I wish I could say a new kitchen is what I got, but it's really what I want. I keep seeing all these cute baking projects that I would love to try, but I have one big problem: my kitchen has NO ROOM. The counter space that I have barely fits the microwave, toaster and dish drainer. How can I motivate myself to bake with such limited space? I want to do cookie plates and goodies for neighbors every year and I talk myself out of it because of the lack of space. Sometimes I use the table, but even that is pretty small.
I wonder if any of my neighbors would be willing to "rent" me their kitchen for a day or two. I mean, that's not quite the same as asking to borrow a cup of sugar..... I just have a baking bug and it's being suppressed. So what do I do? Any suggestions would be welcome.
Most of the fun baking projects are ones that I see on my Mom's blog: http://justhelen.typepad.com. You should definitely check out her blog. She is so talented in every idea and you will find fabulous ideas for baking, scrapbooking, and just be inspired by her words. So, visit her website and know that those cute things are some of the things I would do if I had the space. And to all of my neighbors- see the cute things I was hoping to bring you?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Fun Mail
When I got home yesterday, there was a big, fat envelope waiting for me. Well, it wasn't THAT big, and not REALLY fat, but it was more than I usually get. Anyway.....inside it held something fabulous. My tickets have arrived for Time Out For Women in St. George, Utah to be held November 11-12. I have been counting down the days to go and having the tickets here means it's getting close. YAY!!!!
For those of you that don't know what TOFW means, it's a two day escape for women. Most of the time, the speakers are LDS and they share beutiful messages that are uplifting and encouraging. There are several speakers and musical artists over the two days and they all talk about things that I ususally need to hear.
One of the best things about going to TOFW is that I get to spend time with my Mom, my sister Megan, Grandma, seven fabulous aunts and really good friends. I don't get to see my family enough, so I'm grateful to be able to have this time away to just be with them. Last year there were ten of us and it was tons of fun. This time there will be 14 in our group and it will be wonderful! I love my family!! 15 days until I'm with all the fabulous women.......
So, that's why my envelope that arrived is so fun and exciting. It means a good time with amazing women is right around the corner......
For those of you that don't know what TOFW means, it's a two day escape for women. Most of the time, the speakers are LDS and they share beutiful messages that are uplifting and encouraging. There are several speakers and musical artists over the two days and they all talk about things that I ususally need to hear.
One of the best things about going to TOFW is that I get to spend time with my Mom, my sister Megan, Grandma, seven fabulous aunts and really good friends. I don't get to see my family enough, so I'm grateful to be able to have this time away to just be with them. Last year there were ten of us and it was tons of fun. This time there will be 14 in our group and it will be wonderful! I love my family!! 15 days until I'm with all the fabulous women.......
So, that's why my envelope that arrived is so fun and exciting. It means a good time with amazing women is right around the corner......
Monday, October 24, 2011
Intention
"To be always intending to make a new and better life but never to find time to set about it is as...to put off eating and drinking and sleeping from one day to the next until you're dead."
~ Og Mandino
I was just reading through some things online and came across this quote. It made me stop and think about what I'm doing with my life. I have tried both sides of this equation. Matt and I found the time to get debt under control and have seen the benefits in many ways. Had we not made the decision and stuck to it, we could have paid off in 5-10 years what we paid off in about 18 months.
I have also seen myself stick more on the "intending" side of the equation as well. I've seen this in the health department for sure. I always want to get healthier and start on the right track but give up on my goal and myself. I have done this with good intentions to read my scriptures every day and to journal at least once in a while. Let's just say I'm good at starting, but not so good at finishing. This "intending" side of the equation is a terrible one to be on.
So I have decided that it's time to make some changes and I want to hold myself accountable. Therefore, I am going to blog about these changes and hopefully I can truly make the changes that I want to see.
At the Mary Kay Fall Camp I went to a couple weekends ago, I heard something very interesting. The root word of decide is -cide. A few other things that have the same root are suicide, homicide, pesticide. So, -cide means to kill off. When you decide, you have to kill off all other options. That means if i decide to get in better physical shape, I have to kill of the things that would keep me from doing so. If I decide I want to pay off more of Matt's student loans, I have to kill off anything that might keep me from doing that (i.e. eating out, buying things I don't need).
I am putting this out here mostly so I can hold myself accountable, but also in case anyone wants to be my cheerleader. If you don't want to be my cheerleader though, keep your thoughts to yourself because I will have to "kill off" the things that get in my way. This doesn't mean I am threatening to kill anyone, but that I'm willing to "kill off" relationships that may be toxic to me.
