Happy Birthday Jimmer!!

I love my sweet little niece.  She brings  sunshine into my heart every time  I see her adorable face or hear her delightful little voice.  She has incredible imagination and is so dramatic.  I love this little girl so much!!!  She can definitely turn your world into the most amazing one ever with the power of her hugs and kisses.

Tonight, I arrived at my parent’s  home.  Brylie was there waiting for me.  As soon as I walked in the house, she told me that it was Jimmer’s birthday and we needed to celebrate. 

Side note…Brylie loves Jimmer Fredette.  If she hears his voice on the TV, she runs as fast as she can (screaming his name the entire time) to the room where the TV is and watches intently until the commercial  is over or the game is over.  It is hilarious to watch.  She has the biggest crush on him. Last year, she would sit through an entire BYU basketball game cheering loudly for Jimmer.  She loves him.

Back to tonight…for some reason she thought it was Jimmer’s birthday.  She wanted to make a cake and have a party for him.  She asked me what I was going to give Jimmer.  I had no idea.  She brought me a gift bag that she was planning on putting her present in and asked how I was going to decorate his package.  She was so excited.  She was giggly and was planning this huge party for him.  

Then, the thought popped into my head…if she wants a party for Jimmer, we will have a party.  I told her that we were going to make a cake for Jimmer.  She was so excited.  Oh, I love pretend parties.  I found a Twinkie (for the cake)  and a piece of cinnamon candy (for the candle) and placed them on a plate.  We turned off all the lights and pretended to light the candle.  We sang “Happy Birthday” to Jimmer and gave him pretend presents.  It was the best birthday party ever.  It was everything to this little girl. 

Aw…she melts my heart!!  I love my adorable best friend!!

~Michelle

Note…Jimmer’s birthday is February 25th but today was his pretend birthday!

Christmas Cheer

I needed to add some Christmas cheer where I spend a great amount of time…work. 

 

This adorable tree sits on my desk.  I get to enjoy it everyday.  Oh, I love Christmas time!

 

I really like my choice of colors for this tree.  Brown, cream and olive green.  It kind of matches my desk.

I forgot to bring the little hooks to attach the ornaments.  So…Vieve came up with a plan…we used paperclips.  They worked perfectly.  Oh, I love Christmas time!!

Merry Christmas!!

~Michelle

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I love Christmas time!  I love to decorate with lots of lights, ornaments, and plenty of snowmen.  So…step inside my home and see my Christmas tree.  I love how it turned out this year!   I love to cuddle up in my blankets and look at it.  It truly brings a smile to my heart!  OH, I love Christmas time!

~Michelle

Kisses, hugs and I love you’s are extremely important.

I would say that I am pretty spontaneous but on the other hand, I have to know what I am doing at all times and what will happen in next few minutes, hours, days or it drives me so a tad bit crazy.  So a couple of months ago, I planned a trip to Colorado to watch some basketball for this past weekend.  The trip was changed to watch some softball in St. George for that same weekend and then, it was changed back to watching some basketball in Colorado.  This past Sunday, I changed my mind again and decided to stay home and spend sometime with my adorable niece while her parents went to St. George.  It was an awesome weekend and I learned so much.

A few things that I learned from a sweet tenderhearted 4 year old…

• that no matter how many times you tell them what your plans are for the day…you have to keep repeating yourself over and over (and you should never deviate from the plan).
• that you always need to  carry tissues and wet wipes in your purse for easy access.
• that you have to be careful what you say because they repeat everything.
• that no matter how many times you wash their precious little face…it attracts dirt like no other.
• that watching tears stream down their cute cheeks breaks your heart.
• that kisses mends all owies.
• that when they tell you that they are hungry or starving too death that they truly are and that you had better find something fast.
• that dancing and singing is part of her daily routine.
• that waffles, chicken nuggets and pizza brings huge smiles and giggles.
• that singing church songs right before bed soothes all sadness and hurts.
• that kisses, hugs and “I love you’s” are extremely important before bedtime.
• that no matter what you are doing, you always hear a cute little voice, “Me help…please.”
• that you are never alone…you always have an adorable shadow. 
• that it takes time to get ready to go anywhere but…so worth it because you always have a buddy.
• that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse can be used as a reward.

It was an extremely eventful weekend that brought a lot have hugs, kisses, smiles, and laughter.  I love my sweet adorable niece.  She means the world to me. She is my hero and the best buddy that anyone could ever have!

~Michelle

Christmas Spirit

I can't believe that it is already December 1st. I love this time of year. As we are shopping, baking, gathering and delivering our gifts this Christmas season, may we remember the true mean of Christmas. This is truly an amazing time of the year.

Thanks for playing!!

HOORAY!!  Gabby and Gerb, thanks so much for blogging with me every single day during the month of November.  I have loved keeping in touch with you through your blogs.  Thanks for being inspiring and amazing friends. 

THANK YOU and I love ya tons!!!!!

~Michelle

Let it be!

For the past few weeks, I have been pondering something that I haven’t been able to completely understand.  It has weighed heavy on my thoughts.  I have tried to do all that I can to figure it out but I haven’t had any luck or inspiration.  It has kept me awake, it has frustrated me, and it has been right there in the center of my thoughts.  I can’t seem to get any peace.

