Monday, December 31, 2012

It is New Years Eve!!

I really can’t believe that it is the last day of the year.  I am sad to see this year end but I am excited to see the beginning of another year.  So…goodbye to 2012 and HELLO to 2013.

I enjoyed the evening at my parents with family and friends.  There was plenty of food, games, fun, and laughter.  We played…

61YRffOcKhL__AA1103_

It was so much fun.  If you haven’t played it, I highly recommend it.

At one point during the night, I looked over to see this crazy little girl staring at me with her gorgeous brown eyes.

2012-12-31_23.32.18

I wasn’t quick enough to get a picture of her.

2012-12-31_23.10.25 (1)

So, I tried again…

2012-12-31_23.04.46

and again!!!  Aw…I love this girl!!  She truly makes me smile!!

Happy Last Day of December and 2012!!

~Michelle

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Reading and loving it!

sarahhwI can’t believe that this year is coming to a close.  Where did the time go?  It seemed to pass by so quickly.   I just can’t believe it.  I have been pondering the goals that I set at the beginning of last year.  I was hopeful to accomplish every single one of them sometime during 2012.  As I read the list, all I do is  smile not because I accomplished them but because I have actually set goals that help me become a better person.  I am hopeful for the upcoming year…a new beginning…a time to re-evaluate and to move forward. 

One of the goals that I set for 2012 was to read more often.  I love to read but when I do, I feel guilty because I have so many other things that I SHOULD be doing.  I set out a goal to read 100 books.  I knew that  I probably wouldn’t be able to accomplish this particular goal…I was just hoping that if I had that high of a goal, I would make myself read and not feel so guilty. 

Well, dear friends…I did read more and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I read 19 books…a lot more than I would have read if I wouldn’t have made it a goal to read more often and enjoy it.  So…for the year 2012, I read

1.  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2.  The Gift of Angels by Rachel Nunes

3.  Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

4.  Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

5.  Nourish & Strengthen by Maria Hoagland

6.  Lost Without You by Annette Lyon

7.  Lemon Tart by Josi Killpack

8.  English Trifle by Josi Killpack

9.  Devils Food by Josi Killpack

10.  Lipstick Wars by Christine Thackeray

11.  Last Entry First by C.K. Abbott

12.  Key Lime Pie by Josi Killpack

13.  He Loves Me Not by Christine Kersey

14.  Don’t Look Back by Christine Kersey

15.  Blackberry Crumble by Josi Killpack

16.  Scrappy Cupcake Angels by Kristah Price

17.  Your Happily Ever After by Dieter F Uchtdorf

18.  Forget Me Not by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

19.  Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

As for 2013, my goal is to read and enjoy 25 books.  Look out world, I am going to read and not worry so much about the other things that I need to accomplish!

Happy Reading!

~Michelle

Friday, December 28, 2012

Eggs…I wish you would sink!

It seems like things get neglected during the holiday season.  I know that this happens for me. My mind is preoccupied with so many other things that sometimes I forget the little things.  I was reminded of this very thing when I opened my refrigerator door.  It had been neglected.  Seriously neglected! I threw away so much stuff that sadly to say…was once yummy and delicious. 

As I was cleaning off the bottom shelf, I noticed that I had 3 (18-pack) carton of eggs.  What?  3 cartons…where did they come from?  I looked at the expiration date and noticed that they all expired in December.  Not wanting to throw them out, I decided to test each egg.   I filled a glass full of water and placed each egg one at a time to see if it would float or sink.  I was hoping that they would sink.  Guess what?

2012-12-28_21.59.06

They ALL floated to the top.  Sad to say…all 54 eggs were chucked (not gently set) down the garbage disposal.  Lucky garbage disposal.

I wish I wouldn’t have neglected them.  Sad smile

~Michelle

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Never give up!

A much needed quote…

15857_508307939213235_1357140815_n

…at least for me!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas to you from me!

2012-12-25_10.08.39

Merry Christmas!!

