Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Oh wow. I really enjoyed this book. It's a story of enduring love between two women, and how that love transcends social pressures, stigmas, and adversity. When Lisbeth is born, she is passed off to her wet nurse -- Mattie, a slave who has a 3 month old child, herself. Mattie cares for Lisbeth day and night, creating a bond much stronger than Lisbeth has with her own mother. As time goes on, their bond only strengthens. After time, they lose contact, but their stories are still woven together.

Though slavery is the basic story, themes of love, sisterhood, family, forced separation of slave families, social pressures, courage, personal power -- and the lack thereof -- are also scattered throughout the novel. It was a beautiful story. I loved it. 

Easter Best

Marcus had some meetings before church, so I got the kids ready and tried to capture a picture of them in their Easter outfits. Yes, Easter is next week. But, as next week is General Conference, at church we did our Easter program today with beautiful music, incredible talks, and inspired messages. I will filled today. 

But this morning...it was crazy!

 I tried. First take is never a keeper, right?

 And this...too cute. Callie is giving me a 1/2 fake smile, but it's making Sammy giggle as she looks up at her and Micah is checking Sammy out. It may be my favorite because it so much captures our life.

 Still can't get Sammy to look at anything but her siblings.

 So I go for an individual shot. And, she only looks a little crazy.

 Micah looks dapper. I love him in bow ties.

 And Callie's a princess. She was so excited to wear her new shoes and carry her empty purse.

And just for a little comic relief, one more try of Sammy...nah. Maybe next time.

Yes, we were late for church. 

Worth it.

Greatness

I believe that our children need to know how great they are...how they are instilled with greatness. They need to know that from us, their parents, and they need to hear it every single day. They need to know they are incredible and that their potential is limitless. They'll need to work and put forth the effort, but their desires and dreams are within reach...because they are divine. Do I sit down and do a little speech everyday? No. But I try to at least tell each of them that I love them each and every day.

So today, I put Micah in the car...and for whatever reason I was struck by his divine potential. I turned around before driving off and said, "Micah, do you know you are such an amazing little boy? So many people love you and will always love you. You are great and will do great things." 

That's when he picked his nose.

Lucky

A few years ago I realized that I don't believe in luck. In the simplest explanation, I'd just say that "luck" does not exist...we create our "luck."  I can see how some would feel discouraged by this statement or belief. After all, if they feel they have been unlucky in life, then they can blame...luck. But if success and good fortune is a result of our own actions...and they feel they have not received such goodness in their lives...well then...who is to blame? It's kind of depressing to think we are the masters of our own fortune, or misfortune.

The good news, to me, is that this can change. At any time, we have the ability to change of view of life, to change our perspective about circumstances, and to change what actually happens in our lives. Some call it the law of attraction. Others loosely call it karma. I don't care what you call it, but I do have the strong belief that goodness begets goodness...love begets love.  And the more positive we are, the more goodness we receive...or maybe it's just the more goodness we notice.

So when I read this article, what struck me was this man referring to himself as "lucky."

I say there's no such thing as luck...and I wrote about it.

Disclaimer: With all this said...being the Irish lady that I am...will still enjoy St. Patrick's Day, listen to Celtic music, and talk of leprechauns and being lucky.