I Hope They Call Me On A Mission....

My sweet baby brother is gone on a mission. He went into the MTC today and I am so glad that he is going to serve the people of the Mexico, Leon Mission. I am so proud of the "man" that he has become. It was such a cool thing to be able to see him prepare and finally go & do what he has been called to do. The people of Mexico are going to be so blessed to have someone as fun, caring and smart as my brother! When TJ's brother got home from his mission he told us a really cool quote by Helen Keller that I feel can apply to every one! (I'm probably going to slaughter it so just don't quote me on it OK?)

"When you look toward the Sun, the shadows fall behind you". As long as we look toward the good things and turn to what will make us better, all darkness and bad things will fade to the background! I am so proud of my baby brother and we can't wait until he comes home, 730 days and counting!

Bloggers Give Back!!!

Check out this awesome way to give back this Christmas. A few friends of mine (including my sister in-law) have gotten together to give back to a family in need. The family they chose sadly had their home burn down and were left with nothing but the clothes on their back. So many bloggers and local vendors have donated items to be "bid" on starting Dec. 15th. If you want to donate a service or item check it out...or if you just want to donate. It is for a really good cause and what's better than to give back this time of year?! To Check it out just click on my button on the side! Merry Christmas everyone!

Childhood Memories

(These photos were take a couple of months ago at a Summer BBQ)

Yesterday we went to visit my Grandma & Grandpa Stauffer. My Grandpa has been so strong over this past year and we couldn't be more proud of the fighter that he is. When we were up there he was just as sassy as ever, teasing whom ever was willing to take it. I love who he is and the relationship that my grandparents have together. When we were driving away (all my sisters minus Emily) we were talking about all of the great childhood memories we have with this man. (I also came to the realization that TJ & I will be just like them when we are older. TJ constantly teasing me, and I would be laughing at every one's jokes while getting slightly frustrated with all of TJ's teasing. They would be the best people to become). I have come up with a list of a few memories/things that Grandpa has done with us & if anyone has something I didn't name I would love to hear about it.

• Learning the Murray High School fight song "as the Smelterites go rolling along..."
• "Mares eat oats. And doe's eat oats. And little lambs eat ivy. ..." (I just found out that this was mares and not bears, talk about messing up a kids childhood memory)
• Listening to the Beach Boys on cassette tape, while driving in the minivan
• Grandpa's constant chewing on something crunchy to "stay awake", usually Jordan Almonds or nuts.
  
• Taking us to the "Wooz" and "The Nut Tree", he must have ridden that train for hours
• Making up skits in Grandma & Grandpa's living room
• Grandpa's master craft at "Cardboard Box House Making"
• Rollerblading to the park (don't worry folks that was only 10 years ago, & he is in this 80's now.)
• His love of Peanut Butter Cookies, but he tells me that mine are the best so don't bother competing :-)
• Combing Grandpa's hair. I don't think there was ever a time he didn't have a comb in his pocket. He could convince any kid that this was the best job in the world & I am still amazed at the many styles we could do with his thick, silver hair.
  
• Teaching me how to fish, & getting frustrated that I kept catching them while he was trying to set up all the other kids poles.
• Pomegranates
• How he convinced anyone that mushrooms were fungus and shouldn't be eaten.
• Hearing stories about the best way to cook & assemble a hamburger from his days at the drive-in.
• His love for travel & discovery in different countries (I guess that was passed onto me).
  
• His example of kindness to everyone around him.

We love you so much Grandma & Grandpa!
Thank you for being such amazing examples in our lives!

Graduation

I finally did it! I graduated! Some might have thought this day would never come, but surprise! I feel like I can accomplish anything now. Who knows what is ahead of me now? I feel just like the people in the book "Oh, the places you will go". I know there will be good times & bad, but just think of the things I can do now! Here is the proof ( I knew some of you would doubt) that I finally Graduated!

WELCOME HOME ELDER FELMAN