Let's Hear it for THANKSGIVING!!!!

I know it's ridiculous, but I'm so excited for Thanksgiving this year! Maybe because it's our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple. :) Last year I went with Jeff and the kids to his family's Thanksgiving and it was great, but it felt a little strange being away from my family for the holiday. It was the first Thanksgiving I've ever missed. Hard to believe, I know. LOL

We're celebrating with my family this year. Sweetness!!! And I'm also planning on doing a little mini-Thanksgiving for just Jeff and I. (We need our own leftovers, just because...) We are also keeping a little secret from everyone. :) But we're not ready to tell yet. ;)

It's Carina's holiday with the kids, so we won't have any time with them all week. :( But no worries! There's lots to do this week! Mom has actually entrusted me with bringing a pie this year...silly Mom. She usually has me on salad duty. The theory is you can't screw up a salad...nothing to burn and if you forget an ingredient, it still tastes okay. LOL Wish me luck!!!

My Sweet Jeff

I have just realized that I have told you all so very little about my sweet Jeff. :) Life has been so very crazy and my blogging for the last 2 years has left a lot to be desired. (I apologize to everyone now.) :(

Jeff and I met at a singles dance in March of 2010 and he is seriously the best thing that has ever happened to me. He is sweet, romantic, wonderful, protective, caring, funny, I could go on and on, but I'll spare you. LOL Bottom line...he ROCKS!!!!!

Jeff has 3 wonderful children, Dakotah -16, Dillan -14 and Macie - 10.

Proof he's a romantic - Jeff may not like to watch chick flicks but he is great at starring in one. LOL He proposed to me at the temple and on the anniversary of when we met. (All the guys out there are saying to themselves - he did it that way so he would only have to remember 1 date. All the gals out there are saying to themselves - Aawww, that's soooo sweet!)

Proof that he's wonderful - he washes dishes, does laundry, cooks and cleans - all without complaint or being asked...need I say more...I didn't think so! :)

Proof that he's funny - he actually thinks I'll go camping one day and sleep outside without a tent. (I laughed at that one too!)

Like I said, I could go on and on, but I won't. :)

We were married in June on the 18th. It is hard to believe that it has almost been six months. We are so comfortable with each other, it seems like we've always been together. It's amazing how fast I can't imagine my life without him. Heavenly Father really gave me such a tremendous blessing. I'm truly grateful!

Back to Work - Dang It!!!!

Today is my first day back after being off for my honeymoon. I hated coming back to work...I just wanted to stay home with my honey all day. (Typical - LOL)

We had a great few days and it has been soooo fun being married! Not to brag, but my man has got some serious skills! ;) Not to mention, that he is incredibly sweet...it is amazing that he can be so manly and so sensitive at the same time. I'm so LUCKY!!!!!!

I'll spend a little more time bragging about Jeff later when I post some pictures from the wedding and reception. :)

Slacker Am I

Oh my goodness! I can't believe it has been soooo long since I've posted anything! What a slacker! I should be beaten....but not severely...LOL...I'm not masochistic after all and I don't want to be in pain. :)

It has been a crazy year, but I can't complain. I have a lot to catch up on so I'll start in installments. As for today, I'll just apologize for my very bad behavior and make a new commitment to keep this thing current. :)

FHE

Janell prepared a great lesson on Knowledge tonight and sweet Sherma brought her homemade rolls left over from the fireside. It was so nice to have someone else volunteer for the lesson and treats. I was actually able to work on a few other things after work and relax and enjoy the lesson. It was fabulous. We even finished a little early, which was cool as well.

After everyone left, I visited with Stan for a bit. He has been having a little difficulty in his life and I’ve been lending advice and support. He gave me a gift certificate to Blue Hashi, which is my favorite place to eat. It was totally unexpected and unnecessary, since I’m always happy to help out a friend, but very sweet of him.

After he left, I talked to Kristi and found out that Don and her are officially dating, complete with holding hands and kissing. :) Way to go Kristi and Don! I hope it works out well for both of them.

Singles Fireside

Boyd and Laurie Foster spoke at my fireside tonight. They are such amazing people and I’m so thankful for their wiliness to take time out of their busy schedule and speak with us. Boyd was our Bishop when my parents first moved into this Ward. He helped us through the difficult time when Nicki was terminal and their family is truly wonderful. They lived just down the lane from us until about a year ago when they moved into a new home a couple of miles over the dry bed, which put them in a different Ward. At least it kept them in our Stake. :)

I really enjoyed the talks they prepared for us. They were really nervous, because I don’t assign topics for the firesides. I find that the speakers are always inspired to talk about something we all need to hear. It is amazing how often that happens. (Almost every time!) LOL The Fosters pulled off another one last night. At least for me, their talks were exactly what I needed to hear and reaffirmed for me everything Quinn said in by blessing earlier.

