THE LUCKIEST

When our old pal, Lucas, approached the craps table and was wished luck, I think he was a little wiser than he knew as he responded, "I am guided by a force much greater than luck."

I admit that I am not much of a believer in luck. I guess the bigger picture makes me steer away from such ideas. I believe in a less glamorous version as stated by Seneca, a Roman philosopher. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” How we act and react determines quite a bit of what happens to us and why.

With that said though, right now I feel like I've won the lottery.

Consider the following from Jenkins Lloyd Jones :

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.The fact is, most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey–delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts,interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

Honestly, I hated that quote before. It was overwhelming to me. Too much work. Too much of learning how to just be happy with what you have. A little too negative. I thought its point was that life was mostly bad, sprinkled with a little good. It was only recently that I figured out on my own doing, that life is good and bad, sprinkled with a little bliss. And when I went back to read Jones' words, that is exactly what I found.

Blissful moments have been had recently.

When we are all four snuggled on the couch, our home seems more full and complete. Before it was us and Calli. Don't get me wrong--she was our world. But now it really feels like there's a family. Us. All of us.

Or on a road trip. I've checked my troubles at the car door. The work to get out is done and there's nothing to do but sit. I look back and there are my beautiful babes sleeping. Both of them. At the same time. Being trapped in the car, I have no temptation to go and do, instead to soak it up--to enjoy their peace.

Time is passing all too quickly. I can hardly stand it. This week Luke giggled when I tickled him and Calli said "either" in a sentence. I wish I could bottle these moments up, save them for the reservoir in my soul.

I feel, as Ben Folds would say, "that I am the luckiest".

I am the luckiest because I married my best friend. People say that all the time, but for me it's true. There was no one else I had more fun doing things with and no one else I had more fun doing nothing with. I always felt better when I was around him. And the best part is-- I can still say that. Dan, you are my perfect fit. I am the luckiest because I have a wonderful family. Extended family of people who care for each other and listen. A family of people who play, laugh, share, forgive, work, sing and enjoy. I am the luckiest because both of my children have cousins born within a week of their birthdays. (And I still don't believe in fate?) How fun for them to grow and share together. Dear family, you are my safety net.

Ava and Luke

Calli and Benson

Welcoming home Elder Ryan

At Glacier Point

I am the luckiest because I have a beautiful daughter who is at an age where I can teach her. Her days of exploring the world are busy-- noticing the sound of a plane, an ant on the sidewalk, the tunnel on the freeway. We learn together. Darling Calli, you are my love of life.

I am the luckiest because I have a little boy who is an angel. He does all the things a baby should and does so with ease. He sleeps and snuggles. And on days that he doesn't, I try to take it in anyway. He's such a peaceable little guy. Sweet Luke, you are my sigh of relief.

What does it mean to be the luckiest? To me, it is to be incredibly blessed and realize that where much is given, much is required.

*Didn't my friend Nicolette do an excellent job on that last photo? She's amazing.