What Else Makes Me Smile?

Okay, so I freely admit that I am obsessed with my granddaughter.  She is amazing, but I have other things in my life that make me smile.  Really, I do.  I spent 45+ years before Emily arrived living a relatively happy life.  So, there are other joys.  Here are a few, in no particular order:

1)  Adam had injury-riddled cross country and track seasons last year, but he is healthy this year and is running with more confidence and, well, happiness.  Almost every race last year seemed to be a valiant struggle.  It's just heartwarming to see him running fun again.  Makes me smile.

2)  Mike and I celebrated 25 years of marriage almost two weeks ago.  I love him even more today than I did on August 21, 1987.  We've had a pretty good ride together, full of the inevitable ups and downs of life, but I've learned that he'll stick with me through both good and bad times.  He is kind, unselfish, hardworking, faithful, and optimistic.  That last attribute is a good counterpoint to my too-often moody nature.  He is simply a happy touchstone in our home.  He makes me smile.

There may be only one person more enchanted by
Emily than me--Granddad Mike!

3)  My parents-in-law celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 31st.  Wow!  Knowing that Mike loved me, they welcomed me into the family with such kindness and warmth.  It was Mike's mom who suggested that he "take out one of those Forsnes twins," so I will be forever indebted to her.  I have grown to love these two as my second set of parents and feel completely comfortable calling them Mom and Dad.  They have a strong marriage and taught Mike to honor women and to be a strong priesthood holder.  They are serving in the Hermosillo Mexico temple right now, and we miss them.  Thinking of them coming home in just two months makes me smile.  I've missed them.

4)  I miss my missionaries like crazy, but getting their letters and thinking of the many opportunities they have to serve and to grow makes me smile.  Their letters are the highlight of my Monday, so much so that I look forward to Monday.  What a tremendous opportunity to have two gone at once.  Am I lonely sometimes?  You betcha.  Would I rather have them home?  No way!

Matt and his "crazy trainer," Elder Gardner.  He now
has a latino companion.  He says his language skills are growing.

Rachel and her companion, Sister Hinckley, have had some neat
experiences in the Hamilton Mill Ward.  Rachel is now a trainer and
has a new companion she is orienting.  She's doing great!

5)  We had the chance to go to the open house of the new Brigham City Temple, and reflecting on the joy the gospel brings to me makes me smile.  I'm grateful that I have been taught the Plan of Happiness and that I know that I can live with my family, Heavenly Father, and the Savior forever.  That will bring the biggest smile yet.