"I'm Gonna Pound Your Face!"....Nicely...Of Course!

So this morning,  I am reminded of an experience I had just before we moved to Idaho.  I remember the experience because at the present moment, I am having a brain fart in what it means  to be a lady and was not keeping my wits about me with the man we rent our home from.  That's another story, and to protect the not- so- innocent, it will not be told!

The experience in Las Vegas is quite comical now, but at the time it was very scary.  I had recently been shopping with a dear friend.  We had gone to an older part of town, where I lived for the first 10 years of my marriage.  During that 10 years, it was in great shape. Buildings were not run down and there was not near the homeless crowd that there is now.  Well, my girlfriend  and I were shopping for Christmas Jammies for our children.  It was delightful and we had a wonderful time.  I am grateful that I was able to spend such quality time with her before I moved.  Once I got the jammies home, I realized they were too small for my youngest son and I needed to take them back.  Well, I also had a slew of other things to return to different stores, Target being one of these stores.  I ventured out a couple days later early in the morning after I dropped kids off at school and preschool.  I love shopping early when the crowds are small and I can get in and out in record time...hehe!

The Target parking lot was pretty scarce and that excited me.  I knew I would be in and out fast!  As I got out of my car, I turned to walk and right behind me (literally, within  maybe 1 feet) stood a woman who obviously was homeless.  She had a small back pack on, she was dirty, and her most prized possession, you could tell, was a cabbage patch baby as dirty as she was.  She carried this baby right on her hip like we would to our babies if we were chatting on the phone or something.  She startled me and to let you know how I can be when I get scared.....ANGRY!   When my kids try and scare me, or I become startled, I turn into a lioness protecting her young....even though it is usually my young (children, that is) trying to pull a prank!  I don't know why I react that way, I just do.  It's something I can't control...it just happens.

Well, abruptly, I said to her "What do you need"?  She asked me if I had some money to spare her and could I cut a girl a break!  I told her I had no money but I had lots of change with quarters in my car she could have.  That just irritated her and I told her I was sorry.  She then asked "Well, I see you have a bag here, do you have a return"?  I was shocked that she was being so forward but answered "Yes"  and she asked me if she could wait outside and if I would give her some of my money from the return.  I explained that it was going back on my debit card and offered her all my change in my car again.  That really irritated her and I started to walk away.

I immediately felt someone tug on my purse!  I turned around as I was still walking and told her to let go.  As I started walking again, she grabbed my purse again.  Now, you are probably thinking, "Didn't anyone see this?"  "Didn't anyone come to help"?  I am here to tell you that noone was around.  If they were, I was so focused on what was going on, that I did not notice anyone.  I didn't even think to call out for help.  I guess my stubborn "I can do this MYSELF" attitude came shining through....hmmmmm....now I know where my oldest get's her same thinking from...HER MOM!!

 Have you ever had that feeling of adrenaline hit you so hard you could TRULY move a car, or even hurt someone if you needed to defend yourself.......or die trying?   Well, that happened to me.  I felt this surge of energy/anger and I turned around and shook my fist in her face and loudly growled "I'M GOING TO POUND YOUR FACE"!!!!!!  I know, I know......shocking isn't it?  This tiny red head going to pound someone in the face?  Seriously though, I could have done it, and I must of had  a pretty scary look on my face, because she backed away and left me alone.  By this time, I was close to the entrance of Target.  I scurried inside and told the Security Guard about this lady.  He asked me "Doe she have a cabbage patch baby with her"?  I said yes and he told me they have had problems with her before.

I finished my return and asked the Security Guard to watch me walk to my car.  He did and I arrived there safely.   I got in my car and the let down of what just happened hit me.  I started bawling like a baby.  The tears just kept coming as I realized that I could have really hit her and probably hurt her.  Now, I have NEVER been in a fight in my life.  I was drug to the ground one time by a girl who was upset with me in the 7th grade that I could run faster than her, but that's beside the point!    I tried to call my husband, and he was not answering his phones and so I counted my blessings of being OK and drove home. Here's the funny part in all this.  During the whole incident, I was worried about hitting a homeless woman and going to jail wearing a skirt!  I could just see the headlines in the newspaper "Petite Woman in a skirt goes to Jail for pounding a homeless woman in the face"!!  I have seen reality shows, I KNOW that jail is a place I DON'T ever want to be.  I just kept thinking, "I am going to jail for hitting a homeless woman!  I don't belong there, I don't want to be there, let alone wearing a skirt...I would be such an easy target in that scary place!"

