Fruity Pebbles

Judge me if you will, but I have a category of things in life I like to call guilty pleasures.  They are things I know I probably shouldn't enjoy...  But I do.  And so, on occasion, I allow myself the guilty pleasure of enjoying them.

Well, Fruity Pebbles is one of them.  I am fully aware they are packed-full of food colors and dyes.  And sugar.  And I am fully aware that is not healthy for me. 

But there's just something about those Fruity Pebbles that, to me, is oh-so-yummy.  (My husband thinks I'm crazy.  He thinks they leave a waxy coating in his mouth, so he doesn't enjoy them.  But I do!)

So, because I know they aren't the best option for me, I don't buy them.  But sometimes you just have awesome friends who know you like certain things.  And sometimes those awesome friends bring you those very things you like as a "hey, you just pushed a huge baby out of your body!  You should enjoy something you like!" gift. 

And so I've been doing just that with these -- in those very very very very rare quiet moments when it's just me.  So I'm grateful for Fruity Pebbles to enjoy.  And the awesome friend who brought them for me to enjoy :).

What are you grateful for today?

Birthday Love

Today was easily one of the busiest birthdays I've ever had.  And, honestly, I should be in bed! 

I spent the majority of the day at a vendor event at the local mall -- mostly just getting my name out there and introducing THRIVE Life to people.

Then I had a doctor's appointment.  Which the check-in gal totally messed something up and I waited an hour past my appointment time before I got called back.  Have I mentioned patience isn't my strong suit? 

Then I bought Burger King (dinner of birthday-girls, right?  Eh, not so much, but I needed food fast -- I was fading.) and brought it home and shared with my sister and nieces (and toddler).  My sweet sister came to watch my munchkin so my hubby could go to work while I was still at the mall and then the doctor.  I appreciate her.

Then I went to talk to a couple of other lovely ladies about THRIVE.  And got home after 8.  Showered.  Put the baby to bed.  Made dinner for my husband who isn't such a fan of fast food... ;).  Opened my presents... finally!

Oh, and did I mention I had two gifts dropped off at my house -- both while I wasn't here!

I have said it before, and I'll say it again:  I have the most amazing friends and family.  And today, I felt tons of birthday love.

I also love that my friends know me so well....  book of lists, awesome 80s cereal (some that even have face masks I can cut out, by the way ;)), chocolate...  Oh my.

I am blessed.

What are you grateful for today?

The Generosity of Others

This past week has, once again, been a testament to me of the good people -- no, the great people -- Heavenly Father has placed in our my (and our) life.

I write this from the basement of my dear friend Amalea's home.  It is where my family will call home for the next several days.

Some of you may have read about the lovely stair situation at our apartment building.  Well, progress is finally being made.  But the price of that progress was that we had to be relocated temporarily.  Because this relocation fell during the time I'd been planning to have an 80s party at my (albeit ghetto) digs, I had to notify all my invitees that the party had been postponed. 

And in response, Amalea and her husband invited us to stay with them in their basement.  With only the hope that we'd be out in 10 days max (but who knows?  it could go longer...).  And while my husband is on swing shift.  Which means he gets home around midnight. 

I was beyond shocked -- and humbled -- by her invitation.  By their outpouring of love for our little family in this inconvenient situation.  Their offer saved my husband at least 1 1/2 hours of commute time every day for work. 

And here's the thing:  I know there are others of our friends and family who would have welcomed us as well.  (The landlord would have put us up in a hotel, but that would have been less-than-pleasant with a toddler...)  I know we are so very blessed by the generosity and love of others.  It amazes me.

I recognize that it cannot be easy to have 3 extra people living in your home.  And yet...  And yet they offered without hesitation.  And I don't know if I can ever fully repay them for their kindness and love.  This has meant more to our family than we can express.  It has been a stressful time (trying to figure out what all we need for however long we'll be away from home) -- and today was a bit overwhelming and exhausting (we had to be out this evening for them to begin tearing down all the walkways tomorrow morning).  But having a comfortable and open place welcoming us, full of welcoming, loving friends, has made it less difficult than it could have been.  And so, I am grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

Guests Who Graciously Tolerate the Ghetto-Fabulous

Because I had a lot of company tonight...  And they all had to do the whole walk-around-the-building thing due to our stairway situation mentioned yesterday.

So as I apologized for our ghetto-fabulous apartment complex...  I was so appreciative that everyone was kind and willing to just go with the flow.

What are you grateful for today?

Getting My Veggies Via Yummy Green Smoothie!

This morning my munchkin and I went over to hang out with a friend and her kiddos.  Somewhere around mid-morning, my friend made everyone green smoothies. 

This was my first ever green smoothie! 

Not because I was opposed to having one.  Frankly, the thought of getting my veggies disguised in a delicious smoothie was very appealing to me.  But I still have an old-school blender, and I simply don't think it would be quite as nice an experience as with one of those super-awesome-high-power-motor blenders...

So today, since my friend Janet has one of those nifty blenders, I had my first green smoothie.  And so did my munchkin.  And she sucked down her share of it out of my glass, so I'm pretty positive I can speak for her and say she loved it too!

So I got zucchini, kale, spinach, beet tops, and crookneck squash disguised by banana, pineapple, 3 berries, and a couple other ingredients that weren't produce (like a milk and protein thing).