~Michelle

Monday, December 24, 2012

Just thoughts…

baby-jesus-mary-joseph-by-dewey

I read the account of the Savior’s birth late this evening.  I thought about the shepherds, the wise men, the innkeeper, Mary and Joseph…I thought about how each of them had an important role when the Savior was brought into this world.  I ponder the importance of the events that took place in the Savior’s life.  His relationships.   The many people that he touched through his service.  I am so grateful for my testimony of the Savior.  I am grateful for all that He did for me.

As I thought about the different events and relationships in my own life, I came to the knowledge that I have been completely blessed. I am so grateful for all of the them…the bad ones but more importantly the good ones..especially the ones that bring tenderness to my heart and smiles to my face.  I am so grateful for everyone that came into my life. 

Merry Christmas Eve!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

I love to wrap presents!

2012-12-23_20.22.37

It is only 2 days until Christmas. Count them. 1-2! I hadn’t even started wrapping presents. So, tonight was the night. I turned on a Christmas movie and wrapped and wrapped all of my presents. I love wrapping presents. I am not sure why it is such a stress reliever but it is. I love to pick out the wrapping paper and ribbon. I love to tie beautiful bows and make darling name tags…I just love it. I love giving gifts and I love wrapping presents!! I LOVE IT!!

After all of the presents are wrapped, I love to sit and stare at them. I know, I am a tad bit crazy. It just brings sunshine to my heart. I love it!!

Happy Wrapping Presents Day!!

~Michelle

Saturday, December 22, 2012

White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn

I realized this morning that there are only 3 days until Christmas.  3 DAYS!  That is it! I haven’t made treats.  I haven’t wrapped any presents.  Christmas is coming and I am not at all ready for it. I wanted to make some type of treat.  I wanted it to be easy and I wanted it to be delicious.  As I thought and thought about it, I decided to make…

2012-12-22_22.41.01

White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn. 

I ended up making 8 batches of it tonight.  Even though it is delicious…I don’t think that I will be making it again any time soon.

Happy Treat Making Day!! (Is that such a day…it is for me?!)

~Michelle

Friday, December 21, 2012

Too many vacation days…too many thoughts.

christmas-shopping1

I often find myself with too many vacation days when the year comes to a close.  I don’t like this feeling.  I would rather have zero vacation days at this time of year.  The more that I keep busy, the less my brain has to rely on thoughts that are probably not the best during this holiday season.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas time but I also, LOVE to be busy.

When I retired to bed last night, I had a huge list of things to do to keep me busy on my day off.  When I awoke this morning, instead of grabbing my to-do list, I grabbed my blankets, my laptop and started watching movies.  I officially declared today as a “Movie-Vacation” day.  All I wanted to do is snuggle in my blankets and watch movies.  I wanted my brain to be filled with movie thoughts. 

After four movies, I knew that I needed to be productive.  I know that movie-vacations are great but I began to think that it wasn’t the greatest thing for me to do today.  I got ready for the day and headed out to do some Christmas shopping.  The stores weren’t too busy today which I found quite interesting since Christmas is drawing near.  But lucky for me, I was able to get a lot of presents purchased and that definitely brought a smile to my face.  I love trying to find the perfect present for people. 

I still have several vacation days left…what to do? What to do?

~Michelle

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

She stole the show!

You could say that she stole the show with her most contagious smile and excitement to dance.  No one on that stage could even compare to the dancer that we witnessed tonight.  My sweet adorable niece performed in her very first dance concert tonight.  I don’t think I have ever been so proud of her.  Well…I take that back, I am always so proud of her. 

She was so excited about her dance concert.  She was incredible.  She was so happy.  She was definitely in her element.  Aw…I love this girl.

2012-12-19_18.19.03

After she finished her second dance, Jessica went to find her.  She brought her over to our row.  She was so happy and full of smiles.  As she walked down the row, she hugged each person.  When it was my turn for a hug, she jumped up on my lap, put her arm around me and said, “I did it.  I really did it!”  It was awesome.  I almost started to cry.  She is absolutely the most adorable little girl that I know.  I am so lucky to have her in my life.  She is so precious!!  I am so proud of this little dancer.