So, that being said, I am going to state the changes that I will be making:
1. I will go to the gym at least three times a week.
2. I will eat 3-4 servings of fruits/vegetables every day.
3. I will read my scriptures every day.
4. I will blog or journal at least once a week.
I'm sure there are plenty more things that I SHOULD be doing, but this is where I'm starting. Hurray for DECIDING to make a change and killing off all other options......
~ Og Mandino
I was just reading through some things online and came across this quote. It made me stop and think about what I'm doing with my life. I have tried both sides of this equation. Matt and I found the time to get debt under control and have seen the benefits in many ways. Had we not made the decision and stuck to it, we could have paid off in 5-10 years what we paid off in about 18 months.
I have also seen myself stick more on the "intending" side of the equation as well. I've seen this in the health department for sure. I always want to get healthier and start on the right track but give up on my goal and myself. I have done this with good intentions to read my scriptures every day and to journal at least once in a while. Let's just say I'm good at starting, but not so good at finishing. This "intending" side of the equation is a terrible one to be on.
So I have decided that it's time to make some changes and I want to hold myself accountable. Therefore, I am going to blog about these changes and hopefully I can truly make the changes that I want to see.
At the Mary Kay Fall Camp I went to a couple weekends ago, I heard something very interesting. The root word of decide is -cide. A few other things that have the same root are suicide, homicide, pesticide. So, -cide means to kill off. When you decide, you have to kill off all other options. That means if i decide to get in better physical shape, I have to kill of the things that would keep me from doing so. If I decide I want to pay off more of Matt's student loans, I have to kill off anything that might keep me from doing that (i.e. eating out, buying things I don't need).
I am putting this out here mostly so I can hold myself accountable, but also in case anyone wants to be my cheerleader. If you don't want to be my cheerleader though, keep your thoughts to yourself because I will have to "kill off" the things that get in my way. This doesn't mean I am threatening to kill anyone, but that I'm willing to "kill off" relationships that may be toxic to me.
So, that being said, I am going to state the changes that I will be making:
1. I will go to the gym at least three times a week.
2. I will eat 3-4 servings of fruits/vegetables every day.
3. I will read my scriptures every day.
4. I will blog or journal at least once a week.
I'm sure there are plenty more things that I SHOULD be doing, but this is where I'm starting. Hurray for DECIDING to make a change and killing off all other options......
Sunday, October 23, 2011
My New Endeavor
So, about a month and a half ago, I started my own business. I am now an independent consultant with Mary Kay. For anyone that knows me, this may seem awfully humorous. I have not been one to get dressed up and wear makeup up to this point. And now I'm going to be selling skin care products and makeup.
Why did I start this, you ask? Well, it's an easy response: Heavenly Father let me know it was the right thing to be doing at this time in my life. Now I am getting dressed up and wearing makeup all the time. It's still going to take some getting used to, but I feel better when I feel like I'm looking good.
Along with the new endeavor have also come a fair share of challenges. I'm trying to be strong and go forward with faith, but my confidence is not where it needs to be. I guess that I just need to rely on my Heavenly Father and have faith that He can show me the way to accomplish my goals within my business. This will be the way that I can continue on with my two main goals. The first is to get a headstone for my Dad so he's not resting in an unmarked grave. The second is so that Matt and I will be able to adopt and start our own little family.
So, a new chapter of life has begun and change is on the wind.......
Why did I start this, you ask? Well, it's an easy response: Heavenly Father let me know it was the right thing to be doing at this time in my life. Now I am getting dressed up and wearing makeup all the time. It's still going to take some getting used to, but I feel better when I feel like I'm looking good.
Along with the new endeavor have also come a fair share of challenges. I'm trying to be strong and go forward with faith, but my confidence is not where it needs to be. I guess that I just need to rely on my Heavenly Father and have faith that He can show me the way to accomplish my goals within my business. This will be the way that I can continue on with my two main goals. The first is to get a headstone for my Dad so he's not resting in an unmarked grave. The second is so that Matt and I will be able to adopt and start our own little family.
So, a new chapter of life has begun and change is on the wind.......
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Past Month
This past month has been a very tough month for me. July 11, 2011 started like any Monday normally might for me. But that morning brought along with it the worst news I had ever received in my life.
My Dad had passed away.
Matt showed up at my work to tell me to call Megan immediately and that something had happened to Dad while at scout camp. I called her and from the partial story that she had, found out that the other leader with Dad’s troop had found him unconscious.
