Jumping in the Rain

I have been busy being sick and scanning old pictures this morning. I founds some very fun ones and can't share them all right now but I remember doing this with Al and Cliff and how much fun we had so I thought I'd share.

They remind me to take time to doing the little things like JUMPING ON THE TRAMPOLINE IN THE RAIN!!!

Use your Imagi-Nation to Worry

I am suppose to getting my lesson ready for my crazy 4-5 year old primary class. In the process I ran across my favorite book and thought I'd share part of it with you. Since these days times are getting crazy and there can be a lot to worry about I thought we could use these little bit.

I am quoting from John Bytheway's book How to be Totally Miserable

"Use Your Imagi-nation to Worry"

"The Imagi-Nation is a little country in your head. When you're young, you go there to play. When you get older, you go there to plan. But the miserable use the Imagi-Nation for only one thing-they go there to worry. Worrywarts are mountains on the relief map of the Imagi-Nation. Faith is like Compound W. It is prescription strength medicine for worrywarts. But the miserable listen to their doubts more than their faith. To remain miserable, yo must visit the Imagi-Nation only to worry. You mustn't go there to dream, ponder, or play. Miserable people go to the Imagi-Nation to act out all the bad things that might happen. Their Imagi-nation is nothing but an endless marathon of worst-case scenarios. Using your imagination to worry will also ensure that you remain alone-no one wants to be around a worrywart, because worrywarts are contagious." (John Bytheway, How to be Totally Miserable"

"Real difficulties can be overcome; it is the imaginary ones that are unconquerable", Theodore N. Vail

Service

I got this email from Jodi Blake with an attachment to a link with a short little video about service. I have to admit I usually just delete these because I don't have time to sit and read all the forwarded email. However I watched this and it was very touching.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

We can all do more service and it is just a reminder of how little things can make a big difference. I see that everyday at my job. I complain a lot about the fast pace, late hours, and long days I have and all the complaining I can get from my elderly residence but I feel like I need to also say that I love them. They are wonderful people and I am happy to see them each day I work and think about them often on my days off. It doesn't take much at all for me to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Just the little things go a long way and they are the things that each family member stops to say thank you for.

I hope you enjoy this little video.

On a personal note it made me think of my sweet little niece, Emberlyn. It is amazing that at 2 years of age she has touched the hearts of so many people. She may not walk, talk, and do the things other 2 year old do but she can melt and touch a heart in a matter of seconds with her loving smile. Another reminder that small things, things from the heart can make a big difference.

Have a great day!!!

Ear Piercing

Ok this is out of order but I'm going to blog it now. Alyssa finally did enough work to earn enough money to pay to get her ears pierced. She just got back and is all smiles. She has placed her schedule of when to clean her ears, how long to wait before taking the studs out, and when she can wear dangly earing up for her to check off. She was very cute and a little nervous. The plan was for me to pick her up from school today and take her to get it done. When I picked her up she looked nervous and said, "some people said it hurts and some said it doesn't. I'm not sure if I want to do it" So we talked a little bit and she decided to go ahead and get it done.

Before

During

After

Ward Party - December

OK I'm a little behind. I remember being a child and having my parents say things like, "time goes by faster the older you get" or "it's Halloween, it will be New Years before you know it" you get the idea. I use to think they were crazy....Christmas took forever to get here. Boy were they right...and I'll admit not just about that.

So here I am it's January 8th and I haven 't kept up on my blogging/journal for a month and since I know some of you have been missing it (this ones for you Sharon) :O) I decided to take a few seconds to make a quick entry starting with the begining of December.

We had a ward party, it was a chilli feast and we brought food to give to families in need. I know some of you are thinking, aren't you guys a family in need. LOL Even though Abby had her ballet that day we got up and got to the ward party. We packed up some canned foods, put them in a bag and headed out the door. Of course we left the bag of food at home because..well..we've lost our brains. :O) But they didn't kick us out and it was fun.

Here are some fun pictures the primary took of Alyssa with Santa Claus. I can't believe she is as old as she is and look how grown up she is getting...I enjoy her more and more each day.

Being the very fun cousin that she is she decided to take Delayna up to visit Santa...I'm sure all of you who have ever had children or ever seen young children near Santa Clause can guess how that went. It was a nice attempt though.

How much do you love that grin on Alyssa's face as Delayna is screaming...CLASSIC.