That evening, I relayed the story to my family.  As I came to the part where I growled at her that I was going to pound her in the face, my family burst out in laughter.  They could not imagine their mother saying that to someone else, but Oh Yes......I DID!!  My husband kept saying "Say that again, come again, how did that go?" and we all got a good belly laugh about it.  It helped ease the fear I felt to talk about it, and was glad they got such a kick out of it. 

I truly have sympathy for the homeless.  There is a story behind every pair of eyes!  I am sure if we knew their story, we would  be heart broken.  I believe that living on the streets long enough can callus one's soul and they don't always comprehend exactly what they are doing.

Although now comical, the reality is, I wish my situation could have been different.  What if she had just taken my change, and I could have wished her a Merry Christmas and given her a smile and a hug?  What if my embrace was exactly what she needed that day?  I will never know.  I am grateful that I walked away safe and sound as it could have turned out much worse.  We all have guardian angels, and mine were with me that day there is no doubt.

So, I learned a couple things from this experience:

1.WEARING A SKIRT MAY GIVE OFF THE APPEARANCE OF AN EASY TARGET-I love wearing skirts and I prefer wearing them over jeans.  However, in certain situations I guess I could come across as vulnerable and as easy target....and it doesn't help that I always have a flower in my hair...Yikes...maybe I better re-think my entire wardrobe....nah!!

2. WE ALL HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS....WHOSE WILL YOU BE TODAY? For whatever reason, my life was spared from danger and I was blessed.  What kind of guardian angel are you and I to those in need?  Our world is in much need of guardian angels like you and I watching over each other.  There are many who carry burdens that they can scarcely withstand, and it is within the capacity of each one of us to lift those burdens, to ease the heartache that others feel through our sincere and Christ-like service.

Daily Challenge:  Pay closer attention to those around you.  Pick up on silent ques that are given and listen more intently to what others are "really" trying to say.  You may not have wings, but you have the ability to lift and carry....Go do something nice for someone else today!

My Toothless DMV Wonder Worker.....

I guess when you move to a new state, you have to take a written test to get your new driver's license for that state.  I sure wish someone had warned me.  Coming from Las Vegas, the DMV is PACKED!  It's so packed, in fact, that you have to take a number and wait a good hour or so before your number is called. Then, forget it if you forgot some paperwork or if the gal behind the counter has had a bad day...because you will leave there having a bad day too!   Well, things in Blackfoot are a bit different and for that, I am very grateful. 

Have you ever had an image of what you thought something was going to look like?  Maybe after talking to someone on the phone you have never met and you get a mental image of what you think they look like and when you finally meet them, they look NOTHING like what you thought?  Well, that's what it was like for me and the Idaho DMV!  In my mind, I thought the lines would be long, people would be grumpy, and I would be waiting forever......WRONG!  It was such a better experience than I had expected. 

After FAILING the written test last week, (don't ask....I was completely embarrassed.  The clerk reassured me that it happens often, but I know she was just trying to make me feel better.  Well, it didn't work!  I should have just bribed her with $20 or something and maybe I wouldn't have had to wait a week to take it again....JUST KIDDING!)......I took the booklet home and studied.  I have been fearing this silly test for A WHOLE WEEK!!  You would have thought that if I didn't pass, someone was going to sacrifice my first born or something.  I was that scared. 

I decided today was the day, so I went in and took the test.  This time, I felt smarter and more prepared.  I skipped the questions that I didn't understand and then had time to think them through.  I passed with only missing 4 (and you could only miss 7),  but I left feeling like I had just one the Nobel Prize!!  Then it was on to the "registering my suburban" portion.