 

Well, tonight I was on my way to my parents home when I passed a car with the license plate “LT IT BE”.  That was my answer.  I just need to let it be.  Peace will come…I have faith that things will be okay and everything will work out the way that it is supposed to.  I have done all that I can.  Aw…now, I have to have the patience to…let it be!! 

Isn’t it interesting how we can receive answers to prayers when we are least expecting it? 

~Michelle

Laundry…a seven letter swear word.

Laundry…is a seven letter swear word in my vocabulary.  Some people find it relaxing to sort, wash, dry, fold and put away my laundry.  I don’t.  I find it…not relaxing at all.  I leave it to the last possible moment to throw in a batch of laundry.  I just despise the whole idea of doing laundry. 

As I was leaving work tonight, I made a goal that the minute that I arrived home, I would start my laundry.  It is now four hours later…I haven’t even begun the process of sorting.  I can’t seem to get the excitement to sort my clothes into piles…let alone put them in the washer.

 

Instead I chose to daydream about closets full of clothes and maids who sort, wash, dry, fold and put away my laundry.  It is a good thing to day dream about…isn’t it? 

I guess it is time to sort, wash, dry, fold and put away my laundry.  I wished I would have started sooner.  It looks like I will be for awhile accomplishing this task.

Do you enjoy doing laundry?  What motivates you?

~Michelle

What Matters Most

A few days ago, I clicked over to Gerb’s blog and she had posted the What Matters Most video.  I have watched it few times since that day and each time it touches my heart a little bit more than the previous times.  Pres. Monson shares with us that there are many lessons that help us distinguish of what it is important than what it is not. 
After watching this video again, I searched for the talk that this video originated from…I found it here.  As I read and pondered this particular talk, the following paragraph stood out as if it had popped off the page…

“Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.”

As I read these two paragraphs and pondered them, my heart was filled with peace and of course, plenty of tears.  I know that I am doing the best that I can.  I know that I am trying to live my life with no “what if’s” and with no “if only’s”.  I try to express sincere “I love you’s”, “I miss you’s” and plenty of “thanks”.  The difficult thing for me is that I have to muster all of the courage to do these things.  It takes ever fiber in my being to say them because I have the most difficult weaknesses…doubt, fear, and rejection.  Sometimes these fears out weigh the most righteous desires. I face these weaknesses every single day and they do not get any easier. After reading, Pres. Monson’s talk, I know that I will gather the courage to try harder and do a little bit better…no matter what the reaction is on the other end.

~Michelle

Gratitude

I love this quote and when I found this printable…I had to print it to display in my home.  If you want to print one for yourself…check here.

Today…I am grateful for happy memories that fill my heart. 

What is one of your happy memories that fill your heart?  

~Michelle

Christmas planning…

A few days ago, I was struggling with the whole concept of sleep.  I was so tired but for one reason or another, I could not drift off to dreamland.  So, I decided to turn on my computer and browse.  I came upon this cute little item. I wanted to one.  I  didn’t need one but I REALLY wanted one. So….

I created one for myself.  I loved how it turned out.  I am so excited to use it.  There is a pocket in the front and the back for receipts and coupons.  A cute monthly and weekly calendar is placed perfectly inside along with a Christmas list, card, recipe and notes pages.  It was so fun to create!  I am sure that it will keep me completely (or somewhat) organized during this busy Christmas season.

How do you keep yourself organized during this busy holiday season?

~Michelle

P.S. I am grateful for laughter and plenty of smiles today! 

Favorite Things Friday….I love traditions!!

Some of my most favorite things are…

traditions!

Some of my most favorite things are traditions.  I love traditions and we have plenty…from Easter egg hunts, to camping on Memorial Day weekend, to fireworks (with plenty of popcorn and licorice) at Art City Days, to fireworks and softball tournaments for the Fourth of July…the list goes on and on.  I love spending time with my family doing all the crazy things that we do.  For the past several years, on the day after Thanksgiving, we attend Spanish Fork”s Light Parade.  No matter if it is cold, snowing or windy, we are there.  We sit in the same place every year curled up in a plethora of blankets trying to stay warm.  It is quite the adventure especially when Brylie is involved.  She screams, cheers and waves at the parade participants pass by.  This year, the train (pictured above) was  struggling with it’s smokestack.  The train engineer was trying to make the fireworks come out of the smokestack.  When he finally succeeded, Brylie screamed and cheered him on.  It was like he made the most incredible invention.  It was awesome.  She makes everything so much more fun!!!  Aw…what a great adventure.  I love traditions.!!!

What are some of your traditions?  Care to share?  

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for traditions!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today is Thanksgiving.  I LOVE Thanksgiving.  I hope you are having an amazing day!!

I am grateful for my mom and dad! 

I am grateful for my brother, Shad, my sister-in-law, Jessica, and my adorable niece, Brylie! 

I am grateful for my family. 

We had such a fun day cooking and eating!

I love them so much!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

~Michelle

Earphones!

