Thursday, November 26, 2015
I am grateful for an email that challenges me to reflect...
Day 26: I am grateful for an email from a sister missionary that gave us the following challenge, "Thanksgiving is coming up and I encourage us all to write down ALL the things we are grateful for. Dedicate a journal entry to it." I accepted that challenge and dedicated a journal entry to it. I have so much to be grateful for in my life. My heart is full!!!! ❤ #gratitude2015 #gratefultobealive #agratefulheartisahappyheart #siostrakuchar #happythankgiving
I love my bff!!
I love my sweet little bff. She brings so much fun and laughter in my life. She is one of the most compassionate 8 year old little girls that I have ever met. She loves and cares for everyone. I ❤ you Brylie!! #gratefultobealive #lovethisgirl
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
I am grateful for this friend...
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
I am grateful for my calling.
Monday, November 23, 2015
I am grateful for Missionary Mondays.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
I am grateful for these women...
Day 22: I am grateful for these beautiful ladies that are in my life. I have the privilege of serving with them and learning from them. They are spiritual giants with incredible hearts. They go the extra mile with everything they do and would basically do anything for anyone. Their testimonies are strong and immovable. Aw...their examples of faith, charity and hope are indescribable. I am truly blessed to have them in my life. I absolutely love them. ❤ #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #youngwomenleaders
Saturday, November 21, 2015
I am grateful for two amazing guys...
Day 21: I am grateful for an amazing dad and an incredible brother that are truly talented. My dad cut and my brother & I assembled 24 frames for an upcoming young women activity. I am so grateful for the time and energy that they spent on helping create something special for some young women that I love dearly!!! Aw...I am so grateful them. Thanks Dad and Shad. ❤ #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #family
Friday, November 20, 2015
I am grateful for playlists, earphones and bottled watter.
Day 20: I am grateful for playlists, earphones and bottled water. It is too early to be awake. OK...let's do this!!! #morningworkout #gratitude2015 #gratefultobealive #agratefulheartisahappyheart
Thursday, November 19, 2015
I am grateful for these moments...
Day 19: Do you ever have those moments when a little black rain cloud is hovering overhead making you feel that you should be doing more but by the end of the day, time has ran out and there is still so much to do and you just feel like you have completely failed? I have those moments more than I want to admit.
Tonight, after checking a few things off my "to do" list, I realized that there was so much to do...visit this person, write a note to that person, call this person, drop YW stuff off to this person, finish this project, clean this and that, and list goes on and on and feelings of failure become stronger and stronger...Then, a tender mercy happens. My phone chirps and I look over at it. I read the message that has been sent and tears fill my eyes and my heart. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THESE MOMENTS....these moments where I realize that maybe I am not failing and what I am doing might be enough. I am grateful for these moments where the Spirit touches my heart and I feel peace. I am truly blessed to receive such a beautiful note tonight. Truly blessed. #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #ilovemycalling #iamtrulyblessed #iamsoproudofkenzie
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
I am grateful for sleep.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
I am grateful for the atonement.
Day 17: I am grateful for a testimony of the Atonement. This past week, I had the opportunity to help my niece write her farewell talk on missionary work and the atonement. It was so much fun to sit with her, share quotes, thoughts, experiences and most of all, my testimony. ❤ #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #missionarywork
Soon to be Sister Gren...
In less than 24 hours, this darling niece of mine will enter the Provo MTC to begin her full-time service as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The people in Ohio are lucky to have her for the next 18 months. Love you Kaylie!!❤ You are going to be an amazing missionary.
Monday, November 16, 2015
I am grateful for my space heater...
Day 16: I am grateful for my space heater that resides under my desk. It's definitely one of those simple pleasures in my life right now. It keeps me from freezing too death. For some reason, I cannot stay warm. Ugh...It seems like I am freezing All of the time. #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #simplepleasures #idontlikethecold
Sunday, November 15, 2015
I am grateful for the sound of rain.
Day 15: I am grateful for the sound of rain. I have been sitting by my window listening to the pitter patter of raindrops. Aw...I love it! It is so peaceful. #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #iloverain #pitterpatter
Saturday, November 14, 2015
I am grateful for lightbulbs.
Day 14: I am grateful for lightbulbs. I am not fond of the dark so when I enter a room, the lights are immediately turned on. If it was economical, I would have every light in my house on ALL of the time. I will admit that I do have a light that stays on all of the time... in my bedroom. One might say it is a night light but to me...it is comfort. So.. yes, I am grateful for lightbulbs. #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #lightbulbs
Friday, November 13, 2015
happy...
