favorite things friday...watching leaves fall!!

One of my most favorite things is...


watching leaves fall!!

Tonight as I was driving home from work, I passed by this huge tree. The wind was slightly blowing and so, I stopped and watched the leaves fall from the branches and hit the ground. I am not sure why this simple pleasure brought a smile to my face, but I am glad that it did. I love this time of year. We have huge trees outside my condo and there are lots of leaves on the ground.

Monday evening, I found myself sweeping the leaves off my driveway. It was not a dreadful chore. In fact, I found it kind of relaxing--sweeping up the leaves. Tonight, as I pulled into my driveway--there are millions more leaves that have covered the ground. Oh, I love this time of year!!!

What a week...

This past week has been a incredibly stressful one for me. Usually when I am running up against deadlines, I...think outside box and get the projects accomplished. I like to be in complete control of my own deadline and what I have to accomplish. I have a HUGE difficulty when it comes to relying on other people and trying to figure out what needs to be accomplished before the deadline--not 10 minutes after the deadline.

This week was full of deadlines and I felt completely out of control.

Tuesday... I found myself completely swamped. I managed to yell (yes, I did raise my voice very loudly) at 2 different people at work. I won't get into the reasons...since, I can feel the blood rushing to my head when I think about each circumstance!!

Wednesday... I found myself yelling (okay, this was more of a loud speaking with a hint of tears in my voice) at another fellow employee.

Thursday...I arrived at work and I found a card and delicious cookies setting upon my desk. They were from Vieve. The card said that there are sometimes we have hopscotch days and sometimes we have dodgeball days. This week has been full of dodgeball days. I, definitely, needed a hopscotch day. Thanks Vieve for being so sweet and kind. You knew that I definitely needed a 10-minute-pick-me-up-party!!!

Anyway by 9:00 am, I knew that I would lose it with another person in my office...so, I dialed the Provo LDS Temple Prayer roll and placed my name on the list. I knew that I needed some extra help today. The sweet lady brought out the tears--she was so sweet and so kind. Thank you sweet lady who answered the phone--you helped me get a glimpse of sweetness. Then, I remembered that I was trying to have a hopscotch day!!! I WANT MORE HOPSCOTCH DAYS!!

We met one of our deadlines on Thursday...they were completed and FED EX'd out!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

Friday...Happy Halloween...brought another huge deadline due. We worked and worked on our project. YEA!!! We finished in time to get it to FED EX (yes, with only minutes to spare)!!

Don't get me wrong...we did have time to celebrate the days events...

We dressed up in costumes. Vieve and I dressed up as SICK & TIRED.
Actually, Julie was suppose to be in the picture with "&", but for
some reason...I can't locate the picture with the three of us.

SICK & TIRED

Dirk--The 70's guy

Karen-The Angel

We had fun with our little trick or treaters. It ALWAYS makes my Halloween, when we get to have trick or treaters come to our office. The little ones are dressed so cute and they are excited to see us!!!

But, my most favorite thing on Halloween is to answer the door when trick or treaters come a ringing the doorbell. I get all excited to see who is on the other side of the door. I make a huge deal about their costumes and then, they get to pick a treat out of the huge bowl. We had lots of trick or treaters this year and...of course, I was excited to see each one of them!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

my weekend..

My weekend in pictures...

Brylie was coming to my home to visit for the weekend!! I love it when she comes. She seems to feel a little void in my life. So, I met Jessica & Shad at Mom's to pick up Brylie. I was taking her to my ward's Halloween party. She was dressed for the part...in her perfect Halloween attire!

A perfect and precious fairy!!

We showed up at the party. We ate yummy soup.
Then, the festivities started...




Brylie decided to take a nap. I looked down and she was completely zonked!!
There was so much noise--I
can't believe that she was able to sleep.


She did wake up in time to hand out candy at the "trunk & treat".

What a fabulous Saturday!!!


As for Sunday's picture...
It kind of ended up being a 'blah' day. I was talking to one of my friends and she, too, was having a 'blah' day. So, the thought popped into my mind--we need a pick-me-up-10-minute-party.
What is a pick me up 10 minute party--(you might ask)
It consists of friends, treats and lots of laughter.