It was really good.  And I got a lot of veggies.  By 11:00 this morning.  Which is gangbusters in my book!  And so is Janet.

I need to get one of those blenders...

What are you grateful for today?

A Day Full of Awesome Friends and Delicious Food!

For me, there are few things finer in life than great friends and great food.  Today was packed full with both.

Munchkin and I started out the day by meeting up with Lea and Chuck for some breakfast at Denny's and a whole lot of fun conversation.  My munchkin loves hanging with (Auntie) Lea and (Uncle) Chuck, because she knows they think she's so stinkin' cute (but, hey, who doesn't ;)?).  And what can't be great about some blueberry pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns with orange juice?  Absolutely nothing.

Then we met up with the awesome Megan and her cutie Jack.  We started out our play date by going to a Reading Up program where someone read our two cuties The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and then they each got to pick a book to take home -- for free!  We got Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?  Because we needed to rectify the fact that we didn't previously have any Dr. Seuss books in our library...  After that, we went to their house and enjoyed lunch and play-time!  Let's just say that someone else's toys are always cooler than your own.  And let's just say that Megan is amazing.  Her house is always gorgeous, she is always beautiful, and she is super sweet and inviting -- always.  And she makes really great food.  Today it was ham and cheese pockets and Asian Chicken Salad.  Play dates are awesome.  Both for kiddos and for mommies.

Then this evening, I enjoyed a Girls' Night Out, thanks to the wonderful Mariah.  Mariah is always so generous with opening her lovely home to a bunch of crazy ladies to come hang out.  And she always provides yummy (and in tonight's case, healthy) food!  Tonight we had a red lentil chili and a really yummy salad (because she takes the time to slice up a ton of yummy veggies to put on it) along with some grapes and a creamy (which I love) pasta dish.  And pineapple upside down cake (sort of -- my cake didn't turn out quite like I'd hoped due to baker error) for dessert.  It's nice to sit and chat with other ladies.  Share stories of whatever...  Maybe climb up on a soapbox...  And never get around to actually playing the games that were brought, because -- hey -- visiting is just more fun!

And my sweetheart took care of getting Munchkin to bed so I could go enjoy some grown-up mommy time solo :). 

So today was just an awesome day.  The best kind, if you're a Nilla ;).

What are you grateful for today?

Being Invited to Learn About Freezer Meals!

So this afternoon, while my little one slept, I got a random text from a number I didn't recognize.  Once I read the text, I knew it was from someone who, at the very least, knew me (and whom I probably knew as well ;)).

I was being invited to attend a Provident Living lesson on freezer meals!!!  I replied asking what time the meeting was, and who was inviting me.  Haha...  Clearly it was someone who knows all about the foodie in me ;).  The ever-awesome Brenda H. 

And, seriously, she is ever-awesome. 

So I went and have been inspired to do some freezer meals!  We had a tasting table and were able to try 5 different freezer meals.  YUM!  So I definitely have several to try -- and they don't look hard to put together!  The very best kind!

Anyway, it was a treat that Brenda thought of me and invited me to attend her class.  She is one of the coolest women I know -- so organized and "with it," for lack of a better term.  She's one of those people I'm just glad I know and can call a friend!  So I'm grateful for her too -- and that makes two gratefuls for today :).

What are you grateful for today?

R'Lene B

So back in 2011, I was employed...  But I wouldn't say I was gainfully employed.  I worked two jobs and, fortunately, one of them offered insurance.  But I couldn't afford to move out of my grandmother's house with what I was making.  It was a frustrating time for me.  Incredibly frustrating.  I had been trying everything I knew to do to get a job as a professional librarian (which I was educated to be), and nothing was panning out.  Not even for me to return to the South (I tried that too).  So I decided to change tactics and just look for employment outside of libraries.

And one day, I happened on a job posting for a job at the County in which I live.  It was a job for a front-desk person.  I met the qualifications.  I applied.  I got called to test my typing skills and such.  Then I got called for an interview.  And that's when I met R'Lene.  I remember her coming out to the waiting room to get me for the interview.  I remember being nervous.  Incredibly nervous.

A few days later, R'Lene called me again.  She said I was one of the top two choices, so they wanted me to go in and meet the Commissioners, since I'd be working with them if I got the job.  Yikes!  I was really nervous again.  I remember chatting with R'Lene as we waited for a Board meeting to wrap up so I could go in and meet the Commissioners.  I remember how R'Lene was so friendly and put me at ease.  She said a lot of really nice things to me -- about me.  I remember that it meant a lot to me -- the things she said.

But then I didn't get the job.  I was the second choice.  I was sort of bummed, but just figured something else would pan out.  She asked if she could keep my information for future job possibilities, because she said I had really impressive credentials.  I told her she could.  And I remember telling her I hoped everything went well and smoothly with the new person -- I expressed that I know it can sometimes take a while for things to even out after a new person comes on board.  I remember she said, "I hope so too.  But if it doesn't, you'll be hearing from me."

Well, it turns out they didn't.  Because a couple weeks later, I got another call from R'Lene.  She wanted to know if I was still available -- and if I was still interested.  I said I was.  And, initially, I was a little nervous, since I didn't know exactly what hadn't worked out with the first person.  But it was all good.  And I ended up with a great job -- and an even greater boss:  R'Lene.

