile department. To be a kid again...

lindsay cotter said...

well I am so glad this helped. I think we all are on the same page at one
point in time or another and its great to know that. We can get our support and
encouragement from each other! Happy Saturday friend.
:)
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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lindsay cotter said...

Your girls are quite amazing! It must be inherited!
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I know! Her smile is so genuine and really made my heart melt.
On another note, thank YOU for sharing with me. I love our relationship and
depth it has grown too! Big hug!!
 
Lindsay
________________________________

Allie said...

Awww, your niece :) That made me smile!!! I hope Heather does well running her first half :)

Lisakthrives said...

Lovin' the reminder to smile :)
Sometimes it seems like one frustration leads to another....and it takes a little interruption to remember to turn things around!

I smiled a lot today---I had a little blogger meet up dinner with a new lil "sis" last night and met a friend for shopping today. Phew---fun!
Hope you have a great rest-of-the-weekend!

OneLoveSarah said...

Keep smiling! When I was teaching this morning someone in my class made me laugh and I smiled the whole rest of class. Your niece is so cute!

lindsay cotter said...

oh I saw that on katelyns blog! I had to smile at that. I had a good
conversation with a friend and she definitely made me smile. Enjoy your Saturday
evening friend.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh that always makes my day! I love that. Hope your smile is still glowing!
 
Lindsay




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Wendy said...

I smiled today when...

*I decided to really "run" the trail instead of merely moving upon it.
*I actually did RUN the trail, with it, through it, and more!
*I stopped to enjoy the sights along the trail- finding the balance between speed and spiritual time!
*I played with a new pup on the trail- a daschund in therapy-dog training who needed help "sitting." Lots of 19-month-old puppy kisses and nuzzling! :-)
*I carefully followed my grocery list to a T, and came to within $3 of my planned budget!
*I worked for hours on an art project, and realized how far I'd come!
*I saw that Bravo.com had updated the full episodes (no TV for me and some of those shows are my "sin-free treat!")
*I tried my first chia seed recipe!
*I saw a little brown bird hanging out on my patio munching on the months old seed...guess it's still yum :-)
*I realized that a yearbook page had the template inserted by the rep, and that I could complete the page in 3 minutes! Woo! :-)
*I thought of my parents and how much they do for me!
*I realized my li'l nephew is becoming a li'l boy... not just some crazy kid!

Of course...it all started with this morning... seen here... (self promo...)

http://aworldofgratitude.blogspot.com/2011/03/thank-youfor-all-that-is.html

Back to being humble! :-)

marathonmaiden said...

happy birthday to her! when i'm down the office makes me laugh and smile. i smiled today when hanging out with my mom. and now watching the office ;)

kate@ahealthypassion said...

I agree a smile can turn your whole day around, I always try to smile at random people, you never know what theyre going through and it might make a difference. Your niece is such a cutie pie !

smriti kirubanandan said...

I smiled reading your post!Keep smiling :)
Have a fabulous weekend!!

-Smriti

Gen said...

Awww I loved this post!!!! =D
Hope you have a great weekend.....and that you SMILE a lot!

kissmybroccoli said...

Awww! Love all those beautiful smiles!!

lindsay cotter said...

oh I love that Kate. Its so true! Someone just might need a smile that day. And
yours would be endearing I'm sure!
 
Lindsay



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Courtney L. said...

Happy Birthday to your adorable niece!
Wise words from your husband - what great motivational thoughts! Hope you've been having a great day, Lindsay!

lindsay cotter said...

thank goodness for our sweet husbands, right?
Have a good weekend friend.
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

kids smiles are just so contagious, ya know? Hope you are having a great
weekend my twitter loving friend!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh gosh, the office is such a good show! Definitely one that makes me laugh so
hard I cry!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

woohoo! I love all this! Makin me smile even more!
 
Lindsay
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Heather said...

Your niece is stinking cute!!

This post made me smile. And you have a beautiful smile, use it!!! :D

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Now I understand how your hubs also is your best friend. :)

I've met a very dear friends today, and I've smiled a lot.

klh said...

Glad you were able to smile at the end of the day! The hubs sounds like a pretty amazing guy! Enjoy the rest of your wknd!

