#24: Laci

Laci is my good thing today.  She is so amazing.  All my children are, in their own ways. Laci is the prime definition of middle child.  Her older sister gets a lot of attention for how much responsibility she takes on, and the younger ones get a lot of attention because they are toddlers.

We as parents, love them all, and do our best, but I think she often feels stuck in the middle.

Tonight, she stayed up the latest.  And I really enjoyed our one-on-one talk.

Laci is growing up and so intelligent.  She has a great logic, and I love the way she thinks and the ideas she comes up with.  Today she said it would be great if there was something to make it so we didn't have to clean at all.  She is always coming up with crazy ideas, and the way she gets to the final product just brings a big smile to my face.

She is also an excellent entertainer!  Her giggle is contagious, and though she may be shy with those she doesn't know, she is the biggest clown I know.  With both her little brother and sister, she is the first to make them laugh.  It is her daily goal in life, to make them laugh.  And she will do absolutely anything to accomplish it.

She loves fun, and hates work.  In our family, we work together to pull the load around the house.  She struggles with it, but never gives up.  She has the biggest heart, her emotions are deep and strong in all directions.

I can't wait to watch her grow and see who she becomes as she develops and uses all these traits for good!

Three Things I am grateful for:
1. Play & Pretend at the library. It was our first time- so much fun!
2. Beautiful weather!  We spent time outside, and Kayla finally has figured out how to peddle her bike.  Too bad it doesn't keep her attention for more than thirty seconds! :)
3. I am grateful to live here.  Where I am, right now.  Yes, sometimes it is hard, it isn't super close to the bus, and that bus only runs a 5 days a week/6am-6pm. But after today, and the friendships strengthened with neighbors, and friendships created, I am feeling really blessed!

One Good Thing #23

Today Sam was able to go to another friends house.  I am so happy to watch her grow up and become her own person.  I am really proud of who she is becoming, and she doesn't hear it nearly enough.  She is my good thing today.  When she was born, I was told in a blessing that Heavenly Father sent her to me, to show me how much He loved me..  Well, that couldn't be more true.  She brings such a sweet spirit to our family. And it wouldn't be complete without her.

Three Things I am Grateful For:
1. My sister-in-law, Emily (I love movie nights out!)
2. Girls willing to calmly take over making mac n cheese when mom slices her thumb open cutting a hot dog.
3. Super glue.  It saved me a lot of blood and band aids today

One Good Thing #22

Wow, I can't believe it's already been over 3 weeks since I start of this project. It has been interesting to watch it transform. I have gone from looking for things to be grateful for and a good thing that happens each day, to hoping and praying that I don't forget whatever it was that happened by the end of the day!

Today was it pretty average day when it comes to motherhood. potty training is always an adventure. And I think that's all I have to say about that!

The thing that made my day today was something that Jayce did.  I had just finished changing his diaper a few minutes before, so I was still on the floor.  He got up, walked over to the wrapped up diaper and picked it up. I was going to stop him, but I decided to see what he was going to do instead.  He examined it a moment, then proceeded to toddle over to the diaper pail by the door, open it, and put the diaper inside. He closed it, and continued on with his exploring!  How awesome is that?  Barely one, and already throwing away his diapers.

Three things I am grateful for:

1. My amazing kids.  Heavenly Father has blessed me so much.

2. Oreo Pizza

3. Summer Thunderstorms.

One Good Thing #21

One Good thing that happened today: Sam had a friend over today who said I was cool! But better yet, it was a great feeling to hear them laughing from the other room. My girl deserves the downtime!

3 things I am grateful for:
1. A nine year old willing to clean up sister's accident because mom was busy
2. The ability to kiss and snuggle an accident-prone 1 year old all better.
3. 5 min family home evening lessons from The Friend.

One Good Thing #20

Today my sister brought me clothes.  That may not seem like much, but when you have lost a lot of weight, it is definitely a plus.  I guess I can say I officially love hand-me-downs! (never thought I would say that)

1. My sister taking the girls for a well deserved cousin time.
2. Sleeping in.
3. Good kids.

One Good Thing #19

Today we got to spend time with my parents, who were in ton for a wedding, and my sister! Its been a year since I've seen my mom and it was a lot of fun! They took all 9 grandkids school shopping! (It was quite the sight) And we even got some needed odds and ends. Then it was a quick lunch, said our goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa Lake then, along with Cass, took the kids to the museum at thanksgiving point for the afternoon. Fun times had by all.

Three things I am grateful for:
1. My sister for taking Sam and Laci for a sleep over.
2. Toddler cuddles.
3. My parents' health.