That's a lot of talk before I get to the point of why I'm grateful for her today.

So, it turns out that R'Lene is retiring.  And, due to out-of-townedness, I won't be able to be there for her retirement party.  So Munchkin and I went to say good-bye to her today.  Not that it's really good-bye.  There will still be lunches and get-togethers from time to time...

But today, as I pondered the blessing I feel it has been to know R'Lene and to work for her, I thought over all those moments.  She was an amazing boss.  She trusts her employees to do their jobs -- she doesn't micromanage.  Her door is always open and she was always willing to listen.  She was encouraging and really believed in me.  She brought me in on fiscal responsibilities while my friend Angel was helping with other financial stuff -- and that's how I ended up becoming good friends with Angel!  R'Lene helped me expand my horizons while I worked for her, and I really appreciated that.  Because I ended up really loving the fiscal stuff.

I will never forget that R'Lene told me that she believes we work to live, we don't live to work.  And she totally showed that.  She lived it.  And she allowed that of her employees.

I will never forget that she was actually the very first person I told I was pregnant with our little girl.  The reason is because there was a fiscal job opening that she was encouraging me to apply for, and I wanted to, but I knew I would be quitting to be a stay-at-home mom once the baby was born.  That didn't matter to her.  She encouraged me to apply anyway.  I didn't get the job (there was a way qualified gal with tons of experience), but in the end, that was for the better anyway, because I ended up quitting 3 months later anyway.  (We kept the pregnancy quiet -- even from family -- because of our previous miscarriage).

And she'll probably never know it, but it meant the world to me that she went to my baby shower several months later, after I'd quit.  She drove 30 minutes or so to attend it.  And I think that was so sweet.

And so...  I had to go and say "good-bye" to such a marvelous woman.  To a woman who blessed my life in so many ways (that job allowed me to finally move out on my own, by the way).  And I'm glad it's not really good-bye.  And I'm grateful I was blessed to work for her -- and that I am blessed to know her.  She is a strong and amazing woman.

What are you grateful for today?

Olive Garden Lunch with Lea

Today was an all-around awesome day.  Productive too.  Although I did learn a lesson about how it's not exactly wise to go shopping on the 1st of the month when it's a Friday.  I think everyone got paid today.  Because they were all out at the grocery stores!

Ah well.  I'm sure I'll forget that lesson the next time the first of the month falls on a Friday. 

As part of the fun, Munchkin and I went to Olive Garden with Lea.  Then we hit Costco.  And it was all 100% awesome good times.  But there's just something about that soup, salad, and breadstick lunch that make that the absolute highlight :). 

It was a good day.  And this pretty much makes me grateful in a lot of categories!  Because it's only fun when it's fun.

What are you grateful for today?

Melanie R. (and Bob Too!)

Ridiculous sideways picture...  But whatever.  It still makes me do the happy dance.

So what does that have to do with Melanie and Bob?  Well, they have loaned us their portable a/c for the summer (they are some happy campers with a new heat pump, so this was just hanging around and she offered to let us use it...  And how can a Nilla resist?).

The truth is, there are a lot of reasons I am grateful for Bob and Melanie.  And today, I added two new ones to the list:  the air conditioner -- which will keep me smiling big all summer; and a now-long-arm-quilted quilt.  Melanie knows a lady who is very reasonable in price (like I was beyond shocked at the cost -- in a really good way).  And does amazing work.  And Melanie got me the hook up.  And my quilt is amazing.  Absolutely amazing.  I am so excited.  (I have to do the binding, but I promise I'll post a picture soon...  once it's all done). 

So I met Melanie through her husband Bob.  And I met Bob through working at the funeral home.  Bob has two nicknames:  Crossword puzzle Bob and Alligator Bob.  And here's why:  at the time, there was another Bob working at the funeral home as well.  And so, when I would tell my friends about funeral home stories, I'd have to specify which Bob.  He got the nickname Crossword Puzzle Bob because he and I would work on the crossword puzzle every day at work.  He'd keep it in his office, which I passed by frequently on my way to the music box; so I'd stop in and fill in a few words or letters... then he'd stop in and fill in some, etc. (He isn't often in his office, because it's not that kind of job.)  We completed many puzzles that way.  And sometimes even the hard one!  As for how he got the Alligator Bob name...  Well, one time I went to Florida to visit Julie.  Bob requested that I bring back an alligator for him.  More specifically, an alligator that was missing a toe.  That way, when he was taking it for a walk down the street, the missing toe would be a conversation starter.  Hahaha.  Oh Bob.  He cracks me up.  Anyway, so I started calling him Alligator Bob because of that.  In case you were wondering, I didn't manage to bring back an alligator with a missing toe...  But I did manage to bring back an alligator-shaped chocolate.  He said it was an acceptable substitution ;).

So that's Bob.  He's awesome.  He has a great sense of humor and he made working at the funeral home even more fun than it already was.  He understands conversations about kegels.  And he was always up for taking me on a "field trip" out on the grounds when I wanted to do a visual check on information in a file I was working on. (I called them field trips because I was getting out of the office.)   Ahhh... some days I really miss that job.