So, I grabbed a friend (#1 important thing),

a treat(#2 important thing)


and headed on over to the designated home.

I rang the doorbell!

She answered (#3 important thing) and I exclaimed, "It's a PICK ME UP 10 MINUTE PARTY!"
She started laughing (#4 important thing)!

Remember the second important thing--the treat?

This is my caramel apple that I had posted earlier this week!!
We cut it up and tasted it's scrumptious flavor!!

YUM and SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!!

I do believe that my pick-me-up-10-minute-party was a success!!

P.S. I am grateful for Brylie, friends, treats and laughter!!

favorite things friday...hanging out with Kaylie!!

One of my most favorite things is...

hanging out with my niece--Kaylie!!

Yes, I love hanging out with my niece Kaylie. I can not believe that she is growing up so much!!! Kaylie has the cutest laugh. She can make anyone laugh!!! She has a heart of gold!! She loves little children and wants to play with them all the time. She loves animals. If her parents would let her, she would have ducks, dogs, cats and the list would go on and on. I am glad that get the opportunity to spend time with her. She is definitely one of my most favorite people!!

My neighbors called earlier this week and asked if I wanted to go see High School Musical 3 with them. I, immediately, thought of my niece--Kaylie. I knew that we would have a great time!!

So, today was the day--

High School Musical 3!

We had lots of fun!! One of our neighbors, Jennifer, is one of the wardrobe directors for all 3 of the High School Musicals. She is amazing and has such a great time being on the set. Also, one of Kaylie's friends is featured in the movie. He is the little Chad Mini guy. So, if you get the chance to watch--check out the credits--you will see Jen's name listed. Of course, we all cheered when we seen it come upon the screen. You can cheer too!!!

P.S. I am grateful for Kaylie, for friends, and for laughter!!

My newest motto: "I can do hard things!!"

As of late, my motto is "I can do hard things!" I know I can. I have been tested--but with the promises in the scriptures--we can not be tested more than we can bear. Tonight, we had our Stake Auxiliary Training Meeting. Since I am in the Stake Young Women's Presidency, I was asked to speak. I have had this talk on my mind for quite sometime. I was not sure exactly what I should present, but I knew that in time, I would be able to feel impressed of what to direct my thoughts toward.

So, this is how I came to write my talk. I had Stake visits on Sunday. I had an hour and half between visiting another young women's ward in our Stake so, I chose to attend my ward's Sunday School class. In fact, I felt like I really needed to attend. So, I did. It was the most amazing and inspiring lesson that I have heard in a long time. Our Sunday School teacher started to talk about the characteristics of Christ. As he listed the characteristics on the board, everything seem to fall into place. I felt the importance that we need to take the characteristics that describe our Savior and develop them. As we develop these amazing characteristics, we can teach the youth to lead by our example. I had found a few quotes to add, some scriptures to add and then, a couple of experiences.

I was assigned to make the handout with the new 2009 mutual theme. So, I worked into the early hours of this morning and with the help with from Vieve--we were able to get those finished. But, the plan for the talk, I still needed to work on it.



But, an hour before the meeting, I still had not figured out how to direct my thoughts. So, I sat down at my computer and started typing. The words were flowing and I was getting more and more excited to teach. I knew that our Heavenly Father wanted the young women leaders to feel what I was feeling.

I finished getting ready, grabbed my papers, scriptures, centerpiece and our handout. I drove to the Stake Center feeling a lot better that everything was coming together. I carried my centerpiece into the Stake Center. Then, I went back to my car to grab my talk, scriptures and my handout. As I went to fold my papers (my talk) and put them in my scriptures...the papers that I held in my hand is not my talk. WHAT?!!!

I had left my talk at home. I did not have time to go back and grab my talk. Thank goodness the YW president (Tracy) had brought her young women's binder. I searched through the materials and found the two quotes that I needed. Knowing that the Stake President would speak for at least 20 minutes, I had time to write down some thoughts.

Well, that was not the case. A member of the Stake Presidency stood and opened the meeting and explained that the Stake President was out on assignment and we were now dismissed to our breakout session. WHAT? Yes, it was time to teach.

