Public Speaking

I have never been very good at public speaking. My dad is an amazing speaker. He is funny and spiritual all at one time. I have always been amazed at his ability to do this. He has a way with people and he inspires me.

Today Andrew and I spoke in church. I was so nervous! I was sitting up there on the stand and looked out at my ward family and realized that these are all people who know me and love me. They aren't judging me or laughing at me. The people who know me best knew how hard this would be for me and they each gave me a smile or a look. My favorite was my friend Jill who offered me valium. It was pretty funny. I watched my parents wrestling with Chase and realized that I had it easier than they did. Hahaha.

I was amazed.  I wasn't nervous as I started my talk. I was able to read my notes and expound on them without having to read every word. I was able to put myself into the talk and to even have a little fun. Am I comfortable with public speaking? No. But if I have learned anything at all in the past few years it is this....

I CAN DO HARD THINGS!

 

I am not afraid to share my thoughts and ideas with others. I have something to contribute. I have learned many things during tough times and I am so thankful for that opportunity for growth and strength. The Gospel is incredible and perfect and I am so thankful for that KNOWLEDGE!

Busy as a Bee

I feel like since school started I have been so busy I have barely had time to sit down. I love every second of it though! I have just started getting involved in Cub Scouts and love these boys! They can be absolutely crazy but so much fun. I am still leading in Relief Society which I also love and helping with RS committee which is another thing I love! The kids are involved at school doing orchestra and running for student government. Cole ran for School Treasurer and Kiley ran for Historian. Both lost but loved trying and giving their speeches. I also started babysitting 3 mornings a week and love this sweet baby girl. I will say I feel like I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off but I wouldn't trade it for anything. OH I almost forgot. I have an addictive personality so since I traded in facebook I started indexing. I am hooked! I started last onday and have done over 1,000 names. I love it!! If you haven't started do! It is extremely rewarding feeling like I've made a difference.

Best Fieldtrip Ever!

On Thursday Melissa and I took our Scouts on a fieldtrip to the firestation. It ended up being the coolest thing ever. The Captain was there and he saw how fidgety the boys were and so he came up and said load up and lets go for a ride! The boys were so excited! We split into two groups and we all got to ride on the fire truck. I took Wyatt and Chase with me so they were able to participate and have fun with all the other boys. I was amazed when the captain then let them all try the fire hose! What a fun outing. The boys loved every second of it!

Chase-isms

Without facebook in my life I have no where to write the hilarious things Chase says, so here ya go... :0)
1. "Mama I can't eat a hamburger it is way too big for me!" "I need a tiny one."
2. "Mommy why you crying? It's because I am so cute?!"
3. (On a Saturday) "MOMMY! The kids go to school! They are buggin me!"
4. "Mommy why does Wyatt take HIS toys when HE gets home from school?"
5. "Mommy, I'm your favorite! No, Wyatt, No Cole, or Kiley... whatever~"
6. "Mommy where's daddy?" work "Lets go upstairs and BOO him!" (he is confused about Andrew going in to work now.
7. "Mommy how much you love me? Oh yeah LOTS!!"
I must admit, I am pretty much wrapped around this kids fingers. I am one lucky mommy.

Service

I have been thinking about service a lot lately. I think it is because I live in the most incredible Ward. My ward pulls together in ways I have never seen before. It is fun and heart warming to see how everyone pulls together to help in every way they can. How lucky am I to live in such an incredible Ward? I am so thankful for the chance I have to serve and be served. I am blessed with two fantastic visiting teachers, our home teachers are awesome too, and then I get to go to Relief Society and witness some pretty incredible women in action. Today I am overwhelmed with love for my Ward and all that they do to serve and help each other. It is awesome to know that I am even a tiny bit a part of it.

Music

I love how music speaks directly to my soul. During some of my hardest times I have been able to listen to or even sing and it lifted me. One of the greatest songs that truly helped was "Be Still my Soul" I can't remember how many times I listened to that song over and over again. Another song I loved was "You are Loved (Don't Give Up)" by Josh Groban. On Sunday I was able to sing in a quartet in my ward singing "Be Still my Soul" I loved it! I was worried that I would have a hard time getting through it without breaking down but I did it. I love being able to sing and share something so wonderful that truly meant something to me. I am so afraid of bearing my testimony. Music is the way I can do that and it is fun! I am just thankful that I was asked to be a part of something that meant so much to me :)

Scouting

After being at "Little Philmont" all day today I am so excited about my new calling in Scouts! I have the Wolf Den which is the coolest thing ever because these are all my boys from Primary a few years ago. I taught them for two and a half years so I love these boys! I am so happy to have something to do. I know that when I am busy I am not sitting around feeling sorry for myself and getting depressed. I am so thankful that I have a few callings that require some man hours and I am able to focus on what is really important. Serving others and serving my Savior. I am just ready to get to work! I am thankful for leaders who entrust me with their sweet boys. I am so excited to implement the things I learned today at an inspired and excellent training!