Anyway, we'd have lots of functions.  Christmas parties, a decades party, an 80s party...  And Bob would bring Melanie.  And so I met his awesome wife.  And she is definitely amazing.  Very talented with quilting.  Very fun.  I used to house-sit for them often, before I moved out of my grandmother's house and got married.  I don't know if they realize or not how much I appreciated those opportunities.  I was glad to help them out, of course.  But even more... I was so grateful for little pockets of time where I was "on my own."  And it was always nice to keep company with their cats.  Especially Max.  He is one cool cat.  And there were also times when just Bob would be out of town, and Melanie would invite me to stay to keep her company.  Those were awesome times too.  We'd hang out until late at night watching TV together and visiting.  Those are more really good memories.

So, though today, Melanie has given me two more reasons to be incredibly grateful to know her and Bob...  The truth is, that list was pretty extensive already.  They have both blessed my life immensely.  And I know I'll never forget them and all they've done for me.  Including keeping me from melting this summer :).

What are you grateful for today?

Kristin N

Jelly shoes.  Two pairs of jelly shoes.  Hers and mine.  And these are only one item on the list of things that make me think of Kristin.  Make me glad I know her.  Make me glad to call her friend.  They make me think of her and all of the memories we've made over the years.  And here are some more items that make me think of her.  Just because they make me smile.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream.  The green kind.  And ONLY the green kind.  Kristin shares my love for this classic ice cream.  We've been known to sit in the (now no longer) children's librarian's office and chow down on some of this deliciousness.  For breakfast.

The page rec room.  The hidden space under the (now no longer) public library where we both worked.  The place where we had to crawl along in the dark (well, by flashlight), hunched over, going down dirt inclines so we could reach the wall and sign our names -- in white-out.

Mr. J's.  The (now no longer) restaurant where she and Julie and I ate out when her (now no longer) baby was a baby. 

Saturday lunches 14 years ago.  Where we all scheduled our lunch for the same time.  And where maybe, just maybe, Kristin got scared at a traffic light when someone ran up to her car and knocked on the window...

The toddler sit & spin.  And maybe a few blackmail pictures of adults who used it...

Rainbow Brite.  At Applebee's.  On the bookmobile.  And at the Golden Peanut.  Because sometimes, you just have to take an awesome 80s doll and show her around Dothan.

The (empty) new library she took me through to tour.  Just because she knew it'd mean something to me.

Things & Wings, where we'd meet up for a meal when I was back visiting from T-town.

Lysol spray.  That was practically thick enough to swim in sometimes in that hallway outside of the (now no longer) Children's Room.  Yes, we know why you sprayed it, Kristin :).

Arguing dinner versus supper.  And knowing "dinner" will win every time ;).

Truthfully, the memories are endless.  Memories from Monday nights at the public library.  Or weekends when the cool crew worked.  Memories of her daughter who loved cheese as a toddler.  Memories of just doing silly things -- because we could.  Sharing a love of all things 80s.  And remembering one of the most important things Kristin has ever told me:  don't forget the toilet paper.

 What are you grateful for today?

Anne L

Isn't it nice when I post food as a representation of my friends?  Haha... Well, what you see here is Italian Express's roast beef sandwich with gravy on the sandwich and on the side (for dipping your French fries).  If you are in the vicinity of Dothan, I highly recommend you swing by and try this for yourself.  It's delicious.

But what does that have to do with Anne?  Well, it's the place we have met up for lunch the last two times I got the opportunity to visit with her while I was down in Alabama visiting.  So it's pretty representative -- if you ask me :).

Also, Anne is amazing.  Just like that sandwich.

Anne was my first ever boss.  And she set a pretty high standard for what I would hope to have in future bosses.  Which means some of them fell short.  Because Anne was an awesome boss.  She was fun, she didn't micro-manage, she became my friend.  I can still remember a few late nights hanging out at her house and yapping about stuff.  Mostly men.

I remember I pretty much always felt comfortable confiding in Anne.  And I remember she pretty much forced me to do one of the most awkward things ever -- to that point of age 18:  tell the guy I was crushing on how I felt about him before I left for college.  And yeah, I was nervous as anything...  I can picture it clear as though it was yesterday -- those nerve-wracking moments...  But I did it.  And somehow I think I grew a little in confidence from that.  And I never regretted doing it.  (She didn't really force me...  But she definitely encouraged me to do it.)

Some of my favorite memories from working for (and with) Anne were from the summer of 1999.  She and I worked Tuesday nights at the library.  And it would get pretty slow towards 9:00 p.m.  So I can remember sitting on the floor between the bookshelves, shelf-reading, and talking.  Lots of talking.  I probably hung out up there even when I was working and she was, just because we were yapping.  (And by probably, I mean definitely.)

I remember being in my job interview and they asked me my favorite book.  And I laugh at myself now -- not even sure what I was thinking then.  The only explanation I have for saying my favorite book was The Grapes of Wrath is that I had been reading a lot of classic literature at that time (a senior in high school), and since we'd discussed that novel a lot my Junior year when we read it at the end of the year, I felt like I could answer a question about it if they asked me one.  Except maybe the question they did ask me...  Which was:  Why is that your favorite book?  Hahaha.  I kind of cringe just thinking about it.  Because it's not my favorite book.  Eh, I'll just chock it up to nerves.  But I wonder what Anne was thinking when I said that.  And fast-forward a couple days, and I remember when she went into the computer lab, where I was working on a computer, and telling me I'd gotten the job!  I was pretty excited.

