My sweet Charlotte-Ann

Skype and Charlotte-Ann.

Nothing about this experience is harder than being away from my family including my sweet Charlotte-Ann

Except about 6 months I have lived with Charlotte-Ann ever since she was born.  I lived with Cassie while she was still getting ready to come into the world and I was in the room when she made her grand entrance.  She has a very special place in my heart.  So this whole living far away from her is not my favorite.

However we get to Skype! Now let me tell you there is nothing that makes my day like skyping with my family.  I get to skype pretty regularly with my sisters and Charlotte-Ann and even got to see the whole family on Halloween.  It was my first year to not get to be around during trick-or-treating and I was sad.  But seeing all those happy smurf tails was the best.

Now for some of Charlotte-Ann's best skype quotes:
"Next time can you be here?"- oh my break my heart! but at least I know she misses me
"Me and my mom were just wondering about you"
"AUNT ANNIE!!!!"
She also likes for me to read her stories but when she holds the book I can't see the words so I just make up whatever looks like it will go with the picture.  So I found some free books at the library and got one so I could read it to her.  Major Fail.  It was about Pinochio but a version I've never heard that was a little violent.


    



I'm so thankful for her in my life.  She has taught me so many lessons and can make me feel better in an instant and I am so grateful for Skype and it letting me see my loved ones so often.




sweet or tart?
sweet as pecan pie at Thanksgiving

How Could I Not be Thankful

I do not think words can describe how thankful I am for this picture.

It goes everywhere I go.  I kept it at my window when I worked at the bank. And now it hangs on my wall in my room.  Because really how could that picture not make life better.  Sorry it's blurry but once again it's a pic of a pic.  Just in case you can't tell what is going on this is my niece Charlotte-Rose in her doggie outfit.  I like to think her face is saying "What the h&^#.  Why don't one of you put this thing on and then take pictures."  and look at those sweet pudgy cheeks and irresistible little lips.  On days when I'm feeling a little peeved or sad all it takes is looking at this picture and I am instantly happier.  

I am also thankful my mom never loved dogs enough to dress me like one :) Just kidding Misty! I love you and your love for your dogs.  I used to go sit in the backyard where past family dogs were buried and talk to them. I get it.  

sweet or tart?

i think sweet but Charlotte-Rose is looking like she might think tart

It's November So I'm Thankful

So I was going to post one thing I was thankful for everyday until Thanksgiving but then I missed the first day and the thought of not starting on the first day was bugging me to much to start at all.  I know that's dumb but that's how my mind works. Anyways I had an experience today that just made me so thankful I had to share it.

Well first of all if you for some reason did not get to see the CES fireside by President Packer from Sunday.  It's a must.  (A fireside is a talk given usually about a gospel principle.) I checked and I could not find it on the website yet but I will keep checking and when it becomes available I will remind you or if you can find it READ IT! (or listen whatever floats your boat).  Among many wonderful things he talked about guilt and not feeling guilty.  And that really hit home as sometimes I struggle to not feel guilty about past mistakes and let myself forgive and forget.

Then today I was walking and I saw a past Bishop (leader of previous congregation) and we smiled and waved at each other.  I could tell he knew he knew me but wasn't sure from where or how.  So I kept walking and all I could think was- wow.  That man had listened and counseled and loved me through some very difficult times and helped me to repent and become closer to Christ.  At one point I had discussed with him some of my less than perfect moments and he doesn't even remember.  Then I hear "Hey! Hey!" I turn around and he was calling to me.  "Don't I know you?"  I started to cry and told him yes I had been in his ward previously and he had helped me through some really hard things.  I told him how I could tell he couldn't remember me exactly and how grateful I was that every time he saw me my past did not come to his mind.  In a situation that only a Polynesian could make funny he said "well what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".  We caught up everything going on since we had last seen each other including him telling me he knew the perfect guy to set me up with. hmm.  And then we hugged and I went on to class.

There are many things I am grateful for that I was reminded of in this experience including forgiveness and the atonement and bishops.  But most of all I felt grateful for what I felt like was an answer to pray from my Heavenly Father showing me that once past sins are repented of. they are forgotten.  By the bishop and also by Him.

And so I to can forget.  And move forward. Guiltless.




sweet or tart?
all I can remember now is the sweet