Pioneers!

Incase you didn't know, Friday July 24th is Pioneer Day!  And since I am a faithful Mormon girl I took my kids to our local Pioneer day celebration!  It was by far the best pioneer day I have ever been to.  I'm sure in Utah they go all out, but everywhere I've lived here in the south it has always been a little more low key.  Until now...

There were sack races.

And my kids are so cute hopping around in sacks!

Who knew?

There was a handcart for kids to either ride in or pull.

We dug for potatoes, picked apples, and hunted eggs!

I want to make one  of these chickens, they are darling.  But what would I do with it?

And a petting zoo.  And that's not even the half of it!  We made our own butter, hammered nails, made necklaces, shopped at the general store. It was all very exciting.  And I got to spend some time in the temple today which is what it's all about.
Some of my ancestors left England and came to America to join the trek west.  Actually, that's not exactly true.  I think the story goes that my ancestor (Richard Bentley?- I could be remembering that name wrong and my family history book is in storage.) ANYway.  He left with his sister and her husband who were with the Mormons in order to look for work.  And then there was a girl...isn't that how the story always goes. 

 I'm so proud to have such a rich history.  My great-grandpa LeRoi Bentley put a lot of work into our family history book.  I'm so grateful to have that.  And to top the night off I watched a John Adams movie and worked on a quilt.  I was just feeling overall so grateful for all the great men and women who have gone before us and given us so many freedoms.  

I was listening to Jennifer Paganelli on craft sanity a while ago.  She was saying that she was thankful for Amy Butler who has been such a pioneer in the fabric design industry.  So true, Jennifer, so true.  Speaking of which I will have to update you all on my fabric designing journey.  It has not been smooth.  Wouldn't ya know it.

so good

Can I give you the play by play of my day because it was really great?!  Ok. excellent.  

It started out with a run, a good one.  
Then I went to the temple.  I volunteered to do laundry there once a month.  And today was my first day.  I got set apart and everything!  (I realize that's a really Mormon thing to say and I kind of don't know how to explain it any other way.  They gave me a sweet blessing to do my job.  That's probably the best explanation of getting 'set apart').  AND I get my very own white name tag!  I was very excited.  It was so relaxing to have a few hours of QUIET.  Ah, heaven.  As I was walking down the temple hall with a basket full of white laundry I had this overwhelming feeling that I really belong there.  Something about doing laundry, such an intimate task, made me feel so at home.  The temple is so peaceful and so beautiful.  It was a really great experience.  
Then I came home to a newly painted kitchen.  Chris does an amazing amount of things when he's home with the kids.  I don't see how he does it sometimes.  And he picked out the color himself and it looks great!    I love the rockstars diary blog.  I had read about her going to gigi's cupcakes as part of her roadtrip.  The girl loves food.  It's too funny.  So since it's in the neighborhood we decided to check it out.  And while we were there well who should walk in but the lovely Gigi herself.  We had a quick little chat and she gave us an extra cupcake for free.  Thank you Gigi!  They were SOOOO so so so good!  We each got a Hunka Chunka Banana Love.  De-licious.  She said it was her best recipe.  I would have to agree. Although, I'm partial to banana.  And the Almond Joy was incredible.  The one you see here is the white midnight magic chocolate chip.  It's the only one that made it home in one piece.  It's gone now.  I brought my camera with me but not my CF card. How lame, it's a horrible habit I've gotten myself into and it must end.

Chris finishing off the Almond Joy. 

You think that's the end.  It's not.  But perhaps this post is long enough.  I shall save it for another day.

I'm thankful for today.  It was awesome.