She was there at the Applebee's in 2006 when a bunch of us who used to work together at the library got together to eat and visit and chat -- because some of us would be moving away soon.  I was one of those.  I don't remember one bit of the conversations we had...  But I remember we were the loudest group in Applebee's that night.  And the irony wasn't lost on us -- since the place we'd all worked together was the library.  Classic.  Good times.

In the intervening 15 years between now and whens he was my boss, we've kept in touch.  Whether I was near or far.  I know she's helped me through lots of rough patches.  And I hope I've done the same for her on some level, at least.  I'm grateful for her.  Immensely grateful.  In many ways, she helped shape who I have become.  Because who knows what paths I'd have pursued had I never gotten my first job in the Children's room of the public library.  And I'm grateful for someone who is always willing to meet me at Italian Express when I show up in Dothan :).  It makes me -- and my tummy -- happy :).  Great, I think I'm seriously craving that now...

What are you grateful for today?

Karen D

Just the other night, I was telling my husband how much I admire my friend Karen D.  She is a strong woman in ways I can only wish I was.

For example:  she has given birth at home... twice. 

I am in awe of women who can do that.  Yes, I know there was once a time when it was the only option.  But I'm a modern-day city girl.  And I'm also a bit wimpy.  So women with this kind of strength amaze me.

But there are many other reasons I admire Karen. 

I know Karen from church.  I remember when they first moved into our Ward, because she speaks Spanish and was an interpreter.  Which I thought was totally cool.  I didn't really get to know her until a couple years later, though.  She was the fourth member of our awesome Primary Presidency.  The one where we all became friends.  The one made up of Christina, Karen, Tawni, and myself. 

One of the best things about Karen is her sense of humor.  She says some of the most hilarious things.  I will never forget how she was talking about her husband wanting to have chickens, but their house was in the middle of downtown on a lot that wasn't really large enough for chickens and on a busy street.  She said, "I could just imagine someone coming by and stealing a chicken and running down the street with it."  And okay, maybe that's not funny as I write it here.  But when she said it, I laughed so hard.  Because I pictured it too. 

Karen is willing to help out.  Like all the time.  Even with a million things on her plate.  She helped do the Appreciation Brunch for our friend Christina a couple weeks back, even though she and her husband have been in the middle of packing and selling their house, and even though she has to work, and even though she has two little ones... 

And she's a great teacher.  She has been teaching the young women in our congregation on Sundays.  And I always love getting to be present for her lessons.  I really can't put my finger on what it is, exactly, but there is something in the way she teaches and talks to the girls that I find really admirable.  And she gives great talks in church.  She applies things to every day life -- and does it in a way that is both humorous as well as thought-provoking and inspiring. 

And she is one of the most beautiful women I know.  Both inside and out.  I am always amazed at how pretty she looks -- like all the time. 

Anyway, I am grateful for Karen.  I am grateful to know her and call her a friend.  Grateful for the laughter we've shared and the memories we've made as we served together.  Grateful for the example of strength she is to me -- and to the young women in our congregation. 

What are you grateful for today?

Theresa S

Tonight we had a Relief Society activity.  The main focus of the activity was ministering to others.  Letting the women of our congregation know they are thought of and loved (particularly some of our elderly sisters who are home-bound).  So we made up plates of goodies and we paired up and went on visits. 

And I got to go with my friend Theresa.  Oh how I love this woman.  She is so hilarious.  She has a heart of gold, and she's willing to help anyone.  She puts people at ease, and I'm pretty sure nobody has ever felt like she was judging them.  I admire her a lot. 

The first time I ever saw Theresa was very shortly after I moved here to Washington.  I went to the Temple with my mom for the Stake Temple night, and saw Theresa.  My mom spoke with her about something -- and it was clear to me my mom knew her quite well.  After Theresa was out of ear-shot, I said, "How old is she?!?  Like 15?"  Hahaha.  My mom said, "I don't know, but she has kids." 

So, based on what Theresa told me tonight, she was probably about 23 or 24 at the time.  But she looked super young.  She still does.  Can I say that I maybe sort of envy that about her ;)?  (I've always looked older than I am.  At 15, that was awesome.  At 33, not so cool...)

Anyway, it made my night to enjoy this opportunity to visit some of the elderly sisters in our congregation with Theresa.  She is a warm fuzzy kind of person.  She just overflows with kindness and love towards others.  And did I mention she is hilarious?  I am rarely around her longer than a minute before she has me laughing about something. 

So yeah, I'm grateful I know Theresa.  I'm grateful I can call her a friend.  I'm grateful we have the chance to work together through church callings.  She's one of those one-in-a-million, and she is a blessing in my life in many ways.  Especially tonight.

What are you grateful for today?

Tammy R

Once upon a time, in a place called Alabama, I had a blog-stalker named Tammy.  And her daughter, my dear friend Stacy, ratted her out ;).  And so I called her out on my blog.

And thus began one of my most treasured friendships.

Now, I knew of Tammy before this.  I mean, I'd known her daughter for several years, and the nature of the South is that you know a little about a lot.  (And sometimes a lot about a lot too.)  And I'm pretty sure I went to a Stake Young Women leader event at some point in which she was present -- and, I believe, responsible for the key lime pie Blue Bell ice cream being at said event -- and therefore responsible for at least a few of the grams of fat I enjoyed over the next couple years I was still in the South.  But up until my days in Tuscaloosa, I'd never really talked with her or had the opportunity to get to know her.

