a day in the life of Michelle

A simple act of kindness!

2012-02-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

After work, I was walking towards my car and noticed a piece of paper sticking out from under my windshield wiper.

I opened the folded piece of paper.

I giggled.

My heart smiled.

A simple act of kindness brought a great amount of sunshine to my soul.

Thank you!

~Michelle

Orange cupcakes.

2012-02-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

I overheard some ladies talk about orange cupcakes. (SHH…I was eavesdropping.) They sounded scrumptious (and easy) so I decided to try out the recipe. I wasn’t disappointed at all. Hmm…maybe I should eavesdrop more often.

Orange Cupcakes

1 pkg of French Vanilla Cake Mix

1 can of Diet Orange Crush

¾ cup powdered sugar

Whipped Topping

Orange candy slice (just to make it look cute)

Mix the cake mix with 3/4 can of Diet Orange Crush. Spoon into muffin liners. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Mix powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of Diet Orange Crush. Pour over cupcakes.

Top with whipped topping. Add orange slice.

Enjoy!!!

~Michelle

It was definitely a feast!

2012-02-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

Today, I had the privilege and opportunity to spend most of the day with some of my amazing friends. I love them so much and we always have such a great time together. We laugh. We cry. We vent. We talk. We comfort one another. We pray and fast for one another. We have so much fun together. Who are these friends? They are SUPER-DUPER-FANTASTIC! They are friends that I am blessed to know. I treasure their friendship. These amazing people are my stake and ward young women leaders. I love them all! They are so precious.

Bright and early this morning, we gathered together listen to Sister Elaine Dalton, LDS General Young Women’s President. She was full of energy as she spoke about the young women and testified of our Savior, Jesus Christ. She is incredible. Her talk was so powerful. She loves her calling and it radiates all around her. I was so pumped after her talk that I felt that I could conquer the world. I was spiritually fed. I did not want her to stop talking. The Spirit was present and I didn’t want it to leave. It was an delightful morning.

After being spiritually filled to the brim, a few of us headed to Cafe Rio to be physically fed. Fun. Laughter. Deliciousness. Aw…what a delightful day!! I love these kind of days where there is so much laughter and genuine happiness. I am so grateful for my calling and the opportunity to serve with amazing friends!!!

~Michelle

Fabulous Things Friday…letters and cards!

2012-02-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite things…

is receiving letters and cards in the mail!

Fabulous Things Friday is back!! YAHOO!! Aw…it has been awhile. One of my most favorite things is receiving letters and cards in the mail. I love it!! They make me feel special inside. You know the warm fuzzy type of feeling that makes you feel important and happy. Anyway, today I was sitting at my computer hoping that I would receive a letter from this girl…

I miss her so much. I miss her yelling “Sister G” when she is too far to talk quietly. I miss her hugs. I miss her smiles. I miss her, “Hey, how are you…really, how are you?” I miss hearing her laughter. I miss her goofy expressions. I just miss her. She is serving in the California, Santa Rosa mission. The day before she left on her mission, she said that every time I receive a letter from her…it would be like receiving a special hug. I needed her hug this week and I got one. Her letters are powerful and the Spirit feels the room as I read her strong testimony of missionary work. She truly is an amazing missionary and such a great example to me! Miss you Sister Katie!!

~Michelle

Quick Quote Thursday!

2012-02-02T22:44:00.000-08:00

It is quick quote Thursday. Every time I read this quote, it makes me giggle! I need to frame it to remind me that today I am me! I hope that today you are you!

~Michelle

I love you.

2012-02-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Is there something that you hear, see, touch or feel that will immediately bring a huge abundance of warm fuzzies…warm fuzzies that fill your entire heart? For me, it is three little words, I LOVE YOU. These three words trigger something in my heart and make my world a little bit brighter. They have power to heal my troubled and doubtful heart. They have power to help me forgive and forget. They have power to brighten my aching soul. They are powerful.

A few days ago, I was not in the greatest mood. My heart was troubled, I had a yucky feeling in the pit of my stomach and I had a sad cloud over my head, tears flowed freely…it was not a good moment. With all of these things going on, I opened a piece of paper that read, “I LOVE YOU”. Those three words immediately brought warmth into my heart, the yucky feeling disappeared and the sad cloud turned into a little bit of sunshine. It is interesting how something that simple could change a moment when there isn’t much hope for a smile. I love how those three…simple but powerful…words can immediately lift my mood like nothing else can.

~Michelle

Footprints!

2012-01-27T03:52:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning (3:46 am to be exact) thinking about footprints. Footprints? Yes, footprints. If you walk across a snowy road or path, eventually those footprints that you leave behind are covered with snow or eventually cleared away. If you walk across a beach, the footprints that you leave will soon be covered up by water or mud. But the footprints you leave on someone’s life is never covered up. They remain there for ever. The quote, “Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same” is one of my most favorite quotes. These types of footprints are never washed away, covered up or cleared away. These footprints stay with you or the person forever.

I think that it would be amazing to open up someone’s heart (figuratively speaking, of course) and examine the millions and billions of footprints that make up that heart. Are there lots of the footprints that leave sweet tenderness and kindness types of prints? Or would you find deep footprints that contain sadness and despair that penetrate the soul just by observing them?

For the past hour, I have been examining my own heart and the zillions of footprints that cover the outside and the inside of my heart. There are so many footprints that have touched my life for the good. Each set of them I am so grateful for…for they have brought me an abundance amount of tenderness, kindness and happiness. As I look closely to those footprints that have brought me true sadness and despair…am I grateful for them too? After pondering this question, my answer is yes. I am. They make up me. Michelle Lynn Gren.

I hope and pray that the footprints that I leave are prints that bring tenderness, kindness and happiness. I would never want to find out that I left behind true sadness and despair….those that cannot be repaired by a simple hug or a gentle “I am sorry” or a loving “I love you”.

My question to you (and you need not answer) is what type of footprints did you leave today?

Just pondering,

~Michelle

It is quick quote Thursday!

2012-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

When I read this quote, I couldn’t stop giggling.

I have to admit…it happens to me all of the time.

Have an amazing Thursday!

Michelle

It is quick quote Thursday!!!

2012-01-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Yahoo!!! It is quick quote Thursday. This is another one of my favorite quotes. I think It is so powerful!!

This picture sits on my nightstand. Nightstand? Yes, when I wake up in the morning, it is a helpful reminder of my goals that I have set for the day. As I go to bed, it is a reminder to ponder all that I accomplished throughout the day. Do you set goals? What helps you accomplish your goals?

Happy Thursday!

~Michelle

It is quick quote Thursday!

2012-01-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

I love quotes. How many times have I said that? I have said it here, here, and here! I love quotes. They stimulate my brain. They make me want to be a better person. They make me happy. They make me sad. They make me giggle. They make me cry. They remind me to keep moving towards that ultimate goal.

Knowing that I absolutely love quotes, my dear friend Gabby sent me this quote. It made me smile and giggle. I am awesome! Yes, sometimes I am sad and when I stop being sad, I become awesome again.

Yes, this is a true story!

I love life!!!

~Michelle

P.S. I would love to know what your favorite quote is today?

Look out adventure…I am ready for you!!

2012-01-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Aw…it is 2012. I cannot believe it. Last year seemed to pass by so quickly. I experienced some things that I NEVER want to experience again. On the other hand, I experienced some amazing and incredible adventures and wouldn’t mind building upon them to make them even greater than I remember them. BUT…all in all, I am grateful for the love that I have for life. Each day is a new adventure…some days might be brighter than others but they are still little adventures building into one incredible life.

That life is…MINE!!! My goals are set…look out adventure…I am ready for you!!

Happy New Year!!

~Michelle

Happy Birthday Jimmer!!

2011-12-29T20:30:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-08T21:19:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-05T22:05:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

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!!

2011-12-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-30T21:54:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-11-29T21:09:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-28T13:37:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-27T21:33:00.001-08:00

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…

2011-11-26T21:51:00.001-08:00

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!!

2011-11-25T20:56:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2011-11-24T21:16:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-23T10:45:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-20T22:05:00.001-08:00

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:

Whip the 2 packages of chocolate pudding with the 2 cups of fat free milk until the substance begins to stiffen up.
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.
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.
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.
Refrigerate for at least one hour so that the pie sets.

