I've gone soft . . .

Lots of posts this weekend, I guess that is your punishment for me working :). I just had a couple of thoughts and I wanted to write them down while I was thinking of them. On the hayride the other night they played the song, "Watching You" by Rodney Adkins. It's funny--I am the farthest thing from a country music fan, in my youth I would rather listen to rap than country. That has certainly changed as I now find rap just so loud and obnoxious and often vulgar but country can have some very sweet messages. I am still not a fan but I have added several country songs to this site which is unusual for me. Like I said in the title, I have gone soft. Anything that sings about my kids and I just want to listen over and over, half the time with tears in my eyes. They drive me nuts but I love those little boys so much. I know you all love your children in the same way. What an awesome blessing children are in our lives. So if you want to listen to the first song I just added, it has a very country twang to it, but I think you'll like the message like I do. I also wanted to add a little bit from President Monson's talk that I reread this morning. I know this section rang true for a lot of people I know, so it is probably familiar.
"Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
"If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know."
If you are not a member of my church, I'll just give you a little background, that this was spoken by our Prophet, President Monson at our recent conference where several leaders from our church get together to speak to the membership of the church on whatever topic they feel inspired to speak. I feel this message transcends religions though, the idea to joy in the journey can be applied to all people, and especially parents of young children. Sometimes the every day ins and outs of a mom are not fun, but I would dare say they are joyful. How can you look at your little ones' faces, even covered in chocolate or dirt, and not feel joy. I am thankful this day for my little ones and for you all listening to me ramble about them. I can say for all those I know who read this blog that your little ones are so amazing and beautiful too. My little nephew Dylan who is so handsome, smart, and funny, Kristina's little boys all so beautiful and unique, Kristen's darling little man whose smile can light up a room even from a computer screen, Jillian's 3 whose mischievious eyes make me smile but their strength and determination make me smile more, Scott's cutie patooties who face their challenges with a smile and a funny dad, Lyndsie's 3 who were fought for and wanted so badly, all my coolmommies kiddos each one so darling, awesome, and fun, and so on. I am grateful to know all these beautiful little ones, to feel of their warmth and joy, but most of all to know their parents who give so much and dedicate their lives to these special very lucky kids. I am a better person for knowing each one of you and have learned a lot from you all. Okay, I am so sappy today--too much time sitting alone I guess. Have a great Sunday!