I remember reading a book where a group of men were traveling by boat in the Pacific. They kept praying for winds in their favor and nothing happened. They realized that their prayers may be in conflict with other people's prayers on the water. So, one of the crew decided to be the Lord's wind and rowed the boat to the meeting they were to attend.
Today I got to experience this a little bit. We've been wanting to have some trees taken down since we purchased this house. However, the expense was so much that we've opted NOT to do it and just hope that they never decide to fall down on our house. Well...our neighbor's fiance works for Georgia Power, so he deals with trees all day every day. We've known this for a few months and never thought about asking him to give us an estimate. So, this morning we waltz over and ask what he would charge. He comes over immediately, gives us a quote and we shake on the deal...seriously NO BETTER DEAL!! And, he didn't put us off. He started cleaning and sharpening his tools immediately and tonight two trees are already down (and currently being shredded) and the third is mostly branchless.
As we were chatting this evening, I discovered that we were also an answer to their prayers. They were really in need of some extra cash and here we come with the opportunity. We had an answer to prayers with the quote and getting it done and they got their answer for needed funds.
Let me just tell you that it feels amazing to have these prayers answered by each other. The Lord works in "mysterious" ways only because we have no idea the way He orchestrates things to work out to the best ways possible!
21 May 2011
20 May 2011
Here, Kitty-Kitty!!
My girls have been sick this past week. It hasn't been fun, but they've been real troopers through it all. They have stayed cheerful and chipper even as their tummies give them something to moan and groan about.
Well, today they are both better so we decided to have a little bit of fun. Gianna decided she wanted me to draw kitty faces for them. That wasn't enough for them...I had to do it to myself, too.
18 May 2011
What Do You Do
It's a funny question I decided to post after a very random series of explanations for one individuals decisions lately. The fact of the matter is, this person's explanations almost always feel like stories...you know, the made-up kind to make a person's life sound more exciting than it really is. I generally play along with the person because I don't do well with confrontation. Okay, so people can't actually handle it when I pose an alternate view on things and then I get unfriended/disowned/banned/whatever. So, my stance is usually to play stupid but have the questions in my mind that go something like this: "Wow! Do you really believe that or do you think I'm that stupid to believe your obvious lie? And, if it's the latter, man you really don't think very highly of me."
So, curious to see how other people respond to this sort of situation, I posed a question on facebook. Granted, I'm probably friends with people who are better than I am, but I really wanted to know what people really actually do, think, and possibly say in this situation. I already know what I'm probably "supposed" to do which is what I'm doing except the inner thought process that follows, but the individual doesn't know I'm thinking it, so I figure I'm pretty okay at this point.
Some of my friends said things that I have done...for example, talk about them behind their backs (mostly to my husband, but there are no secrets between us anyway, so that's not a big surprise and sometimes to my sister...not just to anyone, ya know! yes, that's a justification of my terribleness, but I need some kind of dirty rock in my pocket so I don't get translated or something, lol) or avoid future interaction with them. I prefer this last one as it doesn't make me do the first thing so much, but then people get really upset and I get in trouble again.
I know, I'm a grown woman and yet I am in trouble with some person or another all the time. Talking to one of my heroes this past week (who I can never imagine anyone would ever NOT think he was amazing), he even remarked that some people think he's a good guy and some people think not. So, I know it happens to all of us...in some degree or another.
So, be brave and tell me what you REALLY do when you think (or even KNOW) someone is lying to your face.
So, curious to see how other people respond to this sort of situation, I posed a question on facebook. Granted, I'm probably friends with people who are better than I am, but I really wanted to know what people really actually do, think, and possibly say in this situation. I already know what I'm probably "supposed" to do which is what I'm doing except the inner thought process that follows, but the individual doesn't know I'm thinking it, so I figure I'm pretty okay at this point.
Some of my friends said things that I have done...for example, talk about them behind their backs (mostly to my husband, but there are no secrets between us anyway, so that's not a big surprise and sometimes to my sister...not just to anyone, ya know! yes, that's a justification of my terribleness, but I need some kind of dirty rock in my pocket so I don't get translated or something, lol) or avoid future interaction with them. I prefer this last one as it doesn't make me do the first thing so much, but then people get really upset and I get in trouble again.
I know, I'm a grown woman and yet I am in trouble with some person or another all the time. Talking to one of my heroes this past week (who I can never imagine anyone would ever NOT think he was amazing), he even remarked that some people think he's a good guy and some people think not. So, I know it happens to all of us...in some degree or another.
So, be brave and tell me what you REALLY do when you think (or even KNOW) someone is lying to your face.
