Midnight Sun

I've spent the last few days reading Midnight Sun online, and was extremely shocked when it came to an abrupt ending last night.  Yes, I knew it wasn't finished and I knew it probably would never be finished, but I was still shocked to be at the end of it so soon.  Just like any good book, I was sad when I came the end of it and could no longer live in the mind of Edward.

A few thoughts the book provoked: I need to think kindly about others and about myself.  I'm fairly certain there are no mind readers out there, but I would be ashamed if anyone were to hear some of the things I'm thinking of (thanks Brynn for your post about that).

And 2, Bella is a much better character than I gave her credit for.  To be honest, I never much cared for her character in the other 3 books, but Edward's perspective helps to see who she really is.

Just to note, I'm not obsessed with the Twilight Series (like so many fanatics around me), but I do enjoy a good read, which is exactly what they provided me with!

My Treasure

Motherhood is a treasure.  I was reminded of that this last week when I was talking with a friend.  And almost any mother can attest to the treasures found within motherhood.  Motherhood has brought out more Christ-like characteristics in me than anything else I've encountered.  Patience, service, sacrifice, patience, self-less love, kindness, more patience...and that's just the beginning.  I love the change that's come over me as I've grown into the role of a mother, and I've loved watching this same change take place in my girlfriends and sisters and sister-in-laws who have also become mothers...motherhood rocks!!!

second-hand store addiction

I'm heading a little bit towards an addiction to this store. I walked in there today, and...voila...the playpen of my dreams is standing right in front of me! And it was for sale! And for a fraction of the price I've seen anywhere else! Yes, most everything that comes from there has been used before, but I have found the cutest things for the best price. So any moms or moms-to-be out there, hit this store before heading anywhere else. It's the best store around! Love it, love it, love it!!

(and now that it's even closer to me, i can feed my addiction more frequently)

Frockly T-Shirt Giveaway

I'm posting a little advert to give a little pub to a good friend of mine. He's started a t-shirt store online that, for now, caters to the awesomeness that is BYU football. There's also a little giveaway that I'll provide a link to:

Frockly T-Shirt Giveaway: "I want to win Frockly's t-shirt giveaway"

To Ute fans: I wouldn't expect you to understand how to navigate to the page or use the shopping cart through your meth/whiskey induced haze, so please disregard this post.

Blowed Up Hair

Savy woke up from her nap one day and her hair was "all blowed up!" (a phrase used most frequently by gma and gpa stroman). I think she looks super sexy!

Cougar Inspiration

Cougar football season has begun.  If you know my husband at all, you know he's a loyal cougar football fan (eventhough he never attended BYU).  Being married to him for five years, I have also become quite the fan.  Saturday was our first opportunity this year to see them play, and we were not disappointed.  It was a good game, but not good enough for me to blog about.  What is blogworthy was the fireside we attended the night before.  Sammy and I are both youth leaders in our ward, and our youth was invited to a fireside put on by the BYU football team and coach.  It was great.  The spirit those young men carry with them is incredible, and I count myself blessed to hear some of them share their testimonies.  These are the few pointers that stuck in my head...

Be an example.  Examples of people around us aren't the main influence in our lives, it's the ONLY influence.  Lift those around you up.  Build and strengthen one another.  Be a worthy example of who you truly are...a son and daughter of God.

Study and apply the scriptures to our lives.  I'm sure God inspired James to write the famous scripture that lead Joseph Smith to ask our Father in Heaven which church he should belong to.  There's a scripture written out their specifically for me. Treasure the scriptures, study them as often as possible, believe in them, and apply them to our lives.

It is a privilege to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Stand up for what is right, put forth some effort in doing what is right, and be proud to be a member of this great and marvelous work.

Quest for perfection.  Strive to be perfect even as the Savior is.  Be honest with yourself and do your best.  We don't have to be perfect, but we do have to do our best.  Have a talk with yourself and see if you're sincerely doing your best.  Do your absolute best in one thing, then try to do your absolute best in another area.  Quest for perfection.

These were just a few snippets of the great stuff that was shared that night.  My spirit was touched by what was said, and I have been inspired to do better, no, to do my honest, sincere, best at what I do.