♪♫Because I have been given much, I too, must give♫♪
There is nothing that compares to the joy I feel when I give of myself to others. I have been in such a rotten, stressed mood lately. I had the opportunity to do some good today in the world, well, my little world of Woodruff anyways, and I feel at least 90% better about my life.
These past years, I felt like such a service mooch, for lack of a better term. Always asking for help or being on the receiving end of what was really needed, but not really in a position to do much for others. First it was having babies, and more babies. Then it was having my gallbladder removed, then Cory went to the academy and was gone for 5 months, then I had a hysterectomy. Through all of this there were many close friends and even more family members that rallied in support of me and mine, they carried me when I couldn't go another step, they were my footprints in the sand.
During this time, I was prone to feeling guilty at times for being the receiver of so much. Someone very dear to me pointed out that there are times and seasons in our lives and this was one of mine, and I too, would be in the giving position someday. Another cherished person in my life said to me " If you deny a person the opportunity to serve you, you are denying them blessings that THEY are in need of! Service is not just for the person receiving, but for the giver as well."
I find myself more and more in the givers seat and it brings me joy, my heart soars and I feel light and free when I am able to give of myself, my talents, or some other thing that I have in my possession that is mine to freely give.
Teaching my children about serving others is however not always an easy thing, and I am working on a secret server project that we are going to run with during December.
If you are down and out, feeling stressed, get out there and serve someone! I promise it will be the best choice you can make.

♫♫I am glad for many things, many things, many things. I am glad for many things, that are mine today♫♫

As part of our FHEs leading up to Thanksgiving my intention was to start a gratitude tree with the family...yeah, so far it hasn't happened! But there is still hope! I decided to start posting a list of the things I am greatful for:

My Husband
My kids
My home
Woodruff
Friends
Extended Family
Health
Schooling
Vehicles that get me to and from the places I am going
Food to eat
Clothes to wear
Music
Computers...when they work
The job that Cory has
My calling
I know there is much more but at least this is a start. What are you greatful for...why? have to stopped to ponder these things? Perhaps this is also a good time to cut out the "timewasters" in our lives...as we make a list of things that deserve our gratitude look at what just doesn't seem to belong in your life, or something that you really wish would change and then set out to change it!

Another *thing* bites the dust

So last night, I decided to tackle Mount Laundry and watch a movie at the same time...the dryer decided it has worked too hard for the past 11 years and went on strike! Needless to say, I had load of washed laundry que'd up to dry. . . AHHHH! I went to the laundromat this morning. I don't recall the laundromat ever being part of my routine growing up and only when I had something humongous(think sleeping bags) to wash in all my married time, so this is all still pretty new to me.

I have to admit that it was actually a wonderfully quiet, peaceful, AND productive morning!! I was the only one there, and I just used as many and whichever machines I wanted and did tons of studying while I waited, I used triple loaders for some of it, but all told I did about 6 regular loads in just over an hour and a half, can't do that at home! AND I am feeling more confident about my Nursing Assistant test on Thursday since I had plenty of study time.

The only down side is that it was close to $20 to do all that laundry *sighhhhhh* It was so worth it though.
I did still watch my movie last night, and perhaps the dryer quitting was worth the relaxation.

A new white dress

♫♪I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints♪♫ I can hardly believe that my princess Emily was baptized this past weekend!
Its been an amazing experience, we have had many heart to heart talks in the past few months. I didn't want her to be baptized just because she was 8 and all her friends were doing it. I wanted her to do it for the right reasons, but at the same time, I didn't want to push her. The faith that this child has is infinite and has left me in awe. She knows. She truly knows.
I have also had the opportunity to share with her and the rest of the family bits and pieces of my conversion, and how I struggled and came to know the truth. While I did gloss over somethings(like treatment) I only did it because I knew it wasn't time for me to tell my 8 year old these kinds of things about myself.
She was almost bouncing off the ceiling on the big day. It was a hectic rush to get everyone and everything ready in time, but once we got to the church, it became a calm, reverent atmosphere.
She practically RAN to the font, she just couldn't wait! And when she came up out of the water she was all smiles. As I was helping her change, she cried and told me just how happy she felt, and that she wanted to stay this clean forever. I cried as well. There were some tender moments that day for sure.

I have a background up now!

WOOT WOOT! I figured out how to make it cute, while that may not seem like such a big deal to many of you, it is to me. Now on to the rest...i gotta figure out pictures next!

Working on it

Work in progress, give me some time!