But then she blog-stalked me.  And I found out.  And I teasingly ratted her out.  And she got my email address from Stacy.  And we became email pen pals.

And for someone who loves to write...  Well, our marathon emails back and forth were something I looked forward to every day.

And a friendship formed.  And blossomed.  And remains, even after all these years and all these miles.

So the first time I actually hung out with Tammy was sometime in May 2008.  She drove to Montgomery from Dothan(ish) and I drove to Montgomery from Tuscaloosa.  And we just hung out and enjoyed some Olive Garden and window shopping and some dessert at Panera Bread.  We talked and chatted and laughed and told stories.  And it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. 

And from the then on, the memories just kept a-comin'!  Because she was there at Ruby Tuesday's the night the waiter thought she and Stacy and I were a little odd.  And she was there beside me and Stacy as we endured (through possibly bleeding eardrums) the Scuttle-like singing abilities of good ol' Pierce.  And she knows that some song lyrics just get stuck in your head (Sup-pa-pa troop-pa-pa).  She knows her daughter can never be surprised by someone flying in from Washington State for a Twilight party (because her daughter will dream about that very thing happening).  And she knows that some people are crazy enough to drive to Forks and La Push to send authentic Forks dirt and La Push sand back to Alabama for said Twilight-themed parties.  She also shares in the knowledge of what it feels like to be looked at strangely when you walk into Winn-Dixie in pajamas...

And over the years, she has been one of the best, most compassionate listening ears I've ever spoken with.  She is wise.  And faithful.  And brave.  And courageous.  So many things I admire.  She is loved by so many.  Including me.  And I'm grateful she blog-stalked me all those years ago.  Because otherwise, I'd have missed out on a beautiful friendship.

What are you grateful for today?

Christina S

Since we just had a brunch to appreciate this wonderful woman I am blessed to call my friend, I think I will be grateful for her today :).

She is expecting Baby #4.  And since they don't need all that much, but some of us still wanted to do something special for her, we decided to do an Appreciate Christina day.  So we had a brunch and time to just sit and gab with ladies.  And thankfully I have friends who are way smarter and more clever and creative than I.  And Tawni (hereafter known as Tawni the magnificent ;)) had the idea to have everyone write something we appreciate about Christina.

And for me, there's a lot to appreciate about Christina. 

For one thing, I admire a lot of the ways she handles parenting.  I can remember sitting at her house during presidency meetings for Primary, and one of her kids would come over to her for one reason or another.  Sometimes they were arguing over a toy.  I observed her tell the child who had the toy he could play with it for 10 minutes and then it was the other boy's turn.  And she would set a timer.  The ensured that they both got to play with whatever the item was.  And it amazed me, because that was a solution acceptable to both boys.  Another time, I remember being impressed with how she would always remember to say please when requesting that her kids do something.  "Please give the toy to your brother now."  It really stuck with me.  And I also noticed that she often gave her children choices.  True, there was always one choice that was preferable, but the child still had a choice.  Such as:  you can choose to eat more of your soup and have dessert later or you can choose not to eat more soup and not get dessert.  It seems simple, sure.  But she made it clear to them that they were making the choice and choosing the consequence as well.  And it has stuck with me.

For another thing, she is a great example of a leader.  In 2011, I was called to serve with her as one of her counselors in the Primary presidency.  While I had known her before -- we were visiting teaching companions at one point -- up until the time I served with her, she was just someone I was probably more in awe of and intimidated by than anything.  I mean...  She just seemed to have it all together (and frankly, she still does).  But working so closely with her gave me the opportunity to really know her.  And for us to become friends.  I enjoyed working with her so much for those almost-two years that we served together in Primary.  And I learned so much from her.  Like the importance of delegation.  And not just delegating, but also being willing to let go once you've delegated (and not micro-manage).  I had the opportunity and privilege to be a part of a presidency that was close-knit and united.  To see how smoothly we could all work together.  And I think that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  And we all became friends as we worked together.  It was a beautiful thing.  And, for a while, it was hard (at least for me) to adjust to us not working together once we were called to serve in other capacities.  And so I cherish those times when all four of us are together again, like we had the opportunity to be today :).

And Christina is just a sweet person and a great friend.  I am grateful to know her.  Grateful to have worked with her and served with her.  She is another of the greatest blessings of the Nilla Life.

What are you grateful for today?

Karen B

As I mentioned a couple days ago, I was recently called to serve with the young women of my ward at church.  Not only does this new calling make me think back to days of my youth, but it also makes me remember the first time I was called to serve in such a capacity.  It was in 2006 in Alabama.  It was only for a short few months, because I moved away to attend graduate school shortly thereafter.  But it was a wonderful experience for me, and I was able to really get to know my friend Karen.

I had the opportunity to know Karen before that time, though.  My first memory of her was shortly after I graduated high school.  She was one of mine and my mom's visiting teachers.  I remember her coming by our house to visit and she had one of her babies with her.  I'm pretty sure that baby is now around 16 years old!

