Well, this year has been great. Crazy and full of change. It has been really fun writing this blog this year. It started out as my adventures in D.C. (also because I had more time to actually write a blog because I graduated) and it blossomed into my quest for beauty. It documented some important changes and also which cupcakes are the best. It's been a great opportunity for me to share my feelings with the world. But I feel like it's time to be done. Who knows, maybe I'll update on any major changes in the future. But for now, on the last day of this crazy year, this is my last post. Now, I can go back to filling up my journals (two wonderful friends each got me beautiful journals as gifts and I can't wait to fill them up!). Peace out friends and whoever else reads this blog. Have a wonderful 2012. I'm planning to have the best year ever!!!
Love, Mary Cherry
Finding beauty in myself and others.
December 31, 2011
December 25, 2011
Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime
Yes it is Christmas day and I'm blogging... but this is what I do when everyone else starts playing the game Bang. (Not my favorite). Anyway, this Christmas was a little different from past years. Mostly because we all got up and went to church first. The whole program was people singing instead of talks. And in my opinion sometimes you can feel the Spirit more strongly through music than just words alone. Then we came home and took a family picture. And just to let you know this post is all pictures. But I thinking looking at pictures is fun.
The gangs all here. Eight children. Two sister-in-laws. Two nephews. Two parents.
And then we opened presents.
What my sister Sarah got me.
What I got Sarah (a rice cooker for college) and her awesome reaction.
My dad excited about some toy guns. Not pictured is the gun cleaning kit I got him for his real guns.
Rebecca is the cutest present of all. :)
It's been great having everyone together. Especially my cute nephews!
Me and Peyton.
Me and James riding the little four-wheeler.
Proof that I had a tender Tennessee Christmas. Emphasis on the Tennessee part.
Basically just an awesome picture.
Me and Sam love each other!!
My youngest sibling, Adam.
My older brothers with their sons.
The steer looks on and will patiently wait for Christmas to come again next year.
Some of the pictures were taken on Christmas Eve at my grandmother's house. I kindly left out all the pictures of people who fell asleep. Also not pictured was our delicious Christmas lunch and pictures of us yelling at each other while playing games together. There are both sore winners and sore losers in the Woodall family. (Not me, I'm just not that competitive I guess).
All in all, the best Christmas in years.
And then we opened presents.
It's been great having everyone together. Especially my cute nephews!
Proof that I had a tender Tennessee Christmas. Emphasis on the Tennessee part.
Some of the pictures were taken on Christmas Eve at my grandmother's house. I kindly left out all the pictures of people who fell asleep. Also not pictured was our delicious Christmas lunch and pictures of us yelling at each other while playing games together. There are both sore winners and sore losers in the Woodall family. (Not me, I'm just not that competitive I guess).
All in all, the best Christmas in years.
December 17, 2011
What I Learned this Year
Well, the day has finally come. I'll all packed and my room is emptied out and cleaned. I'm flying home to Tennessee tomorrow and then I'll be moving to Arlington, Virginia when I get back. This year has been a HUGE year of growth for me. And if you read my posts from earlier this year, I think you can kind of tell that I'm different from when I wrote them. There were a lot of unexpected changes. I learned about some new things that I needed to work on which were different than what I expected to be doing this year. I'm glad the Lord has guided me to figuring out what I need to do to change and has sent people my way to help me make those changes. This year was not an easy year for me. (It was certainly not the hardest by any means!!! No more depression makes life so much easier!). I was completely out of my comfort zone pretty much all year and that has helped foster the growth I've experienced. And now that I'm finally comfortable here I'm leaving (but I'm not moving too far away!). On to new jobs, new friends, a new house. I have a good feeling 2012 is going to be a memorable and wonderful year for me. (I plan on making it that way!) Here are some things I learned this year in D.C. in 2011:
-Sometimes you just have to fake it til you make it. (And also that most cliche's are true!)
-I can be friends with a lot of different types of people. People who aren't the same age, not the same personality, people who view life differently than me. It's nice to know I can make friends with just about anyone (if they're nice).
-I don't like dogs as much as I thought I did.
-That I truly am beautiful. Not only inside but also on the outside.
-That I have a lot more to work on than I thought! But also that I am doing better than I thought I was.
-I am okay by myself. I can handle being alone now.
-I really hate passive aggressiveness. Okay, I already knew that but now I REALLY know that I hate it and it doesn't solve anything. It just makes people (well, me) angry. Honesty and open communication in a tactful and nice way is the best way to interact with people.
-Who Ben Bernanke is. And that he has really yappy dogs.
-That being a mother is going to be A LOT harder than I thought. But I am also even more excited to have my own children.
-A lot about how to take care of babies (specifically twins) and how to best entertain toddlers.
-People notice my efforts and abilities more than I realize.
-It's important to look your best but even more important to treat others with kindness.
-How to ride the metro and navigate around a big city.
-Where all the good places to eat in D.C. are. And that Good Stuff Eatery should really be called The Best Stuff Eatery. I know where the best pancakes are (Market Lunch) and the best kabobs are (Crystal City... which is where I'm moving to!!!)
-That people are mean for a reason. If you get to know why someone is the way they are by looking at their past experiences, you can't help but feel compassion for them instead of anger.
-That complete and true forgiveness is possible even if things are not fair or just (in this lifetime).
-If you try your absolute best and put your trust in the Lord, you will be okay.
-A lot more things that are pretty personal and probably not best to be shared on the internet, and some things that are just boring for you to read. :)
Goodbye Capitol Hill and thanks for an amazing year! I'll be back to visit!
(Where I lived this year)
(My street sign)
-Sometimes you just have to fake it til you make it. (And also that most cliche's are true!)
-I can be friends with a lot of different types of people. People who aren't the same age, not the same personality, people who view life differently than me. It's nice to know I can make friends with just about anyone (if they're nice).
-I don't like dogs as much as I thought I did.
-That I truly am beautiful. Not only inside but also on the outside.
-That I have a lot more to work on than I thought! But also that I am doing better than I thought I was.
-I am okay by myself. I can handle being alone now.
-I really hate passive aggressiveness. Okay, I already knew that but now I REALLY know that I hate it and it doesn't solve anything. It just makes people (well, me) angry. Honesty and open communication in a tactful and nice way is the best way to interact with people.
-Who Ben Bernanke is. And that he has really yappy dogs.
-That being a mother is going to be A LOT harder than I thought. But I am also even more excited to have my own children.
-A lot about how to take care of babies (specifically twins) and how to best entertain toddlers.
-People notice my efforts and abilities more than I realize.
-It's important to look your best but even more important to treat others with kindness.
-How to ride the metro and navigate around a big city.
-Where all the good places to eat in D.C. are. And that Good Stuff Eatery should really be called The Best Stuff Eatery. I know where the best pancakes are (Market Lunch) and the best kabobs are (Crystal City... which is where I'm moving to!!!)
