I will never get too old for Pumpkin Morning!!

It's Pumpkin Morning!! Yippee Skippee!!!

Every year--for quite sometime--(I can't even remember when she started doing this) my mom gets each of her grandchildren their very own pumpkin to have during this fall-ish season. (Since, I am a child myself...she gets me one, too!! Okay, I think it is because I am spoiled.) A few years ago, Mom had an inkling that she would take her grandchildren to a pumpkin patch to pick out their very special pumpkin. Since that inkling, she has visited Jaker's Pumpkin Patch each year with her grandchildren following right behind her. It has been a lot of fun. They get to search and search for the most perfect pumpkin.

So, this morning was declared Pumpkin Morning...my mom along with the grandchildren (at least most of them ...we were missing Brandon, Lindsie, and Austin--they think that they are too old for the Pumpkin Patch), Jessica, my sister-in-law and I headed to Jaker's Pumpkin Patch. We searched and searched and found the most perfect pumpkins!

Kaylie picked out hers and Brandon's, too!


Taylor found his...

Brylie found hers...


Tanner found his...

Bridger found his...

With their favorite pumpkins...we take a moment to relax on the straw!

Thanks Mom!!! You are the greatest Grandma (and Mom)!!


P.S. I will never get too old for Pumpkin Morning!

P.S. I am grateful for pumpkin morning, warm autumn days and my Mom!!

favorite things friday...the sound and smell of rain

One of my most favorite things is...

the sound and smell of RAIN!!

I love the sound and smell of rain!! I love to lay in my bed all curled up in a quilt and listen to the sound of rain hitting my roof. The pitter patter sound that is on the window pane is one of the most soothing sounds ever!!! But, if it is rainy all day long...I love to curl up in a quilt, turn on the fireplace, bake chocolate chip cookies and read a fabulous book!!! Oh, then, I love the smell of rain...I am not sure how to even explain that smell--it is like...a wonderful clean smell.

Oh, might I add those wonderful HUGE puddles after a rainstorm....how great are they? Yes, I do have to add, I love to jump in those huge puddles!!! Oh, that brings back great college days!!! I had never went puddle jumping until then. My roommates and the girls that lived next door to us decided to go puddle jumping on BYU campus after a huge rainstorm. There were huge puddles and it was absolutely so much fun!!! I wish that we had taken pictures--umm....I guess not!! I would hate that kind of blackmail!!!

I just read a quote that said, "anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain". I would have to agree, but sunshine does bring happiness, too!!!

P.S. I am grateful for my warm quilt, socks and sweatshirts!!

my sweet surprise...thank you!

To one of the most wonderful people in the world:

When I opened my door this evening, I found the most sweetest thing on my doorstep.

I read the sweetest note!!

I opened the package and found the most delightful treats ever!!!


and these are the thoughts that popped into my head.

• You, truly, know how to brighten someones day--especially mine!
• You are one of the greatest examples that I have met!
• You are one of the most sweetest people that I know!
• You know how to bring a smile to my face!!
• You are simply fabulous!!
• You are so thoughtful!!
• My life has been completely blessed because of you!
• You truly know how to serve!!

I turned on my computer, logged onto the blogging world and checked my email and found out the most simple but amazing and very inspired email:

Did you find any anti-blasted treats on your porch? You are SO loved!

So, Gerb, you are the most amazing, inspired, service-oriented, kind, loving, sweetest, fantastic, thoughtful...person that I know. I am so thankful that you are part of my life. You truly are FABULOUS!!! You are the greatest friend that anyone can have and I am so glad that you are mine!!! I love you tons!!!!

Love,
Michelle

even though it has been a BLASTED week...

You know when you get to the point, that you are ready to start a different week--I am at that point and it is only Wednesday. So, basically, I am tired of this BLASTED week!!! It has had me in tears and I am so tired of it...Let me recount the past few days...and remember it is only Wednesday!!!