Then, a few years later, while I was still playing the piano for Primary (and I use the term playing liberally, since I'm really not very good...), Karen was called to serve as the Primary chorister and teach the kids the songs.  And that's when we really started getting to know each other.  And I thought she was wonderful.  I remember one Sunday, I had taken my baby niece with me to church while watching her for my sister.  I remember asking Karen some questions about babies.  Both because she was a seasoned mom and because she was a labor and delivery nurse.  (And now that I've had a baby... I have a whole new appreciation for what Karen must do at work!  I mean, the nurse practically delivered our baby girl... and she was the greatest cheerleader as I was laboring.)

And then, eventually, I was called to serve as one of Karen's counselors in Young Women.  Along with the ever-marvelous Stacy.  And I have to say that was one of the most beautiful working/friendship situations ever.  I felt like we were unified and that we got along really well.  And it gave me an opportunity to really become friends with Karen.  She and I would hang out quite a bit back in those days.  And even after I moved away, I can remember talking on the phone for a few hours at a time.

I think my favorite memories I share with Karen are our trips to the Temple.  She (along with Stacy and Becky) was there the first time I went.  What a treasured memory that is for me.  And then Karen and I would meet up at the Birmingham Alabama Temple every so often, once I'd moved away to Tuscaloosa.  After our time at the Temple, we'd drive over to the Cheesecake Factory and enjoy delicious food (and cheesecake, of course!)! 

I'm so grateful for Karen.  And, as is true with all my Alabama friends... I sure do wish I lived closer to her.

Honestly, I often wish I could collect all my friends and have them in one location -- near me!  But I guess that's sort of selfish ;)...

What are you grateful for today?

Awesome Young Women Leaders

I was recently called to serve as a counselor in the Young Women's presidency for our ward.

That's a lot of church lingo, I know.

Basically, I am one of the leaders over the teenage girls ages 12 to 18.  I assist the Young Women's president in teaching, helping, and interacting with the girls in our congregation's youth group.  It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know some amazing young ladies.  To help them navigate the crazy world at this time in their lives when things can be really tough.  It's an opportunity to serve them and love them and help them know they are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves them eternally and perfectly. To help them prepare for their futures -- wherever those futures may take them.

The calling is a huge responsibility.  But it is also a beautiful opportunity.  And I'm grateful for the trust my Father in Heaven places in me to help Him in this capacity.

Following receiving this calling a couple weeks ago, I couldn't help but reflect on my own years in Young Women.  And as often happens when those thoughts enter my mind, I remember three Young Women leaders who changed my life for the better -- just because they took the time to know and love me.

The truth is, for the last (almost) twenty years, I've often felt that those women were called to serve then and there for me.

Perhaps that sounds selfish.  I know the world doesn't revolve around me -- and it never has.  But those women impacted my life for the better in ways I can't fully articulate.  I have wonderful parents.  But as a teenager, I was going through that "my parents don't know anything" stage.  I didn't want to tell my parents lots of things back then.

But I told these women.

They were my friends.  They treated me as a friend.  Some of my very best memories include these ladies.  And I can honestly say I will never forget them.  And here are just a couple examples of why:

For my 16th birthday, two of these three ladies (their names are Jackie and Ladonna) picked me up and took me out to eat.  And then took me to get my nails done.  Fact:  at various times in my life I've been a nail-biter.  It's a habit that comes and goes for me.  But for most of my growing-up life, my nails were always well bitten.  They took me and got fake nails put on for my 16th birthday.  I don't know if they even remember that day.  But I'll never forget it.

Ladonna introduced me to horseback riding.  I would go with her to help watch her baby while she rode and then I'd get to ride.  And I loved it.  I didn't keep up with after we left Panama.  But what a wonderful experience it was for that time when I did ride.

And I'll never forget one piece of dating advice she gave me as we were chatting on the phone one day:  Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you can't look at the menu.  Interpret that as you wish, but I have never forgotten it.  And I think it's hilarious.  And spot on. :)

And another of my favorite memories was toward the end of my sophomore year in high school.  I was working on a big project for all the youth that year, since many of them were moving away that summer.  As part of the project, I was collecting pictures of the youth from their parents.  Jackie picked me up one evening to go collect a few of them.  She was a military wife and, at that time, the MPs were checking I.D.s on the way out of Ft. Clayton as well as on the way in.  So she'd shown her ID on the way out to pick me up and told me that this soldier was way cute, so we were going to go back through so I could see him.  Well, he wasn't checking IDs on the way in, so she decided we'd come back through on the way to bring me home -- so he'd check our IDs on the way out.  She also dared me to ask his name and, when he asked why I wanted to know, to say, "Because you look like an angel."  Hahahahaha.  Yeah right, like I would have the guts to do that!  But it was still funny.  So, as promised, we drove back through on the way to take me home.  And got stopped to show ID.  Jackie was all sorts of slow about grabbing for her ID -- to give me the opportunity to get a good look and ask that question.  Which I totally didn't.  So she finally said, "What's your name?"  His response:  Gabriel.  No joke!  She looked at me with this incredulous look on her face and we both busted up laughing.  I mean, could a name BE any more angelic!?!  He said, "Do I know you?"  She said, "Nope."  And we drove off.  One of the best stories in the history of ever.  I'm smiling and laughing as I type it.

Two of these women (Ladonna and Diana) have made the effort to see me in more recent years.  Whether discovering that we only lived an hour or so apart while I lived in Tuscaloosa and we found each other on facebook...  Or being in the same state due to summer vacation excursions...  What a wonderful feeling to still be thought of and important enough that they made time for me.