Katie :)

lindsay cotter said...

I saw that you posted that on FB. And you what, I was so happy because I knew
you were happy!
:)
 
Lindsay 




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Abby said...

We all have days like that... I had one on Friday too!! Just with everything going on, I was so overwhelmed. Today I got to see my best friend, my parents, my big bro, his wife and my nephew. Now I'm cuddling in my old bed with my little bro's dog. Little thing--but it's a comfort. That makes me smile!

lindsay cotter said...

oh thank Heather. I will use it to smile right back at you! Hope your little one
is doing well!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh I want to come cuddle!! That sounds like a perfect day full of smiles. Don't
you just love your nephew's smile?!
Girl, we really need to rendez vous soon!
 
Lindsay




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Tracy Simmons said...

What a fantastic post! I talked to an old friend today and that made me smile :)

Pure2raw twins said...

awww so cute! This makes me miss my niece. My two older sisters always are sending Lori and I pics and movies of her, so that always makes me smile :)

MiDLiFe CrUiSeR said...

It's an interesting thing when you want to FEEL your emotions & not suppress them, but also find ways to feel joy to get out of a funk. I guess it's about balance. Giving yourself permission to feel whatever feelings come up, then integrating those feelings so you can be lighter, and free. Thanks for making me think!

Jess said...

Awww, happy birthday to your niece!!

Bre said...

"It takes a lot of work from the face to let out a smile, but just think what good smiling can bring to the most important muscle of the body... the heart." ~Author Unknown

Chrysta said...

Smiling is one of the most important things in life. Its infectious! Have a great weekend!

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

How could you NOT smile around those sweet baby faces?! :)

Chuck said...

I try to do this a lot! When I'm having a tough day, I just push back, look up and smile :) And realize how much I have to be lucky for

lindsay cotter said...

Infectious indeed! I like that. Thanks Chyrsta!
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

They really are just full of JOY! It melts my heart. Oh to be a kid again,
so carefree!
 
Lindsay
________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

yes sir, that would make me smile! I don't like getting caught up in the petty
things, this definitely brings me back to reality.

Cheers!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Nellie,
Not only do you make me laugh, but you make me smile, and you inspire me with
such wisdom. Smarty pants! I love this. Thank you for doing into depth here. I
needed that!
Cheers,
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Don't you just love getting those pictures?! They really make me smile too! Such
genuine joy in their faces!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

tracy ,
me too! I caught up with a friend over the phone and she definitely made me
smile. Good caring conversation. Amen to that!
 
Lindsay



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Maia said...

Thanks for the great reminder Lindsay! We all need to remember our blessings, despite our own bad attitudes/feelings sometimes ;)

Angie said...

Happy birthday to your niece!!! LOVE her shirt, too cute!!! :) I love family celebrations, looks fun!

Bonnie said...

Love family get-togethers! So fun. :) Thanks for your honesty...and in honesty back at'cha, my Friday was just the same! I hate feeling bummed out and down (hormones for me too!), hate the excuses of hormones (lol!), and get frustrated when I know my thinking or heart is wrong and I just can't seem to change it. So grateful for grace, God, and good men (my husband is patient to hear me talk too! He told me "Don't worry about it - you don't really have anything to be discouraged about." I thought about it, and he was right. Yesterday and evening service at church made me smile so huge, and that joy continued into time with friends playing games and hot tubbing in the snow last night. :D Thanks for the reminder to put it in perspective and smile.

Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner said...

I'm sorry to hear you didn't have such a good day, but glad you hear it ended better! It always helps to talk it out, doesn't it. I can never go to bed or sleep when I'm mad. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Trust2345 said...

This is such a great post. I definitely have my days where I just don't smile...and that's totally not how I am at all. It's hard to not let little petty things get to you after a while, but my best friend from Cal Poly used to have me force a smile for 30 seconds, and everytime by the end of the 30 seconds I was smiling naturally and it always cheered me up. I use that ALL the time now whenever I start to get down, then I'll say a thank you prayer to God for blessing me with such an amazing friend who can still cheer me up from a long distance :-)

lindsay cotter said...