One Good Thing #18

This morning before we went out on our crazy family excursion, I decided I wanted to watch Frozen.  The girls completely were not interested, but watched some anyway.  Makes me sad that they must grow up.  Sweet Kayla, though, when the other girls gave up and went on with their lives, came and cuddled with me for the rest of the movie.  It was heaven.

Three things I am grateful for:
1. Public Transportation
2. Easy Dinners
3. Kids that do dishes and husband that makes said easy dinners.

One Good Thing #17

Today we decided to get the girls new bikes.  We were going to wait until Christmas, but they have both outgrown theirs, Sam is headed to middle school, and they were both rusty from being outside in Houston.  I am really glad we did.  We even got Kayla a bike. She wants so badly to be like the big kids, and she hasn't even figured out how to peddle yet.  But she is so darn cute!  We spent the majority of the day outside, on the basketball court. Even Jayce brought his walker out and was toddling all over feeling so big!

Three Things I am grateful For:
1. Growing kids, even though it hurts.  Sam is now in a full adult bike.
2. Boys like simple things, like balls and wheels and happiness happens.
3. Ice Cream

One Good Thing #16

Today we spent outside riding bikes etc.  Sweet Kayla wants a scooter so bad.  It really is cute. Jayce kept monkeying away (his version of crawl on hands and feet).  I love being out side with the kids, and being able to chase them around in my wheelchair!

Three Things I am Grateful For:
1. Warm weather/
2. Otter Pops
3. My Power Wheelchair

One Good Thing #15

Today is Jayce's official birthday.  I can't believe it.  Where has the year gone?  I love this little boy so much, and I can't picture life without him.  One of the highlights of my day, was this afternoon.  Everyone was outside squirting each other with spray bottles, Jayce was on the grass in the play pen, with a basin of water and some water balls.  He was so excited and soaked.  It brought great joy to my heart seeing all four of my kids play, even with the large gaps in age.  It makes me wonder what life will be like when they are older.

Three Things I am Grateful For:
1. Slobbery Baby Kisses. (You know, where they open their mouth and pretty much slime your face)
2. Kayla totally rinsed the dishes today.  She got out the step stool, climbed up to the sink, and rinsed the unrinsed dishes, then moved them to the other side of the sink, with the rest of the already rinsed dishes.  Cutest little helper ever.  I gave her 5 pennies and lots of hugs.
3. You know the water fight?  It was during that play time Sam managed. I didn't have to do a thing.  So grateful for her!

One Good Thing #14

The girls started this new thing of making little videos of Clayton Family news.  Tonight's was so great.  They said that tomorrow, they would do the dishes for 10 cents.  Sam said she had a Craft and play time planned for the little ones at 1pm.  And the list goes on.  It was really cute.  I love these two girls, and even though they fight a lot.  In the end, they love eachother, and it is fun to see them pull together and do cute little things like a 5 minute news cast.  They even put their blazers on.   So professional!

1. Sisterhood.  I am so grateful for my sister, and that we are so close.  I am grateful to have had those fun times growing up.  So many fond memories.
2. Being a mom to two girls so close in age.  It is so rewarding to watch Sam and Laci, and be reminded of what life was like when I was little.
3. I am grateful these girls are willing to help out so much, and turn it in to something fun (most of the time)

One Good Thing #13

Bryan couldn't fall asleep when he needed to last night, so the kids and I went to church on our own today.  I am so grateful to everyone that helped me with the kids, and especially Jayce so that I could enjoy the lessons.  I was really touched during Relief Society (LDS Women's Organization) and the lesson that was given.  I was reminded again, how much I rely on my faith to get through every day life.  Without it, I would not have the confidence and joy I have.  With all the daily adversity I face, it is a blessing to know it is a blessing, and a strength, that it is not forever, and that my Heavenly Father is aware, and sends me constant comfort and angels.  Without the help and support of people in my ward (LDS congregation) I would not have gotten as much out of it.

Three things I am grateful for:
1.  It truly takes a village, and I am surrounded by loving people who understand that.
2. Even though Bryan needed sleep, he was able to get up in time to put the lasagna in for dinner.  One less stress for me.
3. Sunday evening golf. Both watching on TV, and live in our living room thanks to two active ball whacking toddlers.

