A Year of Blessings (The Tender Mercies of the Lord)

         I just finished putting my baby to bed and it’s about 2 hours until the New Year starts. As I was holding her I started thinking about all the blessings of this past year that have happened to our family and me individually.  It definitely has been a year full of trial and stress but I can’t help but see the Lord’s hand in our life and how he blessed us every step of the way.

        It started at the Beginning of the year and a little at the end of 2016. When we applied for an apartment (suggested by a friend) that had 6month to a year waiting list. We got a call 2 weeks later saying they had a bottom floor, 3 bedroom apartment available since all the other applications didn’t qualify. Which is EXACTLY what I wanted/needed for my family. The Lord blessed me with the strength I didn’t have to pack up an apartment while I was 37 weeks pregnant and sent angels from my ward and family to help me move TWO days before I had my baby.

     The next big blessing came a couple months later while I was visiting my sister. (We were tight on money since we had 3 kids in diapers and so close to finishing school.) While I was visiting we were driving around she was telling me how she was stressed out because she couldn’t find a Daycare that would take all of her kids so she could keep going to nursing school. The thought came over me and I said, “Well maybe I can watch them.” She looked at me and said, “You’re joking, it’s too good to be true! I would even pay you!” I told her “No,” but she replied “Amy, someone is going to get paid and it’s either going to be you or a daycare.” She said she was praying for a solution and I was praying for extra income. The Lord knew both our needs and blessed us both. I knew it wasn’t a coincidence that I decided to go visit her.

(We were all excited when my husband came to visit while we were gone all summer along with our Christmas in July Party.)

     Then after we came home from a summer of watching kids and celebrating my husbands hard work from graduating college the extra income stopped, but soon after my husband got promoted to Dairy Manager. The Lord just kept blessing us with one thing after the other to help our little family to continue to be provided for. 

    Then in November we had interviews for a Job we applied for back in April. Lots of prayers were going up and fasting that we would get this job. The Interview came and a couple weeks later we got an email saying we would not proceed to the next step. Surprisingly a peaceful feeling came over me that it was going to be okay and we were not supposed to get the job that there is something else. It was confirmed to me when we went to my in-laws and my Father in law said the same thing to us He said, “Me and Angela were talking and thought you know they weren’t supposed to get this job because your needed elsewhere.” It’s been interesting ever since that point on how things have been adding up with other opportunities that we are looking at and I’m excited.

     It ended with December and started with decorating my house. My mother has a wonderful talent of decorating and crafting. She made this beautiful lantern center piece that I really wanted to duplicate. So I was keeping my eye out for a lantern on sale or hoping to find one at a Thrift Store.  Since brand new they can cost well over $30. Well one evening I went DI (Deseret Industries), just to get out of the house while the kids were in bed. I walked around the store wandering and didn’t find anything so I left. As I was walking to my car the thought came to me “Come back tomorrow to look for your decorations for your center piece.” I thought, “okay, I guess I’m coming back tomorrow. My husband came home from work the next day and I left. I was so excited to find my lantern and pieces for my center piece. I got there and looked down every possible isle it could be down at least 3 times. I lifted up all the decorations and scavenged the holiday décor only to find nothing. I felt I should look one more time. So I did. I found these beautiful burlap flowers, this wood circle and all the stuff to put together this woodsy/chic center piece, but still no lanterns. There was only one more place I could look which was the wood area. So I go over and I’m looking through everything. Finally, at the end of the isle right before the lamp shades I say a little prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father I would really like to find some lanterns for my center piece, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” I open my eyes, look to my right and on the top shelf by all the lamps are two big lanterns side by side. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father. Hurried and picked them up and put them in my cart to find they were only $2/piece!

    So many more blessings came the following couple weeks with presents for my family and so much more. This year seems it has been blessing after blessing. The Lord is truly aware of us from the Big things like finances to the little things like a center piece lantern. They come with friends telling you about a place you should apply for, or a sister who needs help but ends up blessing you in return. It comes from promptings of going to a store when you weren’t planning on shopping or listening to a neighbor. It comes from paying your tithing, reading your scriptures, or serving your neighbor and visiting teaching your girls. It comes from you, from us, from the Lord. I’m so grateful for the people and the gospel in my life. This truly is the tip of the iceberg with the blessings that my family has received and I hope I can stay tuned so that I can bless others in this next year to come. I also hope that you can look for the blessings in your life and fill your heart with gratitude especially in this year to come.  