I am grateful for my iPod earphones. 

I use them practically every single day whether it is for music or movies. 

I  am so grateful for the inventor of this amazing creation.

My earphones help me get through the day!

 

What are you grateful for today?  I would love to know.

~Michelle

Balto!

I have been wanting to watch the movie Balto for quite sometime. It had been recommended to me by a friend of mine.  The thing is…I didn’t own a copy of this movie nor did I know of anyone who owned it.  I had told Gabby that I really wanted to watch this movie but I wasn’t having any luck locating a copy. 

Guess what?  Gabby found me a copy!  Yahoo!!

If you haven’t watched this movie…I recommend it.  It is inspiring.  It is based on a true story about a dog named Balto.  He truly with touch your heart. 

I love it!

I am grateful for the amazing friends in my life that go out of their way to brighten my day.  Thanks Gabby!!  You are an amazing friend!  t hat I have in my life that bring plenty of sunshine.

 

What are you grateful for today?

~Michelle

 

P.S.  I am grateful for inspiring movies that tug at my heartstrings.

Laughter is the best medicine!

It is Thanksgiving week.   YAHOO!!  I love Thanksgiving.  There are so many wonderful things to be grateful for and so many reasons to take time to celebrate our many blessings.  I know that I have many blessings to celebrate!  I am so grateful for all that I have.  If I took a moment to make a list of all the things I am grateful for and blessed with..my list would never be complete.  I would always have one more thing to jot down.  There are so many wonderful things to celebrate.  Now that it is Thanksgiving time…what are you grateful for?

 

I am grateful for the comedy act that Dirk and Gabby perform for me every single day.  I try not to encourage them but they are hysterical.

 

If you want an explanation of what happened in this picture…check here.

Laughter is the best medicine!

~Michelle

Chocolate Mousse Pie….deliciousness!

Look what I made today…Aw…deliciousness!

It was so easy.

Want the recipe?

Chocolate Mousse Pie

• 2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages instant milk chocolate pudding
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 1 Graham Cracker  pie crust
• 1/4 Chocolate Chips
• 1 Hershey Candy Bar

Directions:

1. Whip the 2 packages of chocolate pudding with the 2 cups of fat free milk until the substance begins to stiffen up.

2. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding and milk mixture one spoon-full at a time. Do so gently so that the substance keeps a light texture. Reserve roughly one third of the tub of whipped topping.

3. Place the pudding mixture in the cookie crust. Spread the mixture evenly over the crust so that the entire crust is full with the mixture.

4. Spread the remaining whipped topping on top of the pie. Melt Chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.  Break chocolate bar into chunks and place randomly on top of Cool Whip.

5. Refrigerate for at least one hour so that the pie sets.

~Michelle

Sam

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when Brylie thought that I was lost but…I really wasn’t.  Well, today I will admit that I was lost.  Actually, Mom and I were lost.  We were looking for a particular place and we could not locate it.  I will be the first to admit that I am not that great with directions.  Give me landmarks and I can (usually) find my destination with not too much searching.  Today was different.  I had the landmarks but I could not figure out where this particular place was supposed to be located.  I know that buildings just do not get up and move or disappear.   I was getting so frustrated. 

Finally, we were able to locate the address of this place.  Ha…we still couldn’t find it even with the address.  Then, the thought..why not ask Sam?  Sam is my trusty dear friend.  He is simply amazing.  He goes everywhere with me.  We have become such amazing friends and have a great relationship.  I gave Sam the address and within seconds, he had me on the way to start my adventure (I guess, I had already started my adventure). 

Tonight as I am thinking about Sam and how he was able to get me to my destination in a matter of a few turns and helpful hints, I started to ponder the teachings in the Book of Mormon.  As I read from it each day, I am blessed with many reminders and helpful hints to help me continue throughout this life to make it to the destination that I am longing for…to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The greatest destination ever!

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday…I love to create!

One of my most favorite things to do is…

 

to create!

One of my most favorite things to do is create.  Create what?  Anything that uses my hands and the creative part of my mind…it doesn’t matter what it is.  I love to create!  Anyway, I was at a dinner earlier this week and the centerpieces were paper pumpkins.  I wanted to pick one up and play with it for a few minutes to see how it was put together but I was so caught up in what was going on around me.  (I will explain later…possibly in another blog post). 

So…tonight while I was cleaning (at least that was my intention) my scrapbook room, I found some orange patterned paper.  I remembered that I wanted to figure out how to create those darling pumpkins.  Guess what?  I figured it out.  They were so easy.  I am so excited!  I think that they turned out adorable.  Perfect for a centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner!  If you are interested in learning how check out this site. 

~Michelle

Hi, I live on Michelle Street.

Where were you born?

Where do you live now?

Is it somewhere exotic?

Is it a place that looks amazing when you read it on the front of an envelope?

…places such as Abbey Road in Piccadilly, London

or Hummingbird Lane in Nine Mile Falls, Washington?

I have always wanted to live some place where the address looks amazing on the outside of an envelope.  If I did, every time I received any mail (including bills) I would read the address and warm fuzzies would fill my whole inner being. 

