Counting our Blessings

This last week has been a difficult one for Devan and I. We had to approach a couple of people about our feelings and opinions knowing that we would probably not be received very well. But it was something we needed to do to try to help them understand why we reacted in a certain way, as well as to gain respect and to give people a chance to listen and help. Unfortunately it went very poorly. We did our best at staying calm through the whole thing, and remembering why we were doing what we were; to ask for support and help. Now that it is done with, the waiting game is on. We get to show our patience as this other party decides what they want to do. (I guess this couple emailed Devan and asked why WE showed so much anger and animosity towards THEM!! When in all actuality they attacked us before we could even express everything we wanted to. That attack included very disrespectful name calling and tone of voices.) Meanwhile, we can focus on the things we do have that are positive in our lives.

And of course that is our wonderful son Fred!! He is truly a blessing in our lives. We also have a great ward family that we have learned to be open with, and more involved with. And there is my family that is always supportive, encouraging, and filled with love no matter what our choices may be.

I have had a sister tell me that I am awfully open about my feelings and thoughts, which I am not so sure is a good thing. Then I have a friend who is waiting for me write about all the juicy stuff on my blog. I am not quit sure where the happy medium is, because I don't mind sharing my feelings, but I also do not want to be judged for the feelings and thoughts I have. I am only human, trying to be Christ-like. And as I am going through this very difficult time I have some pretty hurt, cold feelings. I also don't want people to take what I say and turn it against me. I am striving to be a better person, mom, wife, daughter, sister, Aunt, and in-law. I hope people will realize that and not judge me and hold a grudge on what I write.

Something I have learned through all this, well in the process of learning, is that I can not change people. If a person has been one way their entire life, I can't just come in and expect them to treat me any differently or the people I love. At the same time, I do not have to let them abuse me in any way, even verbally and emotionally. That I can stand up for myself and Fred, set limits and boundaries so that we are all protected and treated with respect. I have also learned that it is not my place to judge anyone, not even my own family. I have been told by family members that I have not been Christ-like. These family members barely know me, they hardly see me or really take the time to get to know me. My mother knows me extremely well and she has never called me un-Christ-like. I believe that everyone is Christ-like as long as they are striving to live the commandments and to be good. I can only be the bigger person and out of the box for so long, and take only so much disrespect and abuse.

I can't post something without pictures. So here are some of the latest. Fred loves taking baths!! He is getting too big for the sink, and is still too little for the bath. We got a duck bath at one of our showers and Fred loves it. He was supper tired when we took the picture, but he really likes it. Like I have said many times, we think EVERYTHING Fred does is adorable, even sleeping and being dressed up for church :)