~Michelle

Sam

2011-11-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-18T22:39:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-11-17T09:19:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-11-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T21:49:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-14T10:01:00.001-08:00

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…

2011-11-13T22:19:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-12T22:22:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-11T09:54:00.001-08:00

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….

2011-11-10T22:54:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-09T22:11:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-08T21:46:00.001-08:00

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…

2011-11-07T22:25:00.001-08:00

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?

2011-11-06T21:44:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-11-05T22:58:00.001-07:00

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!!

2011-11-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-03T21:05:00.001-07:00

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…

2011-11-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-11-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

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…

2011-10-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

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…

2011-10-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

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…

2011-10-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

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!

I love BYU!

2011-09-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

The Holy War…also known as the rivalry game between BYU and UTAH happened this past Saturday. It seemed like everywhere I went people were dressed in blue or red. Emotions and excitement were high. This game had been predicted as being a close scoring game where teams were evenly matched. I arrived at the BYU vs. UTAH party ready for a night of fun. As the kick-off happened, I texted all my UTE fans, “GO COUGARS!” Within the first few minutes, BYU fumbled the ball and UTAH made a touchdown. The phone started to beep and the texts started coming in with all sorts of comments and jokes. My phone was getting quite the action throughout the entire game.

The final score BYU-10 and UTAH 54. What a sad game!!!

It has been a few days and the remarks, jokes, comments are still in full swing. I still love BYU!! Tonight, there was a knock at the door. It was one of my young women…Annie…a true UTE fan holding plate of delicious cookies. There was just one problem…but I quickly fixed it.

Go BYU!!!

It is a game that won’t be forgotten…I am pretty sure of that.

~Chelle!

a hug from the inside out

2011-09-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days that you search for anything to bring you a little bit of comfort? Today was one of those days. You know one of those days that no matter how hard anyone tries to make you laugh…you laugh for a minute but then the tears start to well up in your eyes and you start to panic because at any given moment everyone in your office is going to see those tears? Well, I had one of those days and I am not a fan. Just in case you are wondering….I was able to keep all tears inside the eyes. I mark that as a personal triumph. YAHOO!!!

As I drove home from work, I was thinking of what could bring me comfort and get me out of this teary mood. When I was pulling into my driveway, I realized that I was a tad bit hungry. Then all of a sudden, I knew what would help bring me comfort (and cure the hunger feeling) A grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. I know that when I eat this delicious combo, it is like receiving a hug from the inside out. They are such warm deliciousness. They are exactly what I needed tonight…receiving a hug from the inside out.

Hope your day is filled with plenty of hugs!

~Chelle!

flip flopping of the heart

2011-09-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

So…I would say that I am a thoughtful person. I love sending cards and letters to people. I love making treats and delivering them to friends and family. I love remembering people on their birthdays and dropping by a special gift of some sort. I love doing things for other people. I love to see the smiles on their faces or be a recipient of their sweet hugs. Something about that just brings a lot of joy to my heart. As for being a recipient of these types of things…lets just say that it doesn’t happen very often to me. So, when it does…it really makes my heart flip flop with happiness.

Let me share with you the most recent ‘flip flopping of the heart”. For the past few weeks, I have been having horrible headaches. Sometimes my headache turns into a migraine or it will stay awhile and pound…pound…pound. On this particular day…it was the same thing. I woke up and was almost ready for work when a horrific headache decided to enter my head. The pound pound pound can easily bring me to tears. I definitely can say that I am not a fan of these horrific headaches.

Fast forward the story a couple of hours (I don’t want to bore you with the not-so-fun details)…I arrive at work with a sad-not-wanting-this-headache attitude. I know that when I walked through the door that I looked as if I was about to burst into tears. Ok…I wasn’t about to burst into tears, I was already at that stage. Vieve noticed the little bit of sadness upon my face and presented me with the cutest little package. It was filled with fun little bite size candies and fruit snacks. Instantly, it brought a smile to my face and my heart was flip flopping with happiness. Accompanying this fun little box of treats was the cutest little note. Oh, I love receiving notes and little treasures!!

Thank you VIeve for being so kind, sweet and thoughtful. This little gift brought a lot of happiness and plenty of flip flopping! I do hope that my head feels better soon!

I hope that as you go about your day that you remember to create some happiness in someone’s life.

Happy day to you!

~Chelle!

Favorite things Friday….I love to bake!!

2011-09-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite things to do…

is to bake!!

I love to bake!! I love cookbooks! I love trying out new recipes. I love spending time in the kitchen creating delicious treats. I love sharing treats and recipes with others. I just love it. I realized the other day that I haven’t spent too much time in the kitchen doing what I love to do. It was time to start creating delicious treats again. I needed a new recipe and after searching the internet…I found one that I want to share. My many taste testers said that they were simply delicious. Aw…I love my taste tester friends. They make me smile!

So…today for “favorite things Friday”, I am sharing with you a treat that I made…S’mores Cookies. They taste like a little bit of heaven…so delicious!!

Would you like the recipe?

Good, I am glad that you asked.

Here it is….

S’mores Cookies

1 package graham crackers (9 full sized graham crackers)
6 T butter, melted
1 T sugar
dash salt

1 C butter, softened
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 T milk
2 t vanilla
1 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3 1/2 C flour
2 1/2 C milk chocolate chips
24 large marshmallows
4 small 1.55 oz Hershey bars

Break the graham cracker crumbs up into pieces. Place them in a small food processor and grind them into crumbs.

To your crumbs add 6 T melted butter,1 T sugar and a dash of salt. Let the food processor grind all of the ingredients together nicely. Set the crumbly mixture aside.

Place your softened butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are nicely creamed together, about 2 minutes.

Add your eggs, milk and vanilla and mix for another 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl combine your baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Add it to your creamed mixture and mix until combined. Toss in your chocolate chips and mix yet again, just until the chips are evenly distributed.

Grab your graham cracker crumbs and pour them into the cookie dough. Using a wooden spoon, or your hands :) smash them into the cookie dough. You don't want the graham cracker crumb mixture to be totally lost in the dough.

Roll the dough into 2 inch balls, place them on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 6 minutes, or just until the cookies begin to crack.

While your cookies are in the oven, cut the large marshmallows in half.

Press a marshmallow piece into the center of each hot cookie. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for about 1 1/2 more minutes allowing the marshmallows to puff up and get all wonderful and delicious.

Remove the sheet from the oven. Let the cookies sit for about 2 minutes, then press one Hershey bar piece into the center of the marshmallow.

Remove the cookies from the sheet and allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.

Yield: 48 cookies
Recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!

Have a great day baking!!!!

~Michelle

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

2011-09-06T15:01:00.001-07:00

I have been on a blogging hiatus for exactly 76 days. I haven’t read any blogs nor have I attempted to write anything on my blog. I have many reasons but the one that sticks out the most is…I had so much that I wanted to share but couldn’t find the time to write. This summer came in like a lion and left like a lamb. I guess, I could have posted my personal journal writings on here but that wouldn't be fun for me…maybe you would find some interesting insights about me or maybe it would give you extra ammunition to use against me. Hmmm…not a good thing for me. My decision…leave the journal writings inside my journal where they belong. So…let’s just say that it has been 76 days and I am ready to enter the blogging world again. I am excited to read the blogs of my family, friends and all those that I do not know but secretly stalk.

Well, bright and early this morning(ok…it was still dark but it was early), I was at the gym. I found the machine that I was going to spend the next 40 minutes on, plugged my earphones into my IPOD, found the TV show that would be my distraction for the duration of my workout, set my IPOD on the machine’s ledge and began my workout. I was enjoying the TV show that I was watching…giggling in certain parts…just having a great time.

Let me interrupt with an important note: I did not realize that the screen attached to my machine was turned on…let alone the channel that it tuned into.

So, I was about 30 minutes into my workout when something caught my attention on the screen above me.. It was a cartoon…SpongeBob Square Pants. At that moment, I realized that anyone and everyone that walked past or peered over at my machine probably thought that I was watching this particular cartoon…giggling and have the time of my life. Immediately, my face turned bright red and I felt like crawling underneath the treadmill. I was so embarrassed. Now, what was I supposed to do? Hmm…I just giggled, switched the screen off and silently prayed that NO ONE even noticed what I was watching.

