A Snowy Lesson

Wow! I just had a neat experience. To preface all of this, let me explain that being single has allowed me to become a more independent person. I have always had a hard time asking people for help when it is something that I could do on my own. I have convinced myself that I can do almost anything needed, or at least try to, before asking.

Sometimes this causes problems for me. For example, right now I have an old, battered mattress with holes and springs popping out, because I don't want to ask for help to get it to the dump. I keep telling myself that I am sure that I can find a way. I have a burnt out light bulb that I am going to attempt to take care of today using a chair because it is too high for me to reach normally and I don't want to have anyone help where it is in my bedroom. Needless to say my closet light and bed lamp have been getting a lot of use.

It also has helped me to learn things too. I love searching the web for answers to problems or to see what can be done. Last week, I made homemade Mayo because we had run out, it was Sunday, so I wasn't going to the store, and the recipe I was making called for it, so I needed it.

I'm also one who has always thought women and men can be good at and do the same things. (I'm not an extremists.) It doesn't bother me when I guy forgets to open a door. I love working hard with guys. For example, one time when I moved, I did everything I could ahead of time. I had moved all of the big stuff to be right by the stairs so I could get some help with that. It is enjoyable for me to help my dad put branches in the truck, bind them in and take them to the dump.

With that being said, it is nice to be offered help. Here is the story. Not sure how many of you know this, but it is snowing quite heavily right now where I live. When I went to church this morning, I parked my car and sat in there for no more than 3 minutes getting my stuff together. By the time I got out, my car was already covered in a light blanket of snow. It didn't occur to me as a problem where it was frigidly cold and I've cleaned off my care numerous times.

After church, I was talking with one of the counselor about some young women stuff. When we went to leave, I realized how much it had been snowing. My car was covered and so was the parking lot. I was a little worried about getting stuck. As we were walking out the door, my friend's husband told her to wait inside and he would bring the car up. For a very brief moment, I thought that was really sweet and what a gentlemen he was. I even had the thought that it would be great to have a guy about then. That quickly went away because cleaning off windows isn't terrible. I went to work. I grabbed my snow removal device (I call it a fluffer, but I'm not sure of the technical name) and started going at it. I was in boots and a coat, do I could totally handle it. Within a minute, a guy had jumped out of his car and told me to hop in my car and he would take care of it. I was a little shocked to say the least. No one has ever offered to do that for me. I responded saying I was fine and could handle it, but he wouldn't take it as answer. He started cleaning off my car and told me to get in. So I got in, after thanking him a couple times, and started my car, so it would warm up a bit. By the time he had finished, it was already covered but not bad enough that I couldn't drive. I thanked him again and took off.

This was an incredible experience for me. Even though I am independent and could have taken care off it by myself, it felt nice for a guy to offer to help, insist on it and do it. He was so respectful and kind. I'm sure he wanted to get home, out of the snow, and spend some time with his family. Instead he took a little time out to clean off my car and help me out. It showed my that there are good people out there and makes me want to pay it forward and help someone else out, who may be in need but may be too prideful to ask for it (like I am).

Thanks to Brother (I'm not quite sure of his last name) for the help and for his family, though they may not know what he did, for allowing him to help me. What a good person!

Sock Sagas!

NEWS FLASH!!!! I love fun socks! That is not an exaggeration either. When the highlight of your night is matching your socks, you know that you may have a slight problem. What a fun problem to have though. As I  sat and matched up my socks, I thought of the stories that went with some of them and it made me smile. For some reason, it has made me super happy. If these socks and stories can make me happy, maybe they can help you too. Here are some sock stories for you.

Gray with Yellow, Blue, and Pink (Diamond/Argyle like patterns)

I bought these socks one day as a reward. There was something that I needed to do that was really hard for me and I had been dreading it all day. My sister and I had talked that morning, and she told me that I needed to tell her when I had done it. When she hadn't heard from me, she contacted me to remind me about it. We then established a reward, the socks! I attempted to do it and was unable to, but not for my lack of trying. I called her, completely disappointed because I really wanted those socks. While we were talking, the opportunity came for me to do accomplish the goal and I did it!!! I earned my socks!!!

Dark Gray, Maroon, and Black Striped

I think I may cry when these socks die. I love wearing these sock with my gray skirt and maroon sweater. They match perfectly. In fact, every Sunday that I wear that combo, I come home and wear those socks the rest of the day. I have gotten so many compliments on the combination that it has become a temptation to wear them to church sometimes. I actually wore them with the skirt and sweater to a fundraiser last year. 

Green M&M Socks

One day, I was walking around a local dollar store looking for a gift to give a friend who was going to Africa. As I looked, I came across this display of M&M socks. It made me incredibly happy. I walked by them a couple times. Then I stopped to really look at them and found a pair of socks that was purely Green M&Ms. Now, there is a story behind me and the green M&M. Let's just say that my family has always teased me about it, so it was the perfect dose of humor to add. Every time I see or wear those socks, I smile. 