I am grateful that I love to teach and to speak. Let me share something with you...as I stood to present my talk, words just popped into my head and into my heart to share the things that I needed to share. I am grateful for this wonderful experience. I know that the young women leaders learned and heard what they they needed to hear and feel tonight. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that speaks through the Holy Ghost to help me teach the things that I needed to teach. I really did not need my papers--but, they would have been nice to have as a security blanket.

So, yes, I know that I can do hard things!!



P.S. I am grateful for the privilege of speaking tonight!

YUM!!! Delicious Caramel Apples!!!

Remember last week when I blogged about caramel apples? Well, I received a phone call from my dear sweet friend, Maleen. The message that was left on my phone was something to the affect that I had plans on Wednesday evening. I called her back and asked what, where, when and why. Yes, a lot of 'wh' questions. She said that her ward was having their extravaganza on Wednesday and they were learning how to make caramel apples. YIPPEE SKIPPEE!! I am so glad that I did not have any plans and was able to go.


It was a lot of fun. Her ward is amazing and they were very friendly. While I was waiting for my caramel apple to chill, I met this sweet little girl. We became instant friends. She even invited me to her next birthday party. HEE HEE!!!

I ran into Deanne. She is amazing and so sweet. She is definitely the person to get to know --she makes HEAVENLY CARAMELS. Let me just add....they are delicious!!! I have never tasted such delicious caramels.

Finally, our caramel apples were chilled. We then dipped them into chocolate and then sprinkled them with M&M's. (They were so easy to make.) YUM!! DELICIOUS!! Actually, I do not want to eat it--because it looks to delicious!! I know that my expertise of caramel apple dipping will not land me a job at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, but I would say that my caramel apple looks AWESOME!!! Thanks Maleen for inviting me tonight!!!



P.S. By the way...that is not a picture of my caramel apples. (I can not find my batteries for my camera.)

one more use for a hangar...

Did you know that there are many uses of a hangar? Let me explain how Kaylie and I used it, today. Kaylie came to play and sleep over with her favorite aunt--it was me--if you did not know. I can say whatever I want--it is my blog. I know that I am the favorite aunt.

Well, let me share a weakness of mine--I never remember where I place my keys. So, at my home, I have to set my keys in the same place and when I am at my mom and dad's home, I place them on the counter--usually, in the same place. If not, it is a crazy experience looking for them. So, after an awesome bike ride this morning with Kaylie--we headed to my mom and dad's.

Kaylie was building things that Grandpa had gotten her and I was working on my Christmas Cards. I had forgotten to get the ribbon that I was going to use on my cards out of my car. So, I went to grab my keys (remember--they are always in the same place) from the counter. My keys were not there. I looked all over the kitchen--I could not locate them. HMMM!!

I walked back to the sun room and looked all over. I still could not find them. Then, I remembered that when I gotten out of my car, I had to grab my supplies from the back seat. Dang it!!! I knew that they were locked in my car. I hate it when that happens. I told Kaylie that I had locked my keys in my car. She told me to get a hangar and she could get them out.

So, we found a wire hangar (oh, by the way, Mom--we only found one wire hangar and now it does not look like a hangar--sorry!!) . We found that the window was down just enough to get a hangar through it. Kaylie bent the hangar--perfectly. HMM!! Had she done this before?

She worked and worked...

Finally, she was able to 'pop-up' the lock.

We opened the door and went through my entire car to find NO KEYS!!! We searched and searched and still came up with NO KEYS!!! WHERE ARE THEY?!

We walked back into the house---looked all around the kitchen. STILL NO KEYS!!! We walked back to the sun room and there sat my keys in plain site--on the floor. I, literally, had to step over them. Now, you ask--why do I place them in the same spot?




P.S. I am grateful for such a cute niece--we had a great time!! Also, thank you Kaylie for your help with my car situation.

favorite things friday...Caramel Apples

When I woke up this morning, I remembered that today is 'favorite things friday'. I, absolutely, love favorite things friday!!

One of my most favorite things is...

caramel apples and fudge!!