Good Thing #12

One good thing for today: Our Sweet Sam was willing to babysit tonight, and get the kids in bed while Bryan and I grabbed a quick dinner at Subway and then over to our dear friend's to play games for the night.  We played Quiddler, which is a game Bryan introduced to me the first weekend we met!  It's basically scrabble in card form.  We had a lot of fun, as usual.  And ate way too much junk food... as usual.  Thanks, Samantha for a great night out.  I owe her $3.

Three things I am grateful for:
1. Good friends
2. Golden Double Stuffed Oreos
3. That my calories start over in the morning... :)

Good Thing Day 11

Today we celebrated Jayce's Birthday with Grandma and Grandpa Clayton.  I can't believe he will be one in just a few days.  It was fun to watch him eat his cake.  We gave him his birthday presents today too.  I love watching him play with his little plastic golf set!  He gets soooooo excited to hit the ball!

3 Things I am Grateful for:
1.  Little Boys - I LOVE having a son.  It is the best.  I am so glad he was saved for last!
2. Simple things.  He loves playing simple things, like golf and just throwing a ball.  Girls are more complicated
3. I am grateful for Bryan. He took care of dinner tonight, and serving up the birthday cake, AND cleaning up Jayce after.

One Good Thing #9

Tonight I was able to have a Girls' Night Out with my sister-in-law.  It was quite fun. I am so glad we started a movie night once a month.  It is so nice to catch up with her. I am so glad we get a long, especially since we are the only two add-on girls in the family. I am so grateful for her. Even if we only got to watch part One of Deathly Hallows, it gives us an excuse to do it again next week!

3 Things I am grateful For:
1. Arctic Circle shakes
2. Wal-Mart Pizza
3. The ability to sleep off the calories and begin again tomorrow.

One Good Thing Day #8

This morning, Laci let me sleep in, while she watched Kayla and Jayce for an hour.  She woke up when Jayce started blabbing, and quietly went and got him and played with him in the living room.  Kayla soon followed.  She even took her potty! My kids are so special and I am so blessed.  She then asked for a dollar for babysitting for an hour.  I owe her a dollar!

3 Things I am Grateful For:
1. Modern Technology.  I am so grateful to be born and live in this generation.  I am grateful for medical advances and that I have the opportunity to thrive and live life to the fullest.
2. I am grateful for kind neighbors.  I took a neighbor brownies today, and ended up talking for an hour.  It was so nice to finally get to know them, and I am so glad I reached out.
3. I am grateful when children go to bed without a fight, even if it mean sacrificing their afternoon nap.

One Good Thing #7: My Glass Balls

Tonight we had Family Home Evening. It was slightly chaotic with a busy two year old and one year old, but it was so nice to gather the family together after a lot of busy times, and just enjoy eachother. I am grateful that Sam took it upon herself to make sure it happened. She made brownies and made up a game, teaching us what we can do to be more like Jesus. Even Kayla said the prayer, Laci led us in "I Am a Child of God, and Jayce participated by trying to eat the dice.

More and more recently, I am being reminded and guided to putting my family first. I have a new business, in Direct Sales with Younique, and I love it. I love that it's whole foundation is to provide a way for mothers who would otherwise have to work, to stay home and fulfill their most important role: Motherhood. Granted, I have never had a job, but, I love that I can now work. Without having to leave my home(not that I can, anyway)

My friend, Ashley, recently went to a leadership retreat with Younique, and this is what she had to say: "So today, I'm thankful that I learned the difference between my "Glass" Balls in my life and the "Rubber" Balls in my life. As Melanie, the Younique Founder talked about how our Glass balls are the things in our lives that should be and are most precious to us. And the rubber ball can be important, but if you drop them they will keep bouncing and you can pick them up later when you taken care of the glass balls. As she talked about this concept it really hit home to me and made me really emotional. I decided my glass balls need to be my children, my husband and my faith in God. I need to set a schedule for myself and that it's ok to drop all the other rubber balls in my life when the glass ones need a little more attention. I need to hold them close and care from them. I need to protect them and not let them break. When my children need me I need to drop the rubber balls and be there for them. I learned that it's ok for priorities to change. To set times to work. Starting yesterday, my phone doesn't need to be in my hand 24/7. My team can wait when my Glass balls need extra attention. I'm so grateful to be a part of something where they teach us it's ok to be a mom first. So today, I'm grateful for my lessons I learned about the glass balls in my life."