-That people are mean for a reason. If you get to know why someone is the way they are by looking at their past experiences, you can't help but feel compassion for them instead of anger.
-That complete and true forgiveness is possible even if things are not fair or just (in this lifetime).
-If you try your absolute best and put your trust in the Lord, you will be okay.
-A lot more things that are pretty personal and probably not best to be shared on the internet, and some things that are just boring for you to read. :)
Goodbye Capitol Hill and thanks for an amazing year! I'll be back to visit!
December 16, 2011
My Year with Twins
Most of my friends just smile indulgently whenever I talk about Jackson and Addison, but that's probably because they've never met them in person. If they had, they would join me in singing their praises. Well, indulge me for a little bit longer because this post is about Jackson and Addison.
I got into D.C. on January 1st of this year when the babies were about to turn four months old. And now they are going on 16 months in a couple of weeks! I have spent thousands of hours and hundreds of days with them as they changed and grew this year. I'm not sure how many diapers I've changed this year... but it was a high number! I've been through colds and diaper rashes and teething with them. I've been on a few plane rides with them. What a year! I've heard the first year of a child's life has the most drastic changes. Here's what the twins looked like when I first met them.
(They were blobs of fat! Haha! Love the scared expressions on their faces.)
Here's what they look like today:
Jackson
Addison
I saw them both reach a lot of milestones and I felt just as proud as their parents when they learned or did something new. They learned to sit up, roll over, crawl, walk, and use sign language while I was here. They can climb up the stairs (working on going down) and they both love to dance and sing. Personality wise, they are pretty different.
Addison is: mischievous, always running before looking, not afraid to take control, loves to wave to strangers and give hugs and kisses to people she doesn't even know. Has a killer fake laugh and a cute real laugh. Has the biggest bluest eyes that strangers always comment on. Really good at signing and saying words.
Jackson is: sweet, likes to take time to smell the roses, he will explore things slowly and is interested by a lot of different things, whereas his sister runs ahead to check out the situation. Sensitive, smiley, ticklish, likes to give hugs, easygoing, determined when he sets his mind to something. LOVES to dance and "talk" on the phone.
Today is my last day working as a nanny for them. It's bittersweet. I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life but it's sad at the same time. It's sad that they will not remember me or all the time I spent with them. But hopefully the things I did and the way I loved them will make a difference somehow.
I LOVE YOU JACKSON AND ADDISON!!!! (Yeah, tearing up right now....)
I got into D.C. on January 1st of this year when the babies were about to turn four months old. And now they are going on 16 months in a couple of weeks! I have spent thousands of hours and hundreds of days with them as they changed and grew this year. I'm not sure how many diapers I've changed this year... but it was a high number! I've been through colds and diaper rashes and teething with them. I've been on a few plane rides with them. What a year! I've heard the first year of a child's life has the most drastic changes. Here's what the twins looked like when I first met them.
Here's what they look like today:
I saw them both reach a lot of milestones and I felt just as proud as their parents when they learned or did something new. They learned to sit up, roll over, crawl, walk, and use sign language while I was here. They can climb up the stairs (working on going down) and they both love to dance and sing. Personality wise, they are pretty different.
Addison is: mischievous, always running before looking, not afraid to take control, loves to wave to strangers and give hugs and kisses to people she doesn't even know. Has a killer fake laugh and a cute real laugh. Has the biggest bluest eyes that strangers always comment on. Really good at signing and saying words.
Jackson is: sweet, likes to take time to smell the roses, he will explore things slowly and is interested by a lot of different things, whereas his sister runs ahead to check out the situation. Sensitive, smiley, ticklish, likes to give hugs, easygoing, determined when he sets his mind to something. LOVES to dance and "talk" on the phone.
Today is my last day working as a nanny for them. It's bittersweet. I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life but it's sad at the same time. It's sad that they will not remember me or all the time I spent with them. But hopefully the things I did and the way I loved them will make a difference somehow.
I LOVE YOU JACKSON AND ADDISON!!!! (Yeah, tearing up right now....)
December 15, 2011
Things I Like
-Walking down the street and seeing random cats or dogs staring at you through the window. I don't know why that makes me so happy every time.
-Christmas lights and decorations all lit up as I'm walking home at night.
-Living by Eastern Market.
-Fun craft nights full of chocolate treats (chocolate butter!!!), laughter, and good conversation.
-Listening to music from the 90's. And Christmas music!
-Talking to best friends on the phone and laughing so much that my endorphins make me feel like I can take on the world. Also reminiscing with said best friends and planning when we'll see each other again.
-Being told that I've made a difference in someone's life because I can understand what they're going through. Realizing that my trials really can help me help others.
-Open mouthed kisses from two certain babies. (Will they ever learn to kiss with their mouths closed?) And when they come up behind me and randomly hug my back like a sneak attack hug. So sweet.
-Knowing that I'm flying home in three days!!!
December 14, 2011
Shining Brightly
(Apparently since it's my last week here in D.C. I'm writing a new blog post every day?)
I have always really loved the Children's Songbook from my church. I always loved singing time during Primary the most. As I got older I still remembered all the words to the songs and I still enjoyed singing them (usually not when anyone else was around. Also being a nanny has been a great excuse to sing all of the songs again whenever I want!) Now when I think about the words in the songs, I'm struck by how true they are. Even if they are extremely simple. That's what I love about the gospel. The truest truths are the most simple. I may not understand everything about the gospel but the most important truths are plain and simple for everyone to understand. I love the songs because they taught me important principles from a young age. Even before I knew that they were even teaching me anything, I was learning from these songs.
One song that has been coming to my mind a lot lately is something that I aspire to be.
The lyrics are:
"I am like a star shining brightly, smiling for the whole world to see. I can do and say, happy things each day, for I know Heavenly Father loves me."
The words are so simple but I kind of feel like this song encompasses a lot of what I've been striving for this year. And what I've been learning and trying to do.