I went to that part of the building, which really was only like 20 steps from where I got my drivers license.  The line had 2 people in front of me....THAT'S RIGHT.....2 People!!  It was awesome!  When it was my turn, the gal behind the counter looked a bit grumpy!  I thought, alright....charm time!  So, I started out with a compliment.  After all, she was wearing a darling necklace.  I told her I liked her necklace and that seemed to break the ice....until she smiled!!  AHHHH....she was missing most of the teeth in her mouth and I couldn't help but stare.  It was like my eyes were glued to her mouth and it was VERY obvious!  I just couldn't stop staring.  Well, I had to stop staring or she was going to be upset.  However, she  melted my heart and was very knowledgeable about the DMV, in fact, I left there feeling like I could explain anything about the DMV to anyone.  She was just so darling.  People like her are the reason I love this cute town.  She may not have been a picture of beauty, although I did love her necklace, but her inner beauty that she had really did shine through. 

So, it's OK to be jealous that I only had to wait about 5 minutes in line and that my whole experience at the DMV from taking my drivers test to registering my suburban only took about 30 minutes.  Where else can you that happen to you AND meet the cutest toothless DMV Worker Ever? 

Friends.......Love Em' and Never Leave Them

I had the most wonderful conversation with a dashing lady this morning.  I have decided that we are kindred spirits and we are just getting introduced to each other later in life!  She is vibrant, lovely, humble and very kind.  It got me to thinking how much friends are such an important part of our lives.

I know for me, my friends are what keep me sane during the insane moments.  You too?  The help us to be reflective, observant, wild and crazy (at times..hehe), uplifting, encouraging....all these wonderful things are what friends help us to be.

I would say, besides our family, friends are probably one of the most cherished commodities.  I would even venture to say that at times, they might even be more cherished than our family...(if you have teenagers, you know exactly what I mean!)

I love the blossoming process of a new friendship.  It takes both people to leave their comfort zone and go out on a limb!  It can be exciting, thrilling and scary all at the same time.  Will this new friend like me?  Will she accept me and all my quirks and faults?  Will she be loyal, yet honest when need be?  All of these thoughts go through my own head as I am in a new and budding friendship.

With each new friendship, we have the opportunity to learn from that person, to emulate and pull from their strong points; to help ourselves be a better person.  It's a two way process and one that if properly nourished will bring joy and satisfaction to both people.

Enjoy your friends!  Tell them how important they are in your life.  Sometimes our friends may not hear kind and positive things enough in their own homes, and as their friend, we may be just that ONE person who makes all the difference.

Daily Challenge:  Meet someone new.  Take a chance, and give a compliment.  You will make their day and bring joy to your own.

Friendsip Quotes:
When it hurts to look back and your scared to look ahead you can look beside you and your best friend will be there.~Maggie Lee

True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice.~ Samuel Johnston

Be Thou an Example of The Believers

 Recently, Chris. Lauren and I were asked to give talks in our new ward.  It was a great experience.  I learned so much from studying about what it means to "Be Thou an Example of The Believers". 

I have come to the conclusion that being an example radiates from our very being.  It's who we are, what we believe in, and how we act.   There is good in everyone.  Even though our beliefs may differ, we all radiate something......What is it that you radiate?  What conviction shows forth from you that says "I AM AN EXAMPLE"?  I believe that our own heritage is rich with examples of those that sacrificed and paved the way and were true examples of the believers. 

My Grandma Wardle is one of those people!  She was as cute as can be.  She was a pretty as a Georgia peach and that is where she grew up.  She was a true southern belle and very petite. She had a southern drawl in her voice that never left her.  She used to say "Tamara Joy" with the cutest southern accent and it would melt my heart.  She used phrases like "Oh, fiddly dee" and "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream"!   She had a sweet sound to her voice that drew you right in like a good book. Her warm embraces felt like rays of sunshine on a warm Spring day.  

When Grandma would come to visit, her and Grandpa would stay in my room since I had a trundle bed.  I never minded giving up my room because when Grandma left, her sweet scent was always left on my pillow.  I never wanted to wash my pillowcase and her sweet scent seemed to linger forever!  She would also leave a cute note saying "Thank you" and sometimes even left a dollar.  I felt so rich, but it wasn't the money that made me rich, it was the feeling Grandma left in your room.  She was pure and sweet to the core.  You felt like a piece of heaven had just been there. 

Grandma always tried to better herself and knew the scriptures like the back of her hand.  She had notes all over the margins and inserts throughout her scriptures.  You could tell she studied often.   She had pictures of Christ throughout her house and loved to learn Spanish.  Can you imagine this cute Georgia Grandma speaking Spanish to you with a southern accent?  We would just giggle when grandma would say "Como tu te llamas" in her cute southern way.   