~Michelle

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Testimony…

550115_10151284132486550_1519283981_n

 

~Michelle

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Jingle

Tonight Vieve, Mom and I got together and created our Christmas craft.  JINGLE.  Look how cute it turned out.  As least, I think it is simply adorable!!! I love creating!! 

2012-12-12_20.33.17

Now…to place it in it’s home for the Christmas season.

2012-12-12_21.22.27

Aw…I love Christmas decorations!!!

~Michelle

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I love creating Christmas Cards!

I love creating cards with amazing friends and having a good time. The second Tuesday of each month is filled with plenty of creating, smiling, laughing, giggling and talking. It is known as Stamp & Chat at Michelle’s Party Palace. Yes, there is lots of stamping and chatting and quite a bit of partying. I love it. I look forward to this evening every month. It brings me lots of sunshine and warm fuzzies. I love to share my passion for papercrafting with the people I love.

Tonight, our focus was on Christmas. We created three different Christmas cards.

2012-12-11_21.16.10_thumb32012-12-11_21.16.29_thumb5

2012-12-11_21.15.32_thumb3

Aw…I love creating!!!

~Michelle

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Christmas Village

One of my most favorite places to go during Christmas time is my parents’ home. My mom has decorated each room in her home (including the bathroom and the laundry room). It is an incredible place to be. She spends many hours decorating her home. It is beautiful and exquisite.

She leaves one area of the house for me to decorate. It is just a small corner but I feel privileged at having the opportunity to decorate this corner. It is the corner where her Christmas village is displayed. She has hand-painted every house, church, school, market, and building in this little village. I love it. It is so fun to take each piece from their designated storage box and create a little miniature village.

2012-12-10_20.59.58

I added lights, snow, people, trees…

2012-12-10_21.00.12

I love how it all comes together. It is incredible.

 2012-12-10_20.59.46

Aw…I love Christmas time.

~Michelle

Coke Light from Germany

I love receiving sweet little gifts, letters, and cards.  I love when they are unexpected.  These little things brighten my day.  This morning when I received this sweet little gift, I had plenty of smiles to share.  See, my dear friend, Vieve, spent the past week in Germany and look what she brought me…

2012-12-10_14.53.10

Coke Light. I loved it!! Let me clarify…I loved the gift…the taste…the taste of this drink is …interesting.  I can’t even begin to describe the taste.  It tastes kind of like Diet Coke but extremely sweet.  Hmm…I think the people in Germany that love this drink should try American Diet Coke.  I am sure that they would love it even more than this interesting drink.  Also, what I noticed about the bottle (other than the shape) is the plastic is really thick.  Does that make sense?  I was so intrigued by this bottle, the taste and everything about it.  Thanks Vieve for thinking of me.

She also brought me back delicious German Chocolate which I will savor every single piece.  Delicious and creamy!!

Plus, I received the most adorable snowflake ornament.  I am excited to place it on my tree. 

Aw…what a delightful morning!!!

~Michelle

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Oh Christmas Tree!!

I love decorating for Christmas.  I know that I have said it so many times but I do love it so much.  I love Christmas lights, decorations, ornaments and plenty of snowmen.   I love my Christmas tree.  I love to curl up in my blankets, turn on the fire place and just look at it.  It warms my heart.  So, please let me show you what I have been decorating.

2012-12-12_21.23.23

2012-12-12_21.23.37

2012-12-12_21.24.14

2012-12-12_21.24.01

2012-12-12_21.24.42

I love Christmas!

~Michelle

Saturday, December 8, 2012

The Small White Envelope…

il_fullxfull_340673264

I love reading Christmas stories.  It seems like every time I read one, tears start flowing freely down my face.  I love the little tug that tears at my heart.  I love the warm fuzzies that it brings.  Oh, I love reading Christmas stories.  As I was going through some papers today, I came across the story of the Simple White Envelope.  It is one my favorites. 