Good Thing Day #6: Smooth Sunday

Time was on my side today. With church not starting until 1 pm (in order to have 4 kids and myself ready, while Daddy got as much sleep as possible), we started getting ready at 8:30 am. I was even able to take a 30 minute nap when the baby went down at 10 am. Because L loves me and entertained her sister. We were able to be on time, with out any major drama trying to get out the door. I was even able to get dinner in the Crock-Pot.  Kayla was pretty good during the first part of the meeting (gosh it sure helps when Daddy can make it), and I came home refreshed, with renewed patience, and ideas on how we can be better as a family, and I better myself.  I couldn't ask for a smoother Sabbath Day (and I don't expect it to happen again for a very long time)!

3 Things I am grateful for:
1. Tender Mercies: In my world where everything is chaos, I am grateful for those moments of calming reassurance, and the peace that comes in knowing there is someone Greater in charge and profoundly aware of me.
2. The ability to change.  Every moment is an opportunity to become better.
3. Crock-Pots.

Good Thing Day #5: Nothing! (read on)

Today, the good thing that happened is the fact that nothing happened.  It was just a great day with lots of family time. I got some cleaning and organizing done, Bryan took/picked up some stuff to the storage that had been cluttering our house, the oldest two girls went to the library for Lego Day (Well, Sam took Laci), and we watched Legend of the Guardians as a family.  So today, my good thing is plain old down time, without somewhere to be, or errands that could wait til next weekend. :)

3 Things I am grateful for:
1. I love that S & L are getting older. They are turning out to be strong and independent young women, with big hearts and a desire to do good.
2. I love having J & K around to make me feel young again, and remind me to have joy in simple things.
3. Microwaves.

Good Thing Day #4: Birds

Good Thing for today:  This morning Bryan sacrificed sleep so we could go as a Family to the Tracy Aviary downtown.  I almost didn't go, and I almost stayed home and cleaned. The weather was beautiful and I couldn't resist.  It was so relaxing and a ton of fun.  The three girls got to feed the Sun Conures.  And they all had birds hanging out on their heads!  Fun times.

3 Things I am grateful for:
1. This beautiful world we live in. It was a beautiful day!
2. Younique.  The opportunity I have to work from home with some great products and great people.
3. Spill-proof sippy cups :)

Good Thing Day #3: Jayce-face!

Jayce is walking more and more!  Now he will randomly stand up in the middle of a room and walk a few steps to me.  I am definitely his favorite go-to!  I am loving it, and he is so excited to be walking.  Who knew he would golf before he could walk!  (He would crawl around chasing a plastic golf ball with a toy golf club) Now he is starting to walk with them too!


3 Things I am grateful for:
1. Good supportive friends who have been supportive of my business venture with Younique.
2. Modern technology. The internet has given me so much freedom and ability to do so much!
3. Sleeping children.  Their sleeping positions put a smile on my face every single night!

One Good Thing & Gratitude Day #1: Full Two-year old!

Each day starting today for the next 3 weeks, I will write down a good thing that happened each day.  It is a goal of mine to help change my brain's way of thinking.  So grateful for the opportunities I have had for growth the last few months, and this is just one thing of many!

When I placed Tyler for adoption years ago, the first week was the hardest week of my entire life (now coupled with the week that Jayce spent in the NICU one year ago).  My adoption counselor admonished me to write down 3 things I was grateful for each day before going to sleep, and it would help me sleep, without the nightmares.  I now more fully understand why.  Along with one good thing, to change positive thinking, I will also list 3 things I am grateful for!  Here we go!

Today I made Shepard's Pie for dinner.  And I think it was the first day in a LONG time that Kayla ate every bite and even asked for seconds and thirds!!  So grateful for my sweet family.  I still can't believe I have four kids, and often wonder how I get through each day with my patience levels, and how my children somehow survive it and still want my loves at the end of the day.  But it is the small things.

3 Things:
1. Prayer when something is lost.  Bryan was headed out the door for work tonight and I could not find his keys I had used earlier in the day.  I said a quick prayer and they were soon found.  I also said a prayer for my wedding band tonight as I was getting ready for bed.  I had apparently misplaced it, and noticed it had not been on my dresser where it was suppose to be for a very long time.  A prayer and my thoughts led me to a place I would probably randomly find one day, but definitely not my first inclination!

2. Children who try hard to do right.   We have been working with Laci in encouraging her to be a more positive thinker when asked to do something.  She is the middle child, and it is a constant struggle to get her cooperation.  Well, today, she has been an absolute sweetheart, and hopped up first every time I asked for something!  (Usually it is her older sister)

3. "How to Win Friends and Influence People"   I am loving this book!  So grateful to my dear friend, Renae for the recommendation!  It is this book that gave me the idea she change my wording just slightly in asking for help, that has improved Laci's reactions!   Highly Recommended!