Reflecting back on that memory, my face still turns a shade of red and I start to giggle but I realized something. How many times do we judge a person by what they are doing, wearing, acting, speaking or in my case…watching?

Have a fantastic day!

~Michelle!

I love happy memories!

2011-06-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

I was looking through a box that contains quotes, thoughts, pictures, letters, and such items that bring back memories for me. This box of items is something that I want to keep forever. Anyway, I came across this quote and it made me smile. It brought back a great memory. I love happy memories!

"Promise you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Christopher Robin to Pooh

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday…creating cards!

2011-06-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite things is ….

creating cards!

One my most favorite things is creating cards. I love it. I love to create new cards and send them to people that I simply adore. The card that is featured above is one of my most favorite ones. I happen to be in Zuchars and noticed these adorable mini cupcake liners. I had to have them. I knew that I needed to create something with them…Viola!! This is what I ended up with…it makes the cupcake 3D.

For the frosting, I found some of this “bumpy” ribbon from Joann's. I knew that it would be the perfect texture to complete my cupcake card. The problem is…it doesn’t fit in an envelope. I guess, it will be one that has to accompany a package. :D

Yes, I do have a passion for making cards. I love it and wanted to share it on my Favorite Things Friday post.

Happy Friday!!

~Michelle

It is almost like popcorn.

2011-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I don’t like asking people for help. It really don’t matter what it is…I just can’t ask for it. I don’t like to bother people or put any undo stress on them. If I can’t do it myself…I just won’t do it. I know that this is a huge weakness for me. I am sure that there are people in my life that would love to help and would often say “yes” if I were to ask. In fact, my mom is one of those types of people. She would do anything for anyone. Why am I sharing this with you…I want to share an incredible milestone in my life. I asked for help. Would you like to hear the story…then, read on…

I was sitting in Stake Conference on Sunday afternoon. The speakers were exceptionally great and the Spirit was incredibly strong. I was taking notes on promptings that I was receiving. During one of the rest hymns, a thought popped into my mind. It was so vivid and it was an answer to one of my prayers. We, as a Stake Young Women’s Presidency, challenged our young women and our leaders to read the entire Book of Mormon before YW camp. They have had approximately 10 months to complete this challenge. Along with that challenge, we encouraged them to finish the Virtue Value. Our Stake Presidency took the challenge and on Sunday they wore gold ties to show that they had completed this particular value. They bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and power that has come into their lives as the completed both of these challenges. As I sat in the congregation, I felt an overwhelming love for the young women in our stake. I know that if they will read the Book of Mormon and complete the Virtue Value, their lives will be blessed.

I have been thinking of what we could do for our young women who have completed these two challenges. This is where the thought popped into my mind. I would say it was like popcorn. It started with a little kernel. The kernel represented the thought of doing something for our young women. As I listened to the spirit (apply some heat) and by the end of the meeting the plan was set into motion. Hence…the popcorn is now fully popped. But of course, I needed some help. Kind of like adding a little bit of butter and salt to the popcorn…or in my case….my favorite… Hot Tamales.

OK…this is where the milestone in my life happened. I knew who I needed to help me accomplish this project…Bobbi…someone to help me add those delicious flavorings to the popcorn. The thing is I don’t know her. I just happened to come upon her blog one day and absolutely loved it. So…with all of the courage that I could come up with…I wrote her and email asking for her help with this project. She sent me back a response, …”I will could be thrilled…” I can’t share with you any of the other details because camp hasn’t arrived and I want it to be a surprise. But…I will share ALL of the information after July 26th. You can check back and find out more information.

The popcorn is now furnished with all of its delicious toppings and is waiting to be eaten by those sweet young women in my stake. I love it when the Spirit “pops” into my heart and directs me in the ways that I need to go.

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday…Post-it Notes!

2011-05-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite things are….

Post-it Notes!

One of my most favorite things are Post-it Notes. In fact, I love any kind of paper. I love to write little reminders, thoughts, ideas…or just doodle on them. The more colorful the paper…the more my heart gets excited. I love Post-it Notes!!

~Michelle

Do woodpeckers get headaches?

2011-05-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Since it was a beautiful night, I decided to go for a walk. I love this time of year. Nightly walks. I love to see lights on in people’s homes. I often wonder what is happening inside. Are they watching tv? Are they reading books? Are they sitting around the kitchen table eating? Are they enjoying each others company? As all of these random thoughts were popping in and out my head, I heard a tapping noise. The tapping would start and then stop. Tap, tap, tap, tappity, tap tap! As I was walking, the sound was getting closer but I couldn’t see anything in front of me. Then…I looked up. It was a woodpecker.

I stood and watched this little bird for quite sometime. I was trying to figure out how this little guy can stand vertical to the pole that he was tapping against. Why is he tapping? It is so loud…do you think that woodpeckers get headaches? This was so intriguing that I came home and found out some information that I want to share with my many (3) readers because I know that you are as curious as I am.

How does the woodpecker stand vertical against a pole? They have special feet with 2 backward toes instead of just one. It would be similar to having an extra thumb. They also have amazingly sharp claws which aid in helping them hold onto the wood. Oh…they have stiff tail feathers to let them lean back and rest on their tail.

What are they doing when they are tapping the wood? If they hear a bug under the bark, they peck a hole with their becks. Their beaks are long, straight and pointy which aids in making good holes. Their tongues are extremely long with a sharp end for spiking bugs inside the tree. It is also sticky so it can stick to ants in the tree or lick up sap. They have a straight bill for collecting nuts and berries. They love peanut butter.

In my research, I found that woodpeckers have an extra-thick skull. This helps prevent headaches from all of the pecking that they do. AWESOME!!!

Another reason for their tapping is that it will attract a mate. After they find a mate, both the male and female peck a hole in the tree. They tunnel down into the tree about one to two feet. They make a wood nest at the bottom and they take turns sitting on the eggs and feeding the birds. Aw…a happy family!!

So….the next time that you hear a woodpecker pecking…you know that they don’t get headaches from all of the noise. (wink)

~Michelle

Please take my advice…

2011-05-20T20:32:00.001-07:00

There are certain days of the week that I am extremely busy. On these days, I find that I don’t have a moment to spare…from the moment that I wake up until the moment that I am falling asleep, I am going non-stop. I do enjoy these days because my life is planned out and I don’t have time to get too bored or to think too much.

Well…on one of these particular days, I had only minutes to spare from work until I had to be at a meeting. I decided that I didn’t want to wear a skirt to this certain meeting so I headed home. As I ran upstairs, I knew that I needed to turn on the iron, grab my capri’s, iron them and be on my way to my meeting in less than 5 minutes. I could do it.

Ok.,..so, this is how it went…I ran up stairs, on the way to my bedroom, I plugged in the iron and grabbed my capri’s. I checked the iron…it was ready. Wahoo! I can do this. As I was ironing my pants, I looked down and found that I had a spot on my shirt. I grabbed a wash cloth and scrubbed the spot. By doing this, I noticed that there was a wet spot on my shirt. In my brain…because it is so creative…I did not want to have a wet spot on my shirt when I was at my meeting. I looked at the iron and had the perfect idea pop into my creative brain. I knew that there wasn’t any time for me to take off my shirt and dry the spot so…I grabbed the iron and…what do you think that my creative brain thought?

Yes…I ironed my shirt while I still had it on. Yes…I know now that was the most stupid thing that I could have done. Immediately…I started screaming. I was in so much pain. I had to peel clothing away from the burn. It was horrifying. What did I do? I attended my meeting (trying not to move or to cause too much attention to myself). The entire night, I was so close to tears. It was awful. When I arrived home, I checked the spot where I burned myself. Remember what my ear looked like a couple of months ago? Yes, that is what my left side of my chest looks like. Let me tell you…my creative brain was not so creative.

My advice to you and I really hope that you take my advice…do not iron clothes while they are still on you. Let me tell you…it is not worth it.

This little adventure happened two weeks ago…and it is still painful but I know that someday it will only be a little scar and I can reflect on how creative I was (or how non-intelligent) I am. Maybe being too busy is a sign that I probably should slow down….or at least take my clothes off before I try to iron them.