Music, fame, and inspiration

I have had all these random brushes with fame lately.  Really uninteresting stories (one of the past dancers from SYTYCD was on my flight from SLC to Denver--but I didn't even notice until he passed me to get off the plane because I had my nose in a book the whole time) for example.  And of course all the well known fabric designers and Jay McCarroll from Project Runway.  Who I actually did have a conversation with at Market.  I guess these people aren't famous to everyone, but they are to me.  Anyway, I have just been kind of wondering why is it exciting to see someone who you recognize solely because you have admired their professional work.  I don't know.  I guess a part of it is just that you have enjoyed their work or been inspired by it in some way, entertained by it, maybe we feel like we can relate or that we understand them.  For me, I think it's the hope that by being near them you can possibly figure out how they got so stinking awesome and steal their tricks!!  

At any rate, tonight I was totally inspired by Jason Deere!  Who is apparently famous and I'm now his biggest fan.  He is a very successful music producer and he wrote Joseph  A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet.  He said he read over 100 pioneer journals and did tons of research.  Just something he has done for his love of history and church.  I go to church with him (little did I know) and he and Dan Truman and Due West performed for a small group of people from church.  We had to bring a friend (thanks Merrida for going with me!!)  I just love how music can be so inspiring and set a mood.  I play primary songs at home if my kids are stressing me and I need to calm down!

At Lindsay Jane Bootcamp Lindsay played Christmas music the whole time.   I am so in the holiday spirit now!  I spent all afternoon downloading our Christmas CDs into my I Pod.  One of the benefits from having owned a dance studio, we have 34 Christmas CDs.  That's a lot, right?    

You know how sometimes you put forth a lot of effort to be friends with someone just because they are a really good mom or really creative, or really fun.  Do you guys do that?  I have a lot of people around me that I really look up to and have been able to learn a lot from.  That's why I'm thankful for blogs!  You learn so much from people on their blogs and you don't even have to live near them or know them!

Today I'm just feeling so inspired hearing Jason's story.  Listening to his passion and hearing how much work he gave to this project!  I loved it!  

I promise I'll post pictures from bootcamp tomorrow!!

life lessons

Did I mention that I found out I have the skin version of Celiac Disease?  It's called DH for short. This is my self diagnosis.  I haven't been officially diagnosed yet.  But the cause is gluten and the result is excruciatingly painful blisters on an isolated spot in the body.  For me being my hands.  As I've eliminated all these things from my diet I have healed my hands. I have an almost instant reaction (basically overnight) to anything I eat.  So it's pretty clear what is a culprit and what isn't.  I have additional allergies to dairy, corn, and nuts.  Although I haven't tried all nuts.  
A friend of mine brought over a whole gluten-free care package. How sweet is that!?  She made me two loaves of this rice bread. I couldn't wait for the picture I had to take a bite first. It was really good.  I ate two pieces.  I had known that she was a really healthy eater, I just hadn't known why.  

I made this discovery last Saturday.  Which probably contributed significantly to my ultra bad day.  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.  It's a lot overwhelming. But I'm trying to move past it and just get healthy. 

I went through a difficult trial a few years ago and felt really sorry for myself for a long time. After it was over I realized all I could have learned from it.  So I made a pact with myself not to wait for the end of something difficult to realize the good that could be learned from the situation.  One thing I have learned from this is the importance of asking questions to get answers.  You really can't get answers if you aren't persistent.  I started having symptoms for this almost 6 years ago. Right after Olivia was born.  I thought it was severe eczema due to the increase in hand washing. Or perhaps a soap allergy.  In the past 6 years I have tried everything in relation to my own original conclusion.  No one offered me a different solution. Not even a dermatologist.  But the responsibility is my own. And I never once opened my mind to alternative ideas regarding the matter.  I am a Relief Society teacher in my church.  This last Sunday's lesson just reiterated to me the importance of meditation and prayer.  Sometimes I feel like in the journey of life I'm a slow learner.  Somehow it takes me years to figure things out.  I am so grateful for the loving care of a Heavenly Father. I feel that He tenderly teaches me through my life's trials and triumphs.  I'm grateful to have learned something new. Something my body has been screaming at me for 6 years. I finally listened. Finally got the message.    Figuring out the specifics will apparently be a life long journey.  But I'm sure it will be worth it. It already is.  I wish I could explain better how spiritual this whole ordeal is for me.  I guess it's just another very real example of how sometimes doing the more difficult thing is actually easier.  Although there is a mourning period for the loss of old behaviors (popcorn and a movie).  But now that I have the knowledge I can't not live this way.  Now that I know that something I thought of as normal is causing me significant pain, I can't not live the way I now know is right.  I know there will be a transition period that will be difficult. Learning the new behaviors (how to make gluten- free cookies) will be a process of trial and error, but in the end it will be worth it!  My quality of life just sky rocketed.  