As I had finished reading this story, I came across another story that is similar to this one but the family in this the story placed white envelopes on the tree sometime during the Christmas season.  At the beginning of December, they would gather their family together and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.  They would talk about this special time of year and the gifts that they give.  They closed their gathering with a simple question, “What will you give Jesus this year?” 

Throughout the month, they would ponder on what they would give Jesus.  When they decided what they would give, they would write it on the piece of paper, put it in a white envelope and place it on the tree.  On the Christmas eve, they would share what was in their envelope.  Throughout the coming year, they would work on their gift to Jesus whether it was being more patient,  reading their scriptures each day, saying their prayers, having more charity or whatever they felt that they needed to do to increase their testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ…they wrote on the piece of paper. 

When the following Christmas season would come, the little white envelope would be opened again.  They would share their testimonies and experiences that they had during the year.  Then, they were given a new envelope to place their new gift in. 

As I thought about this, I decided that this year I am going to do what they did.  What will I give Jesus,this year.  My white envelope will be placed in my journal or my scriptures so that I might be reminded of it throughout the year. 

What will you give Jesus this year?

Now…for your reading pleasure…

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas--oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma --the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended.

Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.
Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat,he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.' Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition--one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

~Michelle

Friday, December 7, 2012

Joy fills my heart!

I love the Christmas season.  I love decorating my home and making the spirit of Christmas come alive.  I think I gained this love for decorating from my mom.  My parents home is filled with Christmas trees and decorations.  Each room has its own tree and decorations to match.  I love it. 

I don’t decorate every room in my home but I do decorate  my entrance way, living room, kitchen and my bedroom.  I love it.  I love spending time in these specific rooms.  Aw…I love Christmas time.  I love how joy just fills my heart!

So, tonight, I will share with you the Christmas tree in my bedroom.  It sits on my dresser and it is decorated in blues and browns…perfect for my room.

2012-12-09_22.31.27

I love the glistening lights!  It feels my room with the perfect light. 

2012-12-09_22.31.53

It does feel my heart with joy!

2012-12-09_22.32.03

Hope your heart is filled with joy tonight!

~Michelle

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Heartache.

untitled

My eyes open.

I feel the tears falling down my face. 

I touch my pillow…it is wet. 

Wet…from all of the tears. 

My heart is aching.

My body is trembling.

I pull my blankets and pillows closer to me.

My mind goes back to the dream.

It felt so real. 

The words cut deep into my heart.  

A wave of nauseous hits me like a ton of bricks.

I rush to the bathroom and lose it.

Tears are falling freely down my face.

I crawl back into my bed…trying to find the warmth I need.

I cry.  I cry uncontrollably.

I remind myself it was only a dream.

A dream.

A dream that penetrated my heart.  A dream that seems so real.

I can’t shake it.

I can’t find peace. Where is it?  I need it. I need it so badly.

Why did I dream it? 

My heart is aching.  It hurts so badly. The tears won’t stop.

An overwhelming sadness takes over my heart.

Why did I dream this particular dream?   What does it mean?

I remind myself it was only a dream but it seemed so real.

I look at the clock. 

3:26 AM.

The thoughts won’t turn off. 

4:26 AM.

Sadness has filled my heart.  My heart aches. I remind myself it was ONLY a dream.

5:26 AM.

It was only a dream.  A dream…that seems so real.

Heartache.

~Michelle

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Oh Christmas movies…you make my heart sing.

214484000974903967_OsFzuWeA_c

One of the things that I love about this time of year is all of the Christmas movies that are on  television.  Seriously, I get so excited to find out what is on the Hallmark channel.  I find myself watching one movie, then the previews for the next one shows across the television and I get excited.  I watch that one and then…it is early in the morning and time to get up for the day.  I love how everything ends happy. 

I think that I have only watched a few that I really didn’t care for but it is quickly forgotten just in time to watch another one.  Aw…I love this time of year.  Absolutely love it.

