Warm Fuzzies

**RS General Broadcast

I went to the Broadcast last evening and sat there feeling very grateful to belong to an organization that honors womanhood. There is much in our world, and many in it, trying to diminish the role of woman. I am grateful for these two people particularly. One who honors womanhood as dearly as the Priesthood he holds, and one who wants women everywhere to obtain all the blessings possible. In doing that, she expects us to step to the plate.....and is often criticized for it. My feelings on the subject........go Julie!

**Two Cute Friends

Not realizing that the Broadcast was last night, I was in a rush to make it on time. That afternoon I had 2 of my friends from Declo call to remind me and willing to save me a seat when I got there. It is such a gift to have GOOD friends.....and such a gift that even as a grown woman, they are still watching out for me. What a gift to be remembered.

**My Parents

My Mom and Dad are celebrating their anniversary today.......mind you, it's the day before my mother's birthday. Interesting planning you two! I married a man similar to my Dad. My parents are easy to be around, fun to be with, and fit like two pieces in a puzzle. I love them both, dearly.

**Teaching Relief Society

I actually taught last week and as I attended RS today and listened to another friend give her lesson, I was warmed all over for the women in my ward. The row of Grandmas that have much life experience and who's philosophy is often "get over it and do your part and the Lord will help you." It's so fun. Another friend there is buckets of sunshine every time I see her. Another one who is in a wheelchair with MS and has a handicapped son, who reminds me to be grateful and to remember not to whine. Relief Society wasn't something I watched the women in my family embrace much, and although I am still learning, I am grateful for it's place in my life.

Ahhhhh, My Favorite Things

*My Running Shoes

My sweetheart bought these for me for my birthday this summer and it is heaven to have the support of new shoes. I love them. I also feel like I'm part of the future with the cool little purple sole bubbles on them. I went running this morning and I was free of any soreness that often accompanies feet in shoes that died long ago.

*VisitsI was blessed to have my cousin Leslie come and stay the weekend at my house. We watched movies, went to dinner, talked and talked, laughed and laughed, played with my cats, and went for a walk around Declo. Nothing spectacular or monumental, but extremely important to me. I am grateful for a relationship as this is, that allows us to grow together, to talk anything and everything through, where being together is second skin, one that is very nurturing, and never one I have to worry about. I love you Leslie.

*My Ward

I have some unique friends in Declo......nearly all of these ladies are older than I am, some by about 15 years. This is not unique to me, but something I love. I watch Julie be such an amazing and funny mom with 4 little ones. I watch Terina be fiercely loyal not only to me but to all of her friends. I am grateful for Sandy and how absolutely funny and fun she is. She's never towing a rain cloud around. For Laura and her kind heart and sterling example of love of the Gospel. For Evelyn, who is grandmother to the entire ward. And to my very dear friend, Leslie, the girl from the land of the Maple leaves.......the near perfect example of the kind of friend I hope to be someday.

*Cucumbers

Home grown, garden fresh, green vegetables from heaven. I LOVE home grown cucumbers. I can and have been eating 2 or so in a setting. Not as good for my tummy, but oh so good for my taste buds. There will be a very big "sigh" when harvesting out of our garden is over for the season. Winter??? Bllllrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh!!

Taming My Hummingbirds

Watch closely.......Darren is video taping me, through our glass door, holding our hummingbird feeder. I found that there were quite a few birds who were brave enough to come and eat. I just ADORE hummingbirds.

Ahhhh, Big Sky Country

After Bear Lake, in August, I was lucky enough to head to Idaho Falls for some super-fun Dr appointments. Not feeling great afterward, I took my sweet cousin Teresa up on her offer to come to her house. Teresa lives in Bozeman, Montana and I have yet to come to her house. Usually we get time together when we are in IF or in Bear Lake. Not quite enough time for me this summer, so I headed to Montana. It's a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL drive. Heading north from IF you pass the Tetons, then up through Island Park area, Henry's Lake, and then the gorgeous Gallatin Canyon. It was raining on the way up there, but it just made the mountains seem more majestic. Next time, I'll get some sunny pictures. Thank you, Teresa, for a little R&R at your house. I love Montana.....it's amazing on the way to Bozeman.There are only 4 granddaughters on my mother's side. My sister, me, my cousin Leslie, and my cousin Teresa (Leslie's sister). So I feel VERY grateful when we get a minute to play together. Why does Montana have to be so far away???
I am the biggest sucker for water and mountains.....but especially water. The Gallatin River is beautiful all the way through the canyon.
Majestic even when it's a little drizzle......what a wonderful world we live in.
Annnnnd, I was there the same time President Obama was visiting Big Sky. It was very cool to hear the choppers carrying the President fly right over Teresa's house. I've not heard anything that loud in a long, long time.

Why My Cats Are Mentally Ill

This is a video I took last week, of Oliver in my chair....... He makes me laugh often with all these bizarre poses he sleeps in. This is just one of the many. So funny to me.