Day 21: Holy Crystal! (literally)

We had the best day today. We cleaned the crystal in the temple. We can't take pictures inside,but it is so beautiful! There are several really gorgeous chandeliers and sconces. They are made up of these crystals in my hand. We took each one off and cleaned it and then put them back on. It took 18 people 6 hours to complete. When we were done they let us take home one of the chipped ones as a remeberance of the day. It was a really great experience. I would recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.
Here is our bishop and his wife followed by my friend Ann and her husband walking outside the temple.
The whole while Chickie and Bentley were having a blast at Derek and Christina's. We rated it the numero uno backyard. Thanks in large part to the ultra cool pirate ship that Derek dreamed up.

Today I'm greatful for the temple and the awesome spirit of peace that I feel there!

Earth Day celebration

We got to spend Saturday with this little angel.  She is an absolute doll.  Even if her smile is illusive to capture on ...oops I almost "said" film.  What do you say now anyway?  CF card!
Charlotte with her belly primed for another "zerbet" as I like to call it.   Bentley is on the attack.
Chickie just planted a flower.
Ellie befriends a caterpillar!  That's right you heard it here first.  The bug that even Chickie likes.  A friend to even the most squeamish of girls.
Need anyone wonder why his nickname is Stud Bud, Studders, Studder Budder, and my fav Budder Smooch. This look says it all!

Ain't life grand!!

Mr. President

Today was all about Chris (at our house anyway). His dreams of becoming President have finally come true....  Elder's Quorum President that is.  Watch out.  Our Stake President told him a leader is a teacher. And Chris said, "Good, I'll have them all dancing in just a few weeks."  It was a bit of a shock.  I had to apologize for laughing a little too loudly when the call was first issued.   If this churchy lingo makes no sense to you...basically what it means is that now Chris has a huge responsibility at church.  And if you need help moving give him a call...  All of this he does free of charge and I'm excited for the spiritual growth this will bring to our family. 

And just think, last night he was dancing around at the Gold and Green Ball wearing a pink T-shirt under his suit coat.  Everyone was asking where it was today.  Very funny.  

And look. I took a picture with a blurry background! Yay!

In other good news, Chris found my wedding ring.  Before we left for the beach I had thought Bentley dropped it down the vent in my room.  

Chris is truly my hero today.

sunday evening

We really enjoyed conference, once again. It was a bit challenging getting the kids content enough for us to listen.  I was better prepared last time.  Note to self... do better in Oct.  I really needed to hear M. Russell Ballard's talk.  It was directed to young mothers. I think I wrote the whole thing down.  I have been stressed about my mothering abilities lately.  It is a hard job. Unrelenting. Thank goodness for dads right!


 I loved David A Bednar's talk on prayer.  He speaks in such a way that always helps me understand how to be a better person.  And I'm so excited for our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  It's a very cool time! Very exciting. It's nice to feel the nudge to do better. I felt overwhelmed at first (probably due to my own lack of preparation), but ultimately comforted.  Definitely loved.