When we would visit grandma in the summertime, there was never a dull moment.  She always treated us to a fun outing and it was just peaceful to be in here presence.  One particular Summer, I lived there between my junior and senior year of high school.  My grandparents rented a piano for me so I could keep up on my music studies.  They made me feel so wonderful and would showcase me to their friends as if I were some kind of prize possession....and indeed I was.  I was their most prize possession, and although there were many cousins, when you were with them, they made you feel as if you were the most important person on earth.  Grandma would take me walking with her every morning to the Rex Center.  While we would walk, we would talk about life and she would share her testimony of her beliefs and convictions.  The love she had for me, was apparent.  It wasn't just a feeling...it was real..tangible, just like she was!  Someday, I want to be that kind of grandma. 

Grandma lived what she believed and you knew it.  She talked often of choosing the right, being obedient, keeping the commandments and honoring my parents.  When I wasn't visiting grandma, I was receiving letters of love and concern in the mail.  She always sent pictures of herself in front of flowers...Oh, how grandma loved flowers!  Her favorite were dogwoods and I have many pictures of grandma infront of them.  She just seemed to know what it was that I needed at certain times in my life.  She once sent me a copy of a talk by President Benson entitled "Beware of Pride".  At the time, I brushed it aside, but years later, that talk became  a profound tool in my journey of becoming a better person and to this day remains a very special talk to me.  How did she know? It's like she could see into the future and KNEW that at some point, I would really need this talk. 

As grandma got older and I was married, I watched her even more.  I started to long for some of her traits to be mine, and I adopted many of them and faked it till  I made it.  Grandma radiated love.  She radiated care, and mutual respect and fashion.  My cousins and I would brag to our friends and be so proud that we had the hippest grandma on earth.  And truly...... she was.   

When grandma passed away, I was heart-broken.  I piece of heaven had now returned to heaven.  She loved music and good books and good company and good food and everything good.  She represented to me what the phrase "Charity Never Faitleth" truly means.  Many times since her death, I have felt her presence and have pondered the question "Would my grandma be proud of what I am doing?"  

We all need an example of the believer to have as a steady example of who we to be like.  Christ was the ultimate example of charity, pure love, humility....and those are just some of the trails that grandma possessed.  Who is it in your life that you emulate, that you desire to be more like?  What in your life needs some fine tuning so you can be a better example of the believer?   

Daily Challenge:  Make a list of those qualities that you love about yourself and those that need some fine tuning...choose one and work on it for the week and don't forget to smile!!

The Chubby Trucker......our darling neighbor!

It all started on Saturday. I was on the phone with a girlfriend sitting at the bar in my kitchen. All of a sudden, I looked up and saw my cute little neighbor out the front window and I just started giggling!! I hadn't met our neighbors across the street yet, and I was a bit curious as to who they were. If you know me, you know I love people. I love to hear about their lives and be their friend. Well, after seeing this gentleman, I thought to myself, " I gotta meet this guy!"

In front of his house was parked a huge semi-truck, so I knew he must be a truck driver. First off, I am VERY grateful for truck drivers because they are the ones who sacrifice time with their families and are on the road to bring us goods all over the United States. Anyway, he couldn't be taller than 5'2" or so. How fun for me to actually look someone in the eye when we chat. He was getting out of his truck and was wearing nothing but an old pair of shorts that were obviously WAY TOO SMALL!! His cute belly hung over 6-8 inches below his waist-line and he probably weighed close to 300 lbs. He was not wearing shoes either. I dont' know how he was handling the cold and snow!! ( My hero already!).

He had some items in his hand, and dropped one of them. Much to my surprise, his entire bare bum was exposed....we're talking a good 6 inch crack!! My family came to see what I was giggling about and we all had such a good chuckle. We decided we had to meet our "chubby trucker"! He just looked so fun and intriguing.

On Sunday, we made our yummy chocolate/peanut butter brownies and decided to go across the street to meet him and also meet another neighbor we hadn't met yet. We got our snow gear on, and make the journey across the street. Well, before we even left, my youngest son was very excited to meet our "chubby trucker" neighbor. I cautioned him to keep our nickname in the family (you know what I mean....mum's the word) and off we went.