Buying Modest Clothing at a Good Deal

   I hear ya! It's the ultimate search to find a good, long enough, cute enough modest piece of clothing that covers you and at a good price too!

     It started this year when I really wanted to narrow my closet down to basic items I can just put on without so many layers. I've been to a lot of boutiques and shopping malls but sometimes the price for the cute, modest top, is a little out of my budget. I love a good deal and I knew I could find one if I looked hard enough...and with a little prayer and some searching I did! I wanted to share with you what I have found so that you can thank your wallet and dress amazingly modest.   

Amazon is my go to for things like this. I know it is safe and reliable which is a priority when shopping online. Here are some cute items I found and can't wait to get! The Best part is almost ALL of them are under $10!
   
Top #1          
Top #2                                                   
Top #3

Top #4                                                       

Top#5                                

Top #6

Stay tuned for more modest finds....Dresses are next!

From my house to yours, 

Amy

No Job and Two Answered Prayers.

     

  

This quote is so dear to me Now and so True! Here is why:

     I was heading to Boise area to see my sister. I was so excited. It was a blessing getting there in the first place. Not to go into too much back story just read my post “A diaper of a Blessing: The Last 12 Diapers.”

   While I was there I told her about the online Job I didn’t get. It is our last semester of college and if I could work just a little bit we would graduate debt free. My husband was already working full time and doing his internship and we are in the last stretch. We were making enough for bills and everything but no more. I told her how I was so confused since they emailed me back almost immediately saying how I was so qualified and I even had two interviews with them and in the feed back they said I did great and it was what they were looking for. Then all of the sudden I got a response saying that they will no longer continue with my application. Sad day. I was confused and disappointed since their feedback was basically “You got the Job.”

   Well the visit went on and we were driving to her friends house to help her with her animals. My sister started talking about how she was so frustrated and stressed. She was about to start nursing school and doesn’t know what to do with her oldest son since her other daycare (who took care of her other two) won’t take care of him since he is above the age limit of that certain daycare. He had nowhere to go once school was out and Summer started.

   I thought for a few min. and said “Well, maybe I can come for the summer and watch them? ( Since I wasn’t busy with the Job I didn’t get.)  “Let me talk to my husband first but I think it will be okay.”  

She said, “Really? You’re joking me? That would be just a blessing! It’s too good to be true! I would even pay you!”

“Really? No, I’m your sister?”

“No, someone is going to get paid, whether it’s you or the daycare.”

“That would be such a BLESSING! Let me call my husband now!”

(Of course he said it was okay 😊)

    I didn’t think of it in the moment but I dawned on me later. I didn’t get the Job that I was highly qualified for because the Lord knew my sisters prayer of needing to find a babysitter. He also knew my prayer of needing some supplementary income. Both prayers were answered. My sister now has a babysitter All summer for ALL three of her children. I now have a “job” in which I will be getting some income. The Lord also knew that I wouldn’t be able to do both since I would be working from 3am-6am if I did get the other job.

      I’ve learned the Lord truly answers many prayers and usually not in the way you expect it. I know it always works out in the end. Oh, and even better; my husband got a part time Job with Security on campus for the Rest of the semester that he applied to the day before; which is ANOTHER blessing: Because He’ll pretty much be busy even if I was home AND extra income.

So ALL THE BLESSINGS:

-Extra Income coming in

-I get to spend the WHOLE summer with my sister

-My Husband will be busy whether I was home or not (even though I’ll miss him tremendously…thank goodness for phones and google hangouts)

-My children get to play with cousins ALL summer

-My sister now has a babysitter.

-I get to plant a garden (She said I could use her garden beds if I wanted) I’m SO EXCITED!!

Pretty much ALL the desires of my heart where answered. It was just the timing…for which I am grateful. The Lord really answers prayers; AND sometimes two in one.

A "Diaper" of a Blessing: The Last 12 Diapers.

