Surprise for the Week

Tonight, I'm letting you in on a little secret...I was asked to speak in our Ward Relief Society (Homemaking Night) last week. But I thought it was something else...that's me-just not paying real attention to details these days! I really thought I was going to be sitting in a tiny primary class room-drawing on a chalk board.

I got a call from the Relief Society counselor in my ward-last Wednesday. She told me that one of our ward sisters would be moving out of the area-and they now needed someone to teach the class on Affordable Home Decorating. I imagined myself, sitting in a little classroom discussing paint colors and table cloths:) I figured that I was a useful solution to the cause-because I had been a designer in a craft store and just recently worked in a home decorating store also. So, their was NO panic in my voice-and I casually said, "Sure, no problem! I'd love to sit a talk about decorating". The counselor was pleasantly surprised (I could hear the surprise in her voice-"You will??? Oh thank you- thank you!!". I thought...Hmm?...that was odd. No big deal.

The closer the day came (one week later), the more I put on my thinking cap, and began to wonder-what can  I share with these sisters on home decorating? So, I began to surf the internet. I found some awesome links to share and some very creative ideas started to form. I began to focus on popular colors, what is all the rage right now for sprucing up a person's home, and how can I save a few dollars on decorating? Because you and I are regular bloggers...I know that if I list a sight to see over the internet...you will just hit the link and *pop*, your in another window looking at some other bloggers ideas-easy lesson to teach. That's the magic of our little world here. Not so easy to explain when I'm standing in front of a room full of ladies-who are NOT regular bloggers. That became my challenge last Wednesday Night. Boy-was I in for a surprise...

I packed all my great ideas in a rubber maid bucket, brushed my teeth-and fluffed my hair. No need to dress-up...I was attending Homemaking. I had worn jeans and t-shirt to tons of these nights before.Then at six thirty last Wednesday night-I climbed in my car-and drove over to my ward chapel. I was greeted by the happy counselor-who had called me. She asked if I needed help getting in the door. I lugged my box up the stairs and thought...that was so sweet of her! She is just the kindest lady ever:) Then, I noticed that she had a dress on...and when we walked into the cultural hall-the tables were all decked out for a Valentines Dinner. It all looked so fancy and there was a buffet dinner waiting. Several sisters asked if I needed anything-they all had dresses on, and were carrying in food to share. I thought to myself, I think I missed the memo on who the main speaker was tonight! Who is coming to speak at this dinner??? As I tried to pick a table to sit at, my mom came over to ask if I was ready for tonight? I looked around and said "Why?"-she pointed out that I WAS the main speaker-and I needed to sit near the podium....WHAT??? That was the moment-that I realized I was suppose to be dressed up- and ready to speak to a "gym room" full of ward sisters. This is pretty much what nightmares are made of-in my little world!

  But because I have a certain sense of dignity...I didn't start hyper-ventilating or sweating profusely.  My eyes did grow bigger-as I watched the room fill with sisters coming in to eat dinner together. I started counting heads, and then I pointed out that I only had a few hand-outs....and maybe I needed MORE. My wonderful friend/visiting teaching partner, Jane-volunteered to go make more copies in the library. I wondered if she could hear my heart POUNDING away. I wasn't going to pass out from sheer fright-but I was wondering how I would pull the whole night off??    *Everyone already had a small idea that I was not really ready-I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt-and my son's hoodie!!! "AHHHHHHH-get me out of here!!!"-was what I wanted to say, but I thought to myself, "What do I have to lose-or gain? People already know that fashion is not the top of my list during the day. I'm usually thrilled if I have clean clothes that match:)

I was so happy to share my family portraits that we just had done this past week also (My friend, Liz has a blog to show the awesome work she's done). I was able show off the fruit arrangement that I re-created from work. (The one at work sold for a very expensive price)...I made a knock-off for under twenty dollars (the pieces were from the dollar store and the vase was on sale from my job for half off!). I also showed them how Home Depot has stair railings and chair legs-that we can use to make candle stick holders-for way cheap also. I talked about colors and Feng Shui decorating. I asked if anyone was as serious as I was about blogging...and I think I saw one or two hands go up:) So, I shared some great web sites that I love to read-http://thepaintedhome.blogspot.com/ and another favorite spot is...My Re-Purposed Life. I think that  these ladies that blog (and share their awesome idea) are just the very best decorators ever!! 

So, I survived the whole night because of the above mentioned blogs. My life can go on now... I did it!!!!! (I LOVE BLOGGING!!!!!!♥) *I'll share another little secret with you later on this week...Goodnight!   

Sending Thank You's

My son's wedding reception was really fun-and we were able to spend time with his new bride's family. I was so happy to see so many of our family friends from our little town. (We've been here for eighteen years!) When I was filling out addresses for the announcements, I just kept thinking of all the people that have helped us raise this troop of kids. So many Ward-Lists were needed, and then I progressed to the phonebook. I still see people and faces when I'm shopping and surfing on-line...that I need to say thank you to-for helping us keep smiling through years of scout camp and pine wood derby races. Teachers, who stayed up late preparing for a long day with a room full of chatter-boxes. Bus-drivers who let my son sit with his best friend all the way home. Next door neighbors, who had weekend sleepovers all summer long, and relatives who sent birthday cards year after year. Wow!-the list of special friends and patient parents go on and on. Thank you to so many people. It takes so many people to make a difference in a child's life.