Afterwards we went for a walk in the park. What a beautiful day.  This park is my favorite place in the world.  I am so grateful for all of the blessings I have especially these three.

coming clean and going without a pattern

Does anyone else have a major case for spring cleaning?  I have been organizing everything. Thank goodness.  Some closets were getting dangerous! But it's not only physically cleaning that I feel myself driven to do.  I feel the need to come clean about a few other things.  And since this is just ranting and revealing, I am going to post some pics of the presents I talked about here just for prettiness.  These projects are from this book.  It's nice having a pattern, knowing that you have the materials you need, the steps you need to take, and a pretty picture of what it will look like in the end.  But more on that later.

My last post was a little odd.  If I don't blog for a while I feel the need to prove that I have indeed been doing something. So I list it all.  

And the thought just occurred to me that maybe it's a bad idea to post pictures of other people's children without asking. I usually feel free to talk about anything I've done with Mandee because it's all her fault I'm blogging in the first place. And she has a blog of her own.  So beware friends, if you have a blog you are fair game! Hmmm, is there a blogging ettiquet class out there? If so I need to take it.

Well, at least some of this is about to stop anyway.  One little last post of "look, I promise I've been busy."  And then we can all go on under the assumption that if I'm not posting, it's not because I'm lazy but the exact opposite. 

I think I may be the only person who uses blogging as my own personal "do something" police.  I'm one of those people who really, really loved school. I loved having projects with rules, deadlines, and of course, the almighty grade. 

 I have had issues with being productive in the world ruled by myself.  Until now. Now I have all of you to report to.  I'll admit that it is a little confusing at times. Not really knowing who my audience is. It's mostly friends and family who really don't care about what I'm making.  But I secretly aspire to the likes of other craft blogs.  At the same time, I really like to talk about church and other personal things like ballroom dancing and random antics about my friends looking like cartoon characters.  These subjects may annoy serious artsy craftsy types. So I guess my best bet is just to let myself be my most important audience.  Isn't that always true?  Aren't we the ones who ultimately give ourselves our own grade.  And aren't we probably our own most critical judge?

And while I'm at it I want to come clean about something else that I have hinted about before.  I finally have a serious art goal again that I'm very excited about.  All year I have been working on designing my own fabric line!  It is so fun. I'm really enjoying it. I've been taking it relatively slow, working two hours 6 days a week.  But now I've got what I think are my final drawings and I'm working on color and fretting about doing repeats.  Today I talked to a real live human being from a company that I'm interested in working with.  I wanted to get a clearer idea of what point I need to get my work to in order to send it in for consideration.  That alone made me very exited. At this point I'm ready to work a little more and push just a teensy bit harder.  This means that I probably won't have a lot of evening time left for my little sewing projects for the next little bit. Hence, less reporting, but more working.  

This past week I have been making color wheels out the wa-zoo. If that's even a thing.  It made me feel like I was bettering my paint mixing skills, but at this point I'm really anxious just to dig in deeper regardless of my current skill set. I want to get Adobe Photoshop and a good textile book to go with it.  Neither of which come cheap.  And I'm anti-credit card debt, so I'm considering a yard sale. Last year we cleaned house! So to speak.  But we did have a much better location and all that stuff from our old dance studio.  In retrospect we probably sold things for too cheap.  I keep thinking, maybe I could sell hotdogs, and pincushions, and try to convince my whole neighborhood to do it, too.  But maybe that's a bit much.  I don't want to get distracted by things that seem like they are helping with my goal, but are in reality doing the opposite.  It is difficult not having "the rules" because there are none for this.  It's difficult not having anyone with experience to talk to.  It's a little scary not having a pattern, because when I don't have a pattern things turn out a little iffy.  See here and here.  But I guess when I think about it do things with out a pattern quite often.

