Food for Thought Friday...Answered on Sunday

Food 4 Thought Friday! 

A little feast without the calories!! 

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go Here JOIN IN!!! 

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Breakfast ~ What was the happiest thing that happened to you this week?  everyday plenty of happy things happened...I got to see and watch some of my cute grands this week and am thrilled when they squeal for me and run to hug me or lunge for me.  I am happy when I get a text from a child or two telling me they love me and that I am beautiful.  The texts from Larry also make me very happy.  Spending time with my friends always makes me happy and that has happened a few times this week.  Also getting pedicures makes me happy and I got one of those this week.  But, since I am answering this Sunday and just spent Friday and Saturday at Time Out For Women I am going to say that was my Happiest Thing this week.  For two days I felt the Spirit and Heard the Promptings of the Holy Ghost.  I heard wonderful talks, laughed a lot, and listened to some very inspiring music.  I was with beautiful women who call me their friend. My soul was filled with Happiness.  Saddest? Saturday Night, Braxton posted a picture of cute Sadie with a breathing mask on her little face.  She has croup and her face was flushed and it broke my heart.  I actually cried looking at the picture.  Another time was when I was watching Jordyn Wednesday.  When I changed her diaper her little bottom was bright red and it hurt while I got her cleaned her up.  That also broke my heart.

Lunch ~ Where in the world have you been that you thought was most like paradise? Probably Kauai.  I think that Island is so beautiful and peaceful.  When we vacation there we are able to relax and just enjoy the beauty around us.  It feels like paradise to me.

Dinner ~ What compliment do people give you the most? I get a lot of compliments about my smile which makes me happy.  I like smiling and try to smile a lot. (I smile so often that when I don't my lips wrinkle...I don't like wrinkly lips) I also get compliments about how Happy and Positive I am which inspires me to continue working on being Happy and Positive. (it does take some effort)  One more compliment that I get a lot is about how many friends I have.  I am truly blessed with wonderful friends and a lot of them.

Midnight Snack ~ What famous person you would have loved to be born as? There are many famous people I admire but I can't think of any right now that I would have loved to born as them.  I know I could have answered this better years ago because I struggled with my self esteem and thought most peoples lives were so much better than mine.  However now, I realize that for the most part we are all so similar.  Everyone has their struggles and challenges.  Some succeed and the world see that success.  I'm content where I'm at and also how I got here. I know I didn't really answer this question but skirted around it. ☺

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Trust God and let Him direct Your Path.  His plan might not be our plan but it will make us the Happiest and be a Blessing to Us and Others.

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Time Out For Women

I was so excited when Barbie asked me if I wanted to go to Time Out For Women with her.  I have heard good things about these conferences but have never went.  I loved it so much I want to go again and I think we will in February.  I loved that everyone met together and everyone got to enjoy all the good speakers and music.  It was pretty perfect.