Red & White Striped 

These ones have received many different ways. I wore them to work one day and my boss called them my wicked witch socks. They kind of look like candy cane socks, which I believe was the original intent. However, they have become my superhero socks. For Halloween, I dressed up as "Wonder Wit". Let me explain. Whit has always been a nickname, even though during my younger years I did not like it. As I have gotten a little older, it has grown on me and I kind of like it now. Surprise! Anyway, I went to Vernal with some friends one weekend. My friend and I were playing Wii with her nephew and we made a Mii and named it Wonder Whit! For Halloween, I decided to make that a reality and became a smart superhero, with red and white striped socks. (Sorry no pictures were taken that included the socks).

Brown with Pink and Tan Wavy Lines

This story is kind of sad. I'm guessing these socks came from my parents for Christmas or my birthday or something. I have always loved them and they match great when I wear earth tones. So I was wearing them the other day and I began to get this weird feeling on the toes of one of my feet. The inevitable had happened. It had a hole or two. The other sock was fine though. As I was folding them today, the great debate took place in my head. Do I throw these away or do I keep them and either try to fix them or wear them with the holes? I could not bring my self to throw them out. So now I have a pair of socks with holes. I will probably still wear them too.

Blue Ankle Socks with Flowers

I was on my way to an FHE and knew that we may be outside for a while and wasn't sure how cold it was going to get, but I didn't want to wear full socks and didn't have any fun ankle socks at that point. I ended up stopping at Wal-Mart on my way and found these socks. I don't think I wore them that night, but I was excited to have some ankle socks that were fun!

I could probably go on and on and on and on and on and on with stories about my socks, whether they were  a present from my roommate or my Valentine's Day gift for myself. Opening my sock drawer is like opening a life story. Maybe that is why it is so difficult to get rid of them. The drawer is completely full of socks and stories!

A New Year, A New Me

Not to be Grinch or a Scrooge (if I can still use those terms now that Christmas is over), but 2012 has left some room for improvement. That isn't to say that there weren't good things that happened. It just seemed like there wasn't a ton of progression. There were a lot of trials and difficult times that have taught me a lot. On numerous occasions I had people tell me they didn't understand why why good things weren't happening for me and why I couldn't catch a break. Granted, some great things did happen. I met President Uchtdorf and Elder Christoffereson, ran a 5K, went to Girl's Camp, got called as Personal Progress Leader, and bought my plane tickets to Hawaii. I also realized how truly blessed I am to have amazing friends who were truly there for me and supported me with encouragement and love.

I am still working at the same job, which means I have broken the trend. The previous two jobs I was at for a year and three months. This time, it is going to be longer! I am still loving being in a conventional ward. Some of my greatest friends are the same. It has been great to see that our friendships haven't changed much, even though most all of them are married or engaged. We still have fun talking and playing!

Recently, I saw an idea that made a lot of sense to me. By the end of the year, it is sometimes hard to think of all the positive things that have happened. This year, it became a little discouraging for me. So, this year, I am going to get a container of some sort and write good memories that I have, when they happen. Then at the end of the year, I will be able to go through and read them. I have a feeling this will give the year a more positive spin.

As for my resolutions and goals, well I've never really been huge on having to set those at the beginning of the year. I did make a Bucket List in April of things to accomplish before my next birthday. At this point, I will most likely accomplish 4 out of the 5. The only one I may not get is to attend a Pro Sporting Event. I am excited for the potential of the year. There are a few things that I am looking forward to doing this year like going to my nephew's baptism and going to Hawaii (which also kind of scares me because I have never flown by myself before and am a little nervous about switching planes and all that).

I want 2013 to be better than 2012, but I will take whatever is handed to me. However I am open to new experiences and to try to accomplish more. So, I need some advice from you. PLEASE HELP!!! What are some things that I should try to accomplish this year?

HAPPY NEW YEARS FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!!

Night of Excellence

The past couple of weeks have been plain crazy and busy. A lot of it had to do with our Night of Excellence that we had last night. We had two of our young women help plan and prepare for it, as a value project for them. So here is a break down of what we did.

THEME: Spiritual Gifts

SCRIPTURE: Doctrine & Covenants 46:10-11

INVITATIONS: Invitation was folded up in cardstock to look like a gift and a bow was placed on top of them. 

DECORATIONS: Gifts throughout the room, with a Christmas Tree decorated with some lights and bulbs. There was also some greenery and lights in other places. Projects were displayed by the young women of things they had accomplished this year. Photos from Girls Camp and other activities were placed around the room. It look amazing. There was a wrapped gift in each of the value colors with the name of the value on it. 

PROGRAM: We started with the standard opening: opening hymn, prayer and theme. The girls then did a presentation of the values. Because we have a smaller group, each girl had the opportunity to participate. The each gave a 2-minute talk about a specific value and then after their talked placed the value gift under the tree. After that, we had two of our girls speak. Both of them had finished their Personal Progress this year (one a couple hours prior to the meeting) and they did an amazing job. Our young women and leaders then did a musical number. After the hymn, a member of our bishopric gave a talk. After him, I (the Personal Progress Leader) spoke. We then watched a slide show that one of the girls had put together from camp (which was a project for her). The Bishop made some closing remarks and we presented the girls with some cute ornaments and pictures that were taken of them during camp. 

