A goal.

Aren't these the cutest for Visiting Teaching handouts/a little gift?! (My sister and mom gave me the idea, which they found on Pinterest- http://marcicoombs.blogspot.com/2014/02/february-visiting-teaching-handout-good.html)

I am bound and determined to do my visiting teaching this month!

Sister Walk

December 22nd- Words cannot describe what an amazing woman this lady is. She is the perfect example of love, compassion, and service. Her name is Sister Walk and she was over the nursery before Keaton moved into Primary at the beginning of the year. Keaton is absolutely smitten by her. And she spoils him to death always bringing him little treats and Dum-Dum suckers to church. This is a picture of Sister Walk with Keaton's Christmas picture that he drew for her which she hung on her tree.

We love you Sister Walk!

Aisley's blessing day.

November 24th-

Columbus Branch Goodbye Ice Cream Social!

(Us with the Branch President and  his wife Sister Lindquist) 

This past Sunday our amazing Branch had a little ice cream party/get together so that we could see everyone one last time before we move. It was both super fun and super sad at the same time. It's hard to say goodbye! We have loved our Branch here so very much and will miss all the friends we have made here!

Blood.

Justin donated blood at the blood drive this past Saturday, August 11th, one of the kids in our branch, named Zach Hyde, organized for his Eagle Scout project. And since Justin's calling is in the young men's now he really wanted to support Zach with his project. So Justin decided to overcome a fear of his and donate blood! Justin was very nervous that he would get sick and not be able to handle it. But, he actually did pretty great! (He did get a bit sick once it was all over, but I have decided we should focus on the positive. :) Ha, ha.)

My "gratitude" basket.

Many months ago I heard/read a talk (I can't really remember when or where... -at church, in general conference, or from the Ensign?) where a woman talked about having a basket full of cards and a pen at hand at all times so that she would always be ready to right a note, thought, or thank-you card for someone. For a family member, friend, neighbor- anyone really.

I liked this idea quite a lot, but it wasn't until just a couple months ago that I remembered that talk again and finally decided to make myself what I like to call my "gratitude" basket. 

This basket, full of both many blank cards and cards given/sent to us from family and friends, along with my favorite kind of pen, sits on the counter in our kitchen (right next to my jar full of candy :) ...) and has become a daily reminder to me of how loved we are and how much I/we have to be thankful for.

A couple of weeks ago I received a calling in our branch. Once again, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve with the kids in the primary. I will be teaching the 6 and 7 year old children in our branch and I am very excited about it! They are cute, sweet kids that I am very excited to get to know, although after only meeting them once (last week) I already feel so much love for them.

This Sunday, (my first week teaching) the lesson is on saying "Thank-you." And, the kids will get the chance to make/write their own thank-you cards.

After almost 4 years of teaching in the primary I have found that there are many harder lessons and many easier lessons to teach to children... this lesson I consider to be an easy lesson. We are all so blessed with so many reasons to be grateful! And, even a 6 or 7 year old child won't find it hard to recognize that.