~Michelle

It is not about ice cream!

2011-05-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

I love music. Listening to certain songs can change my mood so easily…lifting it when it needs to be lifted. Do you have songs that immediately lift your mood? I have a playlist on my computer at work that makes me smile. It makes me just giggle when I listen to it. Amongst the many songs in this playlist, there is one that I love. It can lift my mood at any time. It makes me smile. Sweet Carolina. I love that song. I loved it when I was younger and I love it still to this day. Well, there is another song that makes me smile when I hear it. When I am having a rough day, I choose these two songs to listen and my mood immediately brightens.

As I was working on a less than fun project at work, I clicked on this particular playlist to brighten my mood. I was singing (in my mind) to Sweet Carolina (occasionally out loud…not intentionally). Then, the next song started to play…I was singing it when I realized that the song was not about ice cream or a treat in the afternoon, it was about something else. Oh my goodness…I have been listening to this song for years and never ever realized what the words meant. I was mortified. It has a catchy tune and I loved the lyrics but…let’s just say it isn’t about ice cream.

Of course, I didn’t keep my new found knowledge to myself. I blurted it out…thinking that maybe someone else thought it was about ice cream. Um…they didn’t.

Let’s just say that I did make my friends smile and laugh.

Note to self: Listen to the words of the song BEFORE it becomes one of your favorites.

Have a happy day!

~Michelle

It was the cinnamon!

2011-04-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Late last night, I was wanting a treat. I looked in the refrigerator and there wasn’t anything that sounded exciting. Then, I looked in the pantry…nothing!. I was really wanting something…just wasn’t sure exactly what it was. Once upon a time, I had treats dropped off at my home quite frequently…I never had to think of what I wanted to snack on because it was always there. But…tonight was a different story. I checked the refrigerator again…nothing too appealing. Then, the thought popped into my head…Delicious Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars. Now…that sounded mighty tasty.

So, I whipped up batch and waited for them to bake. The smell was heavenly. The buzzer dinged and it was time to take them out of the oven. I tasted that delicious gooiness. Yes, it was almost heaven…but there was something missing. I couldn’t figure it out. They were delicious but I just could not pin point why they were different.

Fast forward a few hours….I was studying this morning and came across a quote…”Scripture study is like cinnamon. It doesn’t take very much cinnamon to flavor a whole recipe and make it taste good. It just takes a little scripture study to make our whole day good. Heavenly Father knows we don’t have hours to spend studying each day. He will magnify the effort we make. He will teach us and fill us with power as we dedicate time each day to studying and pondering the His word. Believe that opening the scriptures opens your life to light and power from on high.” ~Hilary Weeks

As I pondered on this quote…It was the cinnamon…the missing ingredient. I forgot to add cinnamon. It doesn’t take much but it does make these Delicious Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars even more tastier. Just like reading the scriptures a little bit each day…having that effort…our Heavenly Father “will teach us and fill us with power as we dedicate time each day to studying.” This is what I needed to read…I needed to find this quote. Yes, to figure out that I forgot to add the cinnamon. But, most of all, to know that our Heavenly Father will teach me and fill me with power as I dedicate time each to studying and learning more about Him and our Savior.

~Michelle

I love sweet little gifts.

2011-04-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

I love tender mercies that our sent from our Heavenly Father. I seem to receive those sweet little gifts from Him when I need them the most. They seem to come when I am questioning the purpose of my life and mostly, when I am wondering if I really make a difference in anyone’s life. You know those moments when you just question your existence? I have been deep in thought the past little while on those types of questions…just wondering…you know…deep in thought. Knowing all my questions and thoughts that have been plaguing my mind, my Heavenly Father sent me a tender mercy. I won’t share all the details…for they are too sacred to share but I do want to share apart of it….

A few days ago, I had finished studying my scriptures and was falling fast asleep (that never happens…the falling fast asleep) when I heard my cell phone “chime”. It was late (or should I say early in the morning)…I hadn’t officially fallen into a deep sleep so I will say it was late. I checked my phone. It was a text.

“Michelle?”

I responded, “What?”

“Will you please pray for me?” At that very moment, I did. My heart filled with pure love for this sweet young woman.

She then asked “Can you have faith for me?” “I can and I will”… was my immediate response.

My thoughts and prayers were with this special young woman throughout the night and into the morning. How grateful I am to know that we have an Eternal Father in Heaven who loves each one of us individually. He is aware of everything that we are going through from the challenges of everyday life to the exciting moments that bring us happiness and joy. I am grateful for such a strong testimony of the knowledge that He is there. I am grateful for a testimony of the power of prayer. So grateful for it.

Tired and exhausted…I arrived at work with only a couple of hours of sleep. As I was pondering on the events that took place during the night, I heard my phone “chime” again. It was from this sweet young woman. It read, “Michelle, I love you!” The tears began to flow. The loss of sleep and worry was well worth it…for those 4 words brought amazing peace and calmness into my heart with so much gratitude. I am grateful that I have the opportunity and privilege to have these precious daughters of God in my life. They help build my testimony each and every day and strengthen my faith in ways that I don’t think that I can even describe. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve. I love tender mercies sent from above especially when I need them the most. I love them!!

~Michelle

The sweetest little angel turns 4!

2011-04-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a perfect day for a party when it comes to the most adorable 4 year old in the world. This amazing special little angel turned four today. It truly was a day full of celebration. A celebration filled with family, fun and laughter. Oh, might I add that there was plenty of pizza, cake and presents. A day perfect for a princess!

Happy Birthday Brylie!! I love you so much!!!

This book has become apart of me!

2011-04-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

What brings me a great amount of peace into my life? It is the most incredible book that I have ever read. It is the Book of Mormon. I love to read and ponder from this amazing book. Last year as I was reading and pondering, my thoughts turned to the young women in the stake that I currently serve in. We have amazing young women in our stake. They are incredible…each in their own way. As I thought about the struggles that they were going through in their lives…my thoughts turned to a quote by President Ezra Taft Benson, “There is power that flows into our lives when we read and study the scriptures on a daily basis that cannot be found any other way.” They needed to read the Book of Mormon. We needed to read The Book of Mormon. They needed to strive to have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We needed to strive to have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through reading and studying, we can have a power that flows through our lives that will make us become stronger that wouldn’t happen any other way.

As a Stake YW Presidency, we challenged each of our young women and our leaders to read The Book of Mormon by Young Women’s camp. When the challenge was given, they had 9 months to read the entire Book of Mormon. We encouraged them to accept this challenge and watch how their lives would change. We are now down to 95 days. I am so curious to find out how many young women and leaders accepted this challenge. I am kinda scared to know how many actually did.

For the leaders, we gave them each an inexpensive blue Book of Mormon. You know the ones that you pick up at the distribution center for a couple of dollars. We asked them to read…mark…write…anything in these books…their thoughts…their ideas…their questions. I want them to make this inexpensive book the most valuable book that they own. I want them to gain a testimony that is so strong…that nothing can destroy it. By doing this, I know that they could influence our young woman to do the same. Think of the blessings that they would receive and the examples that they would be to our young women.

After they have feasted…we would collect all of the books and re-distribute them to those that also accepted the challenge. Oh, I hope that our leaders accepted the challenge.

Guess what? I accepted the challenge and I do NOT want to give my book away. I have written so many things in it. The verses are marked, the margins are written in, and the pages have tears that have been shed on them. It is something that I cherish. It has become apart of me. My testimony has been strengthened due to the daily reading, pondering and studying. I am so grateful for this experience. I hope and pray that others have had the same type of experience. As I think of the day that I have to give this book up….I cringe. I don’t want to just give it to someone who doesn’t know how much it means to me. Is this selfish? I feel that it is but…I want to give it to someone who really knows how much I love this valuable book.

This book has become a part of me!

~Michelle

a crumpled piece of paper…

2011-04-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Another sleepless night...I find myself reading quotes that make me smile, inspire me, and help me understand a little more about myself. As I look through a file folder stuffed with different sizes and colors of paper, I find a piece of paper that has been crumpled and worn. The writing is smeared but the words are real. The words, “...in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway” pop out as if they were the only ones on the page. My heart starts to pound and a tear escapes my eye as I reflect on the amazing relationship that I have with my Heavenly Father. Gratitude fills my heart and warms my whole body. How grateful I am to know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I feel it everyday even…during the many sleepless nights. He is real and when it comes down to it...everything is between He and I.