I came home and was telling Larry all about it.  I learned so many good things.  Thank goodness I took a few notes because after just two days I had forgot some of the first talks and even one of the speakers completely.
Here's a few of the notes I made:
"If it's important to you, then it's important to God!"
*Mary Cook---God provides miracles everyday.  Matt 17:20 For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Sometimes our world stops (especially with a death) but we need to move forward with faith.  Our trials are to teach and strengthen us.  2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have Eternal Life. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  We are surrounded by Angels on both sides of the veil.  We need to believe in and support our husbands and sons.  If you need a testimony, you'd better put yourself in a place where you can find one.  Just do your best...God acknowledges our best efforts.  We are Angels to many.
*Studio C...Sheri Dew interviewed Natalie and Mallory.  A few things I jotted down. Comparison is the thief of Joy. Don't let fear dictate your actions.  Validate each other for our brains and hearts instead of our looks all the time.  Have faith in Jesus Christ not circumstances.  Our trials can be blessings.  Everyone gets hurt but can heal through Gods love.  Have faith to follow God's plan for us.
*Mary Ellen Edmunds-- Secret Services make others think good of everyone...it could have been them.  Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee.  Angels show how instead of showing off.  3 Nephi 18: 32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the mean of bringing salvation unto them. We should never give up on our friends or family...but must keep loving them.  We can't do everything but we can do something.  We need to turn ourselves over to God.  D & C 84:88 and whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. Everyone can be an Angel.  God notices us and watches over us and usually it is from another mortal being but sometimes He comes Himself.
Mosiah 24:14 and I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that y may know of a surety that I , the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
*Gentry (gentlemen trio)--  Guys need permission to be gentlemen.  Sometimes they need reminded.  One righteous woman has the power to the change the world.  One voice can make a difference.  Our qualities are unique and wonderful.
*Lisa Valentine Clark--- Be YOU! We don't need to be like everyone else...our strengths are our differences.  Be grateful for the gifts we have and quit comparing.  Write down what you are good at.  Be Happy with Your Choices and Gifts. Our expectations are in our heads, are they kind and realistic?  We need each other and our differences to survive.
*Tim Ballard--- Shine a light in the darkness. (we are the light)  Pray to know when we are needed by others and pray to recognize it.  Be brave.
*Hank Smith---God has a plan for us.  Our plan of Happiness may change because it might not be the same as God's plan of happiness for us.  One fourth of the people are depressed and we all need to be kinder to those that suffer from depression.  Happy people: spend money on others.  They surround themselves with happy people.  They find reasons to be happy and to smile.  They listen to good music, and exercise and eat healthy.  The spend at least 20 minutes outside, get enough sleep, and also meditate for 5 minutes each day. Accentuate the positive and live with eyes and heart wide open. God has a Plan of Happiness for each of us and no matter what happens in life nothing can change a Happy Person.
*Amy Freeman---Jesus is real and helps us in our lives and we need to recognize His help and thank Him for it.  We don't always see God's hand in our lives so we should at least look for his fingerprints.  We are more similar than we are different.  How is the Lord preparing you?  Keep track of your journey in a journal. God's fingerprint can be in the lion....our challenges.  Reflect Righteousness.  Be Articulate.  Be Happy!  Be a Difference Maker!  The Lord exceeds promises one by one.

The Spirit was strong and my heart was touched over and over.  The message I heard over and over is God has a plan for each of us and it might not be the plan we have for ourselves.  Be prepared to accept His plan.  We make a difference...each and every one of us.  We are His and He loves us.

TJ Trailers Christmas Party

Tonight was the Christmas Party for the Shop.  We went to Maddox again....it's getting to be a tradition having our dinner there. We were put in a room that was private and nice.  The gals serving us were the best and the food was wonderful.  TJ's has done well this year and the employees were blessed with some nice bonus's.  I think it's great that Scott and Larry give back to their help since they are all beneficial in making the company succeed.  When I sold for Lunds Lite Candles they did the same thing...everyone shared the wealth.  This year Larry handed everyone their cards as they came in and that's when I had them stop for a picture. I bet they were all surprised when they went home and opened them.  I bet there were lots of smiles and maybe even a tear or two.  It's been a good year.

Larry wanted to do a little more than just eat and hand out cards like they have done in previous years.  I was glad about that.  I think playing games adds to a party since it is called a party.  I had bought our family a bingo game for Christmas and even had it wrapped.  I told Larry and we decided to use it.  I got to open it since I knew where it was and I ordered a few more cards and markers so we would have enough.  Larry bought all the prizes.  They were all really good prizes and Braxton made the comment on the way home that there wasn't a bad choice and how everyone was happy.  There were separate prizes for the employees and their guests.  We played a few games before our orders were taken and I was the very first to win a prize.  I chose a 16 oz Snickers bar.  It was kind of funny to watch this game play out.  It seemed that most the guests were winning and the employees weren't.  Good thing the gifts were separated. ☺  Playing Bingo made the night go quicker and it was fun.  We played until everyone won.  I thought it was a fun night.  I think everyone enjoyed it.

TJ Trailers is a good business with hard working employees.  They are all good people.  It's been fun watching it grow and change over the years.  We are at a good spot and I hope the business will continue to be blessed.

