Pay it Forward

For several years I have been involved in a silly little game called "Pay it Forward".  It all started when I responded to a post similar to this:  "To start this year off I'm participating in this Pay-It-Forward initiative: The first 5 people who comment on this status with "I'm in" will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year-anything from a book, a ticket, a visit, something homegrown or made, a postcard, anything!  There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy.  These 5 people must make the same offer on their FB status so we can form a web of connection and kindness.  Here's to a more enjoyable, more friendly and love-filled year!"

I was excited and posted right away after my first comment (actually after each comment for the first 2 years) and made gifts and got them right out to the ones who commented on my post.  It was fun making gifts for  others.   Funny thing is I never received a gift until this past December. (I received homemade toffee)  It was the first time in 3 years that I actually got a gift for responding.  A few months later I received a cute bag of thank you cards from the very first person I saw do this.  She said she had it ready but never got around to sending it....but finally did.  It made me smile and was a pleasant surprise.  I hope when my recipients receive the gifts I make for them they are equally surprised and happy.

This year after receiving the Toffee I reposted.  Twelve people responded and so I decided that I would just make a gift for everyone. I knew it couldn't be expensive since I was doing 12 and I also knew I wanted to include a positive quote since I love quotes.  This is what I came up with.  I have made half of them and started delivering them today.  I will work on the rest at my convenience. (wink)  Since I have delivered these gifts I have been watching to see if the receivers are going to post and offer their Pay it Forward...so far no one has.  I'm not giving up on anyone and do have my eyes watching.  (maybe I will remind them since that's the whole point of receiving....to Pay it Forward)

Happy Birthday Kelsi Lou

This cute girl celebrated a big birthday today.  She is no longer a teenager! ☺  WooHoo Kelsi!

I love this girl and I love that she loves my son.  I think they are very well matched.  Kelsi isn't crazy like Braxton but she doesn't mind that he is and goes along with him.  Kelsi is sweet, kind, quiet and delightful.  I like her smile that makes her eyes disappear.  I like that Kelsi is a natural beauty and doesn't need all the pampering that some girls just expect these days. (I've been lucky that none of the gals my sons have chosen have been that way...my boys probably knew they could't afford that kind of gal)  I prefer the kind of gals my boys have chosen.  They are easy going and wonderful....all of them.

I'm excited to have Kelsi join our family.  Braxton waited for her longer than he wanted but I think he would agree that she is worth the wait. (of course he would)   I'm excited to get to know this gal better...I'm excited that she wants to spend eternity with my son.  I'm excited that Braxton  was patient and didn't make this decision in his life until he "knew".  I'm excited for the life ahead of these two....it's going to be fun!

Macie Marie's Blessing Day

What a great day to be blessed.  Sweet little Macie was blessed by her daddy today.  It wasn't fast Sunday but it was the day her mommy wanted to have her blessed which Justin said was a good enough reason to do it.  It was awesome to see the circle crowded with worry Priesthood holders. (Macie's Daddy, Grandpa's, Great Grandpa's and Uncles)  The spirit was strong and I know the words that came from Justin's mouth were inspired.  It was a beautiful blessing for a beautiful girl.

I'm so glad that a lady in their ward knows shorthand and writes down the blessings so that the family can have it.  All blessings are special and wonderful but this one was a little different and absolutely wonderful.  I'm so thankful for the Priesthood and that the guys in my family are worthy to hold it and able to give blessings in God's name.  The Priesthood is a wonderful gift.

 I was thankful for our extended family that came to support and celebrate this day with us. (Tonya & Mark, Scott, Erin and their girls, and Brent~those are Justin's Aunts and Uncles)  I love how supportive our families always are....we are truly blessed

The blanket Macie is wrapped in has a wonderful story behind it too.  I won't go into details but the lady that made it didn't even know Macie and was inspired to give it to her. (she was even offered $100 for it but refused to sell it)  A gift from God...a tender mercy!  It was comforting to Macie today and probably will be in the future as well.  God knows us and is very aware of who we are and what we need.  He puts people in our lives to bless us for Him.  Isn't that so unselfish of Him.  He could bless us Himself but lets others be the source or the instrument for the blessings.  That way we grow from it and so does the person who He worked through.  Since we learned that Macie was going to need a little extra help people have gone above and beyond to help Justin and Natalie.  Having this "angel" truly is a blessing.

