To My Daughters/Young Woman: Preparing For Your Happily Ever After

               

           I couldn’t believe it! I was about to be sealed to my eternal companion. I had so many feelings going through me; nervous, scared, and full of love. He was so handsome dressed in his white attire. I started to cry. It was such a special occasion for me; especially since my Grandpa was the one doing the sealing. I felt like a Princess about to become a Queen. I found my Prince Charming and I was his forever. He was everything I hoped for; tall, dark, and handsome. When I say tall; I mean 6ft 7in. tall! His blue eyes, dark hair and quiet personality made him who he is; but most importantly it was who he was that I truly fell in love with: a worthy priesthood holder who showed that by how he lived. His actions always spoke louder than his words. I felt blessed and I couldn’t help but wonder how I got so lucky. I realized it was through the Lord and a change that started years before in myself that got me there today.  A true change that started when I was only 15 years old.

That change in my spiritual self that I experienced I hope can help you, as a young woman or young single adult woman, that can prepare you for your Happily Ever After, like it prepared me.

I want to say I am far from perfect but I knew what I wanted in life. As many, I grew up in the church, and wanted that Dream Princess wedding. The beautiful gown, the hair, shoes, makeup, pictures, and of course being sealed to my prince in my favorite temple. But I didn’t just want any Prince; I had a “List” like all girls do about the qualities they want in a husband. I got those qualities; but it all started with me and who I was…

 It all started with listening to an EFY talk on CD called “What girls wish guys knew and Vice Versa” by Curtis Jacobs. (Seriously, go buy and listen to this talk…it will change your life!)  He talked about the qualities that girls wanted in guys and that guys wanted in girls.  But one thing he said really stood out to me.

                “If you want a good return missionary; then you be a good girl now.”

That hit my soul! If I wanted a good, worthy, return missionary, who will be the best husband and father to me and my children. I better be a good girl now. Not tomorrow, not right before I’m about to get sealed in the temple or even start dating.  I needed to change NOW! I had to be that list of qualities that I wanted in my future spouse. That’s when I started to look at my life and who I really was and what I really wanted.  I wanted that great marriage I see others have and I was willing to change.

It first started with my spiritual wellbeing. Reading scriptures, saying prayers, church attendance and paying a full tithe. I did all these things anyway but I wanted a testimony of it. How can I expect to marry someone with a strong testimony if I didn’t even have one myself. My testimony had to be my own and I could stand behind what I believed no matter what.

Next was my change in Media. I didn’t watch bad movies but those “it’s just one scene” or “there’s only a few bad words” effect you more than you know. So, I set a standard for myself that I wouldn’t watch anything my little sister couldn’t watch (who was ten years younger than me). I’ll never forget going through my movies and just throwing them away. The more I tossed them the better I felt. I was getting rid of things that really didn’t matter. The same goes with music, books, and all sorts of media that surrounds us. If I can’t feel the spirit while listening, watching, or reading; I don’t need to listen, watch, or read it. To this day, ten years later, this standard is still in my home. Which is good because I now Have three little girls of my own.

     Modesty. I always dressed modest but I wanted who I was to be modest too. This included how I talked to people, my character, and the language I used. But it started with how I dressed. Did my dress and skirts reach my knees. Was my clothing too tight? Were my arms covered? Was there too much cleavage showing.  Your whole wardrobe shouldn’t change just because you go to the temple; it should change because that’s your goal; The Temple!

“But guys only look at girls who have tight clothing and shorter skirts.” WRONG! In fact, my brother who just got back from a mission and has been going on dates with a lot of cute girls and many who wanted to go on dates with him but he wasn’t interested, so I eventually asked him why? He said “Amy, it’s because they dress immodest and that’s not what I’m looking for.” Girls, there are good men out there and how you dress will either attract or detract from the kind of people who will ask you out and eventually marry.  I married one of those good men.

Another talk that changed who I was, was given by Elder Richard G. Scott called “The Transforming power of faith and character.”

Here’s the link: (read it!)

