i belong

I just read a letter from a man who lives in Brazil, where my little sister is serving a mission.  I cried.

His family is beautiful and his words were sincere and beautiful.  I am so grateful for Becca's example in sharing the gospel.  I am so grateful for the gospel in my life.  It is true and brings me so much happiness and joy.

We love you and miss you, Becca.

have a beautiful wednesday

remember

I sent this to Jeffree when we were long distance dating.  Found it today when I was cleaning up my computer.  It's too cute not to share.  Go ahead and try it on your man and pretend like it was your idea.  You just might get a smile.

tell me the stories

I'm not sure what I love more - little e and her dad reading together... or little e wearing leopard tights and converse star sneakers.  love them both.

in a rich man's world

I'm grateful for parents who taught me to be self-reliant and live providently.  We never had all the nicest things, but we always had what we needed.  They taught us to avoid debt and live within our means.

Jeffree and I have been able to live the same way.  Of course, there are times when I think it would be nice to have some matching furniture or a new washer and dryer.  There are times when we can afford nice things, but we can also live without them.  And sometimes going without brings the greatest joy.  I am thankful for a husband who does what he loves and is able to provide for our family at the same time.  I am grateful for Heavenly Father, who really does pour out blessings so there is not room enough to receive them.  I am thankful for all the things I do have and all the things I've learned to live without.

without wings

somedays it would be nice to spread my wings and fly away from all troubles and frustrations and disappointments.  but then i suppose i wouldn't amount to much, always floating away from the things i find difficult.

so instead, i will stick around and share a bowl of ice cream with my little girl.  because sometimes, since we can't fly away, it is nice to indulge just a little.

cheers.  or tears.  whichever helps you feel just a tiny bit better today.

a little love

I was searching for something in my email and I came across this beauty.  Here is a little story to grace your Friday.

Yes, that is a FAKE wedding announcement.  read on. 

Jeffree and I were at an institute dance only 3 days after our first date.  Jeff had a friend coming through town and thought it would be pretty funny for us to pretend we had just gotten engaged.  We borrowed a ring from his mother and sat out on his front porch, waiting for his friend to arrive.

We gave the performance of a lifetime.  We totally nailed it, right down to all the cliche phrases ("when you know, you know").  Jeff's friend, along with his traveling buddies, totally ate it up.  We had them completely convinced.  I remember that night as he drove me home, I told him, "I enjoyed being engaged to you."  The best part?  He wouldn't even let me hold his hand.  I tried to convince him it would be impossible to pull it off if we didn't touch each other.  He finally consented to my putting my hand through the crook of his arm.

A couple of days later we had these photos taken and Jeff's brother made our fake announcement, just to relive the glory.  Yes, it does say we are registered at pizza factory and D.I.  No, one cannot actually register at D.I.  Jeff checked.  I'm not sure about pizza factory.  :)

health journal #3

It feels oh so good when I eat healthy.  It means I can consume more food for fewer calories (yes please).  Plus, I feel much better when I give my body the proper fuel.  I'm not perfect, but I do love learning about nutrition and feeding my little family healthy meals.  I promised a few people I'd post one of my favorite quick and healthy recipes.  On those days when you don't feel like making a meal, whip this up instead of going through the drive thru or popping a frozen dinner in the microwave.

Recipe adapted from Zonya Foco's Lickety-Split meals for health conscious people on the go (whew!)

Almond Chicken Salad 

Makes four 1-cup servings

181 calories per serving

1 can (8 oz)  crushed pineapple, drained

3-5 green onions, chopped

2 cups (12 oz can) diced cooked chicken, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup miracle whip light

1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1/4 cup slivered almonds

Mix together and enjoy!

I like to wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla or stuff it in a pita half along with some lettuce or spinach.  When I've had my share of carbs for the day, I eat it with celery or on top of a lettuce salad.

It's seriously so easy to throw together.  Grape halves make an excellent addition as well.