I left work and went home to pack quickly because I knew I was going to California no matter what the outcome. I HAD to be with my family. I prayed that I would be able to see my Dad sitting up and complaining that he wanted to go home from the hospital.
Nothing could have prepared me for the two little words that would change my life forever. My sister, Megan, called me shortly after I got home. She simply said, “He’s gone.” I collapsed to the floor in uncontrollable sobs. Meg and I cried together for a few minutes before she continued making calls. I made a few calls as well.
I don’t know how Megan handled all the phone calls. First, to tell them that he was being rushed to the hospital. Then, to call back and let everyone know that he was gone. I could barely breathe, let alone speak.
I won’t go into a lot of detail about all the things that happened between getting the news and the funeral in this post. Suffice it to say that the next couple weeks were a big blur. Lots of tears, hugs, love, a few laughs, more tears, hugs, headaches, tears….. But I will try to focus on the MEMORIES. So many people had amazing and wonderful things to say about Dad. How could they not? He was an amazing person. No, he IS an amazing person.
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that I will see him again. My Superman. My Daddy. He lives on. I just have to continue without him physically here at this time. Life will continue to throw the tough things that it always throws at us. But my perspective is totally changed. Nothing seems quite so bad when something of this magnitude happens.
I love my family and am so grateful for all of the support that they give to me. That is one thing I feel most blessed by in my life. We all get along with each other. We genuinely love and care about one another. My Mom and Dad have always been great examples to me of being loving individuals. I learned all of my good qualities from them and still strive to emulate others.
I miss you so much, Daddy. I love you and still need you. Please stay ever near and watch over the ones that you left behind. I know that you have work to do now, but remember us and how much we love you. I’m grateful that you will always be my Daddy. I thank Heavenly Father for eternal families. Now I just have to work hard so I can be in the same wonderful place alongside you when I leave this life.
Love,
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
When did I get so old?
I was registering patients at the hospital today. As I was registering a young man, through the information that was exchanged I found that I knew him and his family. The way that I knew him? I was his babysitter when he was 4 and 5 years old. He is now home from a mission, married and in law school.
How is that possible? Am I really old enough to have the kids that I babysat be getting married and having familes of their own? It makes me feel so old. I know I'm not really old, but I sure feel it sometimes.
On the other hand, it was so funny to me that we would run into each other in this way. Gosh, it's a small world.
How is that possible? Am I really old enough to have the kids that I babysat be getting married and having familes of their own? It makes me feel so old. I know I'm not really old, but I sure feel it sometimes.
On the other hand, it was so funny to me that we would run into each other in this way. Gosh, it's a small world.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remembering 9/11/01
It will always be one of those days that you never forget. My grandma talks about hearing the news that JFK was shot. Older people remember the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. So many major events in history stay in our minds and we can recall them as clearly as if they were yesterday or even today.
I can remember a few times like this in my life. Watching the Challenger Space Shuttle when I was in kindergarten was the earliest one I can recall. My memory of that one is there, but not in very strong detail. I was only five and can't remember in very much detail. I remember being sad and scared and seeing teachers crying.
The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 is a day that is forever etched into my memory. The details are still there. Thinking about it makes me emotional. Even nine years later, I can feel a great ache for that day.
The morning of 9/11 started out normally for me. I was working at a call center for DirecTV. I worked the early morning shift and was taking calls. We had monitors on the walls so we could check if station problems were with the broadcast or with the customer only. They normally stayed on the news channels unless we had to change them for the aforementioned purpose.
I was waiting for a call and just happened to look up at the monitor. The first plane had just hit and they were trying to determine what exactly had happened. I was trying to watch and read what was going across the bottom of the screen while taking phone calls. Then the second plane hit. They announced that there was an attack on America and I nearly lost it.
My Mom was to be flying into New York from San Diego that morning for a large scrapbooking thing where she would be demonstrating or something for her job. I finished the call I was on and told my boss what was going on. I HAD TO call my Mom right away. I couldn't get a hold of her. I called my Dad and he said he hadn't heard from her either. ( I think he turned on the news or radio after that because he called my Mom before her flight and told her.) He told me that her flight wasn't until a little later, but I had to hear that she was safe.
After I finally got the news that she was safe, I crumbled. I became a big mess. But I was at work and had to keep working. The calls were coming in like crazy. People with TV problems wanted to see the news so they could know what was going on. I actually had someone call from New York complaining that their installer wasn't there yet. I explained that I was sorry, but they may have to reschedule installation. I didn't know where the tech was or if they could even make it to where the customer was. The customer yelled and swore at me before requesting a supervisor. I was glad to transfer that call.
