She is even better than the mailman...

She is almost like the mailman--no matter if it is raining, snowing, or sunshining...she is always there. In fact, she is much better!! You might ask "Who?" Well, I do not know her name and I do not know anything about her but, she is this little old grandma lady. I see her practically every morning on my way to work. She lives on the corner of the road that I turn on to go to work. Every morning when I approach her, she is already out of her home and heading down the street carrying her bag filled with...I am sure...all sorts of treasures. I have not a clue where she goes each morning. But, I do know that she is headed somewhere. She is all bundled up with a cheerful smile on her face. I bet she is going somewhere special every morning.

This morning, it was extra cold. As I drove towards the corner that I turn at, I looked for my sweet little inspiration. There she was. She was all bundled up in her winter snow gear heading to that certain destination that she goes every morning. I wanted to pick her up and drive her to that place but, I did not want to scare her. I want to tell her that she is amazing!! I want to tell her that she is completely an inspiration and that she brightens my mornings. Dear sweet little old grandma lady, thanks for always sending those warm fuzzies of happiness each morning to me. You definitely are an inspiration!!

A Christmas Tag...

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? a taste of egg nog is great, but a cup of hot chocolate on VERY COLD days is delicious!!
2. Do you wrap presents or bag them? Both--but I love to wrap presents and decorate with ribbon and bows!!
3. Colored Lights or White? White all the way.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.
5. When do you decorate? The Sunday before Thanksgiving
6. Favorite holiday dish?My Mom's potatoes and ham!!
7. When & how did you learn about Santa? Scott told me because he was mad that he found out!!
8. How do you decorate your tree? snowmen and snowflakes, blue and silver
9. Snow...love it or dread it? I love it!!
10. Can you ice skate? No--but, I have tried several times!!
11. Do you remember your favorite gift? I love any gift--they are all my favorite
12. What is the most important part of the holidays? Remembering Christ. Trying to help others and make everyones holidays special.
13. Favorite holiday dessert? Mom's cheeseball and crackers plus Dad's fudge
14. Favorite memory? Giving gifts to families less fortunate. We do this every single year. It makes me feel all warm and good inside!!!
15. Do you have a special ornament? No, but I get a "snowman" decoration each year.
16. What do you do on Christmas Eve? Usually, I work and then meet up at Mom & Dad's for pizza. Then, later on, we get our new pajama's on, make hot chocolate and we read the a new Christmas story.
17. If you could have anything for Christmas this year what would it be? To be out of debt completely or...I can't say because it is a secret and if you tell secrets...it might not come true!!
18. What do you do for neighbors and friends for Christmas? I get them special little presents!!

I tag anyone who wants to do this!!!

Festival of Trees...

Today, we went to the Festival of Trees!! My niece, K-Bugs, dances every year at the Festival. So, we get a chance to see her dance and see the trees. It is great!! Kaylie is an amazing dancer. I love watching her dance. She is so full of energy and is definitely precise in her dance movements.

We were standing in line and I turned around and
snapped this picture of Kaylie and my mom. I loved how it turned out!!

I love the Festival of Trees! We have been going for quite a few years and I can never remember walking through "Gingerbread Land". It was fascinating. Of course, I found several that I loved...so, I decided to share them with you...


Then, we went and found Vieve's tree. She and PJ decorated and donated this tree for the Festival. YEAH!!! When we found it, we immediately called Vieve and told her that someone purchased it!!! YEAH!!! I do believe the name of it was "Untie the Ribbon". As you can see, it was decorated with a lots and lots of ribbons.



Oh, I just love the atmosphere of the Festival of Trees!! We are already starting the plans to decorate a tree for the Festival next year. We will be donating it in memory of my grandma!! Oh, I am so excited!!!

favorite things friday...oranges

One of my most favorite things is...

Oranges!!