        I couldn't believe it! Pay day came! (I'm pretty sure it's the most exciting day in human history). I started to do the budget and realized that we just had enough to cover bills and diapers for the rest of the month. I got really sad. I've been planning for about a month on visiting my sister next week and we've been making plans. The thing is; I still had to buy diapers for my baby since she only had 12 diapers left (then the diaper money I budgeted would go towards more at end of the month).  As priority I knew I had to tell my sister I had to cancel since I needed to use the gas money towards diapers. I'm not going to lie. My heart was really heavy and sad because we were also on the LAST semester of College and if I keep to this budget we will graduate debt free which is why I wanted to stick to it so bad.
   I called her that night to tell her the sad news and she told me, "Amy, I'm not worried and you know why? The Lord will take care of you because you have children to take care of." I knew it would be okay, but I still wanted to visit her.

    Then the next morning I had a feeling to go check the linen closet for more diapers....

Back Story: A couple days before I knew I had some diapers in the linen closet; an opened package and one other package (they were extra from my previous baby, that were extra I saved). I went to check to see what size they were. As I remembered I had one opened packaged and one closed packaged; no more, no less. I checked the size: Size 3. My baby was in size 2 but I tried them on and they fit perfectly. It was a blessing in and of itself.  At the same time I also applied for an online job in which I didn't get so as you can tell I was a little overwhelmed when I realized I was back to a tight budget. Well, then pay day came and...

   
     I had a feeling to go check the linen closet one more time. As I pulled away the curtain ( I use a large shelf as a linen closet) and you wouldn't believe it... I saw some diapers!!!  I pulled them out and saw more, and more, and more!!! I was shocked...I had 5 packs of unopened diapers!!! OVER 100 diapers! ALL SIZE 3!!! I went and told my husband what I had found! I immediatley felt overwhelmed with gratitude for my Heavenly Father. I did not see those diapers last week when I pulled out the other ones. I knew the Lord had blessed me. I started to cry. I was so overwhelmed by the love the Lord had shown me through some diapers. He really cares about me. Even if that caring is allowing me to see my sister.

      I know things like this are not coincidences. Even if the Lord covered my eyes not to see the diapers until right when I needed them. Or to put diapers there, who knows! All I know is that the Spirit prompted me and the Lord Blessed me. He truly cares about our lives, our happiness and even visiting a sister. I don't need to go to Boise, but I really wanted to and the Lord took that into consideration and made it Possible!

I know he will do the same for you. It is always in the right moment, and sometimes the last moment that the Blessing comes! It's ALWAYS right when you need it and I know that is true.

   I know this is true in the Name of Jesus Christ,
AMEN!!!!

No Degree is Ever Wasted In Motherhood

“No Degree is ever wasted when you choose Motherhood”

                Have you ever had the thought as the days are long and the budget is super tight that you wish you could use the degree you just spent tons of money on to help support your family. I know I have. I used to think “We could be living so much better right now by how much money I could be making using my degree.” But in reality, you can use your High Earned Degree in Motherhood to help you not only save money; but to raise wonderful children and here’s how. According to Salary.com for 2016, Stay at Home Mom's are worth: $112,962!!! That's A LOT of money! 
   (click on Website to see full image:) http://www.salary.com/stay-at-home-mom-infographic/

               Now, I don’t care what degree you got; everything from Biology to Accounting all the way to Health Science, from English to Engineering to Family and Marriage there is a use for it in Motherhood. Now, I’m going to share my example of how I use my Health Science, with an emphasis in Public Health, in my home, EVERYDAY, to help my family.

                As I said; I majored in Health Science, but before that I was also a certified Water Aerobics instructor (for 4 years), took a class to be a certified Fitness Instructor, CPR certified, took classes in Nutrition, public Programming and so much more, I know a ton about the body, how it works, how to help people and it’s fascinates me; but I always wanted to use it in the working world. I wanted to prove my worth that I am making a contribution to society. I wanted to continue to teach, to create programs…but I chose to be a stay at home mommy (Which I LOVE!!!) and in fact IS making a contribution to the world. Sometimes it’s hard to see because we as a people look at value by our “paycheck” and how much money is in our account. But REAL worth isn’t a paycheck it’s what you do to contribute to society. But I do really admire all you hardworking Mommy’s who have to work from home or away from home and then come home to do be mommy to your kids…Now, THAT’S superwoman!!! I understand that some mom’s have to work and I have great admiration because I would probably be so tired and stressed that I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. You guys have my complete respect from me and no judgment here.