Thanks for the Rest
We've had a couple of crazy days (or rather, nights) around here. Last evening was so peaceful and perfect weather-wise and it stayed that way all through the night. We all had some much needed rest and we're all up bright and early this morning. I just wanted to express my gratitude for some good, peaceful, uninterrupted sleep last night. It was so nice.
Now we are gearing up for Family Fun Day at Emily's school. Thinking I needed to make a double batch, only remembering after I started that my recipe made nearly 40 cookies to a batch, so there should be a lot left. (Yes, that's an invite if you need some yummy, soft PB cookies.)
Now we are gearing up for Family Fun Day at Emily's school. Thinking I needed to make a double batch, only remembering after I started that my recipe made nearly 40 cookies to a batch, so there should be a lot left. (Yes, that's an invite if you need some yummy, soft PB cookies.)
17 May 2011
Inspiration in the Air
It is gorgeously cool outside. A nice, brisk breeze wafting through the house. Overcast but "happy" light. It's really a beautiful day.
On this beautiful day I am daydreaming of dresses and outfits I want to create. I have visions of grandeur in my head but I am feeling rather down about the fabric choices available in my local market. Don't get me wrong; there are some great fabrics to be had but they are either in the wrong material or just aren't fitting in with the ideas in my head.
So, perhaps I'll be brave an actually order material online...aka "un-felt". I'm not a professional in my hobby of sewing, so I don't really know all the appropriate names for fabrics and such. I just know if it feels and looks like the pictures in my head for different projects.
And, it's too bad I can't somehow take a mental and emotional picture of the feelings this day has inspired. It would really be a beautiful piece if I could weave it into a creation.
On this beautiful day I am daydreaming of dresses and outfits I want to create. I have visions of grandeur in my head but I am feeling rather down about the fabric choices available in my local market. Don't get me wrong; there are some great fabrics to be had but they are either in the wrong material or just aren't fitting in with the ideas in my head.
So, perhaps I'll be brave an actually order material online...aka "un-felt". I'm not a professional in my hobby of sewing, so I don't really know all the appropriate names for fabrics and such. I just know if it feels and looks like the pictures in my head for different projects.
And, it's too bad I can't somehow take a mental and emotional picture of the feelings this day has inspired. It would really be a beautiful piece if I could weave it into a creation.
10 May 2011
Let Freedom Ring!
Anyone who is a dog owner will know that there is a lot of hard work put into training the little cuties. I'm not saying it is the same as raising a child, but many of the same principles come into play: set boundaries, enforce rules, and love, love, love.
I'm excited to say that we have hit that "freedom" point. I can trust my dogs to know where they are allowed and where they are not even while I'm not watching! Certainly, I put things away that I don't want them to be tempted by, but that is only normal.
We did the breaking in to freedom thing with Hannah; giving her opportunity to prove herself little by little. It took me a lot longer to get to that trusting point because she was my first dog. I'm nearing that that point with the puppies. No, I'm not going to let them have full access to the house: carpeted rooms are still off limits. And while we are away for an extended period of time (ie: church), they will either spend time outside or in their kennels. In the short times I'm away from the house, they can be out. Eventually we will break into the trust of letting them out for longer periods, but it really does feel great to have these great dogs enjoying their freedom so much. It's sweet to be greeted at the door by three affectionate pets.
I'm excited to say that we have hit that "freedom" point. I can trust my dogs to know where they are allowed and where they are not even while I'm not watching! Certainly, I put things away that I don't want them to be tempted by, but that is only normal.
We did the breaking in to freedom thing with Hannah; giving her opportunity to prove herself little by little. It took me a lot longer to get to that trusting point because she was my first dog. I'm nearing that that point with the puppies. No, I'm not going to let them have full access to the house: carpeted rooms are still off limits. And while we are away for an extended period of time (ie: church), they will either spend time outside or in their kennels. In the short times I'm away from the house, they can be out. Eventually we will break into the trust of letting them out for longer periods, but it really does feel great to have these great dogs enjoying their freedom so much. It's sweet to be greeted at the door by three affectionate pets.
08 May 2011
Not Just Mother's Day
This year is more than just the regular Mother's Day for us. It was six years ago that Eric and I became a couple. We always remember this day, but it makes it extra special when the date falls on Mother's Day just as is did six years ago.
As any return missionary can tell you, there are things that you wish you would have explained more to those you teach; things that are just as important as making that baptismal covenant but that might become more like checkpoints in a discussion rather than full explanations and discussions in and of themselves. Yes, that is the point of continuing one's spiritual education for the rest of one's life, but a missionary, like a mother, desires to ensure that teaching happens. And, when given a unique opportunity to teach those people when you are no longer a "titled" missionary, you take it in both hands and run with it.
