Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!!

I was able to spend some time with this precious and sweet witch.  She is so much fun to be around!!! 

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Also, Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without Mom’s delicious chili!

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Mom’s chili is one of my favorite things about Halloween! 

Hope your day was simply BOO-tiful!!!

~Michelle

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pumpkins!

Every year, Mom (and Dad when isn’t working) take us to Jakes Pumpkin Patch to search for the perfect pumpkin.  We search and search until we find that perfect pumpkin.   The one that wants (yes, pumpkins do have feelings) to sit on the porch to protect our homes from unwanted things.  So…it is extremely to find that perfect pumpkin.   There are so many pumpkins to choose from…is it going to a itty bitty one or a huge gigantic one?  It doesn’t matter what size it is…all you have to do is be able to carry it to the car. 

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Finally, Brylie found the perfect pumpkin for me.  She announced that this was the one that I needed to take home to my house.  Aw…I love being taken care of.

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I truly love this time of year.  The weather has almost been perfect.  Thanks Mom and Dad for the pumpkins.  I love this tradition!

Happy Pumpkin Hunting!!  I hope you find the perfect pumpkin.  I did.  Actually, Brylie found the perfect one for me!

~Michelle

Monday, October 29, 2012

Forgiveness.

A couple of months ago, one my dearest friends asked if I would like to study certain principles of the gospel with her.  Her plan was to study, ponder and pray about a certain principle.  While gaining a greater understanding, she would be gaining a stronger testimony of that certain principle.  She wanted someone to share thoughts, ideas, opinions and whatnot with her as she journeyed through gospel principles.  When she asked if I would like to go on this journey with her, I felt so much peace and excitement.  YES!!  YES, I DO!  I need this in my life.  I knew that this was definitely an answer to my prayers. 

Our first topic was on fasting.  It was such an incredible journey. It was powerful.  I know that my testimony of fasting has been strengthened  and will be continued to be strengthened.

Our next journey is the principle of FORGIVENESS.  Tonight, as I was reading, studying, and pondering, I came across this quote.  I love it. 

when you forgive

I am excited for this new journey.  Even though, we have only been studying it for a few days, my heart has gained so much understanding of this gospel principle.

I love this journey. 

~Michelle

Monday, October 22, 2012

Sunflowers…

I love sunflowers.  Whenever I see them, I think of this day.  That particular day was a huge moment in my life, I was just called as the Stake YW President.  I was scared.  I was excited.  I was fearful.  I was feeling inadequate.   I was going through so many emotions  and I knew that I needed to go for a long walk.  I still remember coming upon that single sunflower growing in the midst of so many weeds. 

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Since that day, I have experienced many happy and exciting moments plus plenty of heart wrenching moments.  But, I know that through of all those moments in my life, my love for our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ has been immensely strengthened.  I have witnessed so many times in my life where I have felt them ever so close.  I am so grateful. 

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A week or so ago, I was on my run/walk when I happened to come upon a beautiful group of sunflowers.  They were on the edge of someone’s property.  I saw them from a distance and as I was getting closer, the peacefulness of that day three years ago brought wonderful memories to my heart and mind.  As I reflected on that one sunflower, I couldn’t believe the amazing peace that was entering every fiber of my body.  I was so grateful for the special day in the past and now as I stood before a group of sunflowers, I was grateful to be taken back to that day and to reflect on how much I have grown.  I love sweet powerful memories. 

Sunflowers will always have a peaceful place in my heart which brings so many wonderful memories.  I know that I needed to come across this group of sunflowers on this particular day…just like I came across that single sunflower a few years ago.  I love remembering such wonderful memories.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Michelle

Saturday, October 20, 2012

little bitty baby limes

While I was watching the Cougars play the Irish with my parents, Dad asked if I would like a lime for my Diet Coke.  Of course!  Expecting him to grab one out of the kitchen,  he walked over to what I thought was a plant…

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and picked a little bitty baby lime.