Yes, call me silly but wouldn’t it be more awesome to have a street named after you.  I would introduce myself, “Hi, my name is Michelle and I live on Michelle Street.” Awesome!

~Michelle (I live on Michelle Street) :)

Humbled.

I am tenderhearted. I will be the first to admit it. I know that it is a blessing to have a tender heart and I am truly grateful for it but sometimes I don’t think that it is really worth it. Things hurt my feelings probably more than they need to.

A situation has been plaguing my mind for the past few days. I am frustrated with how I feel and what to say or think about it. I know that some people don’t tend to be mean, hateful or hurtful but I start to really doubt their sincerity.

This morning, I was chatting with my dear friend, Gabby. I was explaining (ok…complaining a little) how I feel about this certain situation and the people that are involved. I was starting to get emotional about it when my phone “dinged”. I glanced down at my phone and there was a tweet. (Yes, I am on Twitter, I love it).

It was from Becky Higgins, LLC. I love her “Part of Cultivating a Good Life” series. She tweets out thoughts and ideas on how to cultivate a good life. She is amazing and inspiring. 

Today, it read, “Part of cultivating a good life is trying to see people the way God sees them. With this perspective, we would be much more patient and kind.”

And…that’s when I felt a little bad about complaining.  HUMBLED.

~Michelle

17 Miracles

My phone dings letting me know that I have received a text message. 

I click the inbox wondering who it is.

I read the following message… 

“You need to see this movie.  It is powerful. I know that you will love it. ”

The movie she is referring to is 17 Miracles. 

I watched it.

I cried.

I am grateful for Levi Savage who kept meticulous records as he made his way towards the Salt Lake Valley. He along with the others has so much faith…so much faith. 

I watched it again.

I cried harder. 

How grateful I am for the emotions that touched my heart as I watched this amazing movie.

It was a movie that I needed to watch.  It is powerful.  I loved it!

~Michelle

It’s a good life!

I love the band One Republic. I love their songs but there are a few that are my favorite and I can listen to them over and over. I never get bored with them. Good Life is on that list. I love it. It is on their “Waking Up” album. I have been meaning to purchase this album for quite sometime but haven’t yet.

Well…when I arrived at work this morning, my dear friend, Gabby  asked how my weekend was and what adventures I experienced. After chatting for quite sometime, She handed me…GUESS!   You are correct!  “Waking up” by One Republic.

Aw…she knows how to spoil me.  Thanks Gabby!!!  I loaded onto my computer and now…I will be listening to it all day long. It definitely is a good life!!!

~Michelle

Gratitude Journal Prompting…

I love to write in my journal.  I find that it gives me a place where I can share emotions, thoughts, ideas, concerns…and the list goes on and on.  It is place where I can just be me.  I know that I have shared my thoughts on journal writing many many times.  I am grateful for each and every entry.  Did I already tell that I love to write in my journal?  If not…I do.

One night at the beginning of November, I came across a blog that inspired to me to share something that I am grateful for each day.  Each day, she (the blog writer) shares a quote and then gives a prompt of what to write about in your journal.  I am so grateful for the time and energy that she has put into her blog to help me be more grateful for the things that I experience each day. 

Today’s quote is found here along with her prompting to write.  I decided to share a portion of my journal entry today.

As I clicked onto my gratitude journal prompting blog today, the journal prompt stated, “ When we take time to reflect back on our blessings, we realize God’s hand in our daily lives.  Today, record in your ‘Gratitude Journal’ how our Heavenly Father has helped you feel his love.”  This prompting is perfect for what took place today.  I had the privilege and opportunity to teach [one of the the wards in our stake] young women today.  As I was preparing, I felt this overwhelming prompting to change and switch things up a bit.  I studied over my lesson plan.  I pondered and prayed for the changes that needed to take place.  I knew that it needed to be powerful.  I knew that something needed to happen that hadn’t happened in the previous wards.  After studying line by line, I realized that I needed to ask what needed to be changed.  I went into my room and asked.  I had the most powerful experience.  Heavenly Father showed me the love that he had for this group of young women.  They are special to him.  He loves them unconditionally.  They needed to know this.  I needed to share it with them. 

I am so grateful for this experience.  I cried and cried.  I could feel His love for them.  I knew that his love for them each one individually is exactly what they needed to hear and to feel…

I would share more of what I wrote but I think that I will leave the rest inside my journal.  The place where I record special and sacred experiences.  I am grateful for this gratitude journal prompting blog.  It has made my journal writing even more fun.  Check it out…you might enjoy writing in your journal.  Her prompts bring back lots and lots of awesome memories.

~Michelle

9 amazing friends…9 fun & exciting neighbor gifts

I participate in a card club with some of the most amazing friends.  We get together every other month and swap cards.  This month was a tad bit different.  Instead of bringing 9 sets of 2 different cards, we brought 1 set of 9 cards and a Christmas neighbor gift idea.  It was so much fun.  It felt like Christmas as we received each gift.  I am getting so excited for Christmas.  I love Thanksgiving and I don’t want to take away from it but I do want to share the amazing neighbor type gifts…just in case you are trying to find a cute idea to share this year. 

