Familial Mannerisms

Two seemingly unrelated experiences this week have made me think a lot this week about family.

I was talking with my friend about his twin nieces this week. He told me that they are identical, but that he can tell them apart by their mannerisms and personalities. At the same time, you can tell they are sisters by the way they interact, and not just because they are twins.

I got to spend time with my uncle, aunt, and cousin this week. While I was talking with my uncle, I couldn't help but feel it was so similar to talking with my dad (his brother).

It makes me wonder how similar my mannerisms are to my family members. I am geographically close to one of my siblings that I really grew up with, but I wonder how much we are all similar in some of the things we say, how we say things, how we talk, how we move, act, and so forth. It made me think a lot about it. Do you see familial mannerisms in YOUR family??

Something Funny...

There is something I noticed today in my ward. Being in a singles' ward is so interesting. The thing I noticed today. We often talk about the things we have to do in our lives, and it usually goes something like this, "We have school, work, dating, etc." And that's it. Those are apparently the only 3 things that get noticed. I have to laugh that the other things we can focus on get shifted, to that etc category. That etc category is often made up of our dreams, our goals, our hobbies, the adventures we have...the things that make us who we are! I don't want my life to be narrowed down to 3 things (which some don't really apply to me!)

LIVE THE ETC!!!!

Blanket Power!

I have been known to wish for "a couch, a blanket, and a boy", especially when weather is gloomy and I just want to huddle down for the day. The other day, my friend Tashina and I determined some of the awesomeness that comes JUST from a blanket. I would like to share those with you now :)



 They understand that sometimes you need more than they can give, like hot cocoa and a fire
 They inspire creativity, like they can be a cape, or a fort or whatever you imagine.
 They don’t care if you’re sick, they will love you anyway
 They nurture you when you are sick and you can’t get them sick
 They don’t judge if the only think you eat all day is ice cream
 They meet your needs in that if only your feet need warmth, or all of you.
 They’re way soft all over. You don’t need to strategically place your head in a comfortable position.
 They don’t judge if you are feeling extra fluffy yourself, they still hug you all over. In fact they really enjoy your curves
 They don’t give advice, they just hold and comfort you
 They don’t ever leave you for someone else. They know if you are away for awhile, it’s not them, and you will always come back to them.
 Always ready and willing
 Always keep secrets
 Never jealous. No matter how many other blankets and pillows are involved.
 They like to be outside and inside
 Perfect for any season
 Ever faithful
 Blankets don’t have to move when you’re comfortable because they don’t have arms that lose circulation
 You always know they are free
 Magical powers

As you can see, blankets rock my world.


Photo credit: http://www.filminthefridge.com/2010/11/17/one-more-blanket-ok/

Truly Letting Go

I had a final epiphany this week. I have been struggling with/through something for the last few months, and I came to the realization that I want to have people in my life that want me in their life. I deserve to have people who show me that they care, who show me they want me to be in their life. I want people who truly know me, instead of thinking they know who I am. I don't like when people make assumptions about me...you know what happens when you assume...This week I finally let go. Let me tell you, it has been a difficult road.

If there is someone/something in your life that has been a good thing, it can be almost impossible to truly let go until you get to that point for yourself when you understand that you aren't being true to yourself, to who you are trying to become, to your future. It makes me sad to have to be done with this part of my life, but it wasn't making me happy, I was trying to fix something that apparently wasn't worth mending, and I came to the realization that I deserved more.

I even have a reminder on my mirror :)

I have done all I can do. Now I get to move on. Truly letting go is liberating.

Quick shout out to my friends and family who have been a huge support through the last few months! THANK YOU!!

My mom...

This past week, my mom, this adorable lady, had a birthday!

I was thinking about the example she has been to me throughout my life, all she has done for me, and it got me to thinking, how do I show my appreciation for all she has give and done, all her sacrifices, and her example?

The answer came to me in the example of the Savior..."go and do likewise".

My mom will most likely be embarrassed by this post, but I have to share the thoughts about her example. I can strive to become like she is, to be giving, serving others, to have a great sense of humor, to be humble and prayerful, creative and crafty. I don't think she has any idea at how amazing she really is. If I can "do likewise" to her life, I will become an amazing person. AND, as I become like her, I will also become like my Savior, Jesus Christ. She has been that example to me.

SO, I encourage you to find people in your life, and determine what qualities they show you, and then "go and do likewise", or "go and BECOME likewise". You will be happier for it. I promise!