Yes, one of my most favorite things is oranges!! I love oranges, but I do not like to peel them. I really dislike it when the orange stuff gets under your fingernails nor do I like the orange smell that is left on your fingers after you have savored the deliciousness of the orange. The thing, I am able risk the fingernail issue and the smell issue to take a taste of the deliciousness of a cold yummy orange.

Anyway, Maleen, dropped by our office today with the most delicious oranges known as "cuties". I had forgotten all about how delicious these little oranges were. Plus, they are so EASY to peel. Thanks Maleen for sharing such a delicious treat with all of us today.

do you have tact?

Are you a tactful person? The dictionary states that being tactful is being considerate and discreet. Anyway, I think that I am a very tactful person--at least I really hope that I am. Anyway, it mortifies me when people are not tactful. If you can't be considerate or discreet--maybe it is a good thing to be quiet.

So, today, I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting, trying my hardest to have my brain and my heart focus on the speakers. I noticed this person (let's call me Mark) stand up and walk towards the door. Mark has his little one in his arms. Anyway, he stands inside the door rocking his little one. I noticed him and thought to myself--what a great dad. But, the person sitting next to me makes a comment (not in a whisper, but in a regular voice) about him. I was completely mortified. I kept looking straight ahead. I notice out of the corner of my eye that he turned and looked in our way. I pretended (oh-how I pretended) that I was so in tune with the speakers and that I had not heard or said what was just mentioned. He just stared in our direction. I was mortified. Yes, 100% mortified. I could not believe what she had said. Oh, I hope that he did not think that I had said it.

So, my question...what would you do in this situation? I could not believe what happened. In fact, I am still mortified over the whole situation. I just want to pretend that I was not apart of it--but the problem is--I was sitting right there and the person who made the comment was talking to me. Even though, I did not respond...I was still part of it. So, my question to the few readers that read my blog...what do I do now? What would you do in my situation? YIKES!!

the light parade...

Jessica and Shad called and asked if we would like to go to the light parade that is held in Spanish Fork every year. I had never been so, I thought it would be lots of fun. Mom, Dad and I grabbed blankets, chairs and plenty of hot chocolate and met up with Shad, Jessica and Brylie on Spanish Fork Main Street. It was really cold!!! Should I think that we are crazy to sit out in the cold waiting for a parade? Well, I think not--it was fabulous!!!

Mom & Dad all snuggled up and warm!

Jessica, Brylie & Shad all comfy in their blankets!

The Christmas present going down the street.



A moving Christmas Tree--
I am not sure I would want that at my home.

It was fabulous evening!! I am so excited for Christmas time!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today was simply a delightful day!!! I love Thanksgiving. I love being with my family and grateful for each one of them. This year, Mom and Dad decided that they would cook the turkey in the dutch oven. It was simply divine!!!

In fact, all of dinner was simply delicious!!

Later on during the day, the rest of the family showed up.

We ate scrumptious pie!

Then, we all decided to go see Madagascar 2.

I loved it!!

In fact, all in all is was a wonderful day!!

I am indeed grateful for days like these!!

falling gas prices...YES!!

Gas prices are falling and the gas stations have been lowering their fuel prices. I love it!!

Gas stations are my least favorite places to be and with the horrendous gas prices, it has even made my distaste for them even stronger. Lately, I have found it kind of interesting to see a price in the morning on the way to work and find a different LOWER price at night when I am returning home from work.

Tonight, I went to the gas station, handed the attendant a $20.00 bill, pumped fuel into my car, went back into the gas station to receive my change back. I received TWO DOLLARS back. Yes, to fill up my car was only $18.00!!! I was so excited!! How long has it been since I have been able to fill my car up for only $18.00? and to think...it was even below empty. I am definitely thankful for falling gas prices!!

um..deliciousness!!!

UM...deliciousness!!! Today, Vieve brought me a delicious treat--Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates. YUM!!! I am not sure why she did...but, she did. Thanks Vieve!! I just love these types of surprises. Anyway, have you ever had these delicious treats? They consist of a creamy chocolate filling, with Hazelnut and wafery type of stuff surrounding it. YUM deliciousness!!! I had one today and savored every delicious moment of it. Today I am thankful for this sweet surprise. Oh, so, delicious!!!