We had a blast sliding across the street as it was already iced over. What fun times! Our neighbor answered the door and her name was Tina. What a delightful woman! She was very happy to meet us and all of a sudden, our youngest son blurted out "Is the chubby trucker home?" I WAS HORRIFIED! "Does he not remember what I just cautioned him about?" I thought. Tina burst out in laughter and said Corey, the chubby trucker, wasn't home at the moment but would tell him we came by. Our youngest son was so confident and gave her the plate of brownies. I apologized for his comment and she just laughed. Thank goodness for her wonderful sense of humor...I like her already!!

I chatted with my son about manners and was grateful that our new neighbor and friend had such a kind reaction. Note to self...when creating nicknames, make sure they have nothing to do with body parts or weight...you never know WHAT an innocent 5 year old will say!!

Pressing Forward.....Our Journey to Blackfoot, ID

You know that old saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"?  I know this to be true.  This past year has been quite the roller coaster for our family.  Las Vegas has been our home since Chris and I first met in 1993.  It was love at first sight...well at least for me.  I immediately fell in love with his charm, with his calm manner, with his love for family, his love for God!  Sooner than later, we were engaged and then married in 1994; sealed in the Las Vegas Temple for time and all eternity.  I made up my mind immediately, that I wanted to live the kind of life that people I knew and met could find security and comfort in.  I wanted people to know that we were true to the gospel, true to our word, and true them!  Over the years, Chris and I were blessed with 4 children. We have experience much joy and many trials along the way. Trials are a part of this life.  It is through trials that we discover WHO we are, WHAT we are made of and WHERE we are going.

Have you ever taken for granite something so precious and yet you didn't know how precious it was?  That was us with Chris's job.  His job at Community Bank of Nevada had always been secure.  He loved his job and was there for 14 years.  He started as a Merchant Teller in their double wide trailer.  Years began to pass and he quickly moved up the corporate ladder and created the IT Department from scratch. 14+ branches later, Chris has done a wonderful job protecting the banks information and staying on top of all the Information Security.  He is VERY good at what he does.  He loves computers and we often would tease him about being the true definition of a "Computer Geek"!  Oh, how we love our sweet computer geek though! 

I remember the day so vividly!  It was after Chris had a very spiritual experience at Scout Camp.  He came home from camp, and said "Tammy, I think the government is going to shut down the bank."  He could see the writing on the wall and the signs that the Las Vegas economy was taking businesses to an early grave.  I refused to believe that Community Bank, with over 14 branches and over 350 employees, could be going under.  During this experience at camp, Chris felt at complete peace that no matter what would be happening in the future, he could find comfort knowing that the Lord would take care of his family.  Little did we know, that this ONE feeling, this ONE revelation would be the only thing holding us together in months to come!

About a week later, the government came in and did shut down the bank.  It was no longer profitable and there were too many losses and not enough profit.  On the spot, there were many who lost their jobs, lost their benefits, and lost their hope in life.  It was sad to see so many wonderful people's lives change overnight with NO notice at all!!  At first, we were very optimistic.  Of all the people employed at the bank, we knew Chris was needed the most.  Thank goodness for him being such a "computer geek"!  His value was proven immediately and the FDIC didnt' make a move without consulting with Chris first.  However, that feeling of security that a job brings was gone.

Naturally, we started to apply for jobs everywhere.  Chris put together an updated resume and was confident that something would come about in the near future.  Well, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.  He continued to be employed for the government as he helped them close out the bank.  It was painful for Chris to go to work and feel lonely, hear the silence and know that very soon the office which he had known for so many years would be empty. Each week, more and more people were let go.  He faithfully worked hard and we saved all that we could for the rainy days ahead.

As we eagerly awaited a new job, the reality that jobs were scarce in Las Vegas really set in.  The hope of phone calls to say "We loved your resume, let's set up an interview" or "You are exactly what we are looking for", never came.  We started wondering if in the near future, we would permanently be unemployed.  The thought of this happening to our family was devastating.

In the meantime, I was home teaching piano, keeping my children busy and taking them to and from activities and serving as Primary President in our ward.  At times, I felt overwhelmed and the complaining thoughts I had in my head sometimes surfaced into real words.  I was worried for my husband and my children; wondering WHAT were we to be learning from this.  It wasn't just us this was happening to though.  Many dear friends all around us were also faced with severe challenges from job loss, to divorce, to losing their homes. I started to wonder why so much distress, so much heartache.