Quinn and My Blessing

So I realize that I’m overly emotional lately. Let’s just chalk it up to being a female, but Sunday I was really struggling in Sacrament Meeting. It could also be that I’ve been sick all week and I just feel drained. Either way, I just wasn’t coping as well as I should be or at least as well as I think I should be anyway. Since, Quinn and Kari didn’t stay for the rest of the meetings, I left Sunday School early and came back to the house. I decided to ask Quinn to give me a blessing before everyone else go home. I talked to him a little about what I’ve been feeling lately, but it is still hard to put into words. Especially without crying and everyone knows how much I hate to cry. I’ve done a pretty good job blocking emotions most of my life, but lately they have gotten the better of me.

I have been very aware that something is missing from my life lately and as I have struggled with this, I have also struggled with trying to listen to what it is my Heavenly Father wants me to do and if my desires are in tune with His. It has been a really hard struggle for me. Am I listening to the spirit and paying attention to the answers or am I missing them?

I have had several blessing lately and been reading old conference addresses. As I have done this, I realized that Heavenly Father is not ignoring my prayers, but answering them in steps. He is preparing the way for me to be in the right place at the right time to receive my final answers, but while this has brought a certain measure of peace, it has not erased all of my doubts and anxiety of what I should be doing and my ultimate question. Some how I feel like I’m missing the next step and I’ve struggled with it lately.

As Quinn gave me the blessing, I felt such a peace come over me. I knew that my Heavenly Father loved me and is aware of me. He also gave me several reassurances that I needed to hear. It is amazing to me that Quinn, who does not have a complete idea as to what I’m struggling with, can say exactly what I need to hear by promptings of the Holy Ghost. It truly was amazing.

After Quinn was done with the blessing, we talked for a while and as we discussed things in general, Quinn gave me the next step. He had no idea why he needed to say what he did, but I did. As soon as he said it, I felt that peace again and knew where I need to focus my energy. Don’t get me wrong, it is still hard, but at least I have a direction now for the next phase in my journey.

The Anticipation Feast

Every year, Stephanie and Nate and Emily have an anticipation of Thanksgiving Feast. This is the second year that I have gone and it is a lot of fun. Stephanie, Sherma, Suzie and Suzie (yes, we took two Suzies) went. It was actually so big this year that we held it at the church. They deep fried the turkeys this year and they were delicious! It was crazy to see how much Kenna has changed in just a few months. She looks just like Emma.

On a side note, Steph and I were able to get the dishes done twice as fast this year since Nathan the dish Nazi wasn’t there. Last year, he stood over us on the pretext of helping and micromanaged everything we washed and rinsed. He’s lucky we like him, or he would have been wearing the wash water before it was over.

Weekend with the FAM

Quinn and Kari came home for the weekend, so Josh and Natasha came over as well. We spent Saturday doing various odd things together and it was a great weekend. Dad, Casey, Oakley and Quinn were able to go hunting. Kari, Mom, Natasha and Reese spent some time dress shopping for Natasha. She is competing in the Mrs. Southeast Idaho Pageant, which I think is really cool! They were kind enough not to make me go with them, which I really appreciate. I HATE shopping, and would rather not make them miserable with all my incessant whining of “How much longer?” “Are we done yet?” and so on. :) Pretty pathetic actually, but I’ll do anything to avoid shopping. We spent the evening visiting and watching old movies. It was a great day.

My Dear, Sweet Mother Comes Home

May I be the first to say…I want my MOMMY! I have been sick all week and I have missed her terribly, but all is well. She came home last night – LATE last night. Her flight was delayed and I didn’t get to actually see her until 10:45 last night, but…

WE’RE SO GLAD WHEN MOTHER COMES HOME! GLAD AS WE CAN BE! WE WRAPPED OUR ARMS AROUND HER NECK AND HUGGED HER TIGHTLY! (I claim creative license on the song.)

I’m glad she had the opportunity to go and I’ve already told her I would help her make a book of the trip. How fun to spend that time with her sisters and see so many cool things relating to church and our own personal history. But still…I’m very glad to have her home.

Stephanie and I Have Dinner With Amber

So Steph and I went out to dinner with Amber tonight. She quit her job! Yes that same job that she has devoted the last 7 years of her life too and she absolutely loves! I never thought I would see it happen.

When she told us everything she has been struggling with the last year and has said anything, I wanted to cry. I’ve been such a lousy friend! I should have checked on her way before now.

Needless to say, this decision didn’t come out of the blue. She has actually put quite a bit of thought and prayer into it and I’m convinced she knows she is doing the right thing. I hope everything works out well for her. She deserves the best. Love you Amber!

Lunch with Janell

My dear, sweet friend Janell and I went out to lunch today. It was wonderful! We had soup and sandwiches at the best chick restaurant in town. :) She even shared her secret ingredient for making clam chowder outstanding. I will admit that I was skeptical, but after trying it, I will never eat clam chowder the same way again. (No, I’m not going to tell you what it is. Ask her yourself!)