“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.”
~ Mother Teresa

~Michelle

I would watch it again and again because it’s worth it!

2011-04-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Making cookies, watching Winnie the Pooh and friends (over and over), eating treats, giggling and hanging out in our jammies…that is what sleepovers are all about—especially when it is with the most adorable little girl on this earth. I love having Brylie at my house. Her tender hugs & kisses and I love you, Michelle’s"” are precious beyond anything that I could ever imagine. Every time I hear her say, “I love you, Michelle” it tugs at my heart strings and warm fuzzies glide through my body. It happens a lot and…I love it!

She is so happy all of the time. She loves to laugh and giggle. Watching her watch Winnie the Pooh and friends just makes me smile. She loves her little TV friends. She sings with them and has such a great time.

After watching the DVD in it entirety…3 times through, I announced that it was time to go to bed. She asked me what we were going to be doing tomorrow. She is a very detailed little girl and she doesn’t forget anything. I told her that we were going to make waffles, finish making the cookies, and read some books. She asked if we could watch Pooh again. Are you serious? (Sarcastically) Of course…how could we forget Winnie the Pooh (I am sure that watching it for the 4th time wouldn’t be so bad). Plus, I thought that possibly she would forget when she woke up in the morning.

I woke up with sweet little kisses on my check and a “good morning, Michelle”. Aw…what a sweet little girl. Instantly, she said, “waffles, cookies, books and Pooh.” She did not forget a thing. She headed downstairs and when I arrived a few minutes later…she had her stuffed animal, books, and her yogurt waiting waiting to watch Pooh for the 4th time.

Guess what? I would watch it a 5th, 6th and as many times as Brylie would want. I love her so much and I am so blessed she is apart of my life.

~Michelle

Meal Planning 101

2011-03-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Meet my friend Julie. I work with her and I eat lunch with her almost every day. She makes lunch time entertaining…not because she is funny but because I NEVER know what she is going to unpack to eat. Normally, I eat a salad, sandwich or soup. Nothing too exciting. But…Julie, she eats the most interesting food. She brings leftovers from any meal…no matter who the meal belongs to.

In the picture above you will find leftovers from many different meals. This picture was taken on Friday at lunch. I couldn’t stop laughing because her arrangement of food. I had to get my camera to mark this event. Here is the story behind all her food….

On Monday, we had salads from Costco…but Julie had brought a bologna sandwich-which she saved until Tuesday to eat. She did not eat all of her Costco salad. On Tuesday she ate part of her Costco salad and half of her bologna sandwich. Tuesday evening, she made hamburgers and fries. So, for lunch on Wednesday, she brought leftovers but she chose to eat a polish dog from JDawgs. Thursday her lunch consisted of the other half of the bologna sandwich, some of the Doritos left over from Sunday and some of the Costco Salad.

That brings us to Friday…which is pictured above. She had something from every day of the week. She makes me laugh. I refer to her as the “Frugal One” but she assures me that it is “Provident Living”.

~Michelle

I was just…thinking!

2011-03-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

I am a thinker. I love to think. I am always thinking about something, someone, someplace….I am always thinking…trying to find answers to anything and everything. I just love to think. The past little while, I have had a lot of things on my mind. It seems like I am ALWAYS thinking. It is so difficult to turn my brain off at night…it just doesn’t happen. I just love to think.

Well, last Tuesday morning, I was thinking about some important things (I will admit…sometimes I do not think of important things…some of it is kinda strange thinking…but nonetheless…I love to think) while I getting ready for the day. I have somewhat natural curly hair and every morning I have to use my flat iron to make those curls disappear.

NOTE: My flat iron heats to 450 degrees. I love it. It can make the most curliest hair turn straight in the matter of seconds.

So…I was deep in thought when I grabbed my 450 degree flat iron. I grabbed some hair and started to straighten it…still thinking very deeply. I continued to think…and think….and think…and think. All of a sudden, I felt this burning sensation. I dropped my flat iron and looked in the mirror. GAH!!! I was not straightening my hair…I was melting my ear. I was so wrapped up in my thinking that I did not know that I had grabbed my ear instead of my hair. OUCH!!! A second degree burn. This has been not a fun week. I am so grateful for hair that covers my ears. Oh, so grateful! My ear is healing but not at the rate that I would like it. I guess…I should be just grateful that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Hmmm….where was my mind? It was just…thinking!

….hmmm….I probably need to be more careful!

~Michelle!

I am a fan…but not today!

2011-03-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Clorox Bleach,

I am usually a fan of you. I love how you make everything clean and fresh. I use you almost every single day. But…tonight, I am not a fan! You have made my sunshiny mood turn into a gloomy one. I am grateful for how clean you made everything look but….please stay away from my clothes. Why did you jump from the counter and attack my hoodie. My hoodie did not cause you harm. Plus, it was my favorite hoodie. It is the one that I wear when I just want comfort…plain comfort. I am not sure how to forgive you but I know within time, I will. For right now, you can not come out from under the sink. You have to stay there until I am good and ready to use you again.

Signed,

Michelle

She is definitely a little ray of sunshine!

2011-03-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I walked past my parent’s computer and noticed the picture that was on their screen. It is of Miss Brylie when she was in Primary Children’s Hospital. As I looked at the picture, I thought a lot about that day in the hospital when we walked up and down the halls hand in hand. We would be walking and I would look down at her and with her gorgeous brown eyes…she would be staring at me. I remember the hours of pleading with our Heavenly Father in her behalf. I think often of the many miracles that took place that day in the life of this sweet little ray of sunshine. It has been a little over a year since her major surgery and there is so much change in her. This little ray of sunshine is truly a blessing to everyone that comes in contact with her. It doesn’t matter where you are or what she is doing….when she sees you, she comes running, hugs and kisses you and then, says “hi”. She is precious beyond words. I am so glad that she is my little buddy. She has been such a blessing in my life. Aw…Brylie, I love you so much!! I am so grateful for the many hugs and kisses.

I just love her beyond words!

~Michelle

Pucker Up!

2011-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

I love lemons. Ok…let me rephrase that…I love to put lemons in my diet coke. I love to use lemon as a flavor in foods but I would never think to eat a lemon like I would an orange. I just think that it insane. Thinking about it makes my cheeks start to pucker. How could this be normal?

Tonight, while making dinner at Mom and Dad’s, I turned around and watched my sister-in-law, Jess, peel a lemon and pop it into her mouth. I thought that I was seeing things until she did it again. She eats lemons just like a “normal” person would eat an orange. Her cheeks don’t even pucker. Just thinking about it makes my cheeks pucker and I get chills that run up and down my back. It is just not normal. Seriously…lemons? They are better left in my diet coke and not peeled like an orange.

~Michelle

They keep multiplying! :)

2011-03-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a week since the celebration of my birthday…

Aw…what a fun-filled day. I had lots of family and friends who made my day simply delightful. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It feels simply awesome to have wonderful people in my life. I am truly blessed!!

I arrived at work and this is what was awaiting me…

Aw…a desk filled with balloons, confetti, presents, confetti, candy, confetti, cereal, confetti, streamers, confetti, poppers, confetti, candles, confetti, diet coke, and more confetti. There were shimmery stars and hearts everywhere! Millions and millions little pieces of CONFETTI. Oh, I love confetti. What a fun-filled day!!!

Anyway back to what I started with…It has been a week since the celebration of my birthday. During this past week…I have vacuumed. I have cleaned my desk. I have vacuumed again and again. I have cleaned my desk again and again. But…those little shimmery stars and hearts keep popping up everywhere.

Last night, I even stayed late until our janitors came and had them vacuum with their high-powered industrial vacuum. I thought we had found every piece of confetti possible. YES!!! I conquered!!

Ok…I was excited until now…I just looked up and saw… another piece of confetti…not only one but two more. I feel like they are multiplying. Where do they keep coming from? These little pieces of confetti keep coming out of every file, folder, corner…you name it…I am finding little tiny shimmering stars and hearts. It is starting to drive me crazy!! Where are they hiding? They are multiplying!