I also want to thank my new daughter in-law, for loving our son...as much as we do, and even more. I pass the baton on to her. She must be full of patience and huge amounts of kindness. Casanova is still in the cater-piller/butterfly stage. Only half baked, and in need of a couple more years of maturing. They'll have to raise themselves through this next stage. There won't be a mission president to remind him of the best two years of serving the Lord. There won't be college dorm rooms to sneak back into late at night. Those chapters are missing from this story, but I'm sure they'll figure out the grocery shopping secrets and the need for a bounce sheet in the dryer. Pretty smart kids! Cute as buttons too...

Thank you to my walking buddy for getting me into shape for this big party. I thought about this every morning at five a.m. It gets kinda painful walking through wind, rain and snow. I knew that my camera would be catching these moments though.

I'm slowly gearing up for summer fun with my younger kids. We have a temporarily unemployed Dad. He's been home for a couple weeks now. We have a very clean garage, fridge and laundry room now. We all wonder what this new change in our lives will be! Will we stay here in this house? Will we have to move? Stay tuned folks...

First Responder

Tonight, Chabs and I went down to the gas-station to get some treats. When we pulled out of the parking lot...we saw a young guy laying in the road. He had been accidentally hit by another young kid in a blue truck. I parked the car and ran over to help the two young men. Maddy called her dad and watched from our car.

For twenty minutes, I held some stranger's broken leg up, while we waited for the police to arrive, and then helped the EMT's put him in a leg brace and then on a stretcher. I gave a written and verbal report of what I had seen and then I turned to find my own child, patiently waiting for me with the police and her dad. We all felt grateful for the medics who came to the rescue and quickly helped these two young men.

It's my prayer that someone's holding my hand if I ever find myself in pain, waiting for help. I hope the poor guy makes it through the surgery tonight. It's gonna be a long road to recovery!

10 Ways to Instantly Build Self Confidence

From Dr. Mercola's web-page comes this excellent article on feeling good about yourself:
Self Confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits. Although many of the factors affecting self confidence are beyond your control, there are a number of things you can consciously do to build self confidence.

1. Dress Sharp

When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items.

2. Walk Faster

People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step.

3. Good Posture

People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident.

4. Personal Commercial

One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are few and far between. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals, then recite it in front of the mirror aloud whenever you need a confidence boost.

5. Gratitude

Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum.

6. Compliment other people

When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling onto others. Get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you.

7. Sit in the front row

In schools, offices, and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.

8. Speak up

By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out

Physical fitness has a huge effect on self confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive.

10. Focus on contribution

If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you won’t worry as much about your own flaws. The more you contribute to the world, the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

Be prepared...and listen to the prophet

> Just want to share this email that I received from a friend. It's a letter sent to her friend from people in Texas who just experienced Ike'. What a testimony for preparedness.
>
> Dear Friends:
> We have a 6'x6' hole in our roof, no electricity or running water, Trees down everywhere. However, because we listened to the counsel of our prophet we are prepared. In fact it seems to me that it's only certain people who seem to be calm, prepared, and helping one another with trees in roofs, flooding, etc. There is a POD or Point of Distribution in> Tomball where we live. There you get water and ice IF you have enough fuel to wait in the 3-hour lines. We don't have to do that because we have 3 full water barrels, 75 juice bottles filled with water, and our pool, which is dirty, but we use it to flush. It is very difficult to get gas. Police guard the stations when fuel is delivered and you might wait half a day to get up to the pump just to have them say, 'Too bad, we are out'. I
> am grateful that we have a generator. We run it 4 hours a day to keep our fridge and light. I am grateful that we have had fuel for it. You can't even by gas containers as they are rationed. We can only by bread once a week and limited to 2 loaves at a time. Water is rationed by the case at the grocery store - 3 cases per family. The ATM machines do not have power. For the past 6 months I have stashed small bills away because I have had such a feeling of foreboding. We have >cash because of that. LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT. Get cash in small bills because the stores can't make change and credit and debit cards often don't work. I had to pay 5 dollars more for an item because they couldn't make change for me. and . . . PHONES ONLY WORK OCCASIONALLY. Believe it or not...I have not had a bath in 4 days, Today was the first day I got to wash my hair with pool water. I haven't fixed my hair in a week!!! It just doesn't matter anymore.
> We cannot do laundry because we don't have water. So, we wear our clothes
> until they are literally disgusting. When we do finally get water we will
> have to boil it since it is contaminated.I am grateful for my parents. When we got low on generator fuel they drove 45 minutes to help us. They filled up their cans and brought us 10 gallons of fuel, which kept us going until this morning at 6:oo, am when we finally found some gas. A prepared Family and a loving extended family is the key to survival and making it through right now. I know that my parents would drive to the end of the earth to help me and it's nice knowing they are there. I know that I would do the same for my children. I want all of you to know that I have such a testimony of following the counsel of our living prophet. There really is safety and peace in your heart if you are prepared. Please get your generators, 5 gas cans full of gas, canned goods, baby items, baby wipes to bathe, and all the water you can store...even if you have to trip on it in your home. Have your lanterns, crank flashlights, tarps, rope, etc. ready to go because
> you never know when it will be your turn to endure
> the test. It's overwhelming, but it's going to be okay eventually. I have a home, I have food, and I have water, because I listened to the counsel of
> the prophet. Please make sure you do the same. It's time to have your life in order. Tomorrow may be too late.