So…just in case you would like some ideas…

1.  Can of peanuts…”You are getting ‘nuttin’ for Christmas.

2.  Package of cookie mix with the poem…

I made a batch of cookies
And ate just one or two
I started feeling guilty
Because they were for you

I went into panic
And ran into the store
I bought a brand new cookie mix
So you make some more.
Have a Merry Christmas!

3.   A package of brownie mix & a wooden spoon with a poem…

Christmas is jolly,
Christmas is sweet.
I’m so stressed out
so make your own
darn treat!!

4.  A cute little bag with candy kiss pretzels…so delicious!

5.  A bag of popcorn with a saying…”Just ‘POPPIN’ by with a Holiday Hi!  Merry Christmas!”

6.  A cute little notebook with a saying…”Take ‘note’ we’re wishing you a merry Christmas!”

7.  A package of Jolly Ranchers with a saying…”Have a Holly ‘Jolly’ Christmas!”

8.  A container of rainbow sprinkles with a saying…”May your Christmas be ‘sprinkled’ with laughter & love.”

9.  A giant chocolate candy bar with a poem…

Dashing from the malls
With groceries yet to buy,
Workshops, kids & housekeeping,
Life's so crazy! Why?

Bells on our telephone ring,
The machine will take the call,
We have no time for family or friends,
It drives us up the wall.

How are you? How's your life?
We really want to know.
Hope you're ready for Christmas,
Now maybe it will snow.

A day or two ago,
We thought we'd make a treat,
For all our special friends--
A Christmas Gift to eat!

Our intentions were top notch,
But our schedules would not budge,
Hence, here's this year's addition of homemade
CHRISTMAS FUDGE!

Do you have any fun ideas?  I would love to hear them. 

Have a great day!

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday…Milk!

One of my most favorite things is…

milk!

One of my most favorite things to drink is milk.  You probably thought it was diet coke.  It is but….I can have more than one favorite.  Right?!  Aw..I love ice cold milk!   I love it anytime of the day.  It is definitely one of those comfort things in life.  I love it!

Happy drinking!!

~Michelle

Have you….

Have you ever had one of those moments that you are surrounded by a bunch of people who are important to you but you feel like you are the only one in the room?

  Have you ever had your heart ache so much but you really can’t figure out the reason behind it? 

Have you ever had one of those days that you aren’t sad but you aren’t extremely happy?

    

Today was that type of day. 

~Michelle

a special tribute and red rose

Tonight, I was invited to attend a Young Women in Excellence program for one of the wards in my stake.  At the end of the program, they honored each young woman with a special tribute and a flower that represented them.  There were many different types of flowers just as there are many different types of personalities amongst this group of young women.  As I watched their expressions and witnessed the smiles, it reminded me of a night similar to this night.  I had been released as our ward’s Young Women’s President and called to serve as 2nd Counselor in our Stake Young Women’s Presidency.  This was extremely difficult for me.  I loved the young women that I had been serving.  I wasn’t ready for a change.  My heart just ached for months.  It was so difficult.  I felt like I had lost my little family.  The night of their Young Women in Excellence, I was invited to come to the center of the room.  Each young women and leader individually gave me a special tribute and a red rose.  I will never forget that night.  I felt so loved and so special.  I cried like a baby…I might just add that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.  I truly loved those young women and leaders.  It was so difficult for me to not be with them.  They had truly taught me so much.  They were such great examples to me.  That night was so special to me.  I will never forget the feelings that I felt.

As I look back on the past few years, I wouldn’t trade the things that I have experienced  for anything in the world.  I still keep in touch with those that I served with and loved but now I have so many more young women and leaders in my life that I truly cherish.

Watching these young women tonight and remembering the feelings that I had felt, I hope that they know how loved that they truly are…each one individually.   They are precious to their parents, leaders and especially to our Heavenly Father. They are amazing examples to each other.  Oh, I love my calling!

~Michelle

The Mini Coop

I have a HUGE list of things that I want to accomplish before I pass onto the next life.  One of them is to drive a Red Convertible Mini Coop.  I added this to my list of things that I want to accomplish shortly after falling in love with the movie The Italian Job.  Oh, how I love that movie.  Doesn’t almost everyone drive a Mini Coop in that movie? Aw…plus, Mark Wahlberg makes any car look enticing! So, I jotted it down on my list of things to do…drive a Red Convertible Mini Coop (with Mark Whalberg sitting in the passenger seat). Guess what I did today?  I drove a Red Convertible Mini Coop.  (Mark was busy so he didn’t join me today).    Did I feel like I was in the movie experiencing amazing adventures?  No…but it was an adventure!  Would I trade my Acura TL in for it?  NO!  It was fun to drive and test all of the buttons and switches but it doesn’t compare to my sweet car…little Acura TL. 

~Michelle 

22 days later…

Often when I am talking with a young woman who is struggling about who they are, I will challenge them to write 100 things that they like about themselves. If they are struggling with a friend, I challenge them to write 100 things that they like about that person. At first they don’t take me serious but by the end of the conversation, they have accepted the challenge. Days, weeks, and sometimes months goes by and eventually they will let me know that they accomplished the task that was asked of them. 