We spent the day before at a baptism which was the reason Eric came back to Vegas in the first place. He was asked to return to baptize the son of a family he had earlier baptized during his mission. Then, Eric and I were visiting with a couple I taught on the mission. The wife deals with a lot of constant pain and the husband works hard to provide for them. When he got off work that morning (he worked at night), he realized he had forgotten to pick something up to honor his wife on Mother's Day. Wanting to honor his wife, he was ready to go back out and do his duty as a husband and purchase something on the Sabbath. As it is counseled in our faith, we try to do our best NOT to do this. To keep the Sabbath day holy, we try not to work or cause anyone else to work on Sunday. In doing this, we keep the Sabbath holy and can help others not to break the Sabbath because they have to man the stores for our lack of preparation. Six days are given for man to work and do those things and then on the seventh we are to rest, worship God and rejuvenate for the next week.
Eric and I immediately seized the opportunity to further teach this concept and offered to create and nice meal for our friends. Since Eric was staying at another house, it would be a special treat for them just to dine together instead of making dinner themselves and then having to clean up. The husband agreed and we left to prepare a fine dining experience for them.
A long story short, it was through the realization that the gospel was the center of both of our lives that we found ourselves staring at our best friend and, unknowingly, our eternal companion. I am so grateful for the way the Lord orchestrates our lives to create the most happiness for us. Thus, Mother's Day means something more to me than honoring my Mother or having the children sing on Sunday or something like that. To me, Mother's Day will always bring with it the memory of the beginning of the best friendship and relationship that I will ever experience with another human being.
So, in addition to saying Happy Mother's Day to my mom and my grandmothers, I also want to say Happy ANNIVERSARY to Eric. I love you and am more amazed by you every day.
As any return missionary can tell you, there are things that you wish you would have explained more to those you teach; things that are just as important as making that baptismal covenant but that might become more like checkpoints in a discussion rather than full explanations and discussions in and of themselves. Yes, that is the point of continuing one's spiritual education for the rest of one's life, but a missionary, like a mother, desires to ensure that teaching happens. And, when given a unique opportunity to teach those people when you are no longer a "titled" missionary, you take it in both hands and run with it.
We spent the day before at a baptism which was the reason Eric came back to Vegas in the first place. He was asked to return to baptize the son of a family he had earlier baptized during his mission. Then, Eric and I were visiting with a couple I taught on the mission. The wife deals with a lot of constant pain and the husband works hard to provide for them. When he got off work that morning (he worked at night), he realized he had forgotten to pick something up to honor his wife on Mother's Day. Wanting to honor his wife, he was ready to go back out and do his duty as a husband and purchase something on the Sabbath. As it is counseled in our faith, we try to do our best NOT to do this. To keep the Sabbath day holy, we try not to work or cause anyone else to work on Sunday. In doing this, we keep the Sabbath holy and can help others not to break the Sabbath because they have to man the stores for our lack of preparation. Six days are given for man to work and do those things and then on the seventh we are to rest, worship God and rejuvenate for the next week.
Eric and I immediately seized the opportunity to further teach this concept and offered to create and nice meal for our friends. Since Eric was staying at another house, it would be a special treat for them just to dine together instead of making dinner themselves and then having to clean up. The husband agreed and we left to prepare a fine dining experience for them.
A long story short, it was through the realization that the gospel was the center of both of our lives that we found ourselves staring at our best friend and, unknowingly, our eternal companion. I am so grateful for the way the Lord orchestrates our lives to create the most happiness for us. Thus, Mother's Day means something more to me than honoring my Mother or having the children sing on Sunday or something like that. To me, Mother's Day will always bring with it the memory of the beginning of the best friendship and relationship that I will ever experience with another human being.
So, in addition to saying Happy Mother's Day to my mom and my grandmothers, I also want to say Happy ANNIVERSARY to Eric. I love you and am more amazed by you every day.
06 May 2011
I Love My Bike
It's nearing the three year mark since Eric bought me my bike. I have to say that although I was incredibly hesitant at the purchase, I am really, really glad he did this for me. We love riding around together as a family and the whole school run for Emily is so much more enjoyable when you are getting exercise and fresh air.
I'm giving myself a "dare" this month and am seeing how far I can make a tank of gas extend. My goal is to only use one tank, but with the events that are lined up for this month, that's basically impossible. However, the challenge is still on and I am working hard to attain my goal or at least as close to my goal as possible.
Today I needed to return some DVD's to the Redbox. The nearest location is about five miles from us. I figured since we don't have too many REAL hills on that trip that it would be doable with only Gianna in the bike trailer. Sure, my toes were a little throbbing since this is the first time I've done this kind of a trip, but somehow the trip to Kroger seemed longer than the return.