Yes, I love caramel apples and fudge. One of my most favorite places to get them is at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. YUM!! DELICIOUS!! Awhile ago, my roommates and I went to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Park City, Utah and purchased 6 different delicious caramel apples and fudge. Yes, we did drive all the way to Park City for caramel apples and fudge. HEE HEE!! We brought them back to our home and divided each of the apples into 6 slices. What a scrumptious treat!! We had 6 different slices of 6 different caramel apples and fudge. YUM!!! They were definitely worth the time and effort to drive to Park City.

I have never attempted to make caramel apples, but this year I am going to do so. I can not wait...now finding the time to do...that will be the difficult part of this adventure.



P.S. I am grateful days off of work (yippee skippee!!), my favorite things, and this beautiful fall weather.

I will never get too old for Pumpkin Morning!!

It's Pumpkin Morning!! Yippee Skippee!!!

Every year--for quite sometime--(I can't even remember when she started doing this) my mom gets each of her grandchildren their very own pumpkin to have during this fall-ish season. (Since, I am a child myself...she gets me one, too!! Okay, I think it is because I am spoiled.) A few years ago, Mom had an inkling that she would take her grandchildren to a pumpkin patch to pick out their very special pumpkin. Since that inkling, she has visited Jaker's Pumpkin Patch each year with her grandchildren following right behind her. It has been a lot of fun. They get to search and search for the most perfect pumpkin.

So, this morning was declared Pumpkin Morning...my mom along with the grandchildren (at least most of them ...we were missing Brandon, Lindsie, and Austin--they think that they are too old for the Pumpkin Patch), Jessica, my sister-in-law and I headed to Jaker's Pumpkin Patch. We searched and searched and found the most perfect pumpkins!

Kaylie picked out hers and Brandon's, too!


Taylor found his...

Brylie found hers...


Tanner found his...

Bridger found his...

With their favorite pumpkins...we take a moment to relax on the straw!

Thanks Mom!!! You are the greatest Grandma (and Mom)!!


P.S. I will never get too old for Pumpkin Morning!

P.S. I am grateful for pumpkin morning, warm autumn days and my Mom!!

favorite things friday...the sound and smell of rain

One of my most favorite things is...

the sound and smell of RAIN!!

I love the sound and smell of rain!! I love to lay in my bed all curled up in a quilt and listen to the sound of rain hitting my roof. The pitter patter sound that is on the window pane is one of the most soothing sounds ever!!! But, if it is rainy all day long...I love to curl up in a quilt, turn on the fireplace, bake chocolate chip cookies and read a fabulous book!!! Oh, then, I love the smell of rain...I am not sure how to even explain that smell--it is like...a wonderful clean smell.

Oh, might I add those wonderful HUGE puddles after a rainstorm....how great are they? Yes, I do have to add, I love to jump in those huge puddles!!! Oh, that brings back great college days!!! I had never went puddle jumping until then. My roommates and the girls that lived next door to us decided to go puddle jumping on BYU campus after a huge rainstorm. There were huge puddles and it was absolutely so much fun!!! I wish that we had taken pictures--umm....I guess not!! I would hate that kind of blackmail!!!

I just read a quote that said, "anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain". I would have to agree, but sunshine does bring happiness, too!!!

P.S. I am grateful for my warm quilt, socks and sweatshirts!!

my sweet surprise...thank you!

To one of the most wonderful people in the world:

When I opened my door this evening, I found the most sweetest thing on my doorstep.

I read the sweetest note!!

I opened the package and found the most delightful treats ever!!!


and these are the thoughts that popped into my head.

• You, truly, know how to brighten someones day--especially mine!
• You are one of the greatest examples that I have met!
• You are one of the most sweetest people that I know!
• You know how to bring a smile to my face!!
• You are simply fabulous!!
• You are so thoughtful!!
• My life has been completely blessed because of you!
• You truly know how to serve!!

I turned on my computer, logged onto the blogging world and checked my email and found out the most simple but amazing and very inspired email:

Did you find any anti-blasted treats on your porch? You are SO loved!

So, Gerb, you are the most amazing, inspired, service-oriented, kind, loving, sweetest, fantastic, thoughtful...person that I know. I am so thankful that you are part of my life. You truly are FABULOUS!!! You are the greatest friend that anyone can have and I am so glad that you are mine!!! I love you tons!!!!