I've been working on loving myself and being more confident. And when you know of God's love for you, it's easier to be happy and to give love and service to those you come in contact with, regardless of how they treat you. And I've also learned that it's important to not hide your happiness and beliefs even if it might make someone else uncomfortable. The first Presidency has been telling us we have to be bold and stand up for our beliefs. We can't be lukewarm. So I'm just going to keep trying to let my light shine brightly with a smile on my face. :)
December 13, 2011
A Tribute to my D.C. Friends
When I moved here on January 1st of this year I was very very nervous. I didn't know anyone and honestly I was almost dreading moving. I was comfortable where I was in Provo but I felt so strongly about moving to D.C. and very specifically that I should be a nanny for the Satterlee family. But I figured everything would be fine because I was sent here and the Lord would provide for me. I should have known not to expect things to turn out the way I pictured. Things didn't turn out the way I thought they would, but the way things happened turned out to be better for me than I could have imagined. Prayers are always answered in unexpected ways. :)
There were two or three times when I seriously considered getting on a plane and moving back to Utah or Tennessee this year. I just wanted to give up. But I knew this is where I needed to be and I'm glad I stuck it out. I know that I would have given up if it wasn't for the friends I made here. All of my friends (except one that I knew from BYU) I met because I went to the family ward. When I moved here there was no question in my mind that I wasn't going to go to a single's ward. I knew I was going to. After all, the Lord sent me here to get married! (hahaha! That's what I was hoping anyway). But once again, things didn't turn out the way I thought and I felt pretty strongly that I needed to attend the family ward. I resisted for a month or two but I finally realized that's where the Lord wanted me. And I'm so glad that I did. My calling in the Young Women's presidency taught me so much and I really grew to love the girls dearly. Not to mention all the great leaders!
Basically what I'm saying is, if it wasn't for my friends this year I would have gone crazy!!! Let me introduce you to a few of them:
Ruth- I actually met Ruth at the single's ward because that's where I was planning on going to church. (I even got my picture taken and everything!) I saw her sitting down and thought "that girl looks really nice, I think I'll sit by her" but then I realized someone had their stuff there so I sat somewhere else. I mentioned that I was here as a nanny and Ruth came up and told me she was a nanny too and gave me her info. Then I decided to go to the family ward instead. I walked in and guess who I saw sitting there? That's right, Ruth! It turns out she moved into the family ward boundaries. We made plans to eat dinner together and realized we have a ton in common. Ruth has been a supportive and uplifting friend who I could call and cry to when I was having a problem. She was the first friend I made here and one of the best! I've asked her advice on many things and plus she has great style! :) I've enjoyed our shared interests and shared profession.
(Ain't she cute?!)
Jill- I would seriously have been lost without Jill this year! She rode the metro with me and helped me figure it out. She told me about the single's wards and answered all my questions about D.C. She was the ONLY person I knew here. She was basically my lifeline. She invited me over to her house several times to dinner and to hang out with her friends because I didn't know anyone. One of the times I was considering going home she metro-ed over to Eastern Market just to come and talk to me and make me feel better. Also, I'm moving into her room because she's getting married. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I would be living next year! Jill also invited me to Thanksgiving dinner with her and her fiance. I'll say it again: I would have been so lost without her!
(Jill, half of me, and a man's stomach on the Capitol lawn for the 4th of July)
Christine- Christine has been my movie buddy this year! One thing I love about Christine is that she's always up for new fun experiences. Christine has also been a friend that I've been able to have wonderful and meaningful discussions with. She has experienced a lot of things that I've been going through and has been able to help steer me in the right direction with new things I'm learning. Also, we've enjoyed a few delicious cupcakes together! And if I ever need anything all I have to do is mention it to Christine and she's got it covered! :)
(Me and Christine laughing at the pumpkin patch)
Wait... you can't really see her purdy face...
(Here's purdy pic of her purdy face! I stole this pic from facebook...)
Andalynn- I met Andalynn in Eastern Market through people from the ward. She invited me to a movie that night! She was always up for doing something fun and totally accepting of me as a person. She hooked me up with anything I ever asked her for. I did not deserve her as a friend but I am so grateful that we met. :)
(Hot! Once again, I stole this pic from facebook... hope you don't mind!)
I also have to mention all of the Young Women leaders that I've worked with this year have been AMAZING friends and are such wonderful examples to me. Lindsay, Sui Lang, Hannah, Lisa, Sonja, Jjana, Emily, Lindsay, Julie, Rachael. (Whew! that's a lot of leaders!) Also my wonderful home teacher Meredith. :) All of these amazing women have helped me make it through this year and have taught me many amazing lessons.
There were two or three times when I seriously considered getting on a plane and moving back to Utah or Tennessee this year. I just wanted to give up. But I knew this is where I needed to be and I'm glad I stuck it out. I know that I would have given up if it wasn't for the friends I made here. All of my friends (except one that I knew from BYU) I met because I went to the family ward. When I moved here there was no question in my mind that I wasn't going to go to a single's ward. I knew I was going to. After all, the Lord sent me here to get married! (hahaha! That's what I was hoping anyway). But once again, things didn't turn out the way I thought and I felt pretty strongly that I needed to attend the family ward. I resisted for a month or two but I finally realized that's where the Lord wanted me. And I'm so glad that I did. My calling in the Young Women's presidency taught me so much and I really grew to love the girls dearly. Not to mention all the great leaders!
Basically what I'm saying is, if it wasn't for my friends this year I would have gone crazy!!! Let me introduce you to a few of them:
Ruth- I actually met Ruth at the single's ward because that's where I was planning on going to church. (I even got my picture taken and everything!) I saw her sitting down and thought "that girl looks really nice, I think I'll sit by her" but then I realized someone had their stuff there so I sat somewhere else. I mentioned that I was here as a nanny and Ruth came up and told me she was a nanny too and gave me her info. Then I decided to go to the family ward instead. I walked in and guess who I saw sitting there? That's right, Ruth! It turns out she moved into the family ward boundaries. We made plans to eat dinner together and realized we have a ton in common. Ruth has been a supportive and uplifting friend who I could call and cry to when I was having a problem. She was the first friend I made here and one of the best! I've asked her advice on many things and plus she has great style! :) I've enjoyed our shared interests and shared profession.
Jill- I would seriously have been lost without Jill this year! She rode the metro with me and helped me figure it out. She told me about the single's wards and answered all my questions about D.C. She was the ONLY person I knew here. She was basically my lifeline. She invited me over to her house several times to dinner and to hang out with her friends because I didn't know anyone. One of the times I was considering going home she metro-ed over to Eastern Market just to come and talk to me and make me feel better. Also, I'm moving into her room because she's getting married. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I would be living next year! Jill also invited me to Thanksgiving dinner with her and her fiance. I'll say it again: I would have been so lost without her!
Christine- Christine has been my movie buddy this year! One thing I love about Christine is that she's always up for new fun experiences. Christine has also been a friend that I've been able to have wonderful and meaningful discussions with. She has experienced a lot of things that I've been going through and has been able to help steer me in the right direction with new things I'm learning. Also, we've enjoyed a few delicious cupcakes together! And if I ever need anything all I have to do is mention it to Christine and she's got it covered! :)
Wait... you can't really see her purdy face...
Andalynn- I met Andalynn in Eastern Market through people from the ward. She invited me to a movie that night! She was always up for doing something fun and totally accepting of me as a person. She hooked me up with anything I ever asked her for. I did not deserve her as a friend but I am so grateful that we met. :)
I also have to mention all of the Young Women leaders that I've worked with this year have been AMAZING friends and are such wonderful examples to me. Lindsay, Sui Lang, Hannah, Lisa, Sonja, Jjana, Emily, Lindsay, Julie, Rachael. (Whew! that's a lot of leaders!) Also my wonderful home teacher Meredith. :) All of these amazing women have helped me make it through this year and have taught me many amazing lessons.