My faith and hope that I always held steadfast to was beginning to diminish. The light that kept me going in hard times before seemed to fade.  I could feel myself starting to change.  I started to feel depressed, it became easy to magnify the faults in others,  I started wishing my situation were different and soon forgot  what peace felt like. 

Months went by, and no job yet.  We decided to broaden our search out-of-state.  Another month went by, and the only communication we had were from companies thanking us for applying and telling us that they had chosen another candidate.  One day, in particular, I began to panic.  "WE HAVE TO MOVE, WE HAVE TO STOP SPENDING MONEY"  and all the "we have to's" started up.  Where was my faith?  Where was the remembrance that through the Still Small Voice it was revealed to Chris that our family would be taken care of?  I had forgotten.  I was ashamed that I allowed myself to trust in the arm of flesh and not in a loving Heavenly Father who knew me better than I knew myself.

Prayer is a sure way to bring balance to an unbalanced life.  It is on our knees that we feel the warm love of a Heavenly Father who cares about us and knows of each distressed feeling we have, and longs for our communication so he can bless us.  One prayer can touch, one prayer can save, one prayer can change.  I know these words all too well.  They are the words to a song I had written just a year earlier.  I recalled these words often and decided it was time to stop sulking, and time to put trust in the Lord; to be faithful in word and deed and trust the Lord WOULD take care of our family.  My mind was made up.  The words to the song "Whose on the Lord's side who?" flooded my mind and I was determined to be on the Lords side.  To serve unceasingly, to be cheerful, to have charity, to love one another, to live the commandments and find the sunlight through the clouds! 

Soon after, Chris and I were searching for jobs again.  This one particular job stood out to me in our search.  It was in Blackfoot, ID.  I had heard of this town before and knew it was about 20 minutes from where Chris's parents live. All the requirements were things that Chris was very proficient at.  And, it was at a hospital!   There's definitely job security there.   I recommended to Chris that he should apply for this job.  It couldn't hurt us!  What's the worst they could say....NO!!  We had been hearing that word for months, so why not apply?  That evening, as we knelt down for couple's prayer, this quiet thought came to me that said Chris needed to apply for this job and that we would be moving to Idaho.  I told Chris my thoughts and he also felt that he should apply.

Once he applied for the job, life went on as usual.  Several days after, a gentleman called Chris from the hospital and wanted to set up a phone interview.  Excitement filled out home at the prospect of a job!  The day of the interview came and it went wonderful.  Chris and I soon found ourselves on a plane to Blackfoot to check out this town.  We earnestly prayed that if this is where we were to be that we would feel to peaceful feelings that we knew and had felt before.

We enjoyed our weekend there.  The weather was bitterly cold.  It was -12 to be exact.  None the less, we loved this quaint and beautiful town.  Everyone seemed so friendly.  The hospital staff were wonderful and his boss was very accommadating.  Let me preface that before we left for Blackfoot, I had researched and called and called and researched for homes to rent there.  There were only a handful of homes to rent and all but one were too small for our family.  I promised myself that I would have housing secure before we left Blackfoot, so I could come home and focus on packing up almost 20 years worth of memories!

We knew we had to rent for awhile due to us short selling our home in Las Vegas because of such a cruddy market.  We looked at the one home for rent and it was "do-able" and I decided I could live just about anywhere for a year and make it a happy home.  Chris had an uneasy feeling about this home, but we knew it was our only option.   After seeing that home, we spent the remainder of the day touring the hospital, meeting wonderful people and then prepared to attend the hospital's Christmas Party that night. One of the people we met was the CEO of the hospital.  His name is Louis. A very kind and visionary man, he came in 11 years ago and turned the hospital around.  Patient care is a priority to him.  He runs a right ship and is a very generous man.  I hit it off with him right away.  He really liked Chris and was excited to have him on board.  As we left the hospital that night to get ready for the party, we were very prayerful and knew that if this was meant to be, the Lord would provide housing for us before we left.  It didn't seem possible.  The only prospect was this rental we had seen early in the day, and Chris was uneasy about it.  I had, however, learned not to question the Lord and to also trust my husband as he listens to the Spirit.