People eventually slowed the calls because who was going to call about a bill or to change programming when our country was under attack. The call center offered for several people to leave and I was happy that I got to go. I couldn't focus. I needed to know what was going on.
I remember just watching the news for hours and hours with Megan that day. I remember feeling so helpless and such great sorrow. Although there were so many terrible images on TV, there was one image that I think was the worst for me. It was seeing people JUMP from the building before it collapsed. They jumped from like 70 floors up. I can only imagine the fear and panic that would send a person leaping to their death like that. It still kills me to recall that horrible image. Several people JUMPING for fear of losing their lives.
I try to imagine what I would do in that situation. I can't come up with much. I would be praying every step of the way. I would call my family if it were possible, but I would do everything in my power to get out of that building. Thank goodness that I have never had to face something of that magnitude in my life.
My prayers and thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones in this horrific turning point in history. I am so grateful to be an American and so thankful for the men and women that fight for our freedoms to the point that many even sacrifice their own lives for this great nation. I love America! I love the knowledge that many stand with me on this one.
God surely does bless us as a nation. May we never forget 9/11/01. United we stand. Divided we fall. Let us never allow this great nation to fall. We must stand strong as an American people and pray that God will continue to watch over us.
September 11,2001 I REMEMBER NOW AND FOREVER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZTMdDVD-2s&feature=related
I can remember a few times like this in my life. Watching the Challenger Space Shuttle when I was in kindergarten was the earliest one I can recall. My memory of that one is there, but not in very strong detail. I was only five and can't remember in very much detail. I remember being sad and scared and seeing teachers crying.
The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 is a day that is forever etched into my memory. The details are still there. Thinking about it makes me emotional. Even nine years later, I can feel a great ache for that day.
The morning of 9/11 started out normally for me. I was working at a call center for DirecTV. I worked the early morning shift and was taking calls. We had monitors on the walls so we could check if station problems were with the broadcast or with the customer only. They normally stayed on the news channels unless we had to change them for the aforementioned purpose.
I was waiting for a call and just happened to look up at the monitor. The first plane had just hit and they were trying to determine what exactly had happened. I was trying to watch and read what was going across the bottom of the screen while taking phone calls. Then the second plane hit. They announced that there was an attack on America and I nearly lost it.
My Mom was to be flying into New York from San Diego that morning for a large scrapbooking thing where she would be demonstrating or something for her job. I finished the call I was on and told my boss what was going on. I HAD TO call my Mom right away. I couldn't get a hold of her. I called my Dad and he said he hadn't heard from her either. ( I think he turned on the news or radio after that because he called my Mom before her flight and told her.) He told me that her flight wasn't until a little later, but I had to hear that she was safe.
After I finally got the news that she was safe, I crumbled. I became a big mess. But I was at work and had to keep working. The calls were coming in like crazy. People with TV problems wanted to see the news so they could know what was going on. I actually had someone call from New York complaining that their installer wasn't there yet. I explained that I was sorry, but they may have to reschedule installation. I didn't know where the tech was or if they could even make it to where the customer was. The customer yelled and swore at me before requesting a supervisor. I was glad to transfer that call.
People eventually slowed the calls because who was going to call about a bill or to change programming when our country was under attack. The call center offered for several people to leave and I was happy that I got to go. I couldn't focus. I needed to know what was going on.
I remember just watching the news for hours and hours with Megan that day. I remember feeling so helpless and such great sorrow. Although there were so many terrible images on TV, there was one image that I think was the worst for me. It was seeing people JUMP from the building before it collapsed. They jumped from like 70 floors up. I can only imagine the fear and panic that would send a person leaping to their death like that. It still kills me to recall that horrible image. Several people JUMPING for fear of losing their lives.
I try to imagine what I would do in that situation. I can't come up with much. I would be praying every step of the way. I would call my family if it were possible, but I would do everything in my power to get out of that building. Thank goodness that I have never had to face something of that magnitude in my life.
My prayers and thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones in this horrific turning point in history. I am so grateful to be an American and so thankful for the men and women that fight for our freedoms to the point that many even sacrifice their own lives for this great nation. I love America! I love the knowledge that many stand with me on this one.
God surely does bless us as a nation. May we never forget 9/11/01. United we stand. Divided we fall. Let us never allow this great nation to fall. We must stand strong as an American people and pray that God will continue to watch over us.
September 11,2001 I REMEMBER NOW AND FOREVER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZTMdDVD-2s&feature=related
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