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We cut it in half…

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and squeezed it and placed it in our glass of crushed ice.  Then…we poured our Diet Coke.

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AW…REFRESHING!!

 

Thanks for stopping by!!

~Michelle

Monday, October 8, 2012

What kind of ripples do you send out?

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I have been thinking a lot about the difference one person makes in another person’s life.   I often wonder  what kind of influence that I have on people.  Is it good? Bad? Does my actions impact people that I do not even know?  What about things that I have said?  Have I caused a positive ripple effect or a negative one? As I think of those in my life, I think of the many great examples that they are to me. I have so many wonderful people in my life that have been amazing examples .  I know that there have been many positive ripples that have not only blessed my life but have blessed the lives of so many. Are we causing a positive rippling effect that is going from person to person?  What if we aren’t?  Do you think if we truly understood the rippling effect…we would act differently?  What kind of chain reaction are we creating?

While I was thinking of how our actions and words affect people that we do not even know, I came across a quote by Jake Bohm. 

“We can’t help but wonder how much difference one person makes in the world. We look inside ourselves questioning if we have the capacity for heroism and greatness. But the truth is, every time we take an action we make an impact. Every single thing we do has an effect on the people around us. Every choice we make sends ripples out into the world. Our smallest acts of kindness, can cause a chain reaction of unforeseen benefits for people we’ve never met. We might not witness the results, but they happen all the same.”

I love how he said, “Every choice we make sends ripples into the world.  Our smallest acts of kindness can cause a chain reaction of unforeseen benefits for people we’ve never met.”  It is so true.  We may never see what the end result is but we “might” have played an important part in someone’s salvation. 

So…I ask you to ponder..what kind of chain reaction are you creating?

Thanks for stopping by!

~Michelle

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Sometimes…

Sometimes you need a friend that will quietly remind you to not to give up. 

Sometimes you need a friend that won’t let you quit.

Sometimes you need a friend that will walk with you and kindly remind you to keep trying.

Sometimes you need a friend to help you find happiness and encourage you to endure to the end. 

Sometimes you need a friend that will share their testimony with you when yours is not quite where you want it to be.

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Sometimes…you just need a friend to be there when life is tough!

Do you have that type of friend?

~Michelle

Friday, October 5, 2012

Delicious Chocolate Treasures

My dear sweet friend, Erin,  is having a baby.  I am so excited to see her new little precious of heaven-ness (love that made up word).  I have been patiently waiting to see Bentley.  Aw…just can’t wait.  Erin is amazing.  She has been such a great example to me.  She is one of those types of people that is always so kind  and sweet.  You know those types of people that do not have anything mean or hurtful to say….she is definitely one of those types of people.  She looks for the good in EVERYONE.  I love her so much.  I love the long talks, the pizza & movie nights and…aw…the delicious frozen yogurt runs. I just love her. 

Anyway, her little bundle of joy will be arriving soon so it was definitely time for this new mom to be showered with gifts.  Her sweet mom asked if I would bring some treats to share.  I found the most perfect treat.  Chocolate Treasures! Deliciousness! 

My dear friend, Vieve, helped me create this delicious goodness.  I loved how they turned out.  They were perfect for the baby shower. Delicious treasures inside delectable brownies.  You just can’t go wrong with such a fun treat.  I am glad that I had a place to take them…if not, I would have eaten all 48 of them.  They are heavenly. 

Chocolate Treasures

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Brownie batter for 9x13 pan

(your favorite recipe or from a box)

48 Rolo Candies

2 Cup Chocolate or Vanilla Frosting

(your preference)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix brownie mix according to directions on the box. Spray mini muffin tins well, or line with small paper liners. Spoon the brownie mix into the muffin tins until 2/3 full. Bake for 13-14 minutes. Remove from oven and insert a Rolo into the center of the brownie, the top (or tapered part) pointed downward. Let them cool. Remove cooled mini-cakes, and squeeze frosting on top, covering the candy using a piped star. Sprinkle with decorations.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Michelle