on being happy

this picture has nothing to do with the post, I just liked it...and it's my blog, so there you go :)

"Bloom where you are planted" not just good advice but a Divine edict I believe. The last couple months as we have begun our life here in Maryland I have had a number of people comment on how well we are adjusting and how happy we seem. And we are. However that is a decision that we made. Happiness is a choice, and making our way in a new place and new circumstance requires choosing that route.

We have found many nice things about living here. I love our home, it's spacious and beautiful and I feel grateful to have it. The grass here is really soft and wonderful to sit on or walk in (unlike TX). The soccer field where Brother plays his games is quite nice, with a playground and actual bathroom instead of port-a-potties. The school offers many enrichment programs that the kids are benefiting from. Our neighborhood is friendly and fun. We have met wonderful people in our ward who I am sure we will have warm and long lasting relationships with. There are interesting historical sites to visit and crabs to eat. Every place has wonderful things about it, and neat people to meet, and food to eat. You just have to look.

It's an odd kind of a thing because we do miss Texas a lot. I liked living there. I loved our pool and our house and that the bus stopped right at our mail box. I loved our schools and going downtown and the museums and zoo and shops that were nearby. I loved that our ward was small in geography, and the wide open spaces. Most of all I loved my dear friends who I miss every day. I think about Deana and wonder how she is doing, being treated for cancer, a second time, it's so unfair, yet she is positive and steadfast. I wish I was there to bring her some brownies. I worry about Ruth, who is so strong and wise and will be just fine, great really, but is facing life as a single mom, not in her plans. I wish I could be there when Kriste welcomes son #5 into her family, or when Tori sends Holly off on a mission. I miss Debi and Angela and our awesome childcare arrangement, and our friendship and laughter. I miss Marcia, my birthday twin and sweetest friend who is always willing to solve the worlds problems during a mid day phone call. I miss Robin, who's example I always treasure and try and emulate, and Alison who is so put together, and so generous with her time and talents...and I could easily go on and on. I miss the wonderful, irreplaceable good friends that J had. Her life here is really different, not bad, just different. She too is choosing to be happy to find the good and has made friends, and joined clubs and loves orchestra.

I'm getting a little rambling now:) The human heart is interesting. It can miss and mourn, and look forward and make new at the same time. Funny. What a blessing.

So we chose to be happy. Chose to make new friends and have new experiences. Chose a bright fun future.

Come what may, and love it!