Well, a little over a month ago…actually, it was on October 13th…I was talking with a friend of mine.  I was not in the most positive and uplifting mood.  I had had a day of complete frustration and I was not too happy with a few people in my life.  As I was describing my day, I made a few comments that probably should have been left inside of my brain. Immediately, my friend challenged me to write 100 things of why I love life.  I told her that I was just frustrated and that I didn’t need to write a list of things on paper to prove that I loved life.  She didn’t back down. 

22 days later…I finished my list.  At first, I thought it was the dumbest thing that anyone could ever challenge me to do.  (Yes, I even rolled my eyes when she suggested such a bizarre thing).  I am sure that is similar to what the young women have thought when I have assigned them their own little challenges.  As time went on, I became more excited to find out why I love life.  I know that you would be bored if I listed all 100 things…so, I will only share a few that bring a smile to my heart. 

• 10.  I love life because…I can purchase Diet Coke for 25 cents at DHI.  Aw…this is a great day to be alive.    
• 18. I love life because…I had the most powerful experience tonight teaching about Charity…the pure love of Christ. Definitely a great day to be alive.
• 40. I love life because…I believe in the power of the atonement. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful day!
• 68. I love life because…I love to laugh! Laughter brings so much happiness and excitement in life. I love life!
• 89. I love life because…I have toilet paper. I don’t want to think what it would be like if I we didn’t have that.  So grateful to be alive.
• 99. I love life because…I love Strawberry ice cream and it always brings a smile to my face. Definitely, a great day to be alive!

I am grateful for a sweet friend who was inspired enough to challenge me think of 100 reasons why I love life.  Some are silly and some or serious but all in all…I do love life and there are many reasons why.  If you haven’t had a chance to make a list of why you love life…try it!  I can guarantee that you will look at things a little bit differently. 

~Michelle

Candy corn? Peanut butter? Chocolate?

What do you get when  you combine candy corn, peanut butter, and chocolate?  Homemade butterfingers.

I found this recipe online and I was intrigued.  I couldn’t figure out how combining peanut butter and candy corn could really make butterfingers.  So, I tried it…they turned out amazing.   Just in case you wanted to the recipe…

Homemade Butterfingers

1 lb. candy corn

16oz jar peanut butter (I used Peter Pan Honey Roasted peanut butter)

16oz pkg. chocolate candy coating

Melt candy corn in microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking in 15-second intervals til melted, stirring after each interval. Stir in peanut butter. Spread mixture in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Dip in melted chocolate candy coating. Lay on waxed paper to set.

Aw…deliciousness!

~Michelle

I found you.

Today, my mom, Brylie and I went to the fabric store.  My mom needed some help picking out some fabric for some gifts that she is making.  I love these types of adventures.  Mom and Brylie were on one aisle and I turned the corner and ended up on another aisle.  A few minutes later, I hear, “Oh, Michelle-y, you were lost. I found you.  I will show you where Mimi is.”  Brylie grabs my hand and takes me to where my mom was standing. 

Tonight as I am pondering this fun little adventure that I had with my mom and Brylie, I can’t stop thinking about Brylie’s sweet little comment.  She truly thought that I was lost and she wanted to show me where I needed to be.  There are many people that come into our lives to rescue us or to help us find the way back to where we are supposed to be.  As I think about the many people that have blessed my life, I can’t stop smiling.  I am grateful for each and everyone of them.  I am grateful for their patience and love for me.

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday…I love Cafe Rio’s Pork Salad!!

One of my most favorite things to eat is…

Cafe Rio’s Pork Salad!

I love Cafe Rio’s Pork Salad.  Yes, I do!!  I never grow tired of it.  It is one of my favorite meals.  I think if I ate it every day…I wouldn’t get bored of it.  I am sure that all of their food is delicious but I have never ordered anything different than the salad.  I always say that I am going to try something different…but I always end up ordering the salad.  I know that I can’t go wrong with this salad made of a little slice of heaven.  I just love it so much!!  Aw…deliciousness!!  Cafe Rio, anyone?!

Hope your having something delicious for dinner tonight!

~Michelle

Emma

Families Can Be Together Forever is one of my favorite Primary songs.  I have thought a lot about this song all week.  It brings me so much peace and comfort.  I am so grateful that I have a strong testimony that families can be together forever.

Today, I attended the funeral of a special daughter of God.  In her 8 years of life, she was able to touch so many with her kindness, sweetness, compassion, love and most of all her courageous personality.  I am positive that she touched every single life that she came in contact with…even the stranger in the elevator that was covered in peacock tattoos.  Emma told her that she loved her feathers as she reached up, grabbed her hand and held it until the elevator arrived at their destination.   

Haylie is an incredible mom to such a sweet little girl.  I hope and pray that as Haylie goes through this huge trial that she can always remember that Families Are Forever and that she will be able to be with her sweet little best friend again. 

I am so grateful for the peace that I felt while I listened to the talks and the music at the funeral.  I know that our Heavenly Father is watching over this little family and comforting them while they grieving for this special little girl.  Emma is an amazing daughter of God…because of her, lives have been touched and changed. 