Monday....I woke up with a BLASTED headache. I had it all day Sunday and I guess, it wanted to be my friend all day Monday, too. I had to pick up the mail from the Post Office for work--the guy that hands the mail to me at the Post Office was in a not-very-nice mood-that almost brought me to tears. Be mindful--I am tired and have a headache.

Lunch time arrived and I was so excited to eat my lunch (and take more headache meds)...I went to the freezer at work and could not believe my eyes...someone had stole my lunch. I was mortified!!! Why would someone do such a thing!!! Oh, I was upset!!! A tired and hungry Michelle with a headache is not at all fun!!! I could not believe it. So, that added another thing to my BLASTED day. But, oh, Seth saved the day with a taco from Del Taco (maybe he was saving the gang from me!!!) Thanks Seth!! He redeemed some points for the human species!!

Then, later in the afternoon, I noticed that I had missed a phone call from a friend. So, I hurried and called him back. This is how the phone call went:
"Hey, this is Michelle. Sorry that I missed your call." (me talking in a somewhat cheerful voice)
Dead silence. I wait for a few seconds. Then, he (my friend) responds in a very somber voice:
"We received some bad news. (Mentioning his wife by name) cancer is back."
"What?" Then, quite a few sobs.
I respond, "What can I do? I am calling her name into the temple right now."
He responds, "Please pray for her."
I hung up the phone and could not believe what I had just heard. WHAT?? This can not be happening!!

My friend was diagnosed with Lung cancer (the non-smoking kind) 3 years ago. She went through Chemo and Radiation and literally, battled herself through this horrible procedure. But, she finished here treatment and has been in remission for the past 2 years. Now that horrific disease is back--in her lung, pleura, lymph nodes and in her abdomen. The doctor told her that she has a year to live if she goes through the treatment of Chemo and Radiation again. I hate this BLASTED week.

That night, I went to my parents home and curled up on the sofa next to my Mom. I am glad that I live so close to be able to feel the secure of my parents. Thanks Mom for letting me curl up next to you!!

My thoughts this week have not gone far from this little family. I know that there are thousands of people praying in their behalf this week. I know this because her name and the names of her family are on the altars of the temple. How grateful I am to know the Plan of Salvation, to know the power of prayer and to belong to such a wonderful gospel.

As my thoughts still linger with my friend's family, thoughts turn to a dear client that I have known for many years. As I stepped into my bosses office this afternoon, I was told that this sweet client was just diagnosed with Lymphoma. What? I hate this BLASTED week!!! You know, it is difficult to try and be strong when all you want to do is sit down and cry!!!

Shortly after going back to my desk from hearing this yucky news, I hear of some more news that brings the tears flowing. I REALLY HATE THIS BLASTED WEEK!!! I sat at my desk--trying to control tears and was not doing such a great job of it. Thank goodness everyone was gone by this point. I walked out of work with tears running down my face (and I am sure lines of mascara were everywhere) and felt the warmth of the sunshine. Do you know what? I am grateful for the sun and it's warmth. I was trying to get in control--I had a class to teach within minutes of arriving home. I was dreading the fact that I had to teach a card class tonight. I knew that I was not in the mood or the right mind to do so. I had thought about cancelling--but, I felt that I needed to teach!!!

I am so grateful that I did!!! The girls that are in my monthly card class are great!!! At first, I shared with them my yucky week...we shed tears and then, for the rest of the night we laughed and laughed. They are great!!! They are definitely a ray of sunshine in my life!!! I am so blessed to have great people in my life!!!

As I am sitting here at my computer, I look at these past few days and realize that no matter what life brings--we can find the positive side to it if we try hard to find it. I am indeed grateful for my wonderful friends who brought a lot of laughter in my life tonight. It is exactly what I needed. Now, as I look at the beginning of the week when my lunch was stolen--I can say "at least someone received a warm delicious meal". HA HA!!!



P.S. Even though it has been a blasted week...I know that I am grateful for my family, friends and loved ones!!!

The ABC's of Me...

