Ward and Ward Christmas Party

First of all, can I just say how much I love our new ward? The people really are so genuine, kind and care about others. Now I know that no ward is perfect, but I'm not expecting that... it's more that they just have a feeling about them that you hope to find at church. Anyway, Micah and I had to give talks on Sunday about gratitude and they had to be 15 minutes which was nerve wracking for me. I've given "grown-up" talks several times, but they were only 8 or 9 minutes long. Well we of course got compliments on Sunday about our talks as usual, but they didn't just happen right after sacrament but continued on through all three hours. Then tonight we had our ward Christmas party and I can't even begin to tell you how many people came up to us and talked to us about our talks. Not only would they say great talks, but they would also talk to us about what their thoughts were while listening. It was pretty crazy. We even had several people tell us they talked about them for home teaching, family home evening, to the young men, discussions at home, letters sent to missionaries, and one lady told Micah that she just couldn't get one of his quotes out of her head. Now I'm certainly not writing this to brag about Micah or I. We whole-heartedly recognize that they were good talks because we love to quote the Apostles and scriptures and we know that what they preach is doctrine. In a way we only spent a couple of hours each working on a talk with doctrine that the Apostles and Prophets live and preach. They would not have been successful otherwise. I'm more mentioning these things to demonstrate the care that our ward has for it's members and the fact that many of these people actually take what they hear to heart and apply it in their lives. Also, our ward Christmas party was just so much fun. It was very basic, but it had a warm feeling to it and we really feel a part of this ward and want to fully participate in all the activities. I just want to leave you with one thought that a man in our ward shared with us when talking to us about our talks; "You don't see things as they are, you see things as you are." I just really loved this quote and completely agree.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!! I love you all!

My first appointment

I went in for my first doctor's appointment on Monday since becoming pregnant. I was really hoping to hear the heartbeat or having something done to help me feel less worried about my baby. The only things they did were take a urine sample and tons of blood (at least it seemed ;)), but they told me that there is nothing that is concerning to them so they don't feel that I need any scans this early in. My next appointment isn't until December 21st. I'll be 13 weeks 2 days then and I can't wait. I am really impatient and really hope that everything continues to go well. My pregnancy hasn't been too bad thus far. I've definitely thrown up and been even more tired than I usually am, but it has not been nearly as bad for me as it has been for a lot of my friends.

If you've had a baby or are at least further along in your pregnancy and can give me advice to stay calm I would love to hear it! I can't believe how paranoid I have been... I feel kind of crazy...

Also Megan, when are you due? Maybe we are pretty close together? :)

P.s. Micah and I have to speak on Sunday. The topic is gratitude so at least we know there are a lot of talks on that! I need all the help I can get.

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

Here is my updated list of gratefulness... =)

1. I have to state again that I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have of the true church.
2. The Atonement- literally I would be nowhere without it. I love the perspective and hope that it gives me.
3. My family- especially the newest baby boys! I'm so excited to meet at least one of them. One is in Texas the other in Australia. Oh brother!
4. FOOD!- I've decided that I really, really love food. It's a problem... I know.
5. Feel good/ realistic movies and books- I've come to the conclusion that I enjoy 'purely for entertainment' shows and stories far less than I used to. Even simple romance movies. I like REAL stories that make me feel real emotions and make me really think. I REALLY love the stories that make me reflect.
5. Other people's blogs- I love to be updated on others' lives and can't wait to read their new posts. Sorry if that seems nosy. (I'm especially excited for you Megan!!! CONGRATS!)
That's my list for this week. More to come next...

My Thanksgiving List

I haven't posted in a while, because I honestly haven't had anything to post about. Micah and I haven't really had the resources to go anywhere or do anything exciting. I decided tonight that my lack of activity is not something to complain about but instead I should look at the positive things in my life. I think that I'll start making a list each week up until Thanksgiving. (Some things may be repeated. :)) I am going to list just a few things that I am truly grateful for... Sorry that this isn't anything exciting to read.

1. My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and therefore my relationship with my Father and Elder Brother.
2. My family- including of course Micah, my immediate, and my extended family. I don't know where I would be without them.
3. My friends- you all know who you are and how much you have helped me through various times in my life.
4. My job- I LOVE teaching and it truly is a job that makes me feel like I accomplishing something and making a difference, however small it may be.
5. My health- even the days that I don't feel well haven't been that bad, at least a nap can mostly take care of my lack of energy.
6. Music-I can honestly say that music has been so inspirational and motivating in my life, it has also made my family as close as we are to each other.
7. Education- there were definitely days that I disliked having to attend class, but I was always happy that I went after it was over. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to get an education and a GOOD, QUALITY education.
8. Holidays- times to celebrate throughout the year all sorts of events always makes me so happy.
9. Trials- while I have a million other things to be grateful for I just have to state that I am grateful for the things that have kept me humble, strengthened my relationships with others and my Savior, and simply taught me patience and a deeper love and respect for others.

To all the people that were mentioned in my list I want you to know that I love you all!