Yes, these little pieces of confetti are driving me crazy but…they are making me giggle too! I think it is because I cannot figure out where they keep coming from…or is it reminding me of what an awesome day I had.

Dear little pieces of confetti,

Will you please occupy someone else's desk and BRIGHTEN their life like you have brightened mine?

Signed, Michelle

P.S. If not…I cannot apologize what I might do if I go crazy!!

~Michelle

I love these type of people!

2011-02-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

I love it when people go out of way to brighten the lives of others. Their simple acts of kindness seem to bring smiles on the faces of people that they really don’t even know. They just do it because they truly are sincere.

This happened to me today…one of those simple acts of kindness. My life was brightened because of sweet act from a teller at the bank. I really do not like going to the bank. For some reason, it is one of my least favorite things to do. But today was different. I deposited some money into the canister thingy and sent it to the teller.

When I received the canister thingy back with my receipt, I looked at it and smiled. This is what I saw…

He did not have to do it but it truly brightened my day! Aw…I love these type of people!

I hope that you have a great day!!

~Michelle

In the mood for popcorn? I am!

2011-02-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

White Chocolate & Caramel & Milk Chocolate Popcorn

1 cup popcorn kernels, popped

1 lb. White Chocolate

1 cup of Milk Chocolate Chips

1 lb. Caramel

Place popped popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.. Melt the White Chocolate according to the package. Usually, I microwave White Chocolate for 45 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 45 seconds. Stir. If needed, I microwave in 15 seconds increments until all of it is melted and looks smooth.

Pour white chocolate over the popped popcorn and mix until all popcorn is covered. Pour the chocolate covered popcorn onto a piece of waxed paper, parchment or foil. Spread it out into an even layer and leave it alone.

Melt the caramel according to the package. I use the same process as melting the white chocolate. Once the caramel is melted, drizzle over top of white chocolate popcorn.

Melt the milk chocolate chips in microwave stirring every 45 seconds until all chips are melted. Drizzle over the top of the white chocolate & caramel popcorn.

When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl and eat!! So delicious!!!

Oh, I love POPCORN!!

~Michelle

Sunshine! Glorious Sunshine!

2011-01-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had an experience where you are in someone’s home and you feel complete peace? Amongst that feeling of peace that is radiating throughout your whole being, you feel such a great amount of happiness. I love those two feelings when they come together. It is almost like having your whole day filled with glorious sunshine. Oh, blessed sunshine.

I was able to experience this amazing amount of peace and happiness while visiting one of my favorite friends, Gerb. She is amazing. I am always so grateful when we get to laugh and talk. Her love for life is so contagious. Anyway, Gerb has been pretty much confined to her room due to having foot surgery almost 4 weeks ago (the day after giving birth to a precious little boy). So, as we sat on her bed, we laughed and chatted, I could just feel this great amount of peace. It was awesome. She is so amazing.

As we were chatting, her family started to arrive home from church. All of her children came in her room to greet their mom. You can just feel how much love that they have for her. Her oldest children gather on the bed and the floor and join in on our conversation. It was great. I love how her family just loves each other. It is so incredible to watch and to be a part of it. Her children are amazing. It was just an awesome experience---one of those experiences that you do not want to end. I loved how we were all in her room having fun talking. It was awesome!

Thanks Gerb…you and your family brought lot sunshine into my life today! I LOVED IT!!! I am so grateful that I can call you FRIEND!! I am grateful that I can feel so much peace and happiness in your home. I LOVE IT!

~Chelle!

Do what makes you happy!

2010-12-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

“Do what makes you happy, be who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.”

~unknown

I am ready to be happy, I am ready to smile, I am ready to laugh as much as I breathe and of course, I am ready to love as long as I live. Yes, 2011…I am ready for you. I am ready to put 2010 away and not look back. I am ready. Yes, 2011…I am ready and welcoming you with open arms!!

~Michelle

Moments of gratitude!

2010-12-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

Today was a day that was full of gratitude for me. I really don’t want to bore you with the many details of the events that happened in my extremely busy day so, I decided to highlight a few things!!

1. I am grateful for quiet moments this morning where I read my scriptures. For some reason, I knew that I needed to feel that extra peace today.

2. I am grateful for the prompting to visit a sweet friend (Gerb) in the hospital. Acting on this particular prompting, I had a couple of amazing experiences full of so much gratitude. Let me share…I walked past the newborn nursery. I looked through the window as I passed and four nurses turned and stared at me. I thought to myself…did I do something wrong? Nope! As I rounded the corner to Gerb’s room, I hear, “Michelle!” I turned to see who was calling my name. It was a leader that I had when I was a little girl. She has always been dear to my heart. I spent a lot of time at her home when I was little. I babysat her sweet children. As we stood and talked, I shared with her how important she was to me. Memories just flowed through my brain and into my heart. I remember her teaching me when I had questions that I did not understand. I remember feeling comforted when I was sad. I remember feeling so welcome in her home. I knew that she loved me.

When I became our ward’s young women president, I took the opportunity to write down what type of leader that I wanted to be like. She had so many Christ-like qualities that I wanted to develop. I will always be grateful for her in my life. I hope and pray that I never was rude or mean to her. As I shared with her the impact that she had in my life, tears started flowing from both of our eyes. I know she knows how important she is. I felt it.

3. Then, I entered Gerb’s room. I love this friend. She is incredibly important to me. She has gone through so much in the past few days...a new baby and surgery on a broken & dislocated foot. But amongst the great amount of pain she is in, she still was her amazing self. I am grateful for her friendship. As I held her beautiful baby, I was overcome with the amazing love that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. While Gerb was with the physical therapists, I had the privilege of holding her sweet new arrival. As I was holding him, I was looking at his adorable little face. Then something struck my heart, this little guy had just left the presence of our Heavenly Father—what an amazing peaceful experience. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I just kept staring at this little guy. He was just in his heavenly home surrounded by loved ones and now he is here for everyone else to love.

I am sorry that Gerb had to have physical therapy but I am glad that I had a few moments with her precious little one!

4. My mom told me that she had read or heard that naps are important to have. So, I am grateful for the quick nap at my parent’s home. Their home is so peaceful and warm. I curled up in a quilt and fell fast to sleep. Oh, what a refreshing few minutes. It was much needed and I am indeed grateful for it.

5. I am grateful for the amazing youth in our stake. I am so grateful for each one of them especially, my sweet young women. Tonight, we had our Stake Youth Celebration and there was so much energy running through the stake center. It was awesome! Pres. Bell spoke, we watched a message from the Prophet, ate pizza, played games, danced, danced and danced some more. Of course, there was plenty of laughter and giggling going on throughout the entire building. It was so much fun. I love being around the youth. I hope that they don’t think that I am too crazy. They just bring so much fun and excitement into my life. I love it!! I love my calling and I am so grateful for it.

6. When the festivities were over, we had several youth stay and help clean up. It was awesome. The building was cleaned in no time at all. As they were leaving, I asked my young women if they would text me to let me know that they arrived home safely. The roads were icy and I worried about them traveling. Those that I asked to text me, did. All were safe at home. YAHOO!!

I had been home a few minutes and was getting ready for bed when I received a text from a young woman in our stake. She wanted to make sure that I had arrived home safely. OF course, this brought tears to my eyes. I am grateful for that sweet text. She worried about me as much as I worried about her getting home.

Aw….what a great day! I am grateful for so many things in my life.
Goodnight!

~Chelle

I love quotes!

2010-12-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I absolutely love quotes. When I read this one this morning, I knew that it was a keeper! We truly need to love ourselves for who we are and what we are. Oh, I just love this quote! Thanks Mr. Runner’s World for sharing it with me today. I needed the reminder!!!

Love yourself, for who and what you are; protect your dream and develop your talent to the fullest extent.
Joan Benoit Samuelson

~Michelle

I love this quote!

2010-12-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some files and found this quote….

“Sometimes we build up walls, not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

I am not sure who it is by but I love it. Isn’t it true…at least, I know that it is true for me.

~Michelle

It is too quiet…this feels strange!