I love snuggling up in my blankets next my fireplace and watching happy shows that bring tears to my eyes.  I love laughing one moment and crying the next.  I wish that these types of movies were on TV all year long.  Ok, maybe not…I don’t think that I would get much accomplished. 

 

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies?  Seriously, I would love to know.

~Michelle

Monday, December 3, 2012

How do you end your conversations?

phone-callsA while ago, I was having a not-so-pleasant conversation with a friend of mine. She was expressing that she did not like the way that I ended conversations. She said that my tone in my voice changes. I have been puzzled about this comment since she shared her observation with me.

So…I have been being ever so observant when people end conversations. I have been taking note of what they say and how they say it. As I stood in the grocery line, put gas in my car, ate at restaurants, shopped, and worked… I took note of the words said and the tone of their voice. There were some that were surprisingly filled with anger; there were those that you could tell that they really enjoyed talking to whom they were talking with; there were those that were simply annoyed. For the most part, it was in the same tone as they were talking previous to closing the call. I am confused.

Another thing that I found interesting was what people say when they are finished with the call.

“Bye”

“Goodnight.”

“I love you.”

“See you soon.”

“Talk to you later.”

“Okey dokey.”

“Adios”

“Goodbye.”

“Talk to you sometime”

Some…just hang up without saying anything.  Interesting.

So, my dear blog reader, I have a few questions for you. Have I ever had a telephone conversation with you? If so, did you notice if my tone changed? How did I end our conversation? How do you end your conversations? Do you notice if your tone changes? I am interested to know.

Tonight, I was watching a HALLMARK movie, Christmas in Boston. It is about two people who have been pen pals since they were in grade school. I think that they said that they have been writing and emailing each other for thirteen years. At the end of every letter, they close with saying, “See you under the moon.” I loved that little closing of a conversation.

Just thinking…

~Michelle

Sunday, December 2, 2012

I love these two!

Have you ever  had anyone come into your life and instantly you feel completely blessed? I have had this happen to me several times and I absolutely love that feeling. When they are around, you feel this amazing peacefulness and warmth that fills your entire heart. Well, let me share with you two of these special people. I love them with all of my heart. I can’t even begin to share how blessed I feel to know them.  They glow.  They are so beautiful, adorable and kind.  I love them so much.

2012-12-02_19.31.59

These two sweethearts showed up tonight to sing to me.  I loved it.  They truly brightened my day…just like they do every time I see them. It doesn’t matter if they are with other people; they always make me feel special and loved. For two hours, they sang, laughed and talked. I love these two amazing friends. I am truly blessed to know them. They are so precious.  I am so glad they are apart of my life.  Aw…this is exactly what I needed tonight. I hope they know how special they are to me. 

I am so blessed.

~Michelle

Saturday, December 1, 2012

I love her smile and laughter.

I was able to spend almost the entire day with my favorite little person, Brys.  I love this little girl with all of my heart.  Her laughter and smile are so contagious.  We shopped, ate, laughed, talked, shopped , laughed and talked some more. I love how her tiny little hand fits in mine.  I love her giggle when she sees anything that has to do with Christmas.  I love how she talks non-stop.  She is so adorable. 

We had been shopping for a little while when I had the following conversation with her:

“Brys, where do you want to eat lunch?”

She thinks for a moment and responds, “I think that I would love to eat in that little place on center street?”

“What place is that?

“Um…let me put on my thinking cap?” 

Meanwhile, my mom calls my dad and inquires where he would like to have lunch.  Wendys.

“Brys, Papa wants to eat at Wendys.”

I look in the rear view mirror and see the hugest smile.  “That is exactly where I wanted to eat.” Then, she starts giggling.  Aw…I love this little girl.

2012-12-01_14.42.34

We had been shopping for a little while and she looks up at me with those big brown eyes of hers.  “Can we go to Hobby Lobby?”

“Why do you want to go to Hobby Lobby?” 