I know ten miles isn't a lot of miles and that the ride itself wasn't strenuous, but it sure does make me feel like a million bucks. I don't know if that is the exercise, the fresh air, the savings on gas/miles, or the sense of accomplishment, but I sure love it!!
As an added bonus, we've slipped into a few days of true spring weather and it is heavenly! I wish the bike ride could be as entertaining for Gianna as it is for me because I'd just get on and see how far I could ride in one direction for the rest of the day.
I'm giving myself a "dare" this month and am seeing how far I can make a tank of gas extend. My goal is to only use one tank, but with the events that are lined up for this month, that's basically impossible. However, the challenge is still on and I am working hard to attain my goal or at least as close to my goal as possible.
Today I needed to return some DVD's to the Redbox. The nearest location is about five miles from us. I figured since we don't have too many REAL hills on that trip that it would be doable with only Gianna in the bike trailer. Sure, my toes were a little throbbing since this is the first time I've done this kind of a trip, but somehow the trip to Kroger seemed longer than the return.
I know ten miles isn't a lot of miles and that the ride itself wasn't strenuous, but it sure does make me feel like a million bucks. I don't know if that is the exercise, the fresh air, the savings on gas/miles, or the sense of accomplishment, but I sure love it!!
As an added bonus, we've slipped into a few days of true spring weather and it is heavenly! I wish the bike ride could be as entertaining for Gianna as it is for me because I'd just get on and see how far I could ride in one direction for the rest of the day.
04 May 2011
Vegas, Baby!
In all reality, I would love to go back to Vegas, but it isn't for the reasons most people want to go. I'd love to go back and visit the great friends I made while serving my mission.
Eric won Winner's Circle yet again (sorry, I get to brag on him because it's awesome and such a blessing!). This was his fourth consecutive year. He's only been employed for 4.5 years anyway. They started honoring the back-to-back winners this year, too. It's really great to be employed by a company who recognizes your hard work and listens and impliments suggestions on changes and improvements. It's amazing!
The theme this year was Vegas...open bar and casino. Not things Eric or I participate in. It really reminded me of my high school prom (okay, so there was no open bar, but you and I both know what high schoolers do to celebrate prom...and no, I did not participate in that way when I was in high school). Eric purchased a new three piece suit (he's been needing it anyway...Winner's Circle is just a great push to get it done) and I was wearing a fuchsia dress...yes, on discount from JC Penny's prom section. Thus you can see how much this reminded me of being at prom.
This year was the best because we knew how to enjoy the event and they allowed us to come and go as we pleased as long as the winners were there to receive their award. It was so much fun and it was really nice to reconnect with my husband who puts in long hours for both work and school AND being a dad.
After Eric received his award, we left the event and changed. We eventually went out to Kroger to get some snacks. I kept laughing at myself because I was in my pink pajamas walking around Buckhead, but I also didn't want to change yet again that day (we had massages that day and we also went to a dress shop where I played dress up and tried out probably 27 different dresses, plus getting ready for the event and then dressing down afterward).
All in all, it was a wonderful event. I didn't worry about the girls at all because we left them with our friends who have a daughter of their own to help entertain the girls(although our poor friends ended up with having to care for our sick daughter with a mysterious fever).
Eric won Winner's Circle yet again (sorry, I get to brag on him because it's awesome and such a blessing!). This was his fourth consecutive year. He's only been employed for 4.5 years anyway. They started honoring the back-to-back winners this year, too. It's really great to be employed by a company who recognizes your hard work and listens and impliments suggestions on changes and improvements. It's amazing!
The theme this year was Vegas...open bar and casino. Not things Eric or I participate in. It really reminded me of my high school prom (okay, so there was no open bar, but you and I both know what high schoolers do to celebrate prom...and no, I did not participate in that way when I was in high school). Eric purchased a new three piece suit (he's been needing it anyway...Winner's Circle is just a great push to get it done) and I was wearing a fuchsia dress...yes, on discount from JC Penny's prom section. Thus you can see how much this reminded me of being at prom.
This year was the best because we knew how to enjoy the event and they allowed us to come and go as we pleased as long as the winners were there to receive their award. It was so much fun and it was really nice to reconnect with my husband who puts in long hours for both work and school AND being a dad.
After Eric received his award, we left the event and changed. We eventually went out to Kroger to get some snacks. I kept laughing at myself because I was in my pink pajamas walking around Buckhead, but I also didn't want to change yet again that day (we had massages that day and we also went to a dress shop where I played dress up and tried out probably 27 different dresses, plus getting ready for the event and then dressing down afterward).
All in all, it was a wonderful event. I didn't worry about the girls at all because we left them with our friends who have a daughter of their own to help entertain the girls(although our poor friends ended up with having to care for our sick daughter with a mysterious fever).
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