Gratitude "Glamma" Tea

Months ago driving home from Bear Lake....Kathy, Jodi and I decided that we should put Kathy's tea sets to good use. Kathy told us her mother left her with many tea sets but Holy Cow there's a ton of them.  Everywhere you look in Kathy's dining room are tea sets.  I asked her why her siblings didn't get any and she told us they all had as many as her.  (her mom was ADDICTED to Tea Sets) We thought it would be wonderful to have a gratitude tea party since Gratitude is so important and focused on so much in November.  We had a marvelous time at our tea party!

 Everyone brought something to share and it turned out fantastic.  We had a nice "spread".  We had orange tea (it might also be called wassail), and some peppermint tea.  I brought everyone white gloves because that just seemed like an important addition to our party.  We talked a lot about gratitude and the things we are thankful for.  We played a little game where you had to say: "I'm thankful or grateful for"...before you could talk and say what you really wanted to.  It was funny but also kind of cute.

We laughed of course.  I am thankful for laughter.  Laughter has always been one of my favorite things to do.  I love being around others that bring out the laughter in me.  I hope that I also bring out the laughter in others.  Laughter just makes you feel so good.  It refreshes the soul.

We each had a paper with our name on it and we passed it around the table and each of us wrote something wonderful to that person.  I cherish the thoughts of others especially when they are directed at me.  It was fun coming home and reading my paper.  I smiled! ☺

Jodi brought everyone Gratitude Journals.  It's so important to write the things that we are grateful for down.  It makes you focus on the good things during the day.  I think it's time for me to start doing it again.  I like that Jodi suggested we be specific when choosing what we are grateful for. For instance, instead of saying I am grateful for my family be specific and put down why.  Someone also suggested that you try to find something different to write each day.  I like that idea since each day is different.

I am grateful for my friends because they enlighten me and make me feel important, and tea parties because I feel classy and special, and gratitude journals to write down everything, and drawings where my name is drawn out and I win the prize.  I am grateful for editing programs that allow me to crop what I don't like and brighten our pictures so that we look younger and less wrinkled.  I truly am grateful that wrinkles don't hurt because they just happen. I'm grateful for grand kids that come to play and  squeal with delight when they see me. I'm thankful for diaper cream to soothe a sore bottom of a little one. I'm grateful for prayers so that I can tell Heavenly Father about my day and ask what He would like me to do. I am grateful for bedtime because I am so tired by the end of the day. I am grateful for snuggling because I feel loved and cherished when I am snuggled.  That's just a few things that I am grateful for tonight.

Gratitude is Magical and by just listing those few things my mind thought of so much more and I feel happy and at peace.  CHEERS TO GRATITUDE, FRIENDS and TEA PARTIES!

Sister Frazier

Tonight Sister Frazier had her testimony meeting for all departing missionaries.  It was a wonderful meeting and the Spirit was so strong.  There were two Sisters going home and five or six Elders.  There were a lot of tears shed because the spirit wasn't being confined.  It was awesome.  I was so glad that Kimleighel and Jared came with us and experienced that.  We haven't got extremely attacked to many missionaries but for the last year and a half this cute Sister has had our hearts.  She first came to our house with Sister Hansen (who left a month ago).  Larry paid a lot of attention to Sister Hansen and directed his questions to her. (she also has our heart)  I made sure that Sister Frazier was included and I always asked her how she was feeling and doing.  I'm pretty sure that's why she likes me so much.

We've enjoyed being involved with the Sisters and having them over.  They really do become part of the family in a way.  We care about their well being.  Sister Frazier came to our house on Easter and I made sure that her and her companion had treats and a stuffed Easter Bunny.  She told me tonight that she named her bunny Dawn and has it with her carry on.  It's impossible to not love someone when they love you so much.  Sister Frazier also made sure to give me a Mother's Day gift and has sent a few really sweet notes in the mail.  I'll be sending her a little something tomorrow.

Our first good-bye was sad because I truly didn't think I would see this girl for a long time.  It wasn't ever too long before we would see her again and so now it's not a good bye but a see you later.  We have had about five see you laters. ☺  They don't make me sad anymore...she will be back.