 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-transforming-power-of-faith-and-character?lang=eng

                Next, being and staying Virtuous. As young woman we are talked to a lot about being virtuous and saving it until marriage. Now, some of you may have made mistakes; and while physical things cannot be restored, virtue can. The atonement is strong and works and you can be made whole again. 

                So why? Why is it so important?  I’ll never forget after the sealing was done and the reception party was over we were driving to Salt Lake to our first night as husband and wife. My husband was so nervous and talking more than usual and I couldn’t help but laugh, since he usually is more quiet.  But my conscience was clear, I saved myself for him and he for me. It was special and there was no other thoughts of another person, or hurt, or broken heartache. When you play with fire before marriage; the only thing it can do is burn. It leaves scars. When you do something so sacred and something that only expresses the highest form of love outside the bonds of marriage it; it leaves behind empty promises, and broken hearts. Know that a man who truly loves you will guard your virtue and treat you as the daughter of God you are and deserve. Also, in return do the same for him; stay virtuous, it makes it easier for the both of you to reach your goal of temple marriage.

                Friends. Friends influence you more than you know. Look at what your friends do, how they act, how they treat others. You can be a good influence on your friends and make a change. Stand up for yourself and those around you. Include everyone. In fact you may even marry one of your friends…I did!

                I met Gerret back in High School Sophomore year. We worked at the YMCA as lifeguards. It wasn’t until Junior year that we had a Chemistry class together. At the beginning of the semester I sat on the opposite side of the room from him. Coach Walling announced that the next day we better sit where we wanted because that would be our assign seating for the rest of the semester. I’m grateful for the Holy Ghost and the prompting to go sit next to that tall and quiet boy who intrigued me the next day. We became friends, lab partners, and who knew that five years later we would become permanent eternal partners.

                He was my friend and still is. He influences me more than anyone and for the better.

Young woman as you change your inner beauty will become your outer beauty. Have you ever met someone who is just beautiful because of the kind of person they are? I have. They just glow because of the goodness that radiates from them. I honestly believe that verse in Matthew 6: 22 ”The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”  True beauty is who you are on the inside. No make-up, high end clothing, or what your body looks like can replace what true beauty is; your inner righteousness.

Trust in the Lords timing. I remember coming to college and thinking I’d be the typical Mormon girl who got married right away and was living the dream. But it didn’t happen and now I look back and I’m glad it didn’t. I got married at 22…3 years later than what I expected. I had a lot of fun dating though during those years I learned a lot about myself.  In fact, I couldn’t have gotten married because my now husband was on a mission during the time and the Lord knew that. (It’s an amazing story in itself and I know the Lords hand was in everything). So trust in him. Trust that he is preparing you and maybe he is preparing someone else to be worthy as well. The Lord can work wonders and sometimes wonders can take time. I would do it all again knowing that what I have now was SO worth the wait…in fact I would wait longer if it meant I would be with Gerret! For some that wait may be not until the next life, but the promise that if you continue to do all you can those blessings of eternal marriage will come. In a way it’s a comfort knowing that if you do your part the Lord will do his.
The Lord knows you best and exactly what you need. Remember that list I talked about earlier. Well over the years it changed and it got smaller and smaller. In the end I just wanted a good man who would love me and was worthy. Who would be a great father and husband. That is what I got and so much more. So, make your list of things that truly matter and the Lord will take care of the rest...and maybe some tall, dark and handsome may just be part of the deal. 

Young woman, stay close to the Lord and your Happily Ever After will happen. Keep your standards high because if you do the Lord will prepare a young man for you who has those same standards.  Water reaches its own level (as in; you marry the person who is like you). You are choice daughters and he loves you so much. I’m grateful for the influence of leaders, the gospel and friends who helped me shape who I am today and especially my Prince Charming who made righteous choices; that he became my Happily Ever After.

With  Love, Amy  

EASY DIY: Stockings!

 

We had a girls sewing night last night and while I was finishing my Christmas Present for my Mother-in-law my friends where making these ADORABLE stockings! I had to go home and try since they were the cutest things I have ever seen.