Thank God for those women in our lives, right? AMEN! thanks you so much Salah, I
love your beautiful words!
 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

Gosh, we are so blessed to have those men in our lives, right? Bonnie, its so
good to hear how God is shaping you.
 Awesome hot tub time! hehe!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes m'am! There are bigger blessing in life versus small petty things. Hope you
and your sweet family are having a great weekend. Any running yet? Praying for
ya!
 
Lindsay



________________________________

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

I sooo hear you on being frustrated that you're frustrated! Hate that when that happens!!

and yah...so weird how the literal act of smiling can change up the endorphins or something, cuz it does work.

;-)

Jess said...

Man, your hubs is sooooo wise! Such a simple concept - to do the things that make you smile - but it is SO damn easy for that simple concept to get lost in the everyday hustle. It's sad really. Our time on earth is so short - we should spend every waking moment smiling that we had just another moment together with loved ones. Why is that so hard to remember when you're pissed off at the world over all those annoyances that add up over the course of a week?? Thanks for the reminder friend, great post!

lindsay cotter said...

Jess,
I think we have the same brain. Now we could only get our brains to constantly
think that way. But at least we have each other to encourage. I just love that!
:) 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

and thank goodness it does! Smiles are so genuine and contagious!
 
Lindsay
________________________________

hungryrunnergirl said...

LINDSAY!!!I cannot get over how beautiful you are....seriously, you should model. I am SO SORRY that you had a hard day on Friday, I wish I could have come and given you a hug and made you some gluten free treats!! James is a smarty pants....what would we do without our men. It is crazy how we get caught up doing things that don't make us happy when it is OUR choice what we do and we don't just choose to do what makes us most happy. Your smile is contagious and I LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!! Let me know when you can facebook chat:)

Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn said...

She is too darn cute!! I am so glad you have the best husband in the world, I want one that can give me advice that will actually make me HAPPIER and not just tell me to figs it out:) You are gorgeous times a million, I agree with Janae, you should model!! Slash I was like that yesterday too, I know exactly the feeling, you are just so frustrated at yourself for being frustrated because you can't get out of the funk! You are beautiful and I love your blog, don't ever get down about yourself because it is true, smiling is contageous and even if you don't feel happy, at least look happy and maybe you will convince yourself that you are!:)

lindsay cotter said...

Oh janae, you make me smile so big i cry! hehe! I always read your blog for a
good smile and encouragement. So thank you for being YOU! Love you!
 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

oh Katelyn, you are too kind. Thank you so much. And you are so right, just
looking happy can convince you to be happy! I am a firm believer in that. Hope
you get to come to Austin some day so I can smile with you!!
;)
 
Lindsay



________________________________

Jennifer Laughlin said...

ahhh good luck heather!

and OHMYGOSH how cute are they!? Kids always make me smile =) Its super hard not to around them!

Hope you had a blast doll -- which i'm sure you did!

xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

Sable@SquatLikeALady said...

You are so beautiful! And those kids! Ahh my ovaries!!!! :)

What a fabulous post. I, too, tend to "spiral" into a bad mood -- one negative thing will happen and I'll feel a negative emotion, and realizing that I'm being negative makes me more negative. But your husband's advice is great -- I hope I remember that the next time I have a smileless day!

Holly said...

Your smile is beautiful :)
What a great reminder to remember to smile every single day. Just a simple smile can totally change a bad mood in a instant.

audrey said...

they are SO cute! how old?
our run club hosted a 5k race today...over 750 runners.
at the awards we took this great photo..oldest and youngest runners...
2 gents, 81 and 85 and 3 eight year olds...now if that didn't put a smile on everyones face!!!

lindsay cotter said...

it totally changed my mood, and my day!

 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

sable,
you are so right. I'm trying to stop that negative outlook before it spirals
even more, ya know? And smiling sure does help that!
 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

oh what a great picture! Smiles from every generation. Such joy!!!
 My niece just turned 5 and my nephew is almost 3. My littlest niece is almost
1. CRAZY!! They are so so adorable and their smiles are contagious!

Lindsay



________________________________

Missy said...

Gotta admit is really REALLY hard to imagine you going a day without a smile. I'm sad just thinking about it.
I totally get the frustrtion over being frustrated, being mad because we are "feeling" so yuck when we KNOW life is beautiful and all that.
I love that you have hubbie.

