I am grateful for the “kids” in our lives, not matter what their chronological age. They keep us happy and young.

Michelle has often commented on how grateful she is that our boys get along so well with each other. They are good friends and enjoy moments together. I couldn’t agree more.

When younger, I would shy away from creativity time. With so many pressing priorities, creativity seemed low on the list. After all, I didn’t want to be “wasting time.” I see things more clearly now and I am learning to appreciate creativity in my life. I took time for this simple shot in the garden. I was able to appreciate the patterns of the shadows on the wall from the trellises which overshadowed the less prominent lines of the trellises themselves. Nothing earth-shattering, but I was able to put my mind in a creative spot for a few moments- something that has become refreshing to me. 

I am learning what it means to be happy in this life. I appreciate the wisdom shared recently by Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

“So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial. The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness. We do matter. We determine our happiness. You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.”

May we all choose to be happy, as happy as this beautiful young girl.

We are in the thick of the political thunderstorms. What a difficult world to live in- filled with rhetoric, unkept promises, self-serving motives, and corruption. But this is not true in all cases- some candidates are honest, hard-working, sincere individuals who want to represent us. And we have the responsibiliy to bring good men and women to office. I am thankful for those politicians who strive to do the right things. I have known Mark Hutchison for many years. He is a good man who will represent us well as a Nevada senator.