Day 13: I am grateful that I am a happy person (most of the time). Of course, there are times when life brings obstacles, trials and challenges that can bring the little black rain cloud to appear but through those moments, I TRY to find the positive in it and move forward. I know that I am not perfect at it but I am trying! #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart
Thursday, November 12, 2015
I am grateful for the change of seasons.
This tree is in my parent's front yard. I have always loved watching it change from season to season. This morning, as I pulled into my parent's driveway, I was mesmerized at the great abundance of leaves falling from it's branches. Fall is ending and winter is beginning. I am so grateful for the changing of seasons. 🌳 #gratitude2015 #changeofseasons #agratefulheartisahappyheart
~Michelle
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
I love making cards!!
I am grateful for promptings from the Spirit.
~Michelle
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
I am grateful for timeouts.
Day 10: I am grateful for timeouts. I have been in one of those sassy-not-feeling-and- being-the-nicest moods for the past 48 hours. I realized tonight that I just needed to put myself in timeout. Remove myself from the world. So...for the next little I am going into timeout. Sweats, blankets and a Hallmark movie and I am set. I am indeed grateful for my timeout because I am looking forward to a new outlook on life or maybe just a new mood. Goodnight friends!! Timeout...here I come! #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #timeout
~Michelle
My new friend...
~Michelle
Monday, November 9, 2015
I am grateful for conference talks.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
I am grateful for my grandma!!!
Today, we were wat...ching Brylie's Primary program. The primary sang "I Know My Savior Loves Me" in sign language. As I watched Brylie sign this beautiful song, the most amazing comfort filled my heart. I was in the perfect place. I was sitting with my dear family, in church, watching Miss Brylie (Grandma's namesake) sign one of the most beautiful songs. Comfort and peace filled my entire body as I felt Grandma with us...and even closer, our Savior's love for all of us.❤ #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyheart #ilovemyfamily #grandma #oursaviorslove
Saturday, November 7, 2015
I am grateful to be an aunt...especially to this little girl!!
Day 7: I am SO grateful for this girl in my life. I have loved her before I was able to hold her. I remember looking through the nursey window growing with excitement and anticipation to hold, hug and kiss her. Since that day, she has been a huge part in my life. I love that she tells me that I am her BFF. I love to listen to her giggle. I love her hugs and tender kisses. I love when she calls and before she hangs up, she says "I love you". I love our little conversations. She just makes me smile!! Thank you Shad and Jess for sharing your sweet daughter with me. I LOVE being her aunt!!❤ #ilovemyniece #gratitude2015 #agratefulheartisahappyhea
Friday, November 6, 2015
I am grateful for hoodies, sweats and socks!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
I am grateful for music!!
Provo City Center Temple...cannot wait for this temple to open.
~Michelle
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
I am grateful for having a strong testimy of the power of prayer & priesthood blessings.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
I am grateful for temples!
Monday, November 2, 2015
I am grateful for my bed and warm blankets.
~Michelle
Sunday, November 1, 2015
I can show gratitude each and every day...I am grateful for my parents.
I accepted the challenge...
Day 1: I am grateful for loving parents. They are the type of people that would drop anything and everything to serve someone in need even if it is not convenient at the time. I am grateful that I have the type of relationship with them that I am able to call them anytime of day to share something that I just learned, to share a happy thought or to have them listen as I pour out my heart. I love them dearly and I am grateful to have them as my parents.❤
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Happy Halloween!!
Michelle
Sunday, March 8, 2015
campfire cupcakes
Ok…look what I created…
I was assigned to make campfire cupcakes for our camp kick-off fireside. I am not sure if they really look like campfires you would see out in the wilderness but they were delicious to eat. HA HA!!
They were a lot of fun making. The fire is made out of melted orange, yellow, and red Lifesavers, the logs are mini Kit Kats, and marshmallows (for roasting) is on a toothpick. I thought that they turned out cute.
~Michelle
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Act immediately!!!
Have you ever had a prompted or a thought jump right into the conversation that is either taking place vocally or in your mind? That prompting or thought interrupts and stays for a moment to see what you will do then, it leaves as you brush it off. You continue with what you are saying or thinking and then, that prompting interrupts again. You think about it for a second and then you brush it off again. The third time it comes it is so bold and now your heart is racing, anxiety starts and you just know that you need to act or suffer a heart attack or something…
Well, that happened to me tonight. We were on our away home from attending the temple with our amazing youth in our ward.
OH…let me interrupt for as second to share a thought…
This year, our youth have set a goal to attend the temple in behalf of 600 individuals that have passed on and are waiting for their work to be accomplished here on earth. We have been attending a different temple each month-hoping to attend all the LDS temples in the state of Utah. Tonight, we had the privilege and blessing of attending the Manti LDS Temple. The temple workers invited us to eat in their cafeteria prior to performing baptisms for 120 individuals. It was an incredible experience and we are so grateful for the opportunity to attend the temple.
