Decisions....

My thoughts as of late have been all over the place, but aren't they always! But 2 things that I have come to see more fully in my life are these:

1-It is the little things that make a huge difference. This is true not only in our own lives but in the lives of those who we interact with.
2-Good choices, although hard to make at times truly do pay off in the end. It isn't always cool or easy to make the right choice but in the end it ALWAYS pays off.

And lastly a quote that I have been pondering on:

"We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families." -Elder Oaks

Here is to always doing what is best, whether it is easy or not!

Counting My Blessings.....

I often think of what I have to be thankful for, it takes a long time because I have a lot of things that bless my life! Today I am thankful for:


Sarah & John!! There are many reasons why I am thankful for them but the most recent thing is cause I was rescued by John last week with a flat tire late at night, in a hail storm, in a not so good part of town! And Sarah let him go even though they were having time together with kids asleep! I have always been able to count on John to take care of the manly things around my house and in my life and he does them willingly. He is a great brother in law whom I love unconditionally and know that I can always count on him! I love when he asks how I am, tells me he loves me, and hugs me! It means the world to me and I am glad he is a part of our family! Sarah is one of my best friends. She listens to me, feeds me, borrows my clothes/lets me borrow hers, laughs, and cries with me. I love that she lives minutes away and makes me a part of her family. I feel like I have a place in their home and I love going there all the time, but especially when I need to feel loved!


Audrie and Tessie!!! Simply the cutest nieces in the world!! I love that every Tuesday they look forward to me coming over for dinner and our show! When I miss they ask where I am and want to know if I am coming for the show, and if not they wonder why. They talk about our show with others and they know that Tuesday is our day! I have never felt more love than I do from these two little ladies, they are always hugging me, kissing me, and telling me that they love me. They fight to sit on my lap to read books and are always good for a smile. While I was gone for a few weeks and missed a couple Tuesday nights, Tessie kept saying Rae Rae every time the back door would open! Oh to be loved like that! And Miss Audrie is a tender mercy in my life! There have been numerous times when she has simply been the answer to my prayers. She has no idea what she brings into my life, but she always knows when I need a hug or a friend. She loves me for who I am and I am thankful that she reminds me what this life is really about. She is one smart cookie and I love hearing about what she has learned and wanting to learn more every day. I love the opportunity that I have to help raise them and to feel like I can make a difference in their lives!


And last but not least my entire family!!! That is what this life is all about! I love each and every one of them for different reasons and they all bring something unique and special into my life that I can't live without! They complete me and I am thankful that they are close and our lives are intertwined. I know that many families don't have that I am thankful that we do. And they are where I find my greatest joy! I love having all sisters and spending time with them. Best Friends and Sisters in one, what a bargain! Brother in laws who love and tease me and serve me! Nieces and Nephews who teach me about life, who love me for who I am, and who help me to remember to become as a little child. I am thankful for parents who have taught me so much simply in the way that they live their lives. They have taught me to work hard, play often, serve others, and worship God. These people are my strength, my light, and my happiness! Although my family consists of one, all of these people make me feel a part of each of their individual family units and that multiplies to more blessings than I can count!

Phenomenal Women!!!!

Just read this poem on my sister's work blog.....just what I needed to read and share with other phenomenal women that I know! Enjoy and don't EVER forget what you as a woman have to offer!!!

Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Grandma Ann....

I am missing this classy lady today, for oh so many reasons! I so badly want to drove down to her place and have a chat like the good old days! And of course it would be complete with a treat! She always knew just what to say to make me feel better about life. She told me how great I was even when I didn't always see it myself! And she sure knew how to make me see the positive in life. So since she isn't here anymore I decided to buy something that reminded me of her....stopped at the store and bought me a rose bush for my desk. Its helping already!

Here is a fun tribute that my sister wrote about Grandma.
http://blog.uppercaseliving.com/?p=45



I also decided a few days ago to start reading the history of my grandparents again. Started with Grandpa John's. I already have learned things I didn't know or simply had forgotten! What a great heritage I come from! I have many of the traits of Grandma Ann but it has been neat to read a little of my Great Grandma Larson and see that I have some of her traits as well! How did I get to be so lucky?? Feeling proud to be a who I am....a product of those who have gone before!

Thankful today for my heritage and hope I can live up to it!!

Little Things......

These two little cute girls had a fight last night.....over a place on my lap to read books! It sure is nice to feel loved enough to cause a sister fight! Good thing there is enough room for them both. I sure am thankful for these two in my life; they bring joy, love, and happiness to me! Thanks for letting me hang out last night, for laughing at the silly things I do, and for the yummy dinner!






I know that I have neglected my blog for far too long and I promise I am going to try and be better and write a bit more often. Life is good, well fabulous actually just busy!

Mothers Day.....

I just wanted to wish all the AMAZING women out there a Happy Mother’s Day!!! I have spent a lot of time this weekend contemplating all the many women who have influenced my life in so many positive ways. While I only have 1 mother who actually gave birth to me, I have hundreds of mothers who have shaped my life and continue to shape my life on a daily basis. We had wonderful meetings in church yesterday talking about the influence of righteous women. We as women have so much to offer others and can be such a power for good when we realize our potential! I have truly been blessed by knowing many wonderful mothers, many of them having never had children of their own due to infertility or never having married. Yet they have refined their mothering skills as if they have had years of practice! And all of them have touched my heart, strengthened my testimony, and made me a better person because of their influence. I am a firm believer in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. And I am thankful to all the villages that I have been a part of and the way in which they have raised me and continue to raise me. Thank you Mom for being there at all times and in all things, never wavering! I am proud to call you my mother but even more so to call you my friend. And thank you sisters for letting me help in your mothering it means the world to me! Your kids are one of my greatest joys in life!

I have been a blog slacker...

I haven't written for sometime on my blog. It isn't because there isn't anything going on in my life to blog about it is just the opposite---- there is TOO MUCH going on!!!! It has been a good busy and one that will bring me a great amount of growth in the coming year I am sure! I recently felt like it was time for a change in my job so I applied to another job and felt really good about it. After the interview I felt really good and thought that if I didn't get it I would be surprised but that if I didn't get it is was still time for a change. Well I didn't get the job and was a bit discouraged about the whole thing. But alas The Lord knows what is best for us! And a few weeks later I was offered a better job! They came to me and wanted me!! It was so good for my self esteem and for my worth as an employee!!! It was a good raise and a challenge! Just what I needed to grow!! I have been working both jobs for the last month or so and have been super busy trying to get everything in order! It is a new adventure and I really have to think about what I am doing everyday which is such a great thing! I am thinking more and not just going about my day in a mechanical manner because I know my job so well. My voice is being heard and I have the ability to make my ideas become plans! I feel good about myself and the potential that this new position holds! I packed up my office yesterday and am moving to the new one today! I will miss all of my great friends at LDSFS; and that was one of the hardest things for me to leave; but I must do what it best for me and having a chance to grow was just what needed to happen.

In other things I have been sick with another sinus infection, which hasn't been at all fun with the demands of work. But somehow I have plugged along! My Dr thinks that there might be some trouble with my sinuses since I have had a lot in the last year so I had a CT scan and will know more next week when I see her what might need to happen. I try not to think about it cause who has time for surgery!!?!?!?

Everything else is going well in my life. I am busy with family things outside of work! I am super proud of my nieces and nephews and all that they are excelling in! I love being their aunt and sharing in their lives! I am enjoying my ward and am having a good time meeting new people and making new friends! I know that ti is where I am supposed to be. This year has been one of a lot of changes but changes that have brought growth into my life!