What are you thankful for?

In just a few short days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving!! I love holidays that brings family and friends together uniting in one cause. I am grateful for wonderful parents. I get my mom and dad all to myself this Thanksgiving holiday. My brothers and their families are spending Thanksgiving dinner with their in-laws. Every other year, I get to have my parents all to myself. Don't get me wrong or read anything into this--I do love spending time with all of my family. But, I am grateful that I have a Mom and a Dad. If it was not for them, I would be spending Thanksgiving by myself. Personally, I don't think that would be fun at all. So, every other year I get their undivided attention and it is GREAT!!!

So, tonight, I was thinking that since this is Thanksgiving week, I think that I will focus my blog writing on things that I am grateful for this holiday season. I am grateful for...

Bre, I am grateful for you...when you walked into work today and said, "Michelle, I have missed you." Bre that totally made my day!!! You are the best!!

Mom, thanks for dropping by and helping me with my Christmas decorations!!
You are the best!! I love you so much!!

Jessica, for the many phone calls today. I do hope your hospital visit tomorrow is comfortable.
I will keep you in my prayers.

Rapid Release Tylenol for curing a awful headache.

Vieve, for the many hours of laughter.

My automatic ice maker--that cold glass of ice water was simply delicious!

CSI: Miami--for filling one hour of entertainment and relaxation!!

Shad, for helping me with my outside tree lights.

Brylie--for the 8 different kisses you gave to me tonight!!


What are the things that you are grateful for today?

...you look like...

Have you ever felt good about the way your hair looked? Have you ever felt good about the outfit that you were wearing? Have you ever just felt good? Well, everything was that way when I woke up this morning. My hair went the way that I wanted it. I really liked my outfit that was listed on my calendar to wear to church. (Yes, I do have a calendar that lets me know what I am wearing on any given day.) I felt great. My sweet little niece spent the night and was going to church with me--things were great. Spending time with Brylie always brings a smile to my face!!

Sacrament meeting--we had a family sit with us. Their dad is in the Bishopric and their mom was out of town. So, there were 5 children with Melanie and I. Things were going great. Keeping 5 children quietly entertained, referring fights, making sure that each one got the equal amount of vanilla wafers and yes, the list goes on an on....I just have one question...parents-when do you have time to listen to the speakers?

Sunday School rolled around and I started to feel a little hot. But, I chalked it up being in a small room with lots of people.

Relief Society was next. I found myself getting hotter and hotter.

Afterward, a lady came up to me and said, "Michelle, you look like crap." I kind of was taken back...and said, "Uh, am I suppose to say thanks to that?" Then, she realized what she said. Then, she went on to apologize and explain. She said that when I walked into Sacrament Meeting, she loved my hair and my outfit and everything. But, she said that in Sunday School, I started to go a little pale and throughout Relief Society she kept noticing that I was becoming paler and paler. So, then, she added...you have no color and she was worried that I was going to pass out--so, that is what she meant by "Michelle, you look like crap." Would you ever say that to someone that you really don't know? I, probably, would not--at least I would hope that I would not.

As for my paleness...I realized when I arrived home that I had not eaten anything since Saturday afternoon. So, my paleness in color is explainable...after a bite to eat and a nap...I felt much better. Boy, I hate it when my blood sugar drops drastically. But, my advice to you...don't tell someone that they look like 'crap'--it might just might destroy their day!!!




P.S. I am grateful for food and a nap.

Twilight...I was NOT disappointed

Not arriving home until 2:00 this morning, I am still exhausted. But, it was well worth it and I have no regrets. Tonight, Shad, Jessica and I went to Park City for a little bit of Christmas shopping and a special showing of Twilight. First of all...I have wrist bands that I wear when I am in a car as a passenger--I get extremely motion sick if I do not wear them. When I realized that I had not grabbed my two little gray friends, it was already too late. We stopped in Heber for a bite to eat and to see if I could get a grasp on the way that I was feeling. Thanks Jessica for switching me places in the car--it truly helped.

