Things that I have learned

I have learned...
...I cannot bare anothers trials, I am grateful for my own trials, and after visiting my dear family for the last few weeks, I can say for sure I would not want their trials. So, in the scriptures, when it says bear one anothers burdens-how can we do this? What does the Lord mean? I am not sure if I have this right, but I know that most of my burdens could not be born by another. Most of my trials can only be eased with understanding or by serving others.
...My boys are good! After spending 8 days of traveling with them, I have come to realize how funny, intelegent, sweet, and caring they are. They are a few of my best friends!
...We live in a beautiful and very diverse country. There are mountains, valleys, flat lands, platues; There are trees, grassy praries, red rock canyons; There are blue skys, brillant sunsets, breathtaking sunrises, deep grey rain clouds. We are so blessed by the beauty that surrounds us. I love the sage brush, and the color of the yellow grass against the lava rocks, mingled with the blue and yellow wild flowers. I love the color of purplish green on the mountain behind my parents house- with a vibrant see of green growing in between. I love hiking up mountains in Montana and gazing across hills and valleys in Moscow. I love the ominous waterfalls in Twin Falls set with a background of the new temple. I love the new Rexburg Temple, that you can see for miles away set as an ensign to all who come within its shadow. I love the feel of the sand, and the convenience of the ocean to wash it a way. I love to here the sound of the ocean as it tickles the shore. We live in a vast play ground. How blessed we are!
...Marriage is wonderful! Being away from Tom for three weeks helped me to remember that. At the end of an exhausting day when all I wanted was to relax in his arms, there was no arms. Kisses are rejuvinating! Talking on the phone is never the same. I am almost sure I would never survive as a single mom. And I am positive I would go inactive!! Church was impossible with 4 active little boys. Some stood on benches some were dropped on the floor, some through toys. Heavenly Father knows if he ever took Tom away, he would loose the whole family :)
...There is a time and a season. I am in a terrific season of my life. However it is not the time of peace and quiet or nice things enjoying sacrament meeting long quiet strolls beautiful delicous meals that everyone compliments you on organic food manicured lawns clean cars or a feeling that all is accomplished. I think if I were to choose I would call that a summer season. This may be my spring season. The season of endless running, endless hugs, endless teaching, endless laundry, endless dishes, naptimes, bedtimes, sunburns, first words, first steps, no quiet, fingerprints on the walls, fingerprints on the windows, finger prints everywhere. I hate you and I love you in the same sentence. Giggles fights laughs knock knock jokes that make no sense! Learning, growing changing. Finding strength in the Savior. Finding Strength in prayer. Finding Strength in the scriptures. Yes this is my Spring season and even though I am bound to get a little dirt under my fingernails I would not change it for the world and I know I will be sad when it is over.
...Vacations don't last for ever, nor should they. I am glad to be home. I love my home and my little quiet family and our slow life.