I love this cute girl.  It's been fun watching her "blossom" in the past 18 months.  She a great kid!

Fun Saturday

Carla and Jody had another boutique they were doing and so I stopped by on my way to my mom's to see them.  I decided to get a few pillows for Larry's mom for Christmas.  They had horses on them and I think she will enjoy and appreciate them.  Carla also gave me the pillow and table runner she said I "earned" for all the time I spent helping her.  I must say that taking those few things put me in the Christmas Spirit.  Heck hearing Christmas Music on the radio does too.  I don't think it's ever too early to start celebrating and preparing for this wonderful time of the year!  As soon as I pulled away from the Church where the Boutique was I thought I should go back and get a cute sign that Jody made.  I didn't need any of it but sometimes it's fun to add to what I have.  I did end up going back to the boutique and buying a few things from each of my friends.  I just felt like helping them out and having a part of them in my home this Christmas Season.  We tried to take a few selfies and the results weren't that good...I need to work on that skill.  We had a lady take a few pictures of us because I like pictures because they help me remember the things I do.

For the last few years Shelli has been buying my mom kits to make Christmas Cards.  Part of the gift is also making the cards.  I am lucky and have been invited to help out.  It's fun to work together and watch those cute cards come together.  It's fun visiting with my mom, sister, and niece.  Kimleighel joined us a little later after she got done tending Sadie, it was fun having her there too.

Susan or Shelli cuts all the paper.  I stamp all the designs.  My mom ties the bows.  Susan and Shelli assemble and ta da....they are done and cute as ever.  I like this little tradition that cute Shelli started!

The cards are so cute and mom is ready to write her message in them.

Book Club

Today was our book club.  That month went fast and I only read a few chapters of one of the books that I borrowed last month.  It didn't matter though because no one even talked about books today.  I didn't see anyone bring any books either so I was glad.  We went to El Matador and the place was packed.  We had to wait to be seated for quite a while.  We even waited until 1:00 to meet which was a good thing because people were starting to leave by then.  We talked a lot about the new ruling made by the church....that children with gay parents can not join until they are of age. (18) I was with Susan and Kathy when I first heard about it (on Kathy's birthday) and at first I couldn't believe what I heard and had questioning thoughts.  I knew not to say too much though without listening to the right source.  I knew that there was good reason behind this.  I knew this was decided out of love which is exactly what it is about.  Love for all families and the protection...NOT exclusion....for the children. Decisions like this really get to some people but I think it's because they listen to the media and don't pray about it to understand why.  I've heard people say that it weeds out the weak...I'm pretty positive Heavenly Father doesn't want to weed out any of His children but times like this can define us.  We have to move one way or the other.

We also shared our opinion and thoughts about things happening in politics.  I enjoy these discussions and the insight I get from listening to others.

I bumped into a friend from school.  Darrel is an adventurous guy.  I saw him at the drive inn a few years ago but see all his adventures on fb.  He travels all the time.  He is a pilot and is always going and picking up little planes. (reposing)  He spent a month in Africa and told me that I could go with them next time since they still had room.  I wouldn't volunteer to go to Africa though...I'm too spoiled and enjoy the conditions I live in.  But I do admire those that do go to help others.

Today our little Macie was scheduled for another surgery.  She was going to have her Uvula repaired because it still had a little split in it.  The appliance in her mouth that helps with the hard palate was lose and needed to be adjusted too.  Kind of simple compared to the previous surgeries.  They gave Macie some medicine so that she was calm and willing to go with the doctors.  The picture shows her ready to go.  Macie is a miracle baby....the prayers being said in her behalf are being answered so clearly.  It's need to see.  The doctor looked at Macie's mouth and decided that instead of doing anything today he was going to wait for three weeks and close the hard palate.  Normally little ones have to wait until they are three or older before the palate is ready but little Macie's has grown and moved and healed so well that she is ready now....a full year early.  Miracle of Miracles!  I'm so thankful for Our Kind, Wise, Loving Heavenly Father...He loves Us and Does Answer Our Prayers.