Then, it was off to Park City where we shopped and shopped!! Let me put in a SCREAM--I am almost finished Christmas shopping. YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!!

Then, it was off to stand in line for the showing of Twilight!! When we first walked into the theaters--we found the line that we needed to stand in. We were about the 25th in line. By the time that the movie started, we were about the millionth in line. The 25 people in front of us had a least 25 friends that they were saving places for them. It was crazy. Yes, I expect that from teenagers--but grown Mom's. I was appalled. Anyway, we finally get to go into the theater. The only seats that we found were on the 3rd row. Note: Motion sickness and I do not agree on the same things. Sitting that close to the screen causes a great deal of motion sickness.

So, have you ever watched a movie that close? It is definitely crazy. One of my favorite scenes in the movie was that of the baseball game--BUT, I became really sick. I felt like a crazy girl. I had to take off my sweatshirt, my socks and my shoes. I was becoming so sick. I want to watch that part of the movie again--but, not that close. Okay, I want to see that movie again--the whole thing.

I went into the movie having no expectations and I came out of the movie--simply loving it. So, as not to ruin any parts of the movie--I will let you go and see it. If you need a friend to accompany you...call me...I will go. BUT, I am sorry, I will not sit in the front again.





P.S. I am grateful for Shad & Jessica. We had a great time tonight!!

Twilight....the movie

In a few short hours...Shad, Jessica and I will be heading to Park City for a special showing of TWILIGHT!!!! I am getting so excited to see what this movie is all about!!

I love pajamas!!

I love pajamas. I love wearing pajamas. I love the feeling of pajamas--that wonderful sense of comfort and warmness. Oh, I just love them!!! I have a whole bunch--just because I love them so much. Yes, pajamas bring me comfort. BUT...I think that pajamas should stay at home. You know, stay at home where only you and your family might see them. I would never think of wearing them out in public.

Lately, I have noticed that pajamas are being worn to the grocery store, the mall, the library and other such places. This (wearing pajamas outside your home) has become intriguing to me. Why are people wearing this night-time wear outside during the day.

Today, I went with my mom to pick up K-Bugs from school. She is in junior high now. As we were sitting in the parking lot, I could not believe the amount of girls coming out of the school wearing pajamas. What happened to getting dressed to go to school? Is wearing pajamas becoming the norm now? Are we becoming more and more sloppy about what we are wearing? Maybe I am wrong about this..but, I guess, I do have a right to have an opinion. I still think that pajamas should be worn at home.




P.S. I am grateful for pajamas that I can wear in my home and in my own bed.

things of comfort...

I was just thinking of things that bring me great comfort in my life. As I started listing things of comfort--I found that the list seems to go on and on. But, I think that the one that is pretty close to the top is a big bowl of popcorn. Popcorn is definitely a comfort food for me. It brings those wonderful endorphins into my heart.

Whenever I smell the aroma of popcorn popping or hear the sound of those kernels popping--it brings me back to living at home with my parents. I love that feeling--the feeling of security. Growing up, I would have to say that one of my mom's favorite treats was popcorn. Mom would make a HUGE bowl of popcorn and when she came into the living room--she would have a bowl for each of us. Sometimes she would surprise us by adding things to the popcorn. One of my favorites would be when she would add slices of tart green apples to the popcorn. Oh, deliciousness!! Do you add things to your popcorn? It would be interesting to hear what you add?




P.S. I am grateful for the sense of smell and the sense of taste and for having great parents!!!

only one word answers (please)

Ever since I was little, I have had the desire to become a lawyer. My parents will agree that I am one to debate over a situation until I win. The outcome is much better when I win because if I do not, the debating never ceases. I do pay attention to the smallest details (which comes in quite handy with my debating instincts) and plus, I do think outside the box. My mom tells me all the time that I am a black and white person--I do not see the gray in anything. I do have to argue with her over that kind of statement--I do see gray but, not very often.