~Michelle

To be like a little child…

Brylie is one of my most favorite people.  Even at the age of 4, she has taught me so much.  She loves you unconditionally.  She makes you feel like you are the most important person in her little life.  She just makes me feel special.  The other day, I was at my parents and Brylie (and her parents) came to visit.  She comes running into the house, gives me a huge hug & kiss, sits on my lap and says, “I missed you, Michelle-y!”  Aw…she knows how to melt my heart.  She is a pretty special little friend!!

As I thought about that sweet little sentence, I realized how important those three words are…I missed you.  How often do you tell someone that you missed them?  How often do you tell someone that you love them?  How often do you tell someone that  you care about them or that you are thinking of them?  Does it happen every day?  Why aren’t we more like little children?  They are so honest, tenderhearted and compassionate.  Brylie missed me, so she told me.  Did it touch my heart?  Most definitely.  What if we said compassionate statements such as “I missed you” or “I love you” more often?  Is it a sign of weakness?  My opinion…definitely not! 

I am going to try to be a little more like Brylie.  I want people to know how much I care about them.  I want to be more compassionate.  I want others to feel how I feel when Brylie tells me that she misses me.  It truly warms the heart…sometimes it takes a little child to remind us how important life is and how special we are.

 

~Michelle

Want a free scrumptious cupcake?

It is that time of year again!

It is November!

Hip Hip Hoorrah!!!

Not only is it Thanksgiving, plenty of birthday celebrations and many fun and

exciting adventures but…

it is National Blogging Month.

Do you have the time and energy to blog every single day?

I am not sure if I do but I am up for the challenge.

I would love for you to join me with this challenge.

So…if YOU join me each day and post on your blog…

I will in return deliver to your home

the most scrumptious cupcake from The Cocoa Bean Cafe

and…

(of course) the most sweetest note

thanking you

for accepting the challenge and joining me for

National Blogging Month.

Challenge accepted?

Let me know.

Happy Blogging!

~Michelle

Keep to the right…

Since the freeway exit to my home is blocked off, I chose to travel home by the way of Geneva Road.  I noticed that the break lights  on the cars in front of me getting brighter and that there huge bright lights in this one particular area of the road.   I was starting to complain (in my mind) about all of the construction that was happening.  I am getting so tired of it.  As I got closer, it was not construction, it was a Sherriff’s checkpoint.  There were huge signs that said, “Keep to the right, Sherriff’s checkpoint.”  It was quite fascinating.  I started to get a little nervous…why was there a Sherriff’s checkpoint so close to my home?  As I approached the area, I noticed that there were several vehicles off to the side…open alcohol containers on top of the vehicles, people walking lines, Sherriff’s handcuffing people…such a sad situation.  I wanted to take some cool pictures because this would be an awesome blog entry… I took one.  Yes, only one picture and it isn’t that great.  I was too scared to get caught taking pictures and driving.  HA HA! 

Then, it was my time to roll down my window.  The first and second Sherriff waved me on by and then…the third one stopped me.  He asked if the first two guys explained what was happening.  I responded that they hadn’t.  Then, he explained that they were having a alcohol checkpoint.  He asked, “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”  I told him that the only thing that I had was a diet coke.  He laughed and told me to be careful that there were a lot of people out tonight. 

As I drove away, I started thinking…do they ask everyone if they have had a drink tonight?  Are people that are under the influence of alcohol answer, “Yes, Mr. Sherriff, I have had a few beers tonight?”  Are they that open and honest when they are drunk?  Hmm…not sure. 

Hope your drive home today was safe!

~Michelle

I turn on my computer every morning…

Every morning when I arrive at work, I turn on my computer and the following image appears… I am grateful for this quote…it means a lot to me and it helps me be a better person throughout the day. I love constant reminders!Hope you are having an amazing day!

~Michelle

I realized a few things today…

I realized a few things today…

I realized that I can sleep 8 hours straight and  enjoy it.  Yes, last night was the first time that I have slept that long in a VERY LONG time! What a great day to be alive!

I realized that I make the most incredible delicious peanut butter & honey masterpiece.

I realized that the diet coke in the refrigerator in my dad’s shop is much colder than those in their house.  HUZZAH!!!

 

I realized that I can never have too many pencil sharpeners for my colored pencils. UGH…I keep misplacing them.

I realized that I never get bored while driving in my car.  There is always something to do, something to think about, something to listen to or something to look at.

In the scriptures, we read, “…but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…”  I know that this is true.  Small and simple things to do bring great and amazing things.   Have a delightful day!!

~Michelle

I love to draw a line through accomplished tasks.

I am a huge list maker. I know that I have said it so many times.  I am always creating a list.  A list of things to accomplish, a list of groceries, a list of books I want to read, a list of movies I want to see, a list of clothes to wear during the month…I seem to create a list for everything and anything.  I get an amazing thrill crossing off an item.  There is something about drawing a line through a word or a sentence that gives me a sense of accomplishment.  Tonight, I looked at my forever “To Do” list.  I haven’t been able to accomplish all the things that I wanted to this week and was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed.  These past couple of weeks, I have been extremely busy in every aspect of my life. 

