Are You Sure I'm Not a Blond?

You know how sometimes we can all be completely clueless? It happens quite often for some people, a little more often for me.

I went to the grocery store the other day to buy some much needed chocolate chips and paper plates. When I went to pay for my groceries, the cashier and I noticed that the woman who was in front on me in line forgot a bag of groceries that had some Nacho Cheese Doritos in it. Not the Doritos! Those were my favorite chips when I was a kid. The cashier hurried and ran outside in an attempt to catch the woman. She couldn't find her and came back in carrying the lonely Doritos that had been forgotten. I joked around that the woman probably wouldn't notice that she had left her chips behind until she got all the way home.

I paid for my stuff and headed out to my car. I noticed some people loading their groceries and asked them if they had left some Doritos behind. They responded, "no" as they looked at me with these "Who the heck is this girl?" and "Hurry quick, get in the car before she hurts us," disturbed look on their faces. As I was walking back to my car, I noticed the cashier running outside once again. I could her saying something about "that's two in a row," but I didn't even think twice about it. The boy pushing the carts asked if that bag was mine. I thought both the cashier and the cart dude were referring to the chips again. I told him they weren't mine or the other people's who were loading groceries.

I got home and went to enjoy my mouth-watering, melt in your mouth, milk chocolate chips. They weren't next to my purse. I figured I had left them in the car. I ran out there and they weren't out there. Are you serious? Did I leave them at the store? Was I so concerned about the woman in front of me not getting her chips that I spaced picking up my own groceries? Yep! I got in my car, went back to the store and laughed as the cashier handed me my groceries while refaining from telling me I was a complete idiot as I walked away.

Audrey and Jayne

I never knew how much fun playing the role of "Auntie Bweena" would be. I adore my nieces and have enjoyed watching them grow, learn and develop into these adorable little people. Little Audrey just turned two and doesn't sit still long enough for any picture. I was lucky to get this one while I could. She was playing "house" with her daddy.

And sweet little Jayne always has this look on her face. I would to if I had a crazy sister like Audrey. Her expression explains it all.

Ying Yang

I recently had a friend describe our relationship as Ying Yang. I couldn't describe it better. Other than that we both have sarcastic personalities and love to giggle, we are as different as night and day. It's a wonder that we get along and enjoy talking to each other. The beauty of it all is that we respect each other's differences and accept each other for who we are. And, we do giggle for hours and hours. God has a way of putting the right people in my life at the right time. I'm thankful for this new friend who loves me for who I am and allows me to do the same.

Happy New Year? You betcha!

For any of you who read my New Year's experience from 2008 to 2009, it'd be hard to imagine how I could top that. Well, since once of my goals for 2009 was to be more ambitious, I ended the year with the bang.

For starters, I finally got enough courage to tell one of my not-so-favorite-roommates that she had to move out. That was fun! She wasn't exactly happy and made life difficult for a week or two. However, there is now such a peaceful feeling once again in my home. I can come home and feel comfortable, as it should be. I realized that I grew a spine and figured out how to use it. It feels terrific.

And for New Year's Eve, I had a hot date with a terrific guy. I can honestly say it was one of the best dates I have ever been on. We went to 3ve in Salt Lake City. It was a huge party with lots of fun events down town. We laughed the entire time and had an enjoyable evening. No, there was no New Year's kiss. But, I don't hand out kisses to just anyone and I appreciate the fact that he doesn't either. But I still got my real fireworks at midnight which made me happy. The fact that I was on a date with someone I actually wanted to be with, was a great way to start the new year. I'm so used to writing about my lousy dates that this was a nice change and a great way to start the new year. Happy New Year!

You better not pout, you better not cry...

I don't know what's more entertaining: my niece Audrey reaching for anyone who will save her or my mom singing Christmas songs to calm her down. Merry Christmas!

A Precious Gift From God

The other evening I had the privilege of holding my sweet little niece, Jayne, while she slept. There is nothing more precious than a new baby sleeping peacefully in your arms. I was alone with her. The house was quiet, and the only lights that were on were those found on the Christmas tree. As Jayne slept, I enjoyed the quiet moment to reflect back on thoughts I had had earlier in the day during a lesson in church.

We had an amazing lesson that compared the birth of John to the birth of the Savior. The teacher compared their parents, where they were born, and the lives that they would live. She also shared information, that was new to me, and gave me a new perspective on what Mary and Joseph went through to bear the Christ child.

As I sat there holding Jayne, I thought of how Mary must have felt when she held her new baby. I am only Jayne's aunt and can't imagine how a mother must feel holding her own child. But, I wondered what little Jayne would do in her life and what she'd become. I wondered what her personality would be like. I was curious if she would be anything like her older sister, Audrey, who is more fun than we ever imagined possible.

I wondered if Mary had any idea of whom and what her son would become. Did she know that he would become the Savior of the world? Did she know that he'd be a perfect example to all?

During this Christmas season, my thoughts are turned to Christ; but especially to his mother and the heartache she suffered and the sacrifices she made in order to give us the most perfect gift of all.

Sub-For-Santa

Each year the company I work for provides Christmas for 25 families in need. One of my responsiblities is to coordinate this event. Gift tags are distributed to our branches and hung on the Christmas trees. Then members, employees and family members can select a tag and purchase the gift. Monetary donations are also accepted and used to purchase any gifts not selected off the trees.

Once all the gifts are collected and purchased, we have a Family Wrapping Party. Employees and family members are invited to come help wrap all of the gifts. We wrap all day and have lots of food and fun activities for the kids. Santa also makes a visit. My niece, Audrey, really enjoyed herself and her cookie.

It's overwhelming to watch the generosity flow into our various branches. People are so kind and make this event one of my favorites. It's incredible how I get to witness Christmas miracles that make this a success each year. I feel so blessed to work for such an amazing company that goes above and beyond and reaches out to help those in need.