Macie is such a sweet little one.  She doesn't fuss much.  She can be comforted by wrapping a blanket around her and holding her.   Justin and Natalie have told us that Macie will just lay awake at night and look around.  I know that she see through the veil and is receiving comfort from those that my eyes don't see.  Our family is so grateful for this little one and the things that we have learned already in the short time she has been in our family.  So So Thankful for Macie and all Little's!

Rewards!

There are times when we actually get to see and be a part of the results of some good works and caring.  This happened today for Larry.  Derek was in the Young Men's while Larry served as Bishop.  He had his challenges and Larry worked with him. Larry always loved this kid and never gave up on him.  I know that Derek could feel the love Larry has for him.  Over this last year I could see the change in this great kid....his light was shining again.  Derek and his cute girl friend of seven years were finally at the point in their lives that they wanted to unite their love in marriage.  They were able to go to the Temple today and do that.  They chose the Manti Temple for their Sealing.  It's where Derek's parents and brother were married.  It's a lovely Temple!  It was a wonderful day.

Karleen and Ken Turner drove down with us which was a nice thing.  It was fun visiting with them for those hours of driving.  We left a little earlier so we could stop and get something to eat before going into the temple. We really only had enough time to stop at a convenience store though and so we chose a Maverick in Ephraim.  As I was selecting a parfait I heard my name.  In my mind I was thinking who would know me here?  I turned around to see Kathy Orrock's cute niece, Suzie standing there with her two darling kids.  Suzie looked so happy and great.  Being a mommy suits her.  We visited for just a few minutes before I had to leave.  Seeing Suzie made me smile, having her recognize me made my day!

Today for the Sealing we needed to wear our white clothes.  I haven't seen that done for years but it was neat to have everyone in white while Derek and McKel were sealed together.  I loved observing the parents of these two kids....a huge "pay day" for them all.  It's such a blessing to have your kids choose to go to the Temple and make those covenants with Heavenly Father and each other.  I love being a part of these cherished moments.

It was a long day but a wonderful one.  I'm so happy for Derek and Mckel and their families!  This is what life is about...being with our loved ones in the Temple of the Lord.

(I didn't carry my camera today so all the pictures were found on the internet)

Macie's Birth and Blessing Announcement

I love this sweet baby!

Aunt Norma

                                                 

Larry's Aunt Norma passed away last week.  She had been sick for some time.  I heard from mom that she was witty and kind to the end.  In the last week she kept asking where Donna is?  (that's Larry's mom and her older sister)  I think that is such a compliment to mom....Norma loved her sister.  I know they talked just about every day.  

I loved Norma.  When I think of Norma I think of her kind smile.  She was always interested in how we were doing.  She was funny in her own way.  Her ex-Bishop said that when he asked if she was treating her family good she would reply that she didn't listen to her husband but she was working on it. ☺  That's how she was....quiet but witty, caring, happy, kind.  

I'm thankful for Norma.  She has left a good impression on my heart! ♥  I'm thankful to know that Families are Forever and that we will see each other again.  I'm happy for her because I know she is in a better place.

It's Never too Late to Celebrate a Birthday

Denise took me to lunch today for my birthday!  You might ask ...for this year or last?  It's for my last birthday .... I am still the same age right?  Things get busy in the summer and Denise struggles with her health and has had multiple surgeries in the past few months.  I appreciate her remembering and wanting to take me even though she didn't need to.  She called me before my birthday and wished me Happy Birthday...that was good.  I know she remembers me and thinks of me like I do her.  I feel bad that we don't see each other more often. (life gets busier)  I am glad that we do try to at least celebrate our birthdays by going out to lunch.  I enjoy those yearly visits.

Denise is a great example of why visiting teaching is important.  She was my visiting teacher when I first moved to Roy.  It was then that we became dear friends.  We have shared so much over the years.  I admire Denise's strength.  She has had some tough challenges but keeps doing the right things.  Oh I love my friend Denise!  I hope that we will be able to continue celebrating our birthdays for many more years!  Birthdays are Good! (wink)