As I pondered over this list, I wonder if it is even possible to ever have all of these important items crossed off. Personally, I don’t think so because I seem to add to it every single day.  Maybe it would be possible if I didn’t let other things, people, and situations get in the way.  But…that isn’t me.  I learned my lesson a long time ago and I was reminded of it once again as I chatted with my sweet little niece.

Several years ago, my grandpa was on this earth.  He was an amazing man and such a great example to me.  My hero.  The week prior to his passing from this life to the next, I received many many promptings to visit him.  My grandparents only lived less than five minutes away and it wouldn’t have taken too much effort to drop by his home.  I found that when I received these promptings, I would push them out of my mind because I felt that I was too busy to visit with him.  The promptings were strong and I still can remember feeling the importance of visiting with him.  All week long, I pushed those feelings out of my mind telling myself that I would visit him on the weekend.  I was too busy wish school, I was too busy with friends and I was too busy with life. 

I planned on visiting him on the Saturday of that week.  Saturday morning came and the phone rang.  I still remember every detail of the conversation.  It is still so vivid in my mind.  He was transported to the hospital in critical condition.  He never did wake up again.  I remember pleading with my Heavenly Father…asking Him if I could have one more chance with my grandpa.  All I wanted to do is tell him that I loved him and that I was so sorry I didn’t heed to the promptings of the Spirit.  I was not granted my plea.

I will never forget that experience because it has made me realize how important it is to act upon the promptings of the Spirit.  It has made me realize how delicate life can be and sometimes we only have a few chances to love or care for a person.  I know that I am a busy person but I hope and pray that I am never too busy to lend a helping hand, to lend a listening ear, to give a hug, to send a text message, email or letter, to smile, to say I love you or to drop by for a visit…I pray that I continue to have amazing promptings to help and bless others.  I feel crossing off these amazing celestial experiences on our eternal list is more rewarding than crossing off a few words written on a piece of paper that really doesn’t have a lot of significance.

Just my thoughts,

~Michelle

S’mores Cookie Cracker Bars…so simple!

Aw…I love to find and try out new recipes.  I know that I have said that many times but it is the simple truth.  I have a passion for it. So, when I was given this recipe, I needed to try it.  (Thanks Gabby!) They looked so delicious and the recipe seemed so simple.  Let me just say…I wasn’t disappointed.

S’mores Cookie Cracker Bars

12 (5x2 1/2 –inch) graham crackers
¾ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
3 cups miniature marshmallows
4 milk chocolate candy bars, broken into pieces
(1 cup chocolate chips)

Heat oven to 350⁰F. Line 15x10x1 inch jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil leaving a 1-inch overhang on ends; spray foil with cooking spray. Place graham crackers onto foil so that sides touch.

Melt butter and brown sugar in medium sauce pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and mixture just comes to a boil, about 5 minutes. Pour evenly over crackers.  Bake 5 to 6 minutes or until bubbly.

Remove pan from oven; sprinkle with marshmallow and candy bar pieces. Continue baking until marshmallows begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cool completely. Lift from pan using foil. Cut into bars.

They were so simple to make!!

Happy baking!

~Michelle

Toliet seats come in all different sizes, shapes & styles…who knew?

I would say that I am pretty independent. I take pride that I can fix the basic things around my home. A couple of years ago, I received a power screwdriver for Christmas from my parents. I love it.  With this handy tool, I can tighten or loosen things in the matter of seconds. It is awesome!

The other day, I noticed that my toilet seat was loose. I grabbed my trusty power screwdriver and tightened the screws…a little too much. The result…a cracked toilet seat. It was too late to drop by the store to purchase a new one. I just had to deal with the cracked one for the time being.

Have you ever sat on a cracked toilet seat? If not, let me share…they pinch. The result…an ugly bruise.

Not wanting to cause any more damage to my…well, you know which part of my body. I removed the toilet seat. I have another bathroom in the house that I can use until I purchased a new one.  This definitely was NOT a problem.

In the middle of the night, I got up to go to the bathroom. I forgot that I removed the toilet seat. OUCH!  Yes, I fell in!

Tonight…I was not going to take the chance of forgetting again.  So, off to Home Depot I went.

Did you know that there are all different shapes, sizes and styles of toilet seats? I do now. That is ok…I was prepared. I had taken pictures of what my toilet seat looked like. I was too embarrassed to take my toilet seat into the store. From my pictures, it looked like my toilet seat was oval. It wasn’t.

Back to home depot again…to return the oval toilet seat. I wasn’t going to purchase the wrong one again so, with toilet seat in my hand I headed into Home Depot.  The lady at the return desk tried to make me feel better by telling me…”Oh, you would be surprised what people bring in to make sure that they purchase the right size, shape or style?”  Her kind words didn’t help…I was still 108% embarrassed! 

Tonight…I decided that I didn’t want to be independent. It would have been much easier to have someone else take care of it. But then…I wouldn’t have learned that there were many different shapes, sizes and styles of toilet seats.

`Michelle!