The Christmas party was exciting.  We met even more people and really enjoyed ourselves.  Chris's future boss, Jack, finally cornered us and said "I've wined and dined you all day and you haven't told me yet whether you are taking the job!"  I thought Chris would say "Yes" right away, but he hesitated.  Jack asked again and Chris still hesitated.  Finally, Jack said "Do you want the job or not?"  I was standing there flabberghasted and stunned that Chris was taking so long.  If any of you know Chris, he is very methodical in all that he does.  He is very patient and exact in his choices.  I think he hesitated because he was waiting for that confirmation.  I think he was waiting for the Lord to give him the peace that he needed.  He finally said "Yes" and it was a relief to us all.

Instantly, my mind was already packing.  My laundry list of what needed to be done was being written in my head before we ever even left the party.  Ahhh, but we still didn't have our housing secured yet.  As we were about to leave, the CEO, Louis,  came to greet us and asked if Chris had accepted the job.  Chris said yes and I blurted out "but we have no housing yet!".  What was I thinking?  How rude?  I dont' know where it came from...it just came out.  My mouth opened and I started talking.  A well-formed habit I will have you know.  Without hesitation, Louis said "You can have my house!"  I said "No...REALLY...we have NO housing!"  And agian he said "You can have my house!"  He asked what we wanted to pay for rent and the deal was DONE!!  We couldn't believe it.  Louis called over his wife and she gave us the details on the home and the address.  They were moving out of that home and into a new home on the golf course.  They were just going to let it sit vacant and not sell it.

As Chris and I left the party, we were in awe!!  We got in the car and drove to the home.  We pulled in the driveway and thought we were mistaking.  We weren't!  This home was beautiful.  EXACTLY what I was looking for.  We sat at cried right there in the driveway and offered a sincere prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father who ALWAYS watches over us.  What a true testimony that the Lord heard our prayers and they were answered.

The next day, we went to the home and took video and pictures so we could show the children.  The next 5 weeks went by very quickly. I felt the strength of Heavenly Father direct my thoughts and actions as so much had to be done to get us to Idaho. Saying good-bye to many dear friends was difficult and painful.  We were leaving dear people who had shaped our lives, who had taught our children and helped us experience many of life's wonders.  As we said our final goodbyes, we were on the road to a new beginning.  I think there is something to be said of new beginnings.  The word "new" in general makes me think of  fresh, reviving, renewing, alive!!  Having the opportunity to have a new beginning was actually just a new chapter in the book of life we are all writing. The trip to Idaho went  smoothly.  With two 26 foot trucks, the Suburban, and the Ford....it was Idaho or Bust!!!

So, to bring you up to the present day, we are settled.  We love this new town and the people here are great.  A few words that come to mind to describe our experiences so far are...happy, loyal, loving, kind, helpful, conviction, sacrificing and humble.  With each of these words are different experiences we have had.  We are excited to see what the future will bring.  We truly were led to this darling town by our Heavenly Father.  We don't know what all is in store for us, but this I know for sure...as Elaine S. Dalton once said "With the Lord, I can do ALL things".  I believe this to be true.

There are a few things I have learned through this journey that I believe have helped me to become a better person.  I hope it helps you too!
1.  NEVER COMPLAIN-it wastes time and is stumps spiritual progression
2.  ALWAYS FIND THE BRIGHT SIDE OF EVERY SITUATION-there is sunshine behind every cloud!
3.  APPRECIATE BEING SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO LOVE YOU- cherish  family and friends  and never take for granite those who mean the most.
4.  RELY ON THE LORD-he will ALWAYS direct our path, even when you can't see what is on the path ahead. He has already been there and will give you direction!  Hold to the Iron Rod-tis strong and bright and TRUE!
5. EMBRACE YOUR LIFE-live it, learn from it, and ENJOY IT!

Smile.....it's a beautiful thing!

Smiling is one of those things that can really change a person's day. Smile because there are so many reasons to be happy. Smile because there is a beautiful sunrise and sunset every day. Smile because the world is glorious and you are alive to enjoy it. Smile because you belong to a wonderful family. Smile because someone loves you and you love others. Smile even when you don't feel like it because smiling is one of those things that has now changed your day.

Daily Challenge: Smile at 5 different people today and see how many smile back.