She answers, “I need to look at the ribbon.  I have some projects in mind.”

As we walk into Hobby Lobby, she informs me that the ribbon is upstairs.  I was curious of what she was going to do. 

2012-12-01_15.20.59

She stood in front of the ribbon, picked up one spool at a time, examined it ,and placed it back on the shelf.  She did this several times.  I asked her what she was doing.  She responded, “I am just getting some ideas.”  Aw…I love this girl.  She makes me smile!

After looking at the spools of ribbon for awhile, she asked if we could check out the mirrors. 

2012-12-01_15.23.38 

I asked her what she was doing.  She told me that she just loves looking at herself.  She is such a crazy little girl.  I love spending time with her.  She makes me giggle continuously.

We had so much fun today.  I love my little buddy.  She brings so much happiness to my heart.  It was such a fun day.  I love these types of days.

~Michelle

Friday, November 30, 2012

Advil PM…a well-rested night.

I struggle with falling asleep.  I struggle with staying asleep.  My mind is always filled with so many thoughts.  I can’t seem to turn these thoughts off enough to enjoy a great night’s sleep.  So, after trying so hard to fall asleep, I took this…

dfd-013_1

I woke up at the normal 2:30 am…what is up with that time? What happens at this time EVERY SINGLE morning?  I am not sure.  But, last night was different, I went right back to sleep.  I woke up…well-rested.  It was awesome!!! 

I wish I did not have to take anything like this.  I wish that I could just sleep through the night.  Aw…I wish.

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for sleep…when I get enough of it.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Just a reminder…for me!

225391156320539239_0caKEydF_c

…hopefully, tomorrow is a better day!

 

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for new days.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A recipe…The Food I Had Today!

I was sitting with Vieve as we were eating our lunch and reading our books.  I looked over at what she was eating and it looked DELICIOUS. I asked her to send me the recipe.  I love trying new recipes and this looked like one that I would want.

Excited to make this delicious meal, I opened up my email to receive the following:

Food I Had Today

Rice
Meat that was seasoned with taco seasoning
Corn
Beans
I cooked them all, and then I mixed them together, and I mixed in some
cheese with it too. I used Mexican cheese. And then that was a little
blandy still, so I mixed in just a smidge of salsa. I used Pace, but
that's because its my favorite, it's not too spicy for me. That's it,
that's the whole recipe. So boring.

Huh?  I was a tad bit confused.  There wasn’t a name for the recipe.  She entitled it “Food I Had Today”.  Where are the measurements? How was I supposed to create this scrumptious meal without measurements?  Guess what?  I did it.  I just added some rice, hamburger, corn, pinto and black beans…exactly how she wrote it.  So, I mixed them together and…

2012-11-21_14.13.38 (1)

enjoyed “The Food I Had Today”. 

Happy Eating!

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for food to eat. 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

It happened on my run…

My headphones in my ears, music playing from my cell phone, I started running my normal route.  As I rounded the corner near the high school, my music stopped playing.  I stopped to see what was going on.  I fiddled with the buttons and the music started again.  I placed my headphones back in my ears.  I looked up and noticed a…

2012-10-05_18.25.35milkweed plant.

I haven’t seen one of the plants in such a long time.  Memories started flooding my mind.  My grandpa  had a bunch of these milkweed plants in his backyard.  Every year, he would take me out to these plants and we would catch caterpillars.  (Ok…he would catch them…I couldn’t touch them…I was too squeamish). We would place pieces of this plant inside jars, punch holes in the lids, place the caterpillars carefully back on the milkweed and wait…and wait…and wait.  They would eventually turn into Monarch butterflies and we would set them free.  I loved spending time with my grandpa.  I miss him so much.  I started on my run with tears flowing down my face. 