But I cannot tell you how exciting it is to have drawings on my desk right now with post it's stuck to them.  I never take my artwork to this level of completion. I finish a painting and there are parts that didn't turn out so well. But my usual reaction would be, "Oh well, at least it's done!"  So it's very exciting to think I am going to work and work and work on these 15 or so drawings until they are perfect. And then after that I'm going to do them again in a few more colors!  In all honesty. I feel like myself again. I love having a big creative goal. I love being a mom and I don't want to ignore my kids. But I need this too. And luckily, there is time for both of these in my life. Just less down time is all.  But it's worth the sacrifice!

hmmm, all this talk about cleaning reminds me of this and this and this. Who was I kidding we all know I love to clean.  (I just happen to equally love making a mess!)  Right now I'm doing a little of both.  That's why unchartered territories are so exciting.  I'm thankful for not having directions, but having a definite path. I'm thankful that this weekend is going to rock, spiritually speaking!

Glorious Wednesday

Wow! Can you guys believe it's Saturday already?! I hope you all have had productive weeks. I had one day that was superbly ideal. In the morning I finally learned Viennese Waltz. So fun! Chickie got to play with a friend and have her come over also. In the afternoon I got to paint and then that evening we had dinner with a friend. I loved that day. It felt like a glimpse into my perfect life. Every day filled with dancing, art, happy children, and good company. Which made me think of an audio book I listened to recently. Have any of you listened to or read The Secret by Rhonda Byrnes? I found it to be interesting and a lot of it seemed very truthful to me.They talk about the law of attraction and how it is the Law of Love. That makes a lot of sense to me, because in my own life I've seen the power of love work miracles. And it falls in line with my beliefs spiritually. But other things such as eating and losing weight. Some of it made sense, but she said, and I paraphrase that, "Food won't make you fat. Only if you think food will make you fat, then it will." But that thought seems to defy another law of nature. I think more likely the way you think about food will change the way you eat food. Has anyone else read it? What do you think?

Charity Never Faileth

Today just felt like a little thought on charity might be nice. It was our theme for visiting teaching this month. And it seems like a lot of the people around me have been in need of some lately. Something about the holiday season that makes people so much more stressed out than at a normal time of year. Plus, people still have accidents, babies, and get lonely this time of year. And I can definitely relate with those who are dealing with the stresses of moving. Maybe these needs are more urgent because of all the heightened feelings of the season. So I have been blessed with a few opportunities to serve (and in the process allowed others to serve me). Isn't it sad/interesting/scary....(what's the right word) that in order for me to serve I often need a little service of my own (of the babysitting variety). Luckily, people don't mind and still seem to need me. Isn't it nice to feel needed. But, I still caught myself feeling like spending so much of my "free time" helping others was getting in the way of my personal creative goals. I wish I was to the point where I didn't have those thoughts. Then, last night, I read this, and it made me feel better about my temporary lag in drawing time. Especially this part, "The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love. Serve willingly." Seriously, who doesn't want a heart filled with love! So what thoughts do you all have about charity this time of year? Any heartwarming stories to tell? Any thoughts about balancing the things others need and the things you need?

Today I'm grateful that I'm making sugar cookies today! YUM! And I'm grateful for "Eden day" every girl needs a few good girl friends don't you think!

dancing days

This weekend has been really fun for a lot of reasons. One being it's jam-packed-ness with dancing! I know jam-packed-ness isn't a word...but it should be! Saturday we went to a dance Christmas party where Chris performed with three of his students. They were just so stinking awesome. I kept thinking, "Man! I have got to get some lessons with that guy!"

Sunday, I taught Relief Society and I used dancing as my object lesson. My point being if anyone in town should be an awesome dancer it should be me because I'm married to Chris who is the best dancer in town (blatant bragging is always fun!). I had a bunch of other reasons that I related to corresponding things that we are blessed to have in church such as our prophet, scriptures, and etc. So today I had a dance lesson with Chris and I think it's the best one I've ever had. I really improved because I nailed into my head yesterday that I have no excuses and I am pathetic if I accept to be anything less than a stinking awesome dancer. Enough of making my husband look bad at parties! I think I've finally been able to mentally change my thought process from: "My husband is telling me what to do--bossing me around, really! I won't stand for it!!" to: "I'm going to listen to this professional and do exactly as he says because he knows what he's doing." Yay for mental breakthroughs!