So…now back to the story.
We took pictures (in the dark) and then headed back home. Prior to leaving Provo, we had had a prayer that asked for protection to and from our temple trip. I didn’t think much of praying before we left to head back to Provo until we had been in the car for about 10 or 15 minutes. We were crazily singing songs, laughing and chatting up a storm with those in our car. Don’t worry, Whit was driving…I still cannot see that well. The thought of saying a prayer for protection entered my mind as I was talking. I brushed if off reminding myself that we already prayed. A few moments later, the thought came back and I continued with talking, singing and such...brushed it off again because we had already prayed for protection at the very beginning of our trip. OK…the third time, the thought was so strong that my heart started beating faster and I could feel this anxious uneasiness start to feel my entire body. I opened up my mouth and blurted out that we needed to say a prayer. Immediately, I started to pray that all will be well with our group of youth and leaders and that those driving the cars would make wise choices. It was a simple prayer but definitely one that the Spirit testified needed to happen.
Moments later, as we are traveling at high speed (we were going the speed limit but it was still pretty fast) when in the middle of the road was this huge deer-standing still looking at us. Whit was able to maneuver her SUV and slow down to avoid hitting the deer. As we started to discuss what just took place and I shared the promptings that I had been having, I was grateful to have acted upon them and the Spirit was able to give me three chances to listen. If we would have it the deer, at the rate that we were traveling, we would have had some serious injuries. As I ponder the events of the evening, my heart and mind come to a sense of urgency where I need to have more courage to act on the promptings and thoughts that I have and to act immediately. I do not want to think of how I would have felt if something would have happened.
My heart is full tonight of gratitude of (finally) listening to the Spirit where my sweet little friends were protected and no harm came upon anyone of us. My goal this week is to ACT IMMEDIATELY!!!
~Michelle
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Numbing drops…wished that they would have worked.
It has been a couple of weeks and lots of happened. I am grateful for a loving family and amazing friends who have been right by my side as I struggle through the things that have happened. My heart is filled with so much gratitude lately that when I think of the blessings that have been poured upon me, my heart starts to feel those amazing warm fuzzies and tears seem to fall gently down my face. Let me back up a couple of weeks and share some of my thoughts.
On Friday, February 27th, I went in for another eye surgery. The right eye has been healing at an amazing rate so it was time to move to the left eye. When I met with the surgeon, he told me that I didn’t need to worry about the left eye hurting so much and the vision would return sooner because it was going to be less evasive than the previous surgery.
Hmm…it was definitely the opposite. I felt almost everything that went on. They tried numbing my eye and numbing it again and numbing it again. It was not numbing at all!!! Then, the surgeon started…slice!
I felt the razor blade slice my eye-I jerked.
More numbing drops added.
I felt the tweezers as they pulled the tissue off my eye…OK...NOW I AM FREAKING OUT!!!
More numbing drops…
I could feel it. The surgeon was trying is hardest to numb the eye but for some reason, the drops were not numbing it. He kept telling me that my eye wasn’t settling down.
Duh?! Would you settle down if you were feeling everything?
Finally, it was over and I was in a great amount of pain. He told me that my tears would be bloody but not to worry about it too much. It is just the eye trying to heal itself. He sent me home with pain meds and antibiotics.
I was in pain.
I did have bloody tears
I cried.
I cried some more.
I snuggled next to my mom…and cried some more. Finally, after I calmed down…I will admit, I am a wimp when it comes to pain. I do not like it. NOT ONE BIT!!
But…finally, as the pain meds kicked in (as much as they could), I snuggled up in my new favorite blanket (Thank you Mischelle for the most amazing comforting blanket that you made for me) and ate a bowl of my mom’s delicious chicken soup. Comfort of home is exactly where I needed to be.
I am so glad that day is over and my vision is slowly returning to normal. It has been a trial and I am not sure what I am supposed to learn from it but I know that I draw closer to our Heavenly Father, it will come and I will be blessed for enduring.
~Michelle
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Happy Birthday to me!!!
Today is my birthday and I was pleasantly spoiled. I will let the pictures tell the story…
My desk was visited by the Birthday Fairy (aka Vieve). She also brought me a delicious breakfast!
Lots of fun presents from friends…
and from co-workers….
Beautiful flowers from Shad, Jessica and Brylie..
Lunch at The Brick Oven and Vieve brought treats from The Sweet Tooth Fairy…
Delicious treats to add to a fun and happy day!!! Happy Birthday to me!!! I had so many wonderful people wish me happy birthday by phone call (Mom and Dad kept calling to sing), text messages, emails and Facebook messages. It was simply a lovely day. It is fun to be spoiled.
~Michelle