Love,
Michelle

even though it has been a BLASTED week...

You know when you get to the point, that you are ready to start a different week--I am at that point and it is only Wednesday. So, basically, I am tired of this BLASTED week!!! It has had me in tears and I am so tired of it...Let me recount the past few days...and remember it is only Wednesday!!!

Monday....I woke up with a BLASTED headache. I had it all day Sunday and I guess, it wanted to be my friend all day Monday, too. I had to pick up the mail from the Post Office for work--the guy that hands the mail to me at the Post Office was in a not-very-nice mood-that almost brought me to tears. Be mindful--I am tired and have a headache.

Lunch time arrived and I was so excited to eat my lunch (and take more headache meds)...I went to the freezer at work and could not believe my eyes...someone had stole my lunch. I was mortified!!! Why would someone do such a thing!!! Oh, I was upset!!! A tired and hungry Michelle with a headache is not at all fun!!! I could not believe it. So, that added another thing to my BLASTED day. But, oh, Seth saved the day with a taco from Del Taco (maybe he was saving the gang from me!!!) Thanks Seth!! He redeemed some points for the human species!!

Then, later in the afternoon, I noticed that I had missed a phone call from a friend. So, I hurried and called him back. This is how the phone call went:
"Hey, this is Michelle. Sorry that I missed your call." (me talking in a somewhat cheerful voice)
Dead silence. I wait for a few seconds. Then, he (my friend) responds in a very somber voice:
"We received some bad news. (Mentioning his wife by name) cancer is back."
"What?" Then, quite a few sobs.
I respond, "What can I do? I am calling her name into the temple right now."
He responds, "Please pray for her."
I hung up the phone and could not believe what I had just heard. WHAT?? This can not be happening!!

My friend was diagnosed with Lung cancer (the non-smoking kind) 3 years ago. She went through Chemo and Radiation and literally, battled herself through this horrible procedure. But, she finished here treatment and has been in remission for the past 2 years. Now that horrific disease is back--in her lung, pleura, lymph nodes and in her abdomen. The doctor told her that she has a year to live if she goes through the treatment of Chemo and Radiation again. I hate this BLASTED week.

That night, I went to my parents home and curled up on the sofa next to my Mom. I am glad that I live so close to be able to feel the secure of my parents. Thanks Mom for letting me curl up next to you!!

My thoughts this week have not gone far from this little family. I know that there are thousands of people praying in their behalf this week. I know this because her name and the names of her family are on the altars of the temple. How grateful I am to know the Plan of Salvation, to know the power of prayer and to belong to such a wonderful gospel.

As my thoughts still linger with my friend's family, thoughts turn to a dear client that I have known for many years. As I stepped into my bosses office this afternoon, I was told that this sweet client was just diagnosed with Lymphoma. What? I hate this BLASTED week!!! You know, it is difficult to try and be strong when all you want to do is sit down and cry!!!

Shortly after going back to my desk from hearing this yucky news, I hear of some more news that brings the tears flowing. I REALLY HATE THIS BLASTED WEEK!!! I sat at my desk--trying to control tears and was not doing such a great job of it. Thank goodness everyone was gone by this point. I walked out of work with tears running down my face (and I am sure lines of mascara were everywhere) and felt the warmth of the sunshine. Do you know what? I am grateful for the sun and it's warmth. I was trying to get in control--I had a class to teach within minutes of arriving home. I was dreading the fact that I had to teach a card class tonight. I knew that I was not in the mood or the right mind to do so. I had thought about cancelling--but, I felt that I needed to teach!!!

I am so grateful that I did!!! The girls that are in my monthly card class are great!!! At first, I shared with them my yucky week...we shed tears and then, for the rest of the night we laughed and laughed. They are great!!! They are definitely a ray of sunshine in my life!!! I am so blessed to have great people in my life!!!

As I am sitting here at my computer, I look at these past few days and realize that no matter what life brings--we can find the positive side to it if we try hard to find it. I am indeed grateful for my wonderful friends who brought a lot of laughter in my life tonight. It is exactly what I needed. Now, as I look at the beginning of the week when my lunch was stolen--I can say "at least someone received a warm delicious meal". HA HA!!!