December 12, 2011
Christmas Traditions (Tender Tennessee Christmas!)
I'm so excited to be going home to Tennessee for Christmas! This is the first Christmas that I haven't had the huge stress of finals. It feels so much nicer this way. I'm also really excited because my whole family will be together for Christmas for the first time in like 5 years! Because of siblings getting married and switching off going to their in-laws house and brothers being on missions, etc. But we're all finally coming together again this year (including two wonderful sister-in-laws and two super cute nephews!) The house is going to be so full and it's not that big of a house. We think it will be more fun if no one goes to a hotel though so I volunteered to sleep in a closet. :) (It's the same thing as a room right? Four walls and a door. Besides, I'll be sleeping on a mattress! Don't judge...) What can I say? I just need my privacy and I don't feel like sleeping on a couch in a house where some people wake up at 5am every morning and others will be staying up til 1am. Anyway... not sure why I'm even talking about the sleeping situation right now...
What I really wanted to talk about was some of my favorite Christmas traditions that my family has.
1. Ding dong ditch the doorbell!!! Starting when we were pretty little, my parents would load us all up in the car and we would take treats, food, or other little presents to people in our church or neighborhood. We would sneak up to the house and leave the treat on their doorstep, ring the doorbell or knock, and run for our lives! It was thrilling to say the least. But as I got older, I realized how cool it was that my family did that. It taught me the importance of giving to others who might not have anything for Christmas. Or at least a fun treat for someone who might be lonely. My family never had much money as I was growing up and they had 8 children. We didn't get as many presents as all of our friends did (but then again, none of our friends had 8 kids!) but my parents still thought it was important to give to others in the true spirit of Christmas.
2. Christmas pillowcases. One year for Christmas, my aunt Julia gave us all home-made pillow cases. Everyone had a different Christmas design or pattern. (I have mine on my pillow right now. It has pine needles and cute angels. Hey, I was 11 when I got it and it was perfectly age appropriate!) It was just really nice to actually all receive individual gifts and fun to compare everyone's pillowcases. (Daniel's has the goofiest looking reindeer I've ever seen. And my parents pillowcases match. Aw!)
3. FHE Christmas Tree (that rhymes!). Every year my family would wait until the Monday after Thanksgiving and we would put up the Christmas tree and decorate it for Family Home Evening. It was probably harder decorating the tree with all of us 8 children fighting and arguing, but it was nice that we all did it together. Plus, no boring FHE lesson!!!
4. Country Cookin'. It came to my attention while I was at BYU that no one knew what sausage balls were! They are a Christmas tradition in my family. (And apparently also a southern thing). Basically you just take Bisquick, sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, mix it all together, roll it into balls, and stick it in the oven. They are so delicious!!! (And I don't even really like sausage that much). We have them every Christmas morning.
5. Boiled Custard vs Egg Nog. This one's kind of random but... We all like egg nog in my family. We start drinking it as soon as it's on the shelves. But my dad really likes Boiled Custard. (If you don't know what it is, chances are it's because you aren't from the south). Basically it tastes like melted vanilla ice cream. I don't like it. But every time I see it, it just makes me think of my dad. :)
6. Grandmother's house for Christmas Eve. I've been to my Grandmother Georgia's house every Christmas Eve of my life. Except for the year it was really icy and snowy so we went on Christmas Day but I'm not counting that... It's always fun to catch up with my dad's side of the family and drink Jason's Christmas punch. We always do a dirty Santa for the adults too. (Where you draw numbers and then you can steal someone else's opened present if you want or pick an unopened present). We have a nice big dinner and then fireworks afterward. I love Grandmother's house. :)
Those are the main traditions that come to mind. On Christmas Eve I'm always too excited to sleep because I'm thinking about how fun Christmas morning will be so it takes me a while to fall asleep. (Yes, even now as a 25 year old...) Sometimes I walk out into the living room at night and just stare at the Christmas tree all lit up. It's something I've been doing since I can remember. One of my earliest memories is of getting up in the middle of the night with my blankie and going and sitting on the couch and just staring at the Christmas tree. It's a wonderful time to reflect and just feel at peace knowing my whole family is there snoring and sleeping and that Christmas is here. Then of course everyone always wakes up early on Christmas morning to open presents. We pick one person (usually the youngest if they can read) to hand out presents and we just open them as we go.
I'd love to hear about anyone else's Christmas traditions if you care to tell me. :) I can't believe I'll be home in a week!!! I'm so excited to be home for the holidays. Because "a tender Tennessee Christmas, is the only Christmas for me!" Amy Grant anyone?
December 10, 2011
React Positively
My mantra these past couple of weeks has been "react positively". I read somewhere (okay, from the blog I was telling you guys about... It's just so inspiring!!) that you don't have to let others negativity and the way they treat you get you down. Instead of reacting negatively when they treat you in a way that is not appreciated, you can choose to react positively. Yes, this does seem pretty hard. (It is hard!) But what do I mean by reacting positively? Basically, you try not to let it bother you. You try to think of what the other person might be going through that would make them treat you in a bad/annoying/rude/crazy way. Just try to see it from their perspective and also realize that it might not even really be you. It's really not easy. But I just tell myself over and over "react positively, react positively!" And even though I'm hurt/annoyed/angry for a little bit, pretty soon I've moved on and feel better. And sometimes if you can, it's okay to remove yourself permanently from the situation. You move on and surround yourself with those who uplift you and love you. This isn't always possible, but I'm glad in my case that this time it is. :) I'm grateful for all the loving friends, old and new, that I have in my life who have taught me so much and who have made me laugh. Especially those who can make me laugh even when I've been crying. Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion. :)
P.S. I just read a quote that says, "Some people come into your life as blessings, others come into your life as lessons". So true!
P.S. I just read a quote that says, "Some people come into your life as blessings, others come into your life as lessons". So true!
December 1, 2011
A blog about Love
I found a blog today that I absolutely LOVE!!! This woman went through a divorce and her husband also left her. But unlike me, they were married for 7 years. Seven! And after 2 years, her husband told her he didn't love her and didn't find her attractive and was thinking of leaving. But they stayed married for five more years. It made me very grateful that my ex-husband didn't string me along for years before deciding to leave.
And her writing makes me feel like my blog is written by a preschooler. I wish I had that gift of expressing myself well. The main thing I have going for me on this blog is my openness and sincerity. (Maybe sometimes a little too open...) But as usual, I must remind myself not to compare myself to others. And to remind myself that I got married at 18, an age when most girls still get really upset over trivial things. Going through a divorce where your husband was abusive and was the one who left you is really hard at ANY age.