    They were easy to make and I used scraps I had. Now, Mine are all different because I used scraps but if you want ALL of yours identical: I have a TRICK for you to make it go by super fast and EASY...So read EVERY step before starting.

Step 1
Take an old stocking and trace it onto poster board leaving about a 1/2in. between the stocking and outline.

Step 2:

Take Your scrap material and make sure the WHOLE matterial fits the stocking pattern. This will ensure that the strips you cut will fit the stocking without tons of moving around.

Step 3:

FIRST: If you want them ALL Identical...DO NOT cut just yet. You went and bought material but instead of cutting them for each individual stocking just cut long 4in. strips and sew them together...like you are making a big stripe blanket. Then you take the  stocking pattern place it on the sewn material and cut around it and move over a little bit and cut another one. It saves SOO much time and effort. (I hope that makes sense. I drew picture to try and explain.

BUT if you just have scraps:  THEN, Cut into 4 in. Strips. Do STEPS 1-3 with all your scraps.

Step 4. IRON. Seriously....Iron those strips of material! It will make it look super nice and ENSURE that the pieces fit together. It also makes sewing them together easier

Step 5: Make your Patterns (For ALL of the stockings). Each stocking will have 5 strips of material.  The reason you do all of them is so that you know what material is being used for which and what you have left over. This is so that you can use all scraps and it's easier to rearrange ahead of time instead of sewing and making them as you go and realizing you don't have enough of one color.

Step 6:

Cut out 2 white stockings for each ONE patterned stocking. This will be your lining/back of the stocking

Step7:

Now for the sewing! Once you have all your patterns arranged it's time to sew them together. Now...Here's a TRICK: Make sure when you sew that one side has ALL the stripes lined up; as shown in the picture. (This makes it so that even if they are different lengths on the other side...it will still fit your stocking pattern)

Step 8:

Cut out your stocking

Step 9:

Place the white cut out stocking in front and one in back. Line them up as close as you can. 

Step 10:

Sew around the edges...DO NOT sew the top of the stocking where the opening is going to be.

Step 11:

Flip it inside out. Now here's the tricky part. The front of the stocking is going to have a lining too. So grab the front and the lining in one hand and the other white stocking in the other and flip it. If you see the seams from the patterns...DON'T worry...Just try again, but grab the OTHER white stocking with the patterned stocking and flip....it should look like this:

Step 12:

The top may not be even so cut it until all the material is lined up with one another...it shouldn't be a lot of material. 

Step 13:

Fold the top in and pin... Don't forget the pattern also has a white back...so don't pin the two white stockings together. 

Step 14:

Cut a 6in. piece of ribbon and pin it to the stocking

Step 15:

Sew the top all the way around; take out those pins...and You are DONE!

Merry Christmas, from my house to yours!

Amy

 

Christmas on Sunday bumming you out? Keeping Perspective

    

       I’m not going to lie. When I realized Christmas was on a Sunday I was a little put out. I was looking forward to spending the whole day in my Pajamas (no make-up), chilling, going nowhere, and watching Finding Dory with my little ones; especially my two-year-old who LOVES Finding Nemo. Due to our Strict Sunday Observance, even as a family, chilling and staying in our pajamas and watching Finding Dory was sort of thrown out the window. Instead we would be getting dressed and heading to church and following our "Sunday to Do List" to keep in perspective. Then I was humbled...very humbled.

        My Five minutes of being bummed with Christmas on Sunday drew me to have a heart-felt prayer. I knew Satan didn’t want me to enjoy Christmas and all those “natural man” things I wanted to do really weren’t important AT ALL!  After all, the reason we go to church and celebrate Christmas is the same reason: Jesus Christ.

I started to think of ways that I could make this Christmas the best and I’m now SUPER excited and I wanted to share just in case anyone was feeling the same way. I also came up with some NEW Family Traditions I’m excited to start.

 1.  My mom Started a tradition when we were kids that Santa would come from somewhere around the world and leave gifts, food, and a story of how they celebrate Christmas from that particular place. I have continued that tradition with my family and this year Santa will be coming from Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. I will include foods that Jesus ate as a kid and other fun facts and anything I can come up with.