                Going back to my degree…I HAD TONS of qualifications. My husband was working (he's a hard worker, like most men who provide for their families and for that I am grateful!) and we had sufficient for our needs but at one point I felt so useless having all these things I accomplished and all I was doing was changing diapers and preparing food; I thought that until recently…

                My husband came home from work and I was cooking dinner. He came up to me and said, “Amy, I’m so glad you cook and eat healthy because if you didn’t I probably would be eating junk food all day.” (Note: He has the biggest sweet tooth). I honestly don’t remember what I was cooking, but I do remember what he said and I really thought about that over the last week. Wow, I am using what I have learned to help my family. I am using my degree to make healthy meals for my family to eat. Then recently I have started a “Amy’s Home Cardio Workouts,” Because the last month I opened and then canceled the next day a gym membership because we couldn’t afford it (after I really looked at our budget) but I took my knowledge and my over 4 years of teaching Water Aeorobics, plus Fitness Instructor course I took, and made my own home workouts for FREE! This saves me over: $532/year! But even better I was able to share my knowledge and still feel like I was using my degree to help people including my family. When I do my workouts my girls dance to my pumped up music and especially my 1 ½ year old…who loves to do pushups with me (in her cute little dress up heals).  I am teaching my family the value of exercise. I realized I am NOT wasting my Degree and neither are you.

                Here’s some examples. If you are a

Business/Accounting major you probably can budget WAY better than I can and you can help save your family money because you know really how it works. You can probably even start your own business from home (which I admire). I try and fail for sure!

                Art Majors, You can create beautiful pieces to display in your home. Teach your children artistic creativity and so much more. (This includes Photography.) I do both of these and have save $100’s of dollars my taking my own children’s pictures instead of hiring someone and I display my own work in my home. (Here's some of my art that I display in my dining room and some Photographs I have taken)

                Science/Biology/Horticultural Majors. You know so much about how things work, plants, animals, etc. You can teach your children about the world around you. You probably have the best yard and garden I have ever seen! (You know how much money you save by growing and creating your own garden)

                Architecture/Construction. You can build and create beautiful things for your home (or even design your future home) and your beautiful yard….don’t even get me started! I hope to get that talent one day!

                Marriage and Family/Child psychology . You can help create peace, love and family unity better than most and understand probably better than others. You can counsel your own family on striving to be a happy family unit. You are probably more patient with your children and can find ways to help them grow in an ideal setting

                Health/Exercise Physiology majors. You can keep your family healthy. You can make play and exercise the same. You can teach how the body works and so much more!

                Nurse. You can treat those “owie’s” Better than most! You can tell the difference between cold/flu symptoms and then treat it with exactness. You know more about bacteria, viruses and can help keep your children safe from those things.

                Home Ec/Cooking. You know how much it cost to BUY a gourmet meal! You can make it at home…and it probably taste way better too! Along with sewing (You can make a Prom dress for your girls for 1/3 the price. These are just covering the basics.
(Here's a dress I made for $25 or less)

                Teachers/Education. Hands down to all you Education majors. I have to use programs and Youtube to help teach my kids. You know how to teach children the most effective way and can help teach your own! Nothing is more valuable than that of an educated child. You can even home school if you wanted.

                Cosmetology/Makeup artist. I always wanted to do cosmetology. You guys make people look beautiful and I bet you save so much money having the skills to use on your own family; especially when prom comes around for your girls; You can do their hair instead of hiring someone. My poor husband will just have to deal with my hands on training haircuts and off to the beauty saloon I’ll go.

                The list goes on and on. No degree is ever wasted!!! You can use your knowledge daily to help create a beautiful home, loving family, children who are educated, a budget that’s works and so much more. Also, if you want to learn or be better at something...you are never too late: You can! There are sooo many resources; youtube, other blogs, books, etc. that can teach you how to do anything! Seriously, my Dad used youtube so much to help him get through some classes he is now taking in college because people just explained it better. Keep it up mommy’s you are doing great!  You are doing better than you think you are and if the time comes were you can use your degree outside the home (which I am hoping I will!) Then that is great! Some may be sooner than most, which is fine, you can help provide and support because you got a degree and the Lord will bless you to be able to do that. Remember: Blessings come and the Lord compensates when you do what is right.  

From my house to yours,

Love, Amy

               

                 

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole!

 

When I had my baby about 2 months ago a dear friend made me a delicious chicken pot pie. I was craving one tonight but didn't have all the ingredients for the recipe she gave me so I made my own and used a pie crust recipe I found. Let me tell you: It turned out DELICIOUS!!! Super easy to make too!

So with that being said: Here's my recipe:

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