Dear Cupid

Dear Cupid,

This year Valentines Day was not what I expected it to be...however I want to personally write and thank you for all your hard work discharging those arrows of affection. You see this year my husband worked on Valentines Day, and one could gripe and complain that you did not take your job seriously, however I know differently since he loves me so much that he did other thoughtful things for me instead. (We celebrated my birthday and Valentine's two days before). So I would like to tell you how our Love day went. First we all got up and had breakfast. I made the kiddos heart shaped pancakes. They thought that was super neat. Then we went to Rylan's school for his Valentines party and Alana and Kelton got to come watch. Rylan had fun with the Valentine box that he made and he got a lot of compliments from other kids at school. When we got home from the school, we made some of our own Valentines. The kids got to pass them out to their friends in the neighborhood. The kids helped with dinner and then, because of the kindness of my HEART, I let them stay up late and watch a movie in our room before they went to bed. It was a really good Valentines, because I was able to do a lot of fun things with the kids and got to watch them have such an enjoyable day. So Cupid, I have to hand it to you....you are doing a great job. Your love arrows have struck all the people that I love. Thank you and I hope to happen upon you and your hard work next year and the years to come. Best of Luck to you....Your admirer,

Charayne

Smooth

Lately I have noticed that things go a lot smoother with just a little bit of planning. Since I have Young Womens meetings on Wednesdays, I have to have a plan in place or I end up running late and everyone in my house ends up fending for themselves. Also, this year our church is at 9:00 a.m. and so in order to get everyone to church on time or shortly after (let's be realistic) I have to have things prepared. Since I am a planner and I'm trying even more so to be organized, I was looking online for a meal planning sheet (instead of just a scrap paper) and I came across this website that I though had some useful things. Just thought I would share if anyone wanted or needed something like this.

Spinning Wheels

So since I live in Utah, and I'm totally familiar with snow...I get the concept of spinning wheels. If you've ever been stuck in the snow trying to get out you get it too. So lately it seems like I've been stuck in a rut and trying to get out but, my wheels have been spinning. This past Sunday I was asked to give a talk in church. It just happened to be on Faith. Sounds pretty basic right, but I actually learned a lot. It might sound weird to say but it was just what I needed. Also, an old friend and neighbor of mine started a blog and had this post. I just want to put a few quotation marks on some of the things that she said. I need to remember to be thankful for the things that I have and slow down and just be happy, knowing that the things I'm doing are shaping me.

Changes

The new year has brought some changes at our house. First, I got a new calling at church. I was released from being the beehive advisor, and called to be the second counselor in the Young Womens. I am so excited that I still get to work with the Beehives.

The second is that we have been spending lots of time over at my dad's house, cleaning and fixing things up.

The third big change is that my brother has moved in with us for awhile. So...

Some things will be different here for a bit. Lots of big changes.

Technology Challenged

Technology challenged...yep that's me. Thank goodness for my smart husband who helped me fix my blog. I could NOT figure it out for the life of me. So now that it's finally fixed, maybe I will feel like blogging again. Thanks love!

Testing

Thankfulness post #3

My country. That is one that is at the top of my list of things I'm thankful for. I have always been the type of person who loves the country I live in. I know that our country was inspired. It is a special place. I love it, because of our freedoms! I love that it is so beautiful. Growing up I had the opportunity to travel around the country with my family and be able to see lots of places in the United States. It's so diverse. So many things to see. Lot's of National Parks. Water. Trees. Mountains. Plains. Beauty. I love it here. I feel so blessed to have the liberty to choose my religion, to have freedom of speech to be able to live and work and do the things I want and enjoy. I am so glad that I live here in this time.

Thankfulness post Day 2

My parents. They've been good parents. It hasn't been until recently that I've realized how good. Mostly, because now my mom is gone. I know now how much she did for me. I miss that. So thankful that I still have my dad. He is so smart and wise. He is a patient man. They raised me good. Taught me to have good manners. Taught me the gospel. Let me do things. Made sure we were fed, clothed and entertained. Worried about me. Sometimes more than they should have had to. Spent time with me. Played with my children and are the most amazing grandparents ever. Sacrificed a lot in my behalf. I know this, why? Because I am a parent, and I see how wonderful they were/are. I love them. That is why I am thankful for them. It is because of them that I am here. So, so blessed to have amazing parents!!!

Centerpiece

Today as I thought what I was thankful for, I decided that I was thankful for The Gospel of Jesus Christ. If I did not have this important thing in my life I would be a totally different person, in a totall different place. I am so thankful for my Savior, for His Attonement, His Example, and the guideline that he gave me. Being Sunday I think that it's appropriate that I say that I am thankful for this first. It is first, also, because it is what everything else in my life is based upon. It is my centerpiece. I have so many blessings because of the Church and I recognize so much more because of it also.

Abundance

Last night I went to an activity that our stake was doing for Humanitarian efforts. A neighbor and I helped make things for feminine hygiene. It made me feel very blessed and thankful for the blessings that I enjoy in abundance on a daily basis. Sometimes it's so hard for me to realize how blessed I am, and I think to myself "I wish I had that... or didn't have to go through this", but I know that I am blessed and have so much in my life. So I've decided that I am going to post something that I am thankful for everyday this month. I truly am blessed and have so much gratitude for the bounties that I enjoy in my life.

I found this quote and I really like it.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.
-- Brian Tracy

I hope all who read this post are able to find things in your life that fill you with thankfulness.