       2. Do “Light the World” that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints put out. It’s 25 days of Christ-like things we can do to make the world a better place. I’ve been doing them, somedays are better than others, but I can really see a difference in my home and perspective.

https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_25-11-2016_dMIS_fmorg_xLIDyL1-A_

      3.  Instead of watching movies on Christmas, we will open Finding Dory Christmas Eve and eat “Sticky Popcorn,” Gerret’s favorite treat, and watch the movie together as a family in our New Pajamas. Then after that, read the Christmas Story and off to bed!

       4. Sunday Morning after presents and all the excitement I will read and explain to my children the reason we are going to church and the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

       5.  After church, I’ll prepare dinner while the kids are taking a nap and later…We’ll play some fun games as a family that we got the kids.

I still get to do all the fun things I want, PLUS I get to have the spirit in my home as we do things as a family; based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I feel really blessed that I get to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ and THEN I get to go to Church and partake of the Sacrament, which represents WHY he was born. I get his whole life purpose in ONE DAY!!! That’s what Christmas is really all about; Jesus Christ. I’m glad it’s on a Sunday this year and I hope you are too!

From my house to yours,

Amy

Restoring Faith in Motherhood

     As a mother of two and almost three I often think how it would be so nice to have my "Body" back. I'm pretty sure we have all been through this. I was recently looking at my wedding pictures and pictures before I was married and I’m not going to lie; I looked pretty good! I Immediately thought: Man, my body is not the same; I have saggy skin in places that used to be tight due to a large amount of stretching in a short 9 months and no matter how many sit-ups I do it won’t be the same. With having two kids under two and a third on the way I have more stretch marks that I thought were possible. But right after I thought that I looked over and my two year old is asleep next to me with Finding Nemo playing on the T.V. (Her new favorite show at the moment) and it dawned on me;  “Would I replace my “used to be body” for this?” No, no I wouldn’t. That means I would be replacing “mama’s, smiles, first words, first steps, “YAY” when clapping,  endless watching of Barbie, Sophia, and Finding Nemo, park and water play time, opportunities to learn, opportunities to teach and so much more. 

   While days aren’t perfect and my toddler having to tolerate me ;) What better way to spend my time, money and life than watching my beautiful children grow…and here’s why:

   A few months ago I had a real confirmation to me why motherhood was so important. I had some overwhelming days as anyone does and that’s when doubts about motherhood sometimes start to sink in.  I was tiding up my house when the kids were sleeping when my Heavenly Father confirmed to me I was doing a great work.  I was walking to my bedroom when I thought, “How does Heavenly Father do it, he has millions of children and I’m trying to raise two!!! Yet it’s his greatest work and his glory…GLORY! That means he likes it!  Is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man and he has millions of people to worry about.” Then it dawned on me. “if his greatest work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man then that means I am a key part in that work. I, as a mother help bring his children into this world, to raise and teach them in this gospel so that they can receive eternal life.” Then it hit me again “Uh, OH….I better be a better mom!!!” Then a soft feeling came over me that I was doing a good job,  that I am helping raise two children in the gospel to the best of my capabilities and I know that when days are rough the Lord is right there beside me. I came to the conclusion:   

                                       

 “Why would I change my body that has housed little precious spirits to come into this world to gain eternal life. I’m involved hand in hand in God’s greatest work and something that not only makes him happy, but me as well!

  While I’m still trying to be healthier, eat right and exercise I know my body won’t be the same and I’m okay with that and you should be too! So, don't count the jean size: Count the smiles...because one day they'll be grown up and gone.

From my house to yours,

Amy

More than a Visit

I've been thinking a lot lately about how often we "miss the point of Visiting Teaching." It is not just an at home visit where we talk and share a gospel message. It is to create a trust and friendship through service in which we can help those sisters we were assigned to draw closer to Christ. 

 I've had many experiences within the last year that has shown me the importance of "true" Visiting teaching. I'm grateful for the wonderful visiting teachers in my life who are such a great example to me. 