REFRESHMENTS: Each leader made a favorite Christmas treat. The girls said that they were going to go into a sugar coma. It was really good. We had truffles, brownies, rice crispy gingerbread men, cookies with holiday candies and more. To drink we had ice water and homemade hot chocolate with whip cream, sprinkles and a peppermint stick.

After writing all of this, I can see why I am so tired now. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the place, but it looked amazing! Our girls are amazing and they can turn a rather rough day into a special day. They have a way to make you feel loved and special. These girls are the future and from what I can tell, the future is going to be amazing!

A Letter to My Grandpa

Dear Grandpa,

I have been thinking of you a lot these past couple of days. I remember all the time we spent together. It was always so amazing to me that your birthday was in April too. You were such a hard worker. You spent countless hours working in your garden and yard, fixing things, cutting hair and serving. I remember coming over when you would cut my dad's hair. Your work ethic was very evident in your work with the Railroad and Potato Harvests.
You lived your testimony. It was such a great example to see you fulfilling your callings and using your priesthood to help my dad give me a blessing, when I wasn't doing too well. I'm not clear on the circumstances of that blessing, but I remember you coming over, and with my dad, putting your hands on my hand, while I on the couch. Your example of fulfilling your callings has helped me in the callings that I have had.
As I grew older, I learned more and more about you. I didn't know that you were a veteran and had fought for our country. Not only did you fight, but you were injured. You received a Purple Heart. That was a sense of pride in you that I felt when I learned that story. Thank you so much for doing that.
You were always there for me. My dad always told stories of you being there for sporting events and you were there for some of mine. More importantly, you were there at the events that mattered the most: my baptism, my graduation, and more. I remember going through the temple for the first time and walking into the Celestial Room and you were there. That was such a special experience. You were there as I was set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I remember giving you a hug after being set apart and you telling me how proud you were of me.
I didn't know, at that time, that it would be my last time seeing you or else I would have told you then how much you meant to me and how much I truly appreciated you. Even though you have passed on your legacy and lessons live on in your sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In fact, my guess is that each one of them has learned so much from you and has so many memories.
You have helped make me who I am today. I have tried to use your work ethic and dedication in everything I do. At times when I am feeling weak, unable, or just plain struggling, I think of you and have more strength. You are always near and close for your family, even now and I look forward to the day when I can wrap my arms around you, give you a big hug and thank you for everything.
Grandpa, you are my hero!

Whitney

A Crafty Project

I just got over bronchitis and laryngitis. While I was struggling with those, there were so many amazing friends who helped me out along the way. Honestly, I cannot even imagine what I would have done without them. During conference I felt impressed to serve those who had served me, make sure I am making time for those I love, and take care of myself. I decided that the only way I would take it easy would be if I found a little project to work on while sitting at home. So, I combined these three things and here is what I came up with:

It was pretty fun to put together! It wasn't anything major but it was something fun to show my gratitude. There were made with 4 oz canning jars, Harvest M&Ms (Reeses Pieces would have been fun too), Lemonade KoolAid, Raffia, and card stock. The most time consuming was making the cards. I am not the most crafty person in the world, so this is pretty exciting for me.

That was my craftiness for the week.

Missionary Announcement

Wow! My heart is so completely full right now. When President Monson started speaking on Saturday morning, my heart filled with peace. It was a peace that I had been lacking for a little while. Then came the big announcement.

Young men who have graduated high school (or its equivalent) can now serve a mission at 18 year of age. That was an amazing announcement. To see the faces of the young men in the congregation was so moving. Some could not wipe smiles off of their faces. Then came the announcement that young women could serve at the age of 19. At first, a twinge of jealousy hit. However, I would not have changed anything with my process or when I served. Honestly, I needed the experiences that I had before the mission to put my life where it is now.

Sister missionaries are amazing and with them able to serve at younger ages, I believe more young women will serve missions. Sister missionaries have a wonderful way of touching people and bringing people to the truth. This is going to make a wonderful advancement in missionary work. I believe the force will be larger, stronger and more humble. I believe more young men will serve missions now. They will be able to leave right after high school and not get focused in the drive of schooling, careers, sports, etc. This is huge!

I was elated with this announcement and my dear, sweet young women came to mind. Some of these girls could be serving missions in the next couple years and we have the responsibility for preparing them. One in particular came to mind. I have been so impressed with her testimony and her example to the other young women and how well she relates to others, both old and young. She, along with others, has a testimony that needs to be heard. During the rest of President Monson's talk, I could see her as a missionary teaching, serving, helping and loving others.

The mission was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There have been wonderful experiences since. The mission helped to mold me into who I am now, as each new experience has since. It took a quiet, insecure, and somewhat hesitant girl and gave her more confidence in her testimony and more faith in the love of her Heavenly Father. It has given me more compassion to other and more love for my Savior. It has made him a more central figure in my life.

Since this announcement, my heart has been full and the rest of the session was amazing. I am anxiously awaiting the rest of the session to get the rest of this spiritual uplift.