A change in media

The last couple of months I have noticed that in a lot of TV shows and movies couples aren't splitting up automatically if one commits adultery. At first I thought this was a good thing; divorce doesn't have to be the only option when there is a problem (even a big problem). But as I have thought about this I have realized that along with couples not separating when adultery happens, adultery is being shown as something that will happen and couples need to deal with this "expected" and "common" occurrence. That makes me so sad because this is just one more way Satan is trying to get to the family. Telling people even if they give in to temptation they can still have their family. I am so grateful that I am able to know the truth and not have to depend on what the world says is good or bad, right or wrong, moral or immoral.

It's Her Choice

Yesterday as I was getting ready for church my mom and Eric were talking about 4th year at the end of the hallway. I was half listening and half trying to put on mascara when I heard the conversation move to be about me. They both knew I was there so I wasn't technically eavesdropping. My mom brought up that people ask her if she thinks I will get bored or lonely. I don't remember all of what my mom was saying but I do remember her saying "Maybe but it is her choice." That hit something inside of me. Even though it will be a little crazy and possibly lonely and boring but this is the choice I have made. I could have stayed here in Iowa but after all the options were weighed we knew the best thing was for the two of us to be together.

What to do when you are done eating the banana

This morning Eric added a banana to his protein shake and left the peel on the counter. Seeing the peel laying there reminded me of a fabulous thing I had seen on "How Clean is Your House". Banana peels can be used to shine shoes!!! I have a black pair of Mary Jane's that I wear to work that were in serious need of a good polish sitting right near the door. In three minutes I had polished them, wiped off the excess banana bits and was ready to go. So much easier than having to polish shoes with all of the polish stuff.

A friendly neighbor

This morning I was watching a movie downstairs and a couple of geese came right up to the window. The wind was so strong that I think they were trying to get out of the wind. By the time I got the camera out they had moved on to under the neighbors deck. They were very quiet and just hung out for a while before walking away.

Then later when I was driving my mom home from work I saw a couple of geese with their babies trying to cross the road. It was like a scene from "Make Way for Ducklings".  I hope they made it home okay.

P.S. sorry the top picture is crooked I am still getting used to Eric's computer.

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Value of Experiencing and Expressing Gratitude

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Value of Experiencing and Expressing Gratitude

This is one of those articles that I have read multiple times. Ever since I really started dealing with depression I had heard that I should try and be more grateful and to focus on the positive. At the time I just ignored it thinking that it wouldn't really help anyway. Last month after attend a book club talking about "The Last Lecture" something just clicked for me. If I want to be happy then I should fight to be happy. I will admit I still struggle and have days where it is easier to be Eeyore rather than Tigger but as I work to be more grateful and to see the blessings it is becoming easier and easier to overcome the negative thoughts.

On the track of being grateful I want to say thank you for all who have listened to me when I complained and who offered great advice or a loving shoulder. It is amazing to me that Heavenly Father loved me so much to make sure I was surrounded by such wonderful people these last two years. Thank you for your examples and your friendship.

4th Year Here we come

When I tell people that I am going with Eric this next year the main question I get asked is "What are you going to do?" This is funny to me because frequently people look scared and worried that I will have so much free time when so often people are lamenting the fact that they do not have enough time to do what they would like to do. But I will acknowledge that a whole year with no job, calling or other real responsibility could get tedious I started a to-do/goal list for the next year. But I am curious to hear what you all would do with one year of no real commitments. I will have to keep our living quarters clean, prepare dinner and a few other household chores but I will have gobs of time.

I will let you know a few restraints:
-gardening is out due to location and time
-no decorating of home due to type of location
-all craft type materials need to fit in the car (Chevy cobalt) which is a tight fit
-in a few places I won't have an oven
-we are sharing a car so I will be at home some days

I will have:
-a computer with Internet access
-access to libraries
-cable TV
-a wii
-a camera
-my great personality

So tell me what would you do if you were me?

A great read for me

As with most of us we have friends who have children and friends who don't. I know for me personally there have been times when I felt out of the loop for not having children but that was my own emotions surfacing about wanting children. I agreed with pretty much everything this article said and I am grateful I found it. There are some many things we don't always ask or share but by voicing them we make friendships stronger.

I personally don't feel the same way about babysitting. Being able to help take care of children brings me great joy. If I offer it is because I really won't mind.  Also, I am not a worrier about children coming to my home. Like the article said I am more concerned that the child is safe (or entertained) than anything I own.

Does this article ring true to anyone else balancing the kids/no kids friendship?

http://www.blogher.com/making-momonnonmom-friendship-work

Girls Night

Cassie, Erin, Leilani, Megan

Me, Jordan, Auprielle, Margaret

Jordan decided it was time for one last girls' night before she left and I completely agree. We met at Red Robin and had a blast. It was great fun to see everyone again since I don't see them at church any more. Nothing like good food, girl talk and a great spring night.