 My first experience started when I was first married. I had to work Sunday's all the time but my visiting teachers never missed a month to visit me and worked around my schedule. Little did they know the effect they had on me. They were my connection to the church, ward, and become my close friends. It was a connection I needed. This is where is really hit me how important visiting teaching was.

  Now, all I needed was a visit at that time and that's really all I need now. I enjoy talking to adults and it is a break for me from the everyday tasks and maybe that's all your sister needs but sometimes it's something more.

  If you look at the comic I drew it is a sister who just got done being taught and her teachers ask if she needs anything. Her response is a normal response "No, I'm doing great, but thanks!" They end up leaving and are happy she is doing good but look around her... Her dishes need done, juice is spilled on the floor, kids are crying, dinner is burning, and a look of distress is on her face. OF COURSE SHE NEEDS HELP! Are we so caught up in our checklist of visiting teaching that we are really not serving those that need it.

 Instead of asking and accepting the answer, just do. We need to hear with our eyes and NOT our ears. We can see when someone is in need.

   Most of the time sisters will say "they are doing fine," and most of the time they are; but if we really are observing and getting to know these girls we teach, then we will know that those "doing fine" days are days when she may really need a pick me up.

We never may know fully what are sisters are going through. Sometimes they just need a friend, someone to talk to, someone to say it's going to be okay, a hug, a note, a meal, company, someone to teach them how to do something (cooking, sewing, etc.), a smile. 

I also want to talk about the 100%. It's not the number but what the number means: It's means that every single girl in your ward has been checked up on, that every single girl has a friend, someone to talk to, someone to rely on. When we don't get that number it means that someone is missing out on that friendship, love, fellowship as sisters in Christ. Someone that may really need it. It's our way to create a bond with those in our ward to uplift each other and when that 100% isn't reached that means that someone is left behind. The RS Pres. can not do it all and that's why your sisters are so important.

Now I understand that life gets busy, but you are never to busy to serve. Service doesn't have to be big. Remember: It's the little things that count and make a big difference in people's lives. Service is just helping a friend in need. 

"People who need people, are the luckiest people in the world."-unkown

So Here's some tips:

1. First Observe, then Serve. 

2. Be a friend/Don't judge

3. Don't wait to be asked to serve.

4.  Cookies, meals, and genuine notes 

5. Invite to activities

6. listen, listen, LISTEN!

I'm trying to be better at visiting teaching and I hope you can to!

From my house to yours.

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

This crock pot lasagna is a favorite at my house and it's a little bit healthier than normal lasagna. I use ground turkey which gives it a texture and flavor that is just to die for! (I tried using beef once and it didn't turn out as good)

Follow the directions exactly...Even the part where you are boiling the meat. Seriously! boil it up!! You'll thank me.

Enjoy!

Ain't no Ad about it! Funny Story

Funny Story:

   So I was trying to get into Blogging and hopefully make a few extra bucks out of it too with displaying ads. "Why not turn a hobby into a paycheck!" Right???  Then I can save for my Husbands Masters Program and eventually Doctorate since he wants to be a Professor. Well, it turns out it was more complicated than that. I actually had to pay money to create my own website with a monthly fee.

Now, Here's the FUNNY PART:

So, my husband comes home and I say, "Honey, I have this detriment!! I can't make money unless I pay money! I just want a monthly income" (sigh, sad face)

He responds: "You do!"
Me: No I don't!
Him: Yeah, you do....my WHOLE paycheck!!! (We both start laughing)

Bahahahaha.....poor kid! (We're still laughing!) But keep reading...

Just to Clarify: I do NOT spend all his (our) money. We budget together and I make sure we have enough in savings and mostly/if not all is spent on things we need; like diapers, clothes, etc. I'm usually the one spending the money since he has school and work and so I do the shopping for what we need. He is the most selfless man and I'm grateful for him in my life. He is such a hard worker and takes care of our family. I have seen the blessings of tithing and being faithful to that promise in our lives more than I can imagine. The Lord is truly good to us and I'm so blessed.

From my house to your,

Amy