Then, I came upon this place, a place where my a little home once stood…

2012-10-05_18.37.44

my grandparents home

In the middle of this yard, sat a little two bedroom home.  I spent a lot of time at my grandparents home.  It was a place I felt so secure.  I stood there for quite some time just looking at this empty lot.  I remembered the beautiful rose garden that was planted on the edge of their property.  I loved those roses…all different kinds and colors. I remembered the ditch that was on the East of their home where we would play in when they were irrigating.  I remembered the fun games we played with our cousins at family barbecues.  I remember sitting with Grandma on her front porch rocking back and forth on her rocking bench.  As I grew up, I remember the many times I mowed their lawn for them.  I remember watching BYU basketball and football games with Grandma. Memories just flooded my mind of these two incredible people. 

I miss my Grandma and Grandpa. 

Today, we would have been celebrating Grandpa’s birthday.  Happy Birthday Grandpa!  I love and miss you!!

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for a wonderful Grandpa and Grandma.  They brought me my amazing Mom. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

100 books in 2012…not going to happen.

One of my goals for 2012 was to read 100 books.  I love to read and so I felt that this would be a perfect (and easy) goal to accomplish. HA  Ha…it hasn’t been easy. I realized that every time I would sit down to read, my mind would start thinking of all the things that I SHOULD be accomplishing.  If I kept reading, all of a sudden I would feel this enormous amount of GUILT.  The sense of guilt would win and I would put my book down…hoping to return to my friends who were lost in the pages of the book I was reading.  

As the months passed by, I would try and talk myself into not feeling so guilty.  I needed to have moments where I enjoyed doing things that I wanted to do instead of needed to do.  So, lately, I have decided that I would read on my lunch break at work.  I love it.  I love eating my lunch and reading. I realized that I can’t feel guilty if I am reading while I am eating lunch.  I can’t accomplish much during that time at work, so it works out perfectly.  I am now up to 17 books.  I have 35 more days to read 83 books…do you think I can accomplish this goal?  (I am hysterically laughing right now).  Probably not!!

Anyway, yesterday I was in a really quiet mood.  As soon as I arrived home from church, I put on my pajamas, grabbed a blanket and curled up with my dear sweet kindle.  I read and read to my hearts content.  One of the books that I read was…

Your_Happily_Ever_After_F_detail

Your Happily Ever After by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

It definitely was a great “pick-me-up”.  I know that I needed to read this book.  It was inspiring, amazing and pretty much incredible.  I remember when I first heard Elder Uchtdorf’s talk and felt the peacefulness of his message.  Tonight as I read this book, I felt that same incredible peace.  A peace that I needed to feel tonight.  I am grateful for inspiring people who help us see the good in our own lives…when we fail to see it.   If you haven’t had a chance to re-read his talk, I recommend it. It will bring some peace into your heart.  I know that it will.

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful that I love to read.  I am grateful for many inspiring authors who share their talents.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

just thinking…

33885_10151284133151550_1201530057_n

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for special friends who help me find joy in the journey.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

2012-11-24_22.12.14

…thanks to my brother.

Aw…I love Christmas time!!

 

~Michelle

P.S. I am SO GRATEFUL for my brother.  He climbed on the peaks of my house to put up my Christmas lights.  Heights…one of my biggest fears.  He told me to face my fears…maybe next year…or not.  

Friday, November 23, 2012

The light parade…I love this family tradition.

2012-11-23_19.15.58

Every year, our family attends Spanish Fork’s Light Parade.  It doesn’t matter if it is raining, snowing or freezing cold, we are there. We sit in the same place all bundled up in warm clothes and plenty of blankets. I love this tradition but what makes it even more incredible is watching  it with my sweet niece.  Brylie gets so excited about everything and anything.  She absolutely loves Christmas lights.  She screams and cheers…it is so fun to watch.  I love experiencing Christmas through her eyes.  Her laugh and excitement is contagious. 

2012-11-23_19.28.51

When Brylie noticed the train approaching with fireworks coming out of its smokestack, she screamed, “We need to tell Papa. He would love it.” My dad had to work and was unable to attend the parade with us.   I love our Christmas traditions.  They make me smile. 

~Michelle

P.S.  I am grateful for Brylie’s contagious love for life,