I have been tagged by my sister-in-law, Jessica.

The ABC's of Me:
A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Very single
B. BEST FRIEND? I would probably have to say my Mom!
C. CAKE OR PIE? Pumpkin Pie
D. DAY OF THE WEEK? I love Fridays!!!
E. ESSENTIAL ITEMS? deodorant, toothbrush, lotion and my pillow
F. FAVORITE COLOR? Pink, red, yellow, and dark blue
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? gummy bears--but, I really like chocolate covered gummy bears
H. HOMETOWN? Springville
I. INDULGENCE? Scrapbook supplies
J. JANUARY OR JULY? July 4th is one of my favorite holidays
K. KIDS? zero
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? Family
M. MARRIAGE DATE? Not sure, I am single
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 3 brothers
O. ORANGES OR APPLES? Oranges, if I don't have to peel them
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? dying alone
Q. QUOTE? Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... 'Oh crap....she's awake !'
R. REASONS TO SMILE? life and family
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? I am neither
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE? I tag those that want to be tagged!!
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I have a secret passion to write a book!!
V. VEGETABLES? I love vegetables--steamed but still a little crunchy!!
W. WORST HABIT? Biting my cheeks and tongue
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound. I think that they are cool to actually see your organs moving!!
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? I love spicy foods. My favorite is Mexican. Joe Banditos, Cafe Rio, Bajio's
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? Pisces




P.S. I am grateful for General Conference, for the rain--I love to listen to the rain!

favorite things friday...ribbon

So, it is Friday and I am indeed grateful that it is. YAHOO!!!

One of my most favorite things is...

RIBBON!!

I love ribbon. There isn't any story or moment to share about the reason that ribbon is one of my favorite things. It is just plain and simple. I love ribbon. In fact, that is all there is to it--I love ribbon. I love to dress packages up with beautiful ribbon. I love to add ribbon to my cards and my scrapbook pages. I just love ribbon and when I see cute ribbon...I have to buy it. Even if I do not need it, I have to buy it. It is definitely one of my weaknesses. See, I just love cute and pretty things. Since ribbon is cute and pretty--I have to have it. I know that if I had a little girl--she would have ribbons in her hair every single day from little bows to those huge ones!!! I just love ribbon!!!

In my scrapbook room, I have over 100 different styles and colors. Ok, maybe I am obsessed with ribbon--but, if it makes me happy---then, if it makes me happy--then it is worth it? Isn't it? I think that it is worth it!! Don't worry, I do use my ribbon. I never seem to run out of it because I am always buying it!!!

P.S. I am grateful for ribbon, cheery colors, BYU football, my family!!

HOV lanes...

Do you know one thing that I absolutely love? I am sure you did not guess this one....HOV lanes. My first experience of driving in the HOV lane was in Los Angeles, California. My roommates (Stephanie, Ailey, Liz, and I) went to visit Liz’s family in Burbank. This is where I fell in love with HUGE freeways. Call me crazy, but the traffic was so awesome. No matter which way you looked–there were lanes and lanes of freeway. If I had to choose from driving through a town or driving on a freeway–I will 98% choose to drive on the freeway. So, when I drove on the freeway in Los Angeles, I was in complete heaven. Immediately, when I would enter the freeway, I would get in the HOV lane. Yes, complete heaven!! I love to drive fast, therefore, when all the traffic is stopped–you are not when you are driving in the HOV lane.

So, tonight, I needed to run an errand to Salt Lake. Our freeways are not as big as they are in Los Angeles, but we do have a HOV lane. So, I invited Mom to come along for the ride. My mom is cool and I love spending time with her. So, Mom and I drove to Salt Lake and YES, I was in heaven driving in the HOV lane. I am glad that I got to spend time with my Mom. She is amazing and I think she is too cool!! Anyway, I got to do 2 great things today...visit with Mom and drive in the HOV lane.


Have a great day!

P.S. I am grateful for my mom, HOV lanes, my car, and good weather!