But the reason I'm talking about this woman and her blog is because the first post of hers that I read applies so well to things I've been learning recently and to my quest for beauty. She writes, "Being a daughter of God means you are ALREADY empowered to face ALL your trials. It means you can have love & joy & peace & wholeness deep, deep down in your heart, no matter what your crappy circumstances are. You don't have to wait for these good things to come to you - - - you are already the possessor of them by your very nature!!! Once you know your identity as a divine woman (or man), nothing can take that light away from you. Nothing can take away your feeling of security. Nothing can take away the fact that you have a divine purpose here. And if THAT isn't beautiful, I don't know what is. Knowing this will literally transform your life - - even the way you look on the outside. It is the best way I know of to have physical beauty."
This reminded me of the last few posts I've written. I've been learning these same things. I'm so glad I stumbled upon her blog. I'm learning more and more every day. The name of the blog is "A Blog about Love". The name of the post I read is "Best Beauty Secret in the World". Found here.
I also read about why Mara started blogging in the first place and one paragraph is EXACTLY what's been happening to me this year. "But about 5 years ago, the luckiest thing ever happened to me! Someone pulled me out of the deep end and began teaching me a better way to live. I began applying everything I was learning, and my life could not have taken a more complete turn. IT WAS A MIRACLE. I was so amazed that I had the power within me to change like that & to actually become a happier person. I figured out then that there is NOTHING better in this life than knowing what you are made of. Literally nothing."
Reading a lot of her posts makes me very excited because I feel like I've recently discovered the things she's talking about. I think that means I'm on the right track! I also strangely enough feel like Heavenly Father has been guiding me to several different books, talks, blogs, and people that have been able to open my eyes or to reinforce things that I'm learning. (Now that I'm able to recognize the truths that are there for me to find.) This is a very exciting and new stage in my life filled with lots of growth!!!!! It's a wonderful feeling. :)
And her writing makes me feel like my blog is written by a preschooler. I wish I had that gift of expressing myself well. The main thing I have going for me on this blog is my openness and sincerity. (Maybe sometimes a little too open...) But as usual, I must remind myself not to compare myself to others. And to remind myself that I got married at 18, an age when most girls still get really upset over trivial things. Going through a divorce where your husband was abusive and was the one who left you is really hard at ANY age.
But the reason I'm talking about this woman and her blog is because the first post of hers that I read applies so well to things I've been learning recently and to my quest for beauty. She writes, "Being a daughter of God means you are ALREADY empowered to face ALL your trials. It means you can have love & joy & peace & wholeness deep, deep down in your heart, no matter what your crappy circumstances are. You don't have to wait for these good things to come to you - - - you are already the possessor of them by your very nature!!! Once you know your identity as a divine woman (or man), nothing can take that light away from you. Nothing can take away your feeling of security. Nothing can take away the fact that you have a divine purpose here. And if THAT isn't beautiful, I don't know what is. Knowing this will literally transform your life - - even the way you look on the outside. It is the best way I know of to have physical beauty."
This reminded me of the last few posts I've written. I've been learning these same things. I'm so glad I stumbled upon her blog. I'm learning more and more every day. The name of the blog is "A Blog about Love". The name of the post I read is "Best Beauty Secret in the World". Found here.
I also read about why Mara started blogging in the first place and one paragraph is EXACTLY what's been happening to me this year. "But about 5 years ago, the luckiest thing ever happened to me! Someone pulled me out of the deep end and began teaching me a better way to live. I began applying everything I was learning, and my life could not have taken a more complete turn. IT WAS A MIRACLE. I was so amazed that I had the power within me to change like that & to actually become a happier person. I figured out then that there is NOTHING better in this life than knowing what you are made of. Literally nothing."
Reading a lot of her posts makes me very excited because I feel like I've recently discovered the things she's talking about. I think that means I'm on the right track! I also strangely enough feel like Heavenly Father has been guiding me to several different books, talks, blogs, and people that have been able to open my eyes or to reinforce things that I'm learning. (Now that I'm able to recognize the truths that are there for me to find.) This is a very exciting and new stage in my life filled with lots of growth!!!!! It's a wonderful feeling. :)
November 22, 2011
Redefining the Quest
This year and this blog has been about my quest for beauty. When I first started my quest for beauty, I made a few goals. All of them except for one were goals for outward beauty. Which is what I really needed to work on. But what I didn't realize (on some level I guess I realized this)... but maybe didn't admit was that I should have focused on the inner beauty a little more. Because if you feel good about yourself, the way you present yourself will reflect that. But I also think you can start by dressing and looking better, that helps you feel a little better about yourself too. The point of me saying this is that I finally realized just how much work I needed to do to change my attitude about myself.
I was talking with a friend and she was asking me questions about how I felt about myself and the way I looked. I answered truthfully and she told me that my perception of myself was not correct and that I was worth more. I wanted to believe her, but couldn't. That's when I thought, what if she is right? And deep down I knew she was. But it wasn't that simple. I knew how I should feel about myself but I just couldn't believe it. After that night when I realized just how much I didn't like myself and just how much I didn't trust myself, I knew I needed to change. But as I thought more about actually changing my self-perception, it seemed impossible! How can I just change the way I think about myself? I know what I should think, but that's not how I really feel!
I prayed and fasted about it. It's not going to happen overnight. But you know what? I already have changed how I'm thinking about myself. And I'm starting to change little things. For example, when I have doubts about myself, I decide to trust the good feelings that I have about myself instead of listening to the doubts. Also, if I hear someone talking about me and saying bad things or complaining about me- I decide to not dwell on it and just continue trying to better myself. I don't let what others think I should change affect what I'm doing. I'll never be good enough for everyone. But as I work on things that I want to change, I'll be happy and fulfilled.
Another thing I decided to do is to be my own friend and to be kind to myself. It sounds so simple (and corny) and yet it's not that easy. I thought about how I love all my friends and how easy it is for me to love them and see all the great qualities they have. And if any of them are having a hard time I always want to love and support them and make them feel better. Then I was inspired... what if I did that for myself? I should be my own friend! So when I was feeling down on myself I thought, "what would I do if one of my friends was feeling bad about herself? I would write her a note with her good qualities." So yep, I wrote myself a little post it note and it's on my laptop screen. It lists some of my good qualities. Super corny and embarrassing. But it helped. It's also easy for me to believe the best in all of my friends because I love them. So I decided to believe the best in myself too. Anytime I'm having negative thoughts, I'll just start talking to myself as I would to a friend. Sounds crazy. And I've definitely been talking to myself a lot lately. But it's working. I'm feeling uplifted and confident. I have a lot more work to do. But now I'm aware and I'm trying. :)
More inspiring words that have been helping me along my way.
November 20, 2011
The Divinity within Me (hey that rhymes!)
