Christine was Kind

For my talk I wanted to display a picture of the 10 Virgins and I just couldn't find one.  I asked a few people in my ward but didn't have any luck.  So, I posted a little message on fb that I was looking for the 10 Virgins picture to borrow.  Christine said that she had the picture and that I could borrow it from her.  Bless her heart!  Kindness Inspire Kindness and so to let her know that I really appreciated her I took her a Sunshine Bag when I returned the picture.  I truly appreciated Christine for letting me borrow her beautiful picture.

I did it!

Last night was the night that I was asked to speak about the 10 Virgins and preparing to meet our Savior.  This was truly something out of my comfort zone.  I don't really like preparing talks and I'm so not confident in doing so.  I have only had to prepare a few talks to speak in Sacrament Meeting..15 minutes top.  Tonight I had the whole meeting.  I prepared a talk but really didn't know how much time I would take.  I think it ended up being about the right amount of time. (I love being guided by the Holy Ghost....He knew how long it would take and guided me in writing my talk)  I really did feel like I was guided in writing my talk.  I had a basic outline just days after being asked. I even had the handouts made up and ready to go.  I searched and read and added to my talk and then deleted from it and it wasn't long before it was done.  I really wasn't nervous about it until it was actually time to speak. Then I was a little nervous for a minute or so.

It's kind of funny that the other day I was reading over my talk again and I felt like I should have the ladies help me out with the first part.  I was going to read the artists comments about the picture of the 10 Virgins I took to display.  I had the sisters do that instead and it was a blessing.  During the time they were reading about each Virgin I had time to calm down.  I was calm by the time I gave my talk.  I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost and the guidance he is.

I am thankful that I was able to conquer another fear.  I am thankful that Heavenly Father prepared me for it before I was asked.  I am thankful that I am able to recognize HIS hand in my life. I am also thankful for my friends that are so loving and supportive.  Sweet Jodi came and got to see how her example helped me.  (she is used to speaking and I have been able to hear her a few times..she's good) Tonya made the time to be there too.  She helps her parents every week and told her mom she just couldn't stay as long because she wanted to come support me.  Tonya even invited a few of her girls and Amity was able to make it.  I know it's hard to arrange schedules with kids and it's not always possible which is why her other daughter wasn't able to make it. (it's okay)  Denise is also in this ward and invited Emily to join her.  It was so fun seeing Emily and her cute baby, Nora.  I forgot to get pictures with them darn it......so I added some. (hope you don't mind Emily)

Now is the time to prepare ourselves...it has always been the time.  We should live each day as if it is our last...who knows one of these days it will be.  We need to forgive others, repent, be kind, serve others, pray always, attend the Temple regularly, smile and be happy!  Life is to be Enjoyed and by doing those simple things it will be.

As a Thank You Diane gave me some Bright, Pretty Flowers.  Jodi brought me a cute Easter Treat!

Bowling Buddies

This year for the Winter Season I was asked to bowl with the Bowling Buddies.  It's actually the team that got me bowling again about 9 years ago.  Debbie and Lynn were the only two original bowlers from the team and Shirley joined them when she started subbing for her daughter Sheryl while Sheryl went to school.  (it's the team I went to Nationals with) So this season we started out with  Debbie, Lynn, Shirley and Me.  My friend, Carla, wanted to join our league and there was actually a spot for her on another team.  However when Lynn heard us talking about it Lynn decided that she wanted to quit and felt like this was her opportunity.  So Carla ended up on my team.  It has been fun spending time with Carla and the rest of the team every Thursday morning.  We have a lot of fun.  Carla and I usually go out to lunch after just so we have a little extra time together.  Next year Sheryl might be back and so I might be joining another team. I don't really care which team I am on.  I have bowled on quite a few teams now and have enjoyed getting to know other ladies.

These make me smile ☺

I have recently received a few cards in the mail that have brightened my day and made me smile! ☺
I don't think this is very common these days for someone to take the time to actually mail another a card or letter.  I like it and have decided that I want to start sending some again too.  I use to drop little notes or cards in the mail often but haven't for years.  There is something about having the card or note. For one thing....I save them and read them when I come across them again.  I smile every time that happens.  It's nice being thought of and thanked.  This reminds me of the quote: "Acts of Kindness Inspire Kindness"  Kindness doesn't have to be a big deal to actually be A BIG DEAL!!!

I feel blessed......

Today I met Teresa and Tammy for lunch.  We introduced Teresa to Lava Cake which she has never had before.  I am pretty sure she will try it again some time.....because it's delicious.  I love these ladies and I'm glad that they have become friends as well.  I listened to them today and couldn't help but feel very grateful for my life and my problems.  I really do know that I am so blessed.  Don't get me wrong either....these two were not complaining about their lives at all.  They know that they are blessed.  We just all have different paths and journey's and usually we are happy just taking our own path.

As one reads my blog (or book) you might think that all I do is play.  Just so you know that is not true.  I do clean my house and prepare meals and every day I do laundry.  I watch the grands and help with them when needed.  However at this time in my life I do play a lot.  I have always played but it has been with my kiddo's in tote.  I am enjoying this time in my life.  It's fun and I love having fun.  I was asked if I wanted to work part time and my answer came without thinking...."I don't have time."  I don't want to make time for work either.  Yes the extra money would be nice but quite simply I have never had much extra money and have learned to survive without shopping and spending much.  I would much rather continue bowling, and meeting my friends for lunch and helping with my precious grands and being home when my kids get home.  I am still a mom with kids that love having me home when they get home.  So there you go....in case you were wondering...and even if you weren't! ☺

So Proud of this Boy

Jared is such a hard working boy.  He especially likes to work side by side with Larry or grandpa.  Larry has given him the responsibility of feeding the cows twice a day.  When a few of the calves were sold Jared got paid for his hard work.  The money went in the bank.  Jared is a saver....he earns money and immediately pays his tithing and then saves it.  Because he is a saver he had enough money to buy a gun that TJ was selling.  None of the other kids had quite the opportunity to make extra money like that and so none of the other kids could have bought anything this nice at age 15.  I hope that Jared realizes how responsible and wonderful he is.  I am so proud of him and all that he does.

Jared is a wonderful kid to end with.  He is such a kind, loving child.  Every single day he tells me how much he loves me and he hugs me a few times throughout the day. I'm so glad we were blessed with him and that he has been spared a few times in his life.

Each of my babies are such blessings and were born in exactly the right order where they can bless my life and each member of our family.  I love how close our family is.  When Jared was lost it was obvious the love we all have for each other.  Oh....I am thankful for my family!

Angel Baby

Macie Marie is an Angel surrounded by Angels!  This little one continuously exceeds expectations.  She went in for surgery yesterday to have her lip and nose repaired and her uvula fused together and also to have a retainer or appliance bolted to her mouth to help bring her palate back together.  That's a lot of repairing and Macie did wonderful.  So wonderful that she is coming home today...the very next day!  She is eating great and they are able to control her pain simply by Tylenol.  Miracle...Miracle!  This picture was yesterday when she was awake for a minute.  She is a little swollen but not near as bad as I expected.  Macie is just such a sweetie and a blessing to us all!