The point is...  These women genuinely loved me.  They cared about me.  And I felt it.  And, from the perspective of a teenage girl who really didn't know much (even though she thought she did...), they seemed very unified as a presidency.  Which I think is important when trying to work together to serve and help and lift.

Recently, another girl (well, she's a grown woman now, like I am) from our youth group said that she couldn't have asked for better role models than these women were.  And I totally second that.  They have given me the example of the kind of leader I want to be.  Because I know how much it can impact one person's life for good.  (And, in their case, more than one).

I'll forever be grateful for their example.  For their love.  For the time they were called to serve and help a 15/16 year old girl in Panama.  And though I am 100% positive I wasn't the only reason...  I have no doubt that I was one of the reasons they were brought there for such a time as that.  I will never forget them.

What are you grateful for today?

Kira H

I admire strong women.  Bold women.  Women who are incredibly confident and don't seem to worry about what others think.

I admire that a lot because I don't think I am one.

But Kira is.  And she is someone I really admire.  She is someone I'm grateful to call a friend.  And I know I can rely on her -- even if I send her the most random email message with questions about seemingly-random things.

I'll never forget the night I met Kira.  She was sitting next to me at a bridal shower.  I remember how outgoing she was.  How easy to smile.  How happy. 

I remember that she was one of my visiting teachers for a time when I lived in Dothan.  And it was then that I learned about her love for artichokes -- and not the stuff in the can.  I myself have never eaten artichoke any way but as hearts that were canned...  But if I ever want to, I know who I can ask for some pointers!  It's strange the random things you remember about people.

I love that we share a few theme party memories.  Like energizing glow-in-the-dark plastic fangs (while they were already in the mouth...).  Or eating green food for St. Patrick's Day.  Or oreo truffles that looked more like they were covered in orange sherbert than in white chocolate tinted orange.  And sitting on a fireplace wearing leis and taking crazy pose pictures. 

I'm grateful we share other memories too.  Like going to see Elder Scott speak in Florida.  Like trading The Never Ending Story for a Rainbow Brite cake pan (I still think I got the better end of that trade!).  And, most recently, sitting at a dinner table with our other amazing friends laughing and talking and visiting while I was in Alabama.

I'll always appreciate Kira for the love and kindness she's shown my sister over the years.  It's amazing the way -- when you love someone -- you hope others will see all those loveable qualities too.  And Kira has done that for my sister.  And it has meant the world to me.

Kira is a great example to me of strength and confidence.  Of a loving heart.  And she is a wonderful friend.  I'm grateful she is among those I call mine.

What are you grateful for today?

Julia-Ann J

Julia-Ann is another wonderful friend I met as a result of working in a library.  True, I wasn't working at the main branch of the Dothan library when she started working there.  But as I continued to be a library-frequenter even after I'd taken a different job (in a different library), I got to meet Julia-Ann and get to know her.

And she really is a sweet, sweet person.  And a wonderful friend.

One time, while I was living in Tuscaloosa, I couldn't reach my dad by phone.  At the time, he only had a land-line and didn't have an answering machine.  But he was always home in the evenings, so I found it quite strange that he didn't answer his phone for several nights in a row.  And, worrier that I am, I started to become concerned.  I was 4 hours away, so I couldn't very well just drive over to his house and make sure all was well.

But my friend Julia-Ann could...  And she did.  I called her up and told her the situation.  She drove over on her lunch break the next day.  She told me nobody answered the door, but all looked okay.  It's possibly my dad went to the library shortly thereafter, and Julia-Ann told him I was concerned about him.  I don't remember all the details.  I just know my dad found out I sent someone to his house looking for him.  Turned out he'd started a job and was at work every time I'd tried to call.  All's well that ends well.  But how grateful I was that I had someone who was willing to do that for me.  And because he knew her from the library, he probably wouldn't be suspicious of someone looking around his house if he had been there.  Haha...

And then there was graduate school.  Julia-Ann had started the library program at the University of Alabama before I did.  One semester, while I was already living in Tuscaloosa, she was taking a weekend class.  I invited Julia-Ann to come stay at my place on the weekends when she had class.  I remember it was a treat for me to have company from home.  And, quite frankly, company period.  Because those were my early days in Tuscaloosa, and I still didn't have many friends, so I was lonely.  I looked forward to making a meal for two instead of just one.  I enjoyed sitting up and visiting for a few hours on those Friday nights.

And then Julia-Ann blessed my life hugely.  She let me borrow all of the textbooks for the classes I would be taking.  I bought only one book my entire graduate school career.  And at a time when I was living very tightly so as not to take out any student loans or go into any additional debt... but to pay for my schooling as I went...  Well, that was a sweet blessing, a tender mercy.  A wonderful gift from a dear friend.  And I will always know that Heavenly Father helped out with all of that.

I'm grateful that Julia-Ann still makes time for me when I'm in Alabama.  Though life has taken her away from Dothan, on both of my return trips since then, she's always been willing to meet up with me (or us) for breakfast or lunch while we were passing through the city where she now lives.  And I always consider that a great kindness.  Because I always love the opportunity to see my wonderful friends, especially when those opportunities don't come along often.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  I've been richly blessed in my life with amazing and wonderful friends.  And Julia-Ann is certainly among them.

What are you grateful for today?