2010-12-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

It has been a very quiet day. I am not used to these types of Sundays. I am usually going from here to there, answering phone calls, visiting people, attending meetings--it hasn’t been this quiet for a very long time. It feels strange. I am not sure that I really like it. It is too quiet.

After church, I curled up in my blankets and watched Christmas movies. The phone did not ring nor did anyone knock at the door. What a strange day! I did receive a couple of texts---which was nice. This day has been too quiet. Way too quiet! I should be really grateful but…I am not really. It is just too quiet!

I might just go for a ride in my car…it is too quiet in my home. Way too quiet. This day is so strange!

~Michelle

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas!

~Michelle

Twas the Night before Christmas

2010-12-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Merry Christmas Eve!

~Michelle

A Christmas Story…A Slice of Life

2010-12-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

A Slice of Life

Jean heaved another world-weary sigh. Tucking a strand of shiny black hair behind her ear, she frowned at the teetering tower of Christmas cards waiting to be signed. What was the point? How could she sign only one name? A "couple" required two people, and she was just one.

The legal separation from Don had left her feeling vacant and incomplete. Maybe she would skip the cards this year. And the holiday decorating. Truthfully, even a tree felt like more than she could manage. She had canceled out of the caroling party and the church nativity pageant. Christmas was to be shared, and she had no one to share it with.

The doorbell's insistent ring startled her. Padding to the door in her thick socks, Jean cracked it open against the frigid December night. She peered into the empty darkness of the porch. Instead of a friendly face -- something she could use about now -- she found only a jaunty green gift bag perched on the railing. From whom? she wondered. And why?

Under the bright kitchen light, she pulled out handfuls of shredded gold tinsel, feeling for a gift. Instead, her fingers plucked an envelope from the bottom. Tucked inside was a typed letter. It was a...story?

The little boy was new to the Denmark orphanage, and Christmas was drawing near, Jean read. Already caught up in the tale, she settled into a kitchen chair.

From the other children, he heard tales of a wondrous tree that would appear in the hall on Christmas Eve and of the scores of candles that would light its branches. He heard stories of the mysterious benefactor who made it possible each year.
The little boy's eyes opened wide at the mere thought of all that splendor. The only Christmas tree he had ever seen was through the fogged windows of other people's homes. There was even more, the children insisted. More? Oh, yes! Instead of the orphanage's regular fare of gruel, they would be served fragrant stew and crusty, hot bread that special night.

Last, and best of all, the little boy learned, each of them would receive a holiday treat. He would join the line of children to get his very own....

Jean turned the page. Instead of a continuation, she was startled to read: "Everyone needs to celebrate Christmas, wouldn't you agree? Watch for Part II." She refolded the paper while a faint smile teased the corner of her mouth.

The next day was so busy that Jean forgot all about the story. That evening, she rushed home from work. If she hurried, she'd probably have enough time to decorate the mantle. She pulled out the box of garland, only to drop it when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, she found herself looking at a red gift bag. She reached for it eagerly and pulled out the piece of paper.
...to get his very own orange, Jean read. An orange? That's a treat? she thought incredulously.

An orange! Of his very own? Yes, the others assured him. There would be one apiece. The boy closed his eyes against the wonder of it all. A tree. Candles. A filling meal. And an orange of his very own.

He knew the smell, tangy sweet, but only the smell. He had sniffed oranges at the merchant's stall in the marketplace. Once he had even dared to rub a single finger over the brilliant, pocked skin. He fancied for days that his hand still smelled of orange. But to taste one, to eat one? Heaven.

The story ended abruptly, but Jean didn't mind. She knew more would follow.

The next evening, Jean waited anxiously for the sound of the doorbell. She wasn't disappointed. This time, though, the embossed gold bag was heavier than the others had been. She tore into the envelope resting on top of the tissue paper.
Christmas Eve was all the children had been promised. The piney scent of fir competed with the aroma of lamb stew and homey yeast bread. Scores of candles diffused the room with golden halos. The boy watched in amazement as each child in turn eagerly claimed an orange and politely said "thank you."

The line moved quickly, and he found himself in front of the towering tree and the equally imposing headmaster.

"Too bad, young man, too bad. But the count was in before you arrived. It seems there are no more oranges. Next year. Yes, next year you will receive an orange."

Brokenhearted, the orphan raced up the stairs empty-handed to bury both his face and his tears beneath his pillow.
Wait! This wasn't how she wanted the story to go. Jean felt the boy's pain, his aloneness.

The boy felt a gentle tap on his back. He tried to still his sobs. The tap became more insistent until, at last, he pulled his head from under the pillow.

He smelled it before he saw it. A cloth napkin rested on the mattress. Tucked inside was a peeled orange, tangy sweet. It was made of segments saved from the others. A slice donated from each child. Together they added up to make one whole, complete fruit.

An orange of his very own.

Jean swiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks. From the bottom of the gift bag she pulled out an orange -- a foil-covered chocolate orange--already separated into segments. And for the first time in weeks, she smiled. Really smiled.

She set about making copies of the story, wrapping individual slices of the chocolate orange. There was Mrs. Potter across the street, spending her first Christmas alone in 58 years. There was Melanie down the block, facing her second round of radiation. Her running partner, Jan, single-parenting a difficult teen. Lonely Mr. Bradford losing his eyesight, and Sue, sole care-giver to an aging mother....

A piece from her might help make one whole.

-- By Carol McAdoo Rehme

~Michelle

Dear Santa…

2010-12-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I love this time of year. In fact, it is my favorite time. I love everything about it. I love to shop and give the people I love gifts. I love to see the smiles that are brought into people’s hearts. But, this Christmas season has been difficult for me. I have tried hard to be the best person I can be. All I want for Christmas are the things that are in my heart.

Love,
Michelle

A Christmas Story…An Adventure with Grandma!

2010-12-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite stories (yes, I have a lot of favorites). Each year, my parents, my brother, sister-in-law, niece and I have the privilege of providing a family with a Christmas. I love the wonderful feeling that I experience in each step of the process--whether it is finding the family, finding out what they need (and want), shopping, shopping, and more shopping, wrapping the presents, or delivering them--each step is amazingly rewarding. So, each time, I read this story--it reminds me of each little family that has blessed our lives. They definitely have made an incredible impact on each one of us. So, please enjoy the story...

AN ADVENTURE WITH GRANDMA!

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. “Ridiculous!
Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go." Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. 'Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten dollar bill, wondering what to buy and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in! Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out or recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat.

I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's .... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and write, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.

Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.

~Michelle

A Christmas Story…Simple White Envelope

2010-12-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

I have said it many times…I love Christmas stories. A few years back, a sweet friend of mine, Clarissa, sent me a Christmas story. Of course, I loved it. Of course, it makes me all teary-eyed. I wanted to share it with you today….I needed to be reminded of that “simple white envelope” today.

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

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2010-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Bright and early this morning, (ok…it was still really dark and rainy) we drove to Salt Lake City to attend A Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir mini-concert. When we finally arrived…the free-way was closed and the detour was closed due to a horrific accident…so much time on the road…I was so sleepy. (Hmm….maybe I should figure out how to sleep at night.) The atmosphere was so warm and peaceful sitting in the conference center. I was trying so hard to stay awake. I did not want to miss anything at all. I knew if I closed my eyes…sleep would set in. So, I started listening to the three ladies that were sitting next to me. They were on facebook critiquing everyone’s status and pictures….so, I guess, that did help me stay awake. People can be so cruel. I wonder if these ladies knew that others were listening…they would have had to, wouldn’t they?

Finally, the concert started. It was amazing. I am grateful that we were given an early Christmas present. The Tabernacle Choir was amazing. David Archuleta was incredible. The Salt Lake City Dancers were superb. The orchestra was perfect. Everything about the concert was fantastic. I am really glad that I was able to go. I think that I really needed it. In fact, I know that I needed it. The feelings that I felt this morning was a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father. I know it. I just do.

~Michelle

Favorite things Friday (moved to Saturday)….popcorn

2010-12-18T22:03:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite things is….

Popcorn.

