Time to Start Reflecting

I was looking through my blog with Parker last night and noticed that last year I posted 202 blog posts, this year... so far 95 (including this one). Needless to say, I've had a little less time on my hands this year, but I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in place of my free time. I have been serving as head of the Women's organization at church (The Relief Society) since March. I have learned so many things this year from others and about myself.

This year, I have got to know some really wonderful women who just amaze me with their faith and devotion to those they love. I have seen women who have difficult circumstances dwell on the positive and do their best to uplift others. I have watched women donate meals, clean apartments, help others pack for a move, watch another woman's children, decorate and redecorate someone's home, give rides to doctors appointments, invite others into their home for dinner or family home evening, grocery shop for a family, been a devoted friend, deliver beautiful flowers from their garden to others to brighten their day, fast for others, comfort someone who has been ill or had a difficult situation happen, bake treats for new families at church, dedicate 2-3 days a week caring for someone's medical needs, turn their life around and have the full spirit of the Lord in their heart, even watch one woman teach another woman how to ride a scooter since she lost her driver's license, and the list goes on and on. I have seen the power of reaching out to others and the blessing that comes to those that give that service. It has just been inspiring to me to watch others do these acts of service, sometimes for people they don't even know.

While there have been many times that my heart has ached for others, I have found comfort in my faith and in a loving Heavenly Father who cares about each of us. I am grateful to know so many wonderful people who have made my life better. I hope that as this Christmas season begins we can reflect on the examples in our lives that make us want to be better and serve others.

If you're going to make apple pie, you need one of these

Parker is quite the apple peeler.
He peeled 5 of our 6 apples for our pie.
Thanks Parkie!

A card and envelop I made

My Cricut arrived

Here are my first products after practicing with
the machine last night.

This is my event calendar I have been working on.
It is reusable so you don't have to rewrite
every birthday or special event on your calendar each year.

We have Cowboy's in these parts...

Hip to be Square

We've been to some awesome parties this year, but I'd have say
the 80's dance was pretty awesome.
First things first, you have to get the proper 80's attire.

Oh and don't forget his and hers the 80's hair

Then you chill in front of In & Out looking 80's-tastic
waiting to grab a last minute hamburger

Oh man did I get looks at the "In & Out"

What this picture fails to show is Devon's walkman headphones, classic.

If you wanted to see break dancing skills, Joe is your man. While our Bishop and former Bishop rocked it with their moves (really impressive especially with the pose at the end),
Joe still took them with his back flip.

The Ashley's getting ready to hit the dance floor

Tiffany and Ben brought their Atari. There were couches and areas set up to play.
We had a pong battle.

A serious game of Battleship and yes, Devon sunk Dave's battleship. Bummer.

Here's the bro's before we got down on the dance floor.
Brandon displayed a classic BYU sweater that was his dad's when he was BYU Student Body President. (Pretty impressive I thought).

Honestly, one of the best ward activities I've ever been too. It was from 8 to 11pm, there were great costumes, prizes, slideshows, and 80's movies. We danced, Dave and I even showed off some of our lifting skills. It was so fun! What a party.
(Thanks to Debbie Wickham for the party dress from her collection
and the Goodwill for most Dave's apparel!)