So...my ex-husband got sealed to someone else today, and technically we are still sealed as well. And while that's a little weird if I think about it too much, it's okay. I kept wondering if I would somehow feel different today because of it. But no. I feel just fine. I don't even feel sad. I guess the past two weeks I've really been able to figure out my feelings even more regarding the situation. It's been a hard couple of weeks but now I'm so happy to be feeling good and like it's okay to bury the past completely. And I also realized that by Tyler getting remarried this year, it's forced me to be really honest with myself and to face some painful feelings that I had been trying to keep buried. So even though it's been a hard year, it's been a year full of SO MUCH CHANGE for the better! And in the process of looking deep inside of myself, I've discovered several truths about who I am. (Good things!) Some good things I'm admitting to myself are that I am an amazing person. Also, I am special. Like, really. I really am a special and exceptional person. Yeah, I know just like everyone else... but really. I am. The Lord has a great work in store for me. And I couldn't accomplish it without going through the trials and experiences I've been through. Even if that work is just to help others who may go through the same experience as me, it will be worth it if I can help them along the way. I don't know what I would have done without those women who took me aside and said, "I know how you feel, the same thing happened to me. You're not alone. Things will get better. You did not deserve this. You are a wonderful daughter of God."
I always needed others approval before because I didn't like myself or feel good about myself. So I've needed others permission to feel good about myself. That's why when people have been mean or said mean things about me before, it hurt deeply and I took it to heart. Because I believed it, and they were reinforcing my fears about myself. This week, I wrote a dear friend because I was really confused with how I was feeling and I just knew she would have the answers. She was the one who came and picked me up the night Tyler said he wanted a divorce, she's been with me through this whole journey which I appreciate because not very many people know the whole story like she does. I realized that I didn't need permission from her to feel good about myself, but sometimes it's okay to have good friends remind you of your qualities and potential. I'd like to share a few lines of what she wrote me.
"Look back Mary. Look back at the girl you were then, and though excruciatingly painful as it was, what the whole ordeal has helped you to grow to be. A beautiful woman who is learning to see the beauty in herself. Would you have ever achieved that as Tyler's wife? Would you ever have learned to stand on your own two feet with a beautiful blend of strength and empathy? Would you know the wonderful friends you have in your life if life had not altered your course? Would you ever have learned who YOU are, not an extension of a husband or a parent? Would you ever have learned how to completely rely on the tender mercies of the Lord without this experience? Look back Mary. Look back and see how far you have come! Take a minute and be in that place if you need to, and then turn back around and KEEP GOING! Don't lose sight of the beautiful things you see in yourself NOW. Don't lose sight of the beautiful things you want for your future. The Lord isn't through with you. He hasn't left you by the wayside. Look back Mary and see how he has led you and is leading you and trust that he will continue to do just that."
She reminded me that what happened was a good thing. That I am who I am today because of it. That I chose to be better and not bitter. And then I think of all the people (and lifelong friends) I met at BYU that I wouldn't have met if I stayed married. I probably wouldn't even have a college education right now either. Even though it was a truly horrible, painful experience and even though I would have stayed married if I had the choice, it's the path my life took. And I've grown closer to the Lord because of it. And that's why we're here on this earth. To learn and change and grow.
I still have a lot of thoughts and new things that I'm learning circling around in my head. But I will save those thoughts for more blog posts in the future. To sum up this post... I am giving myself permission to be more and to trust myself. I have so much power within me and I plan on living up to the divinity that God has given me. (Wait, so that's what they meant in Young Women when they talked about Divine Nature?! I never really understood that one until now. :) Good thing... since I'm a YW leader! I better pass on what I know!)
I always needed others approval before because I didn't like myself or feel good about myself. So I've needed others permission to feel good about myself. That's why when people have been mean or said mean things about me before, it hurt deeply and I took it to heart. Because I believed it, and they were reinforcing my fears about myself. This week, I wrote a dear friend because I was really confused with how I was feeling and I just knew she would have the answers. She was the one who came and picked me up the night Tyler said he wanted a divorce, she's been with me through this whole journey which I appreciate because not very many people know the whole story like she does. I realized that I didn't need permission from her to feel good about myself, but sometimes it's okay to have good friends remind you of your qualities and potential. I'd like to share a few lines of what she wrote me.
"Look back Mary. Look back at the girl you were then, and though excruciatingly painful as it was, what the whole ordeal has helped you to grow to be. A beautiful woman who is learning to see the beauty in herself. Would you have ever achieved that as Tyler's wife? Would you ever have learned to stand on your own two feet with a beautiful blend of strength and empathy? Would you know the wonderful friends you have in your life if life had not altered your course? Would you ever have learned who YOU are, not an extension of a husband or a parent? Would you ever have learned how to completely rely on the tender mercies of the Lord without this experience? Look back Mary. Look back and see how far you have come! Take a minute and be in that place if you need to, and then turn back around and KEEP GOING! Don't lose sight of the beautiful things you see in yourself NOW. Don't lose sight of the beautiful things you want for your future. The Lord isn't through with you. He hasn't left you by the wayside. Look back Mary and see how he has led you and is leading you and trust that he will continue to do just that."
She reminded me that what happened was a good thing. That I am who I am today because of it. That I chose to be better and not bitter. And then I think of all the people (and lifelong friends) I met at BYU that I wouldn't have met if I stayed married. I probably wouldn't even have a college education right now either. Even though it was a truly horrible, painful experience and even though I would have stayed married if I had the choice, it's the path my life took. And I've grown closer to the Lord because of it. And that's why we're here on this earth. To learn and change and grow.
I still have a lot of thoughts and new things that I'm learning circling around in my head. But I will save those thoughts for more blog posts in the future. To sum up this post... I am giving myself permission to be more and to trust myself. I have so much power within me and I plan on living up to the divinity that God has given me. (Wait, so that's what they meant in Young Women when they talked about Divine Nature?! I never really understood that one until now. :) Good thing... since I'm a YW leader! I better pass on what I know!)
November 6, 2011
Shifting into Me
Do you know what the best kinds of days are? The days when you are able to not only have several realizations that change your outlook on life, but you are also able to make a permanent shift. I'm never quite certain whether these shifts happen in your brain, your soul, or your heart. Maybe all three? Maybe your whole being? I'm also of the opinion that while these shifts can happen in one moment and very suddenly, they take weeks, months, maybe even years to build up to that moment. One rather unpleasant thing about these shifts, is that they tend to happen after intense moments of pain. But the pain is worth it because the shifts are permanent. Do you know what I mean what I say "shift"? Have you ever experienced one for yourself? A shift is when you realize that the way you've been looking at something has been wrong this whole time. And the shift happens when you realize the truth. Truth is very freeing but also can be painful.