Today, I found myself in the lawyer mode. Demanding "yes" and "no" answers--not excepting any other gibberish--only one word answers. I think that I probably shocked the person that I went up against. I do not think that he knew if he was coming or going. Tonight, when I think of the look on his face when I demanded the one word answers--it does make me giggle. I do have a lawyer side to me. Yes, I did receive my one word answers and rested my case--and walked out of Ted's office.

And...to think it was all over some markers, a white board and some drawings.



P.S. To the person that I went up against--I hope I did not hurt your feelings--I was just trying to prove a point!!

I don't know...

I do have to admit one thing...I am a sensitive person. Sometimes, I feel like I am too sensitive. When I was growing up, all my Dad just had to do is raise his voice and I would usually break down into tears. As of late, it seems that I heart has become more sensitive about things and I find myself tearing up more easily. Don't get me wrong, I have always teared up easily and my heart is easily touched--but, lately, I have found myself feeling a little more sensitive than normal. I am not sure what it is--but, I don't think that I really like it. It is strange--I know that it is not hormonal or anything like that--I just don't know what it is.

The other night I was contemplating why I have been feeling the way that I have and I think that I "kind of" have figured out a little part of it. I think that the Lord is trying to soften my heart even more than it has been softened. I feel like there is some kind of change coming about where I will need to use the faith and emotion to endure and to definitely move forward. What is this all about? I don't know.

Then, my thoughts turn to an on-going experience that I have been having. I get all nervous inside when I think about it. It is something that I have been thinking about A LOT for quite sometime. I am not sure what it is all about, but does the previously mentioned sensitivity have something to do with it? The answer again--I am not sure!!

The unknown...I don't think that I like it.



P.S. I am grateful Kleenexes and peacefulness from the Spirit.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Today I spent most of the day with my sister-in-law, Jessica. I think that we laughed pretty much most of the day. It all started with our Card Swap (amazing, amazing cards--I have creative friends)...then, we went shopping--Christmas is coming and the stores are filled with fun things...then, it was off to Jessica's first Lia Sophia party. Side note: Jessica is a new consultant for Lia Sophia. If you want the most amazing jewelry--you should think of hosting a party. The hostess receives amazing benefits!!!

Then on our way to Springville, we had a close call with death...thank goodness that Jessica looked up when she did or today, probably would have been the last day on earth for Jessica and Michelle!! Oh, by the way, I was not the one driving---and yes, Jessica was driving!!!

Then, it was dinner at Joe Banditos (yum--deliciousness) ...then, back to Provo. All in all, we had a great day!!!

The day was eventful...but most of all it was filled with Laughter!!! We laughed and laughed!!! I do really believe that "laughter is the best medicine." It was definitley what I needed to do...laugh!!!

favorite things friday...You've Got Mail

One of my most favorite things is...
the movie-You've Got Mail!

Yes, DEFINITELY, this is one of my most favorite movies. I love watching this movie over and over. It is just so delicious!!! You know the type of movies that each time you watch it, a smile across your face and you get all those wonderful endorphins all over. Well, this movie is just that!!! I can watch this movie over and over!!

Whenever I hear, “I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear 3 little words, "You've got mail." I hear nothing, not a sound on the streets of New York. Just the beat of my own heart. I have mail...from you", the smile starts and the endorphins start to go crazy!!! Life stops until the credits appear on the screen. Oh, what a delicious movie!!!

P.S. I am grateful for such sweet movies and for Fridays!!

what are you doing at 4 am?

What is happening at 4 am? I am not sure!!! I am getting really sick of it not knowing what is going on at that time of the morning. So, the story is...almost every morning for the past 2 weeks, my eyelids have opened at that time--too early to think... Actually, my alarm clock reads 4:28 am. The first few mornings, I got up, checked my alarm and then my phone. I could not figure out why I would wake up out of a sound sleep at that given time. I checked out everything. I checked out my condo--I could not find any alarm or noise out of the ordinary. I checked outside--everyone is still sleeping (exactly where they should be). Now it is two weeks into it--and I am getting really sick of it. I am not sure what it is. In fact, it is kind of getting creepy. So, while all of you are enjoying your sleep at 4:28 am...I am STILL trying to figure out why I am waking up at that exact hour and minute. Am I going crazy? I feel like I am.




