#100HappyDays #24 #25

Making new memories at old places. Yesterday we spent the day playing at a park that I grew up going to.

And today was filled with bittersweet memories as we said goodbye to my grandfather who passed away late Sunday night. He was 93 years young!

Just my humble opinion

Usually things people post on Facebook don't bother me. I know that you gotta take most of what is posted on social media with a grain of salt. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don't post my opinions on Facebook and I don't make a habit of agreeing or disagreeing with the opinions of others. But if I'm being honest, since the tragic passing of Robin Williams, there have been quite a few statuses about suicide and depression that have made my blood boil. Perhaps my emotions are simply on edge with the recent passing of my grandfather or maybe its because I suffer from depression and anxiety myself. 

Why am I finding myself uncharacteristically angry at a silly post on Facebook? 

I guess it's because deep down this topic for me is anything but silly. I've never personally experienced suicidal thoughts but I can easily see how depression could spiral into that. Mental disorders, depression, suicide- those are all scary things. As humans we are afraid of what we don't understand. To most of us suicide is a frightening and unexplainable act.  For that reason alone I'm willing to give people the benefit of the doubt for having these somewhat insensitive Facebook posts.  Maybe they feel that way out of fear? Maybe they feel that way because they have no experience with it? I don't pretend to know enough about suicide to freely speak on it but here's my food for thought on the matter.

Suicide is not caused by a character flaw. 

It's not an inherently selfish act. 

It's not lack of willpower.

Nor lack of faith. 

And for God's sake it's not something you can pray yourself out of!

Believe it or not Christians commit suicide too! I'm so tired of the whole "Oh ye of little faith" bullshit that is being thrown around. Many years ago I used to pray and pray and pray (we're talking weeping on my knees kind of prayer) that god would take my depression and anxiety away. And guess what happened?! He didn't! Over time I've been lucky enough to be able to learn to manage my anxiety and depression and I've also learned to not be angry at God for answering my most heartfelt prayer with a resounding "NO!" Everyday there are people who pray in earnest for their terminally ill child to live and God tells them no. People pray to be cured from cancer and God says no. It might be beyond human comprehension to understand but God tells us "NO" a lot. And there are many other times when God remains silent. I don't presume to know whether he acts any differently in the case of some depression led suicides.

Let us not judge another's faith by his or her last act on earth. Only God knows the true story and he has been known to give the silent treatment.

#100HappyDays #23

Tea time with my favorite girl.

#100HappyDays #22

Apparently Mayson Pearl was the only one aware of Greg's secret love for horseback riding! 

"Dada ride!"

#100HappyDays #19 #20 #21

Friday we were trying jalapenos. 

 

 

Saturday Mayson was showing off and proving that she has finally conquered her fear of sliding. One of her favorite phrases lately is "I slide!"

And we rounded out our weekend with ice cream. Maysie requested "two ice creams!" She only got one!!

 

 

 

#100HappyDays #day18

 

#100HappyDays #day17

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

and

5 drops of food coloring

equals

our very own homemade sidewalk chalk paint!

 

 

#100HappyDays #day16

" I swim!"

#100HappyDays #day14 #day15

Sunday, funday, at the beach.

 

Monday backyard fun with "Ass!"

This should serve as a public service announcement for anyone thinking of naming their pet... in toddler speak Atlas becomes Ass!

All day long I hear "No Ass," "Stay Ass," "Sit Ass," and the ever present giggle followed by "Oh Silly Ass"... I may or may not encourage her to boss him around just so I can hear her call him "Ass!"

 

 

 

#100HappyDays #day13

"Bobo is fast momma!!!"

...But obviously not quite fast enough since "Turbo" apparently felt the need to hijack one of the little people's cars!

#100HappyDays #day12

My first attempt at making pajama pants for Maysie. Practice makes perfect... At least I'm hoping it does!

#100HappyDays #day11

Whether you are one or thirty one, you should never underestimate the rejuvenating power of a nice warm bubble bath!

Sorry there's no photographic evidence of today's happy moment. Any and all pics of me in a bubble bath are sent only to the husband ;)

#100HappyDays #day10

I can't help but giggle whenever I find a snapshot of one Mayson's "Tatoes" on my phone or the iPad. She is absolutely in love with the Mr. Potato Head app that let's you build potatoes and then put them in various scenes.

#100HappyDays #day9

Backyard summertime fun.

 

 

#100HappyDays #day8

Snack time at the park with GaGa.

#100HappyDays #day7

What I like to call Mayson's creative corner! My little artist has gotten lots of use out of this space.

Now

And then