The conversation was even better than the meal. She always knows exactly what to say to make me feel good. Everyone should have a friend like her! Thanks Janell! :)

Daddy/Daughter Dinner Date

Wow! Two dates in one day! :) Since Mom has been in Nauvoo with Patty and Susan, Dad has had to fend for himself. (I’ve been very neglectful.) But last night, he had to run into town and get some items for lunch tomorrow. (He’s going hunting with some friends tomorrow. LUCKY!) So I went with him and we grabbed something to eat. It’s my first daddy/daughter date in a long time and I really enjoyed it. I don’t mean to brag, but seriously, I have one of the best fathers around. :)

After dinner we came home and watch old movies and just vegged. It was a lovely evening.

Set Up For Lunch

John Barnes has been trying to set me up with one of his friends for the last 3-4 months. He keeps telling what a nice guy he is and how much he has been working on him to go out with me. (I have to wonder exactly what it is that John is telling him, if he needs that much convincing. Hmmm…perhaps I should find that out.)

Any hooo…I finally met Jason today. He is a really nice guy and SURPRISE!!!...normal. Funny thing, he has been on my singles email list and getting my announcements for the last year and hasn’t come to anything. He says he is just always so busy, but I wonder…

Well, we went to Puerto Vallarta for lunch and had a really nice visit. He picked me up from the office and brought be back – brownie points for that. :) And then he said, “I had a nice time. I’ll give you a call.” Translation – “While I appreciate John taking an interest in my social life, I only said I would take you out to get him off my back. I have fulfilled my duty and now I can tell him it just didn’t click between us.” In other words, I’ll be surprised if he really does call. :)

Belly Dancing

So I signed up for a belly dancing class and last night was the first class. (Let the mocking begin!) First, let me say that I never thought it would be as difficult as it is. It literally works every part of your body and I was pretty sore by the time the hour was up.

That being said…I LOVE it! It was a lot of fun and completely different than I thought it would be. I can’t wait for the next class and I’ve already decided to sign up again when it is over. :) (Laugh away – cause I’ll have the last laugh with my abs of steel when this is over.)

No Whammies!!!

Okay, so I woke up today with no voice. How rude is that! Especially after I was practically bragging how I never get sick. (I say practically cause that’s just the way I roll…practically perfect, etc. LOL) Then WHAM!!!!! Then Double WHAM!!!! – A cough. Whatever happened to “No Whammies!”?

Then I had to listen to Dr. New harass me all day about having the swine flu. He stayed twenty paces away from me and had an “I told you so” look on his face every time he came in the front office. (I refused to get the flu shot because I never get sick. – blah, blah, blah!) On top of that, I was scheduled to work at the YAC (Youth Activity Center) for the evening. Nathan took pity on me and helped me set everything up. Then he nicely wiped everything down an swept the floor so I wouldn’t have to do it later. (He may have been doing this to protect the kids from my virus – you can never tell with Nathan.) Either way, it was sweet of him, whatever his motivation was. The kids were actually pretty great and I didn’t have to use my voice too much.

But what I really wanted was a warm blanket, a cup of hot herbal tea and honey, a good book and my MOM! (She happens to be in Nauvoo with Patty and Susan, and while I hope she is having a great time – I miss her!!!) I know – whine, whine, whine! Can I please have some cheese with my wine?

Anyway, it is nice to be finally be home and in bed……pure bliss! Excuse me while I go heat up a rice bag…

FHE - Individual Worth

FHE tonight turned out really well. We did a lesson on Individual Worth. (I posted some of the thoughts from the evening.) We had a decent turn out despite my having failed to send the announcements out, but the regulars all know it is on even if they don’t get one, which is good. Special thanks to Janell and Sherma for the treats. No pictures this time, but one last thought…

“Each of us comes into this world separately, one by one. This is not an accident. I think it’s the Lord’s way of reminding us of the infinite worth of each soul.” – Dwan J. Young

You Are Unique

You may not think that the world needs you, but it does. For you are unique, like no one that has ever been before or will come after. No one can speak with your voice, say your piece, smile your smile, or shine your light. No one can take your place, for it is yours alone to fill. If you are not there to shine your light, who knows how many travelers will lose their way as they try to pass by your empty place in the darkness?

Author Unknown

Try to see yourself and others as the Lord does. “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). …We need to develop a self-worth that’s not selfish and that comes from seeing ourselves and others as God sees us: as His children. We shouldn’t measure our worth on an earthly scale, because our origins are divine.

“To the Point”, New Era, Sep. 2007, 31

Dinner at Jill and DJ's

Dad and I went up to Jill and DJ’s for dinner tonight. It was nice to get away. :) Jill made an excellent meal and then I had a beauty parlor session with Brylee while we watched the new Transformers movie. A word to the wise, 4-year-olds are not the best with curly hair. I had several pretty-tails and not every one was pulled all the way through. Several chunks of hair were in more than one pretty-tail and I had a fair number of barrettes for accents. It actually took Jill longer to help me get it out and untangled than it did for Brylee to coif it in the first place. On the upside, I was “beautiful” and That is all you can ask from a good hairdresser. :)