One of my most favorite things is popcorn. I love popcorn for a snack. I love trying out new recipes and sharing it with others. As I looking through the many recipes that I have yet to organize, I came upon one that I have never tried. It is called White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn. I decided that today was the day that I was going to attempt to create this delicious treat. It was so easy and so yummy. You should try it…you might just like it.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn

1 cup popcorn kernels, popped

1 lb. Almond Bark

1-6 ounces box candy canes, crushed

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Place popcorn in a very large mixing bowl. Pour crushed candy canes over the top of the popcorn. Melt the almond bark according to the package.

Once the almond bark is melted, add the peppermint extract. Mix well. It will seize a little bit (mixture will get a little lumpy---no worries, it is okay).

Pour over the popcorn & candy cane mixture. Pour the popcorn out onto a piece of waxed paper, parchment or foil. Spread it out into an even layer and leave it alone.

Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the popcorn. Leave it until the almond bark and chocolate has hardened.

When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl and eat!! So delicious!!!

Happy Holidays!

~Michelle

This saddens my heart!

2010-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

I received a phone call early this morning from my brother telling me that the Provo Tabernacle was on fire. My heart sunk! I turned on the TV to watch the Breaking News. It makes me so sad. I cannot even believe it. I started thinking about those pioneers that sacrificed so much to build us such a beautiful building. I believe it took them approximately 15 years to build it. 15 years of sacrifice to build us such an amazing building and only a few hours to completely destroy it This just makes my heart sad.

I love this building. I love attending meetings in this building. I love everything about this building. It is such a peaceful place. Oh, my heart is saddened. I have lots of awesome memories that were built attending events in this beautiful building. I just cannot believe it.

~Michelle

The Folded Napkin---A Trucker’s Story

2010-12-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

I love stories that warm my heart and that give me warm goose bumps. After reading them, I always want to try harder and be the best person that I can be. Anyway, Gabby received an email with this story in it and she knew how much I love these kind of stories…so she sent it to me to read. I probably shouldn’t read these stories at work—I get all teary eyed. (Ha Ha…that isn’t too difficult for me lately!) Thanks Gabby for sharing it with me. So…I decided to share it who whomever visits my blog today.

The Folded Napkin--A Trucker’s Story

If this doesn't light your fire .... your wood is wet!

I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy.

But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.

He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade.

The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.

I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.

After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old kid in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.

A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.

Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news.

Marvin Ringers, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table
Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Marvin a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"

Frannie quickly told Marvin and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: " Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Marvin nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.

After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.

"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Marvin and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pete and Tony were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup"

She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie."
"Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside.. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."

That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work.

His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back.

Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate your coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room.

I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins. "First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern.

Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.

Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."

Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.

But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table.

Best worker I ever hired.

~Michelle

random thoughts for today

2010-12-15T11:13:00.001-08:00

It is really cold today. For some reason, it is cold inside and out! I love snow but I really am not a fan of the cold weather. I just want to curl up in my quilts and do nothing! Nothing at all!!

Anyway, I don’t have much of a blog entry today. So, I started thinking…and decided to share some non-important thoughts that are swimming around in my brain.

I woke up in a cold house today…write note to check furnace when I get home from work.
I am grateful that I have a garage to park in…I saw a lot people scraping the snow and ice off their vehicles today.
I wished I would have brought a coat with me today. I sometimes forget to grab one when I go from my house through the garage to my car.
I am grateful for the heater in my car today. I was toasty warm on the way to work. I really did not want to go out into the cold.
I am grateful that I have my own parking place…it makes one less choice I have to make each morning.
I just realized that Christmas is next week. Did you hear me? It is next week. I haven’t even purchased one present.
I don’t grow tired of Christmas music. I could probably listen to it all year long. It is the same with Christmas movies. Oh, I love them so!! But, it is a treat each year when they start playing on the radio and tv.
I want to go home from work, curl up in my quilts & finish the book that I am reading. I want to know what happens.
No matter how many times you write your Christmas present giving list…it doesn’t get smaller if you don’t purchase anything.
Hot chocolate sounds delicious right now. That is an odd thought because I am not really a fan of Hot Chocolate.
Using a red pen on orange paper is not at all attractive. It really clashes. I better write with a blue pen today.
I just tasted delicious homemade Kettle Corn that my boss brought in for us today. I am excited for her homemade toffee next week.
I love receiving text messages. They make me smile. It makes me think that people think of me and want to talk with me.
How come people don’t say “thank you”? They just expect you to know that they are thankful for the gift or note that you gave them.
Why do people send emails or notes that are not very nice? How would they feel if they received an email or a note that was not nice? Would they feel sad? Or is it the type of person that they truly are?
I doodle a lot. You should see the paper that is on my desk right now. I am one crazy doodler.
Gabby just gave me some goldfish to eat. Not the real live ones…silly! Oh, I do love goldfish crackers.
I want to take a nap. I am really tired. I wish that I would start sleeping again at night. That is a fabulous thought!

I am sure that I have thrilled your reading expectation for today. NOT! Anyway, I hope that you have a delightful snowy day!

~Michelle

a good sorry mood

2010-12-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Last night…ok…maybe early this morning…2:00 am would be probably morning…right?! I was studying my scriptures and came upon Jacob 4:18:

Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you.

For some reason, the word “anxiety” struck me. I looked up the word and found the definition to be very interesting. It means “a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders.” As I pondered over this particular scripture and word, I wondered why I have been in the mood that I have been in lately. I have so many thoughts swimming around in my head and so many things that are creating a not so enjoyable mood in the life of Michelle Lynn Gren.

Anyway, I went back to studying my scriptures, writing down thoughts, looking up quotes and came upon something that gave me some sort of relief. It was a quote by Pres. Boyd K. Packer. He stated,

“In this school environment, you are not immune from pressures which relate to schoolwork—tensions and problems—and the long list of attendant emotionally-oriented difficulties and disorders---insecurity, worry, stress, confusion, dependency, suspicion, withdrawal, fear…If you happen to hit a good sorry mood once in a while, relax and enjoy it---it is a good sign that you are normal. It is all right to worry about things now and again, I suppose, but when you get worried about being worried, that is when you are getting off track.” ~Boyd K. Packer

I loved the part where he said, “…If you happen to hit a good sorry mood once in a while, relax and enjoy it---it is a good sign that you are normal.” YES, I am glad that I am NORMAL. I might be in a good sorry mood, but I know that I am normal and not suffering from mental disorders.

~Michelle

a tree decorated perfectly

2010-12-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas lights. I love to drive along the streets and look at the Christmas lights in yards and on houses of those that I pass. I love bright colored lights but my most favorite ones are the houses and yards decked out with white lights. I love it!

Before I leave work each night (it is usually dark-very dark), I look out the window by my desk and look at the tree that is all lit up with white lights. It is amazingly beautiful. The white lights are strung so perfectly from the trunk throughout the the many branches. It sits close to the road so all can partake of its incredible beauty.

Secretly, I know that the school across the tree decorated this tree especially for me. I know they wanted something bright for me to look at as I walk to my car. Ok…I can pretend…we all can pretend that they decorated it just for me. Thank you Provo College for making me smile!

I love Christmas lights!

~Michelle

**picture courtesy from Gabby’s iPhone**

a great ratio

2010-12-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today I was in a melancholy mood.

All I wanted to do today was cry, receive a hug, and have a large diet coke with crushed ice.

I cried a lot.

I received quite a few hugs. Attending a youth fireside with the most amazing young women in the world…I received a zillion hugs.

I did not get a large diet coke with crushed ice. But, there is still hope for tomorrow.

Two out of three things is a great ratio!

~Michelle

Rolo Pretzels

2010-12-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

If you love pretzels and chocolate, you need to try these delicious little treats. They are so easy and so yummy!

Rolo Pretzels

48 Rolos

96 mini waffle pretzels

Preheat oven to warm. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Place 48 unbroken mini waffle pretzels on cookie sheet. Unwrap ROLOS and place on top of each waffle pretzel. Slide cookie sheet into the oven for approximately 6 minutes. ROLOS will look shiny but will still hold their shape. Take cookie sheet out of oven. Place another unbroken mini waffle pretzel on top of each ROLO and press down. Place cookie sheet in freezer for 10 minutes or if you do not want to place in freezer, let them set for 1/2 hour. Once the ROLO pretzel is set, slide off cookie sheet and eat! DELICIOUSNESS!!!

~Michelle