P.S. Even though it has been a blasted week...I know that I am grateful for my family, friends and loved ones!!!

The ABC's of Me...

I have been tagged by my sister-in-law, Jessica.

The ABC's of Me:
A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Very single
B. BEST FRIEND? I would probably have to say my Mom!
C. CAKE OR PIE? Pumpkin Pie
D. DAY OF THE WEEK? I love Fridays!!!
E. ESSENTIAL ITEMS? deodorant, toothbrush, lotion and my pillow
F. FAVORITE COLOR? Pink, red, yellow, and dark blue
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? gummy bears--but, I really like chocolate covered gummy bears
H. HOMETOWN? Springville
I. INDULGENCE? Scrapbook supplies
J. JANUARY OR JULY? July 4th is one of my favorite holidays
K. KIDS? zero
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? Family
M. MARRIAGE DATE? Not sure, I am single
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 3 brothers
O. ORANGES OR APPLES? Oranges, if I don't have to peel them
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? dying alone
Q. QUOTE? Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... 'Oh crap....she's awake !'
R. REASONS TO SMILE? life and family
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? I am neither
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE? I tag those that want to be tagged!!
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I have a secret passion to write a book!!
V. VEGETABLES? I love vegetables--steamed but still a little crunchy!!
W. WORST HABIT? Biting my cheeks and tongue
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound. I think that they are cool to actually see your organs moving!!
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? I love spicy foods. My favorite is Mexican. Joe Banditos, Cafe Rio, Bajio's
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? Pisces




P.S. I am grateful for General Conference, for the rain--I love to listen to the rain!

favorite things friday...ribbon

So, it is Friday and I am indeed grateful that it is. YAHOO!!!

One of my most favorite things is...

RIBBON!!

I love ribbon. There isn't any story or moment to share about the reason that ribbon is one of my favorite things. It is just plain and simple. I love ribbon. In fact, that is all there is to it--I love ribbon. I love to dress packages up with beautiful ribbon. I love to add ribbon to my cards and my scrapbook pages. I just love ribbon and when I see cute ribbon...I have to buy it. Even if I do not need it, I have to buy it. It is definitely one of my weaknesses. See, I just love cute and pretty things. Since ribbon is cute and pretty--I have to have it. I know that if I had a little girl--she would have ribbons in her hair every single day from little bows to those huge ones!!! I just love ribbon!!!

In my scrapbook room, I have over 100 different styles and colors. Ok, maybe I am obsessed with ribbon--but, if it makes me happy---then, if it makes me happy--then it is worth it? Isn't it? I think that it is worth it!! Don't worry, I do use my ribbon. I never seem to run out of it because I am always buying it!!!

P.S. I am grateful for ribbon, cheery colors, BYU football, my family!!

HOV lanes...

Do you know one thing that I absolutely love? I am sure you did not guess this one....HOV lanes. My first experience of driving in the HOV lane was in Los Angeles, California. My roommates (Stephanie, Ailey, Liz, and I) went to visit Liz’s family in Burbank. This is where I fell in love with HUGE freeways. Call me crazy, but the traffic was so awesome. No matter which way you looked–there were lanes and lanes of freeway. If I had to choose from driving through a town or driving on a freeway–I will 98% choose to drive on the freeway. So, when I drove on the freeway in Los Angeles, I was in complete heaven. Immediately, when I would enter the freeway, I would get in the HOV lane. Yes, complete heaven!! I love to drive fast, therefore, when all the traffic is stopped–you are not when you are driving in the HOV lane.

So, tonight, I needed to run an errand to Salt Lake. Our freeways are not as big as they are in Los Angeles, but we do have a HOV lane. So, I invited Mom to come along for the ride. My mom is cool and I love spending time with her. So, Mom and I drove to Salt Lake and YES, I was in heaven driving in the HOV lane. I am glad that I got to spend time with my Mom. She is amazing and I think she is too cool!! Anyway, I got to do 2 great things today...visit with Mom and drive in the HOV lane.


Have a great day!

P.S. I am grateful for my mom, HOV lanes, my car, and good weather!