I didn't start out the day thinking that a shift was going to happen. I went to church, bore my testimony, got to participate in a great Young Women's lesson, felt uplifted and happy. I started walking home from church. I noticed how beautiful the fall day was and how great it felt outside. I tied up my scriptures in my scarf and happily swung them as I walked. I thanked God for the day and how I was feeling. And then I decided to call my mom. I found out that my ex-husband had gotten permission from the First Presidency to be sealed to someone else in addition to me. I've known for months that this was a possibility. But I guess I wasn't prepared for how I would feel when I found out.
I cried for an hour. I haven't felt so much pain in a really long time. It was kind of wonderful in a way. To be able to forget how it felt. To have not felt that way in so long, to have forgotten how I used to feel that much pain every single hour of every single day for years. The reason I felt so upset was because it made me start to doubt myself again. "Maybe he was right. He had to leave you because you were awful. It was your fault. You deserved to be left. You weren't a good wife. If the First Presidency is allowing him to be sealed again then everything he did and said was right and you deserved all the pain you felt. Why will he never have to feel any of the consequences of what he did?" (Yeah, pretty intense how deep my self-loathing can go...) Another part of my brain that I have been able to develop over these past few years was saying, "Mary, don't listen to that! You know that's not true. You are good enough!" But I let the doubting part of me take over. I knew that I needed help. I made a few calls and arranged to receive a priesthood blessing.
As I received a blessing of comfort, I was oddly enough not feeling comforted! I was confused because priesthood blessings always make me feel better. One of the things the blessing said was that I would be given as many blessings from the Lord as I was willing to receive. I realized that I only didn't feel comforted and loved because I wasn't allowing myself to. Just think of it! I was not even allowing myself to feel God's love. But as I became aware of this fact I realized that God was giving me the choice to receive comfort or not. He wasn't just giving it to me. And with that choice He was giving me yet another opportunity to grow and become stronger. The blessing also said that He knows me better than I know myself. He knows how wonderful I am even if I don't.
So the shift that happened to me today was that I learned that I'm the only one who holds myself back. No one else can hold me back. Not my ex-husband. Not people who may say or do unkind things to me. Just myself. I'm the only one who's keeping myself from being amazing, better, loved, good enough. And realizing that gave me power. I have the power to free myself from myself. Does that make any sense? God can give me anything, but I have to be willing to accept it.
Anyway, after I had that wonderful shift and realized that wonderful truth about myself, I started to feel renewed and reinvigorated. That part of my life is over and I don't need to let any doubt linger. And it's okay that my ex is getting married again. It's a happy thing for him. He gets a second chance and I'm happy that I will also be getting a second chance in the future. I don't have to worry about who was right or wrong in the marriage. It's over. I've learned from it and I'm better because of it. And I can feel comfortable in the choices that I made and the covenants that I've kept.
I'm going to live up to my potential.
I didn't start out the day thinking that a shift was going to happen. I went to church, bore my testimony, got to participate in a great Young Women's lesson, felt uplifted and happy. I started walking home from church. I noticed how beautiful the fall day was and how great it felt outside. I tied up my scriptures in my scarf and happily swung them as I walked. I thanked God for the day and how I was feeling. And then I decided to call my mom. I found out that my ex-husband had gotten permission from the First Presidency to be sealed to someone else in addition to me. I've known for months that this was a possibility. But I guess I wasn't prepared for how I would feel when I found out.
I cried for an hour. I haven't felt so much pain in a really long time. It was kind of wonderful in a way. To be able to forget how it felt. To have not felt that way in so long, to have forgotten how I used to feel that much pain every single hour of every single day for years. The reason I felt so upset was because it made me start to doubt myself again. "Maybe he was right. He had to leave you because you were awful. It was your fault. You deserved to be left. You weren't a good wife. If the First Presidency is allowing him to be sealed again then everything he did and said was right and you deserved all the pain you felt. Why will he never have to feel any of the consequences of what he did?" (Yeah, pretty intense how deep my self-loathing can go...) Another part of my brain that I have been able to develop over these past few years was saying, "Mary, don't listen to that! You know that's not true. You are good enough!" But I let the doubting part of me take over. I knew that I needed help. I made a few calls and arranged to receive a priesthood blessing.
As I received a blessing of comfort, I was oddly enough not feeling comforted! I was confused because priesthood blessings always make me feel better. One of the things the blessing said was that I would be given as many blessings from the Lord as I was willing to receive. I realized that I only didn't feel comforted and loved because I wasn't allowing myself to. Just think of it! I was not even allowing myself to feel God's love. But as I became aware of this fact I realized that God was giving me the choice to receive comfort or not. He wasn't just giving it to me. And with that choice He was giving me yet another opportunity to grow and become stronger. The blessing also said that He knows me better than I know myself. He knows how wonderful I am even if I don't.
So the shift that happened to me today was that I learned that I'm the only one who holds myself back. No one else can hold me back. Not my ex-husband. Not people who may say or do unkind things to me. Just myself. I'm the only one who's keeping myself from being amazing, better, loved, good enough. And realizing that gave me power. I have the power to free myself from myself. Does that make any sense? God can give me anything, but I have to be willing to accept it.
Anyway, after I had that wonderful shift and realized that wonderful truth about myself, I started to feel renewed and reinvigorated. That part of my life is over and I don't need to let any doubt linger. And it's okay that my ex is getting married again. It's a happy thing for him. He gets a second chance and I'm happy that I will also be getting a second chance in the future. I don't have to worry about who was right or wrong in the marriage. It's over. I've learned from it and I'm better because of it. And I can feel comfortable in the choices that I made and the covenants that I've kept.
I'm going to live up to my potential.
November 5, 2011
Have You Hugged Yourself Today?
Today I am feeling empowered. Last night I was the total opposite. I was feeling insecure, weak, unworthy, not cute, not pretty, yuck! I was a pathetic crying mess last night. I just felt not so great about myself and at a low point. I felt hopeless and that it seemed impossible to ever change. And then this morning I was angry! I was pretty much pissed off. Why the heck should I feel that way? No way, Jose. I am not going to feel that way. So weirdly enough that anger motivated me to stop feeling so down on myself. Why should I think I'm not good enough? I am freaking awesome! (Also, all of these shifting of feelings might have something to do womanly hormones...) Anyway, basically I am feeling great today! Yes, I do need to change a lot about myself. Yes, I have a lot of work to do so I can look better. But I'll do it when I'm ready. I don't care what other people think about it! It's not really any of their business. (And obviously I'm not always not going to care what others think but at least for today I don't give a damn). And it feels great!!! It feels wonderful to not let what others think shape how I feel about myself. I like myself today and that's all that matters. I'm going to try to keep being kind to myself. And you want to know something really embarrassing? (I cannot believe I'm actually admitting to this....) But I hugged myself today. I just felt like I deserved a hug from myself because I think I'm amazing. Plus I had heard of people hugging themselves before. I was kind of curious. I tried to figure out the logistics of actually hugging myself. (So I put my arms here?... uh...) And even though it was super awkward, as is admitting this for people to see, it felt good. It was a physical manifestation that I approved of myself. I was letting myself know, "Hey Mary I love you. You're pretty great. Keep up the good work." Yep, let's chalk this up to the most embarrassing blog post yet. I really can't believe I'm publishing this... Oh well, today I don't care what you think!!!!!!!!! :)
Reasons Why I'm Awesome!