Plus I got cute new hair and a really awesome crochet dress. I used to have some killer crochet pants but they got ruined at the dry cleaner. I remember calling my friend who's husband is a lawyer freaking out about my pants. SO FUNNY. (how's that for dramatic for you Mindy--hehehe)

Today I'm thankful for an amazing husband, and that someone in our household thinks that doing laundry is fun!

I love conference!

A while ago I struck up a random conversation with a woman in line at JoAnn's fabrics. You know how those lines can last forever! Well, all I asked was what was she making and then I found out that she was homeschooling. And then she proceeded to tell me how God told her to home school....yada yada yada. I realized that I was physically recoiling as she spoke. Then I thought how strange that was considering I am very religious myself and have done many things for the very same reason. Then I thought if this had been a Mormon mom talking about the same thing I'm sure I would have a much different reaction. Why? Finally, I realized it was all about the language. The words she used to describe God and her spirituality are very different from the words I use to describe God. Yet, we are both Christian. We are both talking about the same God, just using different jargon.

After this experience, I started to pay a little more attention to the way I spoke or blogged about certain experiences, not wanting to loose people in the gobbledygook. So I understand that what I am about to say may make absolutely no sense at all to some of you. But today was so awesome there really is no translation. This is something my religion has that is my absolute favorite thing! We have a prophet and apostles and twice a year we have a weekend long conference. It is so spiritually intense. It is the most loving, inspiring, enlightening experience...each time! I absolutely LOVE it! To me it feels like a special holiday. And it far surpasses the others because it is pure and not ruined with marketing. It has more love than Valentine's Day, more gratitude than Thanksgiving, and speaks and rejoices of Jesus Christ just like at Easter and Christmas, only without all the other distractions. Granted, there really isn't the typical food, just the family together getting completely spiritually nourished!

The whole experience just reaffirms my love and gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ. It makes me so aware of His love for me and all of us. This brings so much peace on a very personal level. I feel so inspired to do better, to be better. I know that Christ wants the best for me and that if I give up my will for His I will be moving through life with so much more clarity and success.


I can't wait for both sessions tomorrow. I so need this!


I'm thankful for all of conference but especially these moments:

Chickie's drawings of the speakers, this picture is kind of dark. But look how cute! And I love that she included the microphone and pulpit. And I love how they are all so happy! I love that my daughter loves conference, too!


Enrique R Falabella's story about the worn out shoe and polishing his toe to hide the hole! (Happiness does not depend on money!)


Spencer J Condie's talk on the Lord's promises--I am going to have to study this one!


Deiter F Uchdorf's talk about reason's to rejoice...there are always reasons.


Joseph B Wirthlin--God Bless Joseph B Wirthlin.


Bruce D Porter--this was motivation for me to change for the better.


Keith K Hilbig--this talk on not hindering the spirit in our own lives is definitely one I will have to study again.


Jeffery R Holland's talk on how some religions misunderstand and don't think we are Christians was stinking awesome! The missionaries were going crazy--I'm sure because they have to deal with this everyday. But it was great. He is amazing!


Just another reason why I love church so much. It makes me happy and I feel so completely privileged to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Really, completely privileged!