I have to get personal and do a book rec, I REALLY think you might find it up your alley and also use it in your career and training.

http://www.amazon.com/Constructive-Living-Kolowalu-Books-Reynolds/dp/0824808711
and for more deets:
http://constructiveliving.org/
I won't be offended if you don't have the time.

lindsay cotter said...

oh thank you! And thank you for the book recommendations. I will definitely be
checking those out!
 Here's my smile---->

Lindsay




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housewifeintheraw said...

It's hard not to smile with little ones around. Today my little guy (who can't make the 'l' sound yet and still makes a 'y' sound in it's place) asked to sing "ho-yee, ho-yee, ho-yee" (holy, holy, holy) in the car. I think even God smiled at that. :)

lindsay cotter said...

oh my gosh, that is too cute! I would have smiled so big too. and I love that
song too! hehe.
 
Lindsay




________________________________

S @ extremebalance.net/blog said...

Is that baby eating a *dryer* ball?? Seriously cute, though---especially the mega-smiler. Very fun!

Madeline said...

Love those smiles! My choir teacher always used to tell us to "do what makes our heart dance," which I thought was incredibly cheesy at the time, but now I love it and say it all the time

Caratunkgirl said...

I love the smiles!! I think you can brighten up anyone's day with a smile. Those are such cute pictures. Good luck to Heather!

Shannon said...

Definitely great reasons to smile :)

MindyM said...

That baby has the best eyes! OMG!

jessiepants said...

Glad you found your smile and sorry that it was rough for a little bit on Friday for you.

lindsay cotter said...

especially on a monday! Here's to a day full of smiles!
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I like that quote! Totally will be using that cheesy line!
;)
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

LOL! It looks like a dryer ball but its a toy. I thought it was a dog toy at
first. I think my niece was quite confused as well.

:)
 
Lindsay



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Kim K said...

had a really tough day yesterday, so i really need something to make me smile!

Susan (Oliepants) said...

Your niece is a-freaking-dorable!!! What a sweetie! I'm a big smiler. You know psychologically-speaking, people say that just looking at someone's smile or smiling yourself makes you happier - just like that! So smile often and be happy! :)

lindsay cotter said...

I'm so sorry Kim. how about this....My husband is almost done with those cola
blasts. HE LOVES THEM! so THANK YOU!!! hehe, you've made him a very happy man!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh so true. Its like practice makes perfect! The more you smile, the better you
feel. Thanks susan!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

It was a small tiff in the road and now I am all smiles. Thank you Jessie for
your kind words!
:)
 
Lindsay



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Meghan Smith said...

Your pics totally made me smile :-) I get Spring Break starting Friday and that is definitely making me smile too.

lindsay cotter said...

oh I wish I had spring break! I will live vicariously through you. have fun!
 
Lindsay




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Runningaroundnormal said...

I hate when I'm in a foul mood for no good reason! Gotta remember to smile :D

lindsay cotter said...

yes, totally. A smile totally changed my mood too!
:)
 
Lindsay




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yahoo-ETCUM2LWJEQ7JTPZMFTSVP3GTU said...

i am doing great today but the trick is to do it during the work week........
beach cruiser bikes

Sophie said...

Thanks for sharing this smiling & lovely post! I have chronic pain in my both arms & legs & I still smile every day,...!!!!Great & lovely pictures of you & your niece!

Kisses from Brussels to,you!!!!

janetha @ meals & moves said...

HI! i am playing catch up with you. man does it feel good! those are a couple of cute lil' nuggets. oh, i mean the kids, but you and the hubs are cute too :)

lindsay cotter said...

You must have some free time at work? hehe. I hope you get some down time
with Mr. G this weekend. Enjoy those Utah mountains!
 
Lindsay




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Michelle said...

Finally getting to catch up on your blog - I've been an MIA blogger lately :) Anywho I totally get what you mean about small frustrations just building up and making you feel WAY frustrated. I had a week like that last week... and the week before ha. But I agree with you - we have to look at what is positive in our lives and always remember that things can be worse. I have to remind myself that I should be thankful for family, friends, and my health and not let trivial frustrations bring me down. Cheers to a wonderful week :)