P.S. I am grateful for sleep--when I get it!!

a quote to share...

"I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the "highest place of honor" in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it."
--James E. Faust, "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor", Ensign, May 2000, 95

do you doodle?

Okay, I will have to admit...I am a doodler!!! No matter where I am, no matter what I am doing--I doodle. I do have a problem with this. I doodle on anything that I have near me. I find that my brain is going a million miles a minute. In fact, the guys at work accused me of having a zillion compartments in my brain--where I am accessing a million things at once. I am not sure if that was a compliment or exactly what they meant by that. I think that I will take it as a compliment.

Anyway, I find myself doodling while I am on the phone, in a meeting, watching television and whenever I have a pen or pencil in front of me. I have been known to have drawn many figures and flowers all over the envelopes of my bills. Do you think that when the bill people get my payments--they are amused of what is on the envelope? I think that I would--that is be amused.

Well, tonight, I was attending a meeting with the other Young Women Stake Leaders. There was a pencil on the table and some paper. Of course, what do I start to do? DOODLE!! By the end of the night, I had drawn stick figures and flowers--plus written names of people all over this piece of paper. I wonder what people think--"oh, she is so into this speaker that she is writing notes"--UM...no, not me!! I am just doodling. I guess the only thing bad about doodling is when someone grabs your paper and starts to wonder what is going on in my brain? Yep...that happened tonight!! I did not make any excuses--I just said, "Yep, that's what is going on in my brain tonight." They laughed and laughed. I am glad that I am around to make other people laugh. So, my question to you--Do you doodle?



P.S. I am grateful for pens, pencils, and paper!!

it all started with 2 tacos...

It all started with 2 tacos...okay, it really was the lack of tacos that have gotten me thinking about the word--or maybe the idea of being forgotten. See, today, a guy at work--we will call him Fred. Fred asked if I would like to get some lunch out. He was headed to Taco Time and I have been wanting tacos, so I said that I would like 2. Yep--only 2. When he left work, I started thinking about those 2 taco's. I was getting more and more hungry thinking of those 2 tacos.

Fred called and had forgotten what Bart (another fictitious name) wanted. I ran over to Bart's desk and asked him what he wanted. Meanwhile, Trudy (another fictitious name) got on my phone and asked Fred if he would pick her up some food as well. I, then, told Fred what Bart wanted.

Finally, Fred comes back...we all gather at the table in the center of the room. Now, let me tell you...my mouth was watering just thinking about those 2 delicious scrumptious tacos. Fred passes out the food. Then, he turned to throw the bag in the garbage. I looked at him, looked at the bag, and then, looked at him again. I ask, "Fred, where is my food?" Oh, my heart was crushed...he had forgotten my food.

This is definitely not the first time that I have been forgotten. In fact, it happens quite often. Most of the time, the order for my food is wrong or it is not in the bag or it gets stolen...you know the list goes on. I do know that Fred was not intentionally forgetting to order my food...but, why does it seem to happen to me. So, I started thinking of all the times I have been forgotten. I really do not like being forgotten--in fact, I really do not like it one bit.

Since I have chosen to go private in the blog world, I have had a few people tell me that they will probably forget to read my blog. I find it interesting this type of comment. Does that mean that they will forget me? I feel like someone is telling you..."Oh, I will probably forget who you are." I hope that I never forget the important people in my life--it kind of is scary to think that you can become forgotten.

As for Fred, I will continue to give him a bad time about the whole taco thing--I really don't want him forgetting who I am. Plus, this is something that could be entertaining to hold over his head.




P.S. I am grateful for my memory.