So.... I think everyone should read this. Oh Cliff. You sure do know how to make a girl cry and smile at the same time. :)
Also here is a picture of me and Cliff being awesome.
Also here is a picture of me and Cliff being awesome.
October 27, 2011
Helen Keller at Midnight
Last night (actually in the wee hours of the morning) I was awoken by a text message on my phone. I wondered who in the heck would be texting me at that hour and of course I had to check and see who it was from. It turned out to be spam. (I guess that's what you get when you apply for jobs online...) Anyway, then I noticed that I had a missed call, a text, and a new voicemail from my brother Daniel. I ignored them because I didn't want to wake myself up so much that I couldn't fall back asleep. As I was trying to drift off to sleep again my pesky brain started thinking about the text and voicemail. The womanly worrisome part of my brain was on high alert. An annoying voice in my head was asking me questions like, "What if it's important?" No, I'll just check it tomorrow I stubbornly told myself. "But what if it's an emergency? What if there was some kind of accident? What if something happened to Meredith (my sister-in-law) or Peyton (my nephew)"? Fine!!! I'll check it!!! The text message simply said, "Are you still up?" Well, that didn't answer any of my annoying brain's questions. So I listened to the voicemail. It said....wait for it...."Why did Helen Keller's dog run away?" (I'm sure all of you know the punchline to that joke). But apparently it was new to my brother. He was giggling in the background! I rolled my eyes, told my brain "I told you so!", then grudgingly smiled and went back to sleep.
This morning I texted Daniel back. "Did you know Helen Keller had a dollhouse? No? Neither did she!" Now that is a funny joke!
Here's Daniel and Peyton watching some t.v. Boys. Sheesh.
This morning I texted Daniel back. "Did you know Helen Keller had a dollhouse? No? Neither did she!" Now that is a funny joke!
October 25, 2011
Fall Adventures and New Friends
This past weekend was very eventful and the most fun I've had since... the week before! (Haha, because of Ashley and cupcakes and such). Usually I go for a whole month before having so much fun at once. It's been really nice to have fun things to do actually with other people! On Saturday I rode with Christine and Tanya (two friends from my ward) up to Homestead Farms in Maryland. The drive up was so GORGEOUS! The fall leaves were everywhere and fall in D.C. is especially beautiful. It was nice to leave the city behind for a bit and go see a little more country. I feel more myself and more relaxed out in the country. I have a lot of pictures thanks to Tanya and Christine of our adventure. Most of these pictures are actually from Tanya but a lot of them have me and Christine in them. Tanya was behind the camera the whole time!
The tractor pulling us on the hayride.
The punkins! You can't tell from this picture but there were a ton of smashed pumpkins all around the field. It looked like a pumpkin massacre! They actually shipped in these pumpkins from Tennessee because of all the late rain in Maryland. Yay Tennessee!!!
Me holding the pumpkin I would have picked. I just decided to purchase some baby pumpkins instead so I wouldn't have to haul this one around. But it was the best one!
Me and Christine weren't paying attention. I was texting?
Now we're laughing at something. Me and my asian eyes when I laugh! (I know that sounds racist... but I'm not trying to be! That's just how I look sometimes...)
Some of the baby pumpkins I opted to buy instead.
Christine and her new boyfriend.
Christine's new boyfriends ex-girlfriend. She was really jealous of Mr. Scarecrow and Christine. I understand feeling sad about the breakup but she didn't have to be so witchy towards us! (hehe)
These little piggies reminded me of my days of raising pigs. They don't stay cute for very long that's for sure!
We were looking at all the chickens in the coop when this big turkey ran out and surprised us all! He won't be around for much longer. Bless you turkey. Bless you.
There were a bunch of kids there too. (once again hehe)
We were trying to decide between apple pie and caramel apples. The line for the apples was shorter so we tried them. We made the right choice! They were so tasty! I ended up licking all the caramel off that I could. Delish.
Christine posing with our "fall haul". We got some great stuff!
Later when I got home from our adventure I met the girl who is going to take my position as the nanny for Addison and Jackson. We met and then two hours later were on our way to take the metro to a YSA activity at the ward I'm planning on moving to. Suffice it to say, we felt like we had known each other for years by the end of the night. So glad that Whitney is the one taking my spot! I feel much better about someone else getting to hang out with Addison and Jackson all the time if that person is awesome and my friend! :) The activity we went to was pumpkin carving and other fall stuff. I only knew two people at the activity but thanks to Mark (who I only met two weeks ago!) me and Whitney met some cool new people. It's so nice when you meet new people who make you feel comfortable and who are so friendly! I'm so glad my friend Jill invited me and encouraged me to come. Then on Sunday I met even more new people because Whitney and I went to yet another single's ward in Virginia. It has definitely made me feel more confident and has helped me remember that I do have good "people" skills. I'm glad it's easy for me to talk to new people (well at least when I know one other person there). I'm even more excited for the next year when I go to a new ward and make new friends. My year of being a (self-imposed) social outcast is over!!! Time to boost up all the confidence I've been working on this year and go out there and be the best me I can. (I sound really corny now so it's time to end this post). More deep thoughts later. Peace out girl scouts.
Later when I got home from our adventure I met the girl who is going to take my position as the nanny for Addison and Jackson. We met and then two hours later were on our way to take the metro to a YSA activity at the ward I'm planning on moving to. Suffice it to say, we felt like we had known each other for years by the end of the night. So glad that Whitney is the one taking my spot! I feel much better about someone else getting to hang out with Addison and Jackson all the time if that person is awesome and my friend! :) The activity we went to was pumpkin carving and other fall stuff. I only knew two people at the activity but thanks to Mark (who I only met two weeks ago!) me and Whitney met some cool new people. It's so nice when you meet new people who make you feel comfortable and who are so friendly! I'm so glad my friend Jill invited me and encouraged me to come. Then on Sunday I met even more new people because Whitney and I went to yet another single's ward in Virginia. It has definitely made me feel more confident and has helped me remember that I do have good "people" skills. I'm glad it's easy for me to talk to new people (well at least when I know one other person there). I'm even more excited for the next year when I go to a new ward and make new friends. My year of being a (self-imposed) social outcast is over!!! Time to boost up all the confidence I've been working on this year and go out there and be the best me I can. (I sound really corny now so it's time to end this post). More deep thoughts later. Peace out girl scouts.
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