blog on little blogger

I have tried to keep this blog really positive. Even my sister said, "No one can really be that happy." Usually I am. It's not a lie, but it is skewed towards the good in my life. But things have been kind of rough lately. Which maybe explains my blogging absence. Or is it my lack of blogging that has made things seem a little rough lately.
It's one of those things in life....it really doesn't matter how bad things are, it's all about how you perceive the events in your life and if you are only looking at the negative or if you are looking at all the positive. You just have to give yourself as many positive outlets as possible.
Our friend Holland told us yesterday of a missionary he knew who always added an unexpected bit of gratitude to his prayers. "Like I'm thankful for grasshopper I saw this morning." If you say everyday that you are grateful for your amazing family...it's still always true, but it becomes stale. You have to think of different reasons why. True gratitude comes to life in the specifics. That's my theory. When you give yourself the real reasons ,when you really notice the particulars of WHY you are grateful, then you begin to take notice. Does that make any sense?
I was having one of many bad days last week and two of my best friends that I hadn't talked to in a while called out of the blue. I didn't think a thing of it...until I really did think about it, and how great it was to talk to Trea in particular and what a kindred spirit she is. How much I relate to her and how it makes me feel so much better just to hear her laugh. And how ironic it is that we tend to have the very same problems. And how great it was to hear her exciting news that she is pregnant. All of those specifics make it so much sweeter than just thinking, "I'm grateful for my friends." And when I reflected on those two calls on that day, I began to feel very blessed.

A few silly random things I am grateful for:

Tim Gunn's guide to style....because I seriously need the help.

And the funniest picture ever, I have been laughing for days. It is from The Sartorialist. A great fashion blog.

Gracias, Danka, Merci

On Sundays we started a new tradition of having breakfast for dinner. A lot like Sam's pizza nights...which are a lot of fun. I have also decided to do this more in my life, a schedule I guess. It's kind of nice. I think it probably makes things a lot more productive...instead of just hit or miss. So I thought it would be fun to start gratitude Sundays on my blog.
First of all. I love blogging. It has been really beneficial to me for several reasons. For one, I have an outlet for my thoughts. Because of that, I find myself listening a lot more to others. Instead of waiting for a certain topic to come up in conversation and then pouncing on an unsuspecting friend, unloading all that has been on my mind, I find myself much more able to listen. Secondly, this blog has really helped me on my quest to live a grateful life. A lot of the turmoil in my life has been brought upon myself by ingratitude. Because of that I have started trying to saturate our days with gratitude. One instrument in this cause that has been very effective has been our gratitude moments at the end of the day. As a part of our bedtime routine, before family prayer and scripture study we all go around and say what we are thankful for that day. Of course the most enthusiastic thanks giver is Chickie. Children are a delight! Our prayers, in turn, which were once lack luster in the thanks department are now 90% thanksgiving. I think it has had a very positive effect on our outlook on life.
Today in church our teacher asked us to think of an unsuspected service that someone has done for us to share later in the class. I, of course, had to take my baby out in to the hall. So I'll share mine now. The first one was when a friend brought over 3 months worth of FHE ideas geared toward my daughter. She brought a basket filled with activities and toys to supplement the lessons. I was amazed and so grateful, this really helped us get into the habit of FHE. We didn't have anymore excuses and we realized how easy they could be. Plus, Chickie loved it! The other was after a funeral. We were all so devastated, and a neighbor left a bag of food and a note. It was at the perfect time, unsuspected and such a comfort.
I am the first person to sign up when someone needs a meal or when I hear of a need where someone has asked for specific help. But both of the most meaningful acts of service to me were done without me asking for help. They were just thought of and performed. Both of those acts taught me how to truly be of service to others (now if I'll just try it).
If you want something else to be thankful for read this beautiful talk on gratitude: here.
I am thankful for you who read my blog and thankful for your comments. I would love to hear any comments if you have inspiring stories of service, or things you were grateful for today. I saw a squirrel with a huge nut in his mouth, that was kind of cool. I'm thankful for the huge windows in my sun room.

Jericho Road

The guys from Jericho Road spoke and sang at church today and it was perfectly lovely. They have such a great spirit about them. Bret talked about the way he feels about life, service, and his own questioning about why he has been given certain opportunities and blessings. It felt so nice for me to hear someone talk about the same things I have been pondering on in my own life. I felt very inspired today to be the best person I can be! That's what I'm grateful for today. Thanks guys!