New Beginnings

Last night was our annual New Beginnings for Young Women. It has been a very long time since I've been anything but a spectator. I was a little nervous because we had to have it here at our house. I spent a lot of time rearranging pictures, furniture, knick knacks, etc. However, I didn't plan my time wisely and had to make an emergency call to the cleaning lady the night before. The peace of mind was worth the money. We had 20 guests in my living room. It was close quarters, but we all had worn our deoderant and it was actually quite pleasant.
The program went well and I think everyone left edified and uplifted--well, I know I did. I kept tearing up everytime I looked at Ashley because this is her last year before she leaves me. It's going to be a long year. I am so grateful she has such good friends at church. I am also very blessed with an amazing counselor--Carlene, who keeps me on the right path and entertained at the same time. The Young Women are great. It's a joy to work with them. Now I'm going to relax before another YW event pops up.

42

Tomorrow is my wonderful husband's birthday. He will be 42 years young. Here are 42 reasons why he is the greatest man alive in no particular order: 1. He is kind 2. I can trust him 3. He is so wise 4. He is so smart 5. He makes the bed every morning 6. He has a great sense of humor, he always makes me laugh, which leads to 7. I love his laugh 8. I love his dimples when he smiles 9. He built a beautiful house 10. He can fix almost anything 11. I love his hugs 12. He is respectful to his parents 13. He's forgiving 14. I love his testimony 15. When I have a bad day he buys me DeBrands chocolate 16. He is physically very strong 17. He supported my decision to go back to school 18. He always supports me in my callings 19. I think his tractor's sexy 20. He loves to build with LEGOs 21. He is a figurer outer 22. He has a great relationship with Ashley 23. He is teaching Blake to be responsible 24. He helps the kids with homework 25. He is loyal to his work 26. He works hard to provide for our family now and in the future 27. He never falls asleep when I'm talking to him 28. I like that he's built like the Purdue Boilermaker 29. He is an excellent wood chopper 30. He builds amazing campfires 31. He is well armed to protect his family 32. He takes me to chick flicks 33. He loves me despite my many faults 34. He puts up with my mood swings 35. He doesn't complain when I bring home carryout again 36. He hates to lose 37. He still has many of his games from childhood 38. He takes good care of his things 39. He takes care of me when I'm sick 40. Did I mention he gives the best hugs 41. He was able to teach me Algebra--no small feat 42. He rarely loses his temper
I don't know how I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. Being married to him for eternity is a wonderful thought. Happy Birthday, Scott.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day! This is what I found on my pillow this afternoon. A box of one dozen DeBrands Truffles. Six Raspberry, three Caramel, and three Milk Chocolate--the perfect combination. What makes it so special every year is that it really goes against how he was raised. When his mom received her engagement ring Scott's dad said buying a ring was like buying a dead horse--no use whatsoever. However, despite his upbringing, this special Valentine's gift has been a tradition for about 5 years. I really appreciate my husband and his love for me. He's quite a guy, as I think most would agree.

Happy Birthday to a great Friend

My good friend Susan has her birthday today. Unfortunately, she like everyone else has moved far, far away. I can't give her a hug or take her to lunch. So, I've been inspired by the "One Memory" game going around facebook. However, I won't keep to just one memory. Here are just a certain few that pop into mind:

• First time I met Susan was at Homemaking. She was pregnant with Kayla. I remember she called another good friend the next day or so to schedule a playdate with their kids a couple weeks down the road. We were amazed at her organization and planning.
• Her and I were both pregnant at the same time a few years later. Her Gretchen and my Blake are 3 months apart. I have a great photo of us standing together with our big pregnant bellies. I think the picture was taken at a Super Bowl Party
• I can't think of Susan without thinking of scrapbooking. We spent many content hours together saving our precious photos.
• I definitely will never forget the time we were in Primary together and she wanted to visit all the less active children. One of the houses had some very mean dogs in the back yard. She thought she was going to have to carry me back to the car I was so faint with fear!
• Taking the kids to the dunes
• Going to see Sheri Dew up in South Bend and getting so involved in our conversation on the way back we missed our turn onto 30 and went many miles out of our way
• Temple trips
• Spring Break visit to New Jersey to visit our very good friend Suzy.
• New Years Eve celebrations
• A huge comforting hug when life was falling apart
• 4th of July ball games and barbecues in their backyard
• watching her Stephanie and my Ashley play t-ball, quite humorous
• Playing sequence at their kitchen table
• Her phone call over Christmas break telling me they were moving to Texas

It seems like just yesterday that she moved away, but I know it's been much longer. I hope everyone is as lucky to have such a loyal friend. Happy Birthday Susan!

The picture of the cake above is in honor of her love of shoes, which I didn't know she had until after she moved. Probably a good thing since I also love shoes and would have easily spent a fortune with just a little encouragement.

Not enough Saturday

Every Friday I bring home a ton of work to do....lesson plans, activities to construct, papers to grade, etc. I have high hopes and the best of intentions and then it's Saturday night and I haven't even had a chance to bring the bags in from the car. So, what do I do with my weekends? Let's see, helping Blake pack for campout, taking dinner to Ashley who's at school working on show choir, dinner with girlfriends, snuggling with Scott, picking up birthday gift for sister I visit teach, breakfast with Scott, grocery store, bank, laundry...lots and lots of laundry, clean house, movie with friend, pick up Blake from campout, make dinner, help with Science Fair, blah, blah, blah. And before I know it it's Monday morning and I am not any further prepared than I was on Friday. I am usually very grumpy Saturday nights and wonder what the heck I'm thinking working full time. Then I get to school and greet my 2nd graders and know I'm where I should be. It's not their fault I'm so disorganized. I'm very blessed to have a job that allows me to be home when my children are home and allows me to feel like I'm making a small difference in the world.