Miss Utah then & now

I had to find a baby picture of myself this weekend, so I started going through some old pictures…

There were some real treasures in there, and I’m sure many of my amazing finds will end up on here at some point.

This first one seemed most applicable at the moment.

This is my mothers beautiful Miss Utah picture. She competed as Miss Sanpete County about 26 years ago! Good to know she looks just as glamorous today as she did then!

Here is my Miss Utah pic

I can only hope to look half as cute as my mom in 26 years, and accomplish half of the things she has! She is simply AMAZING!

Pro’s and Con’s

Living with Elementary school aged children means that they are exposed to EVERY disease known to man…and being the loving children they are, will bring it home and share it with you! (Con)

Upon giving you the flu though, they don’t run and hide from the germs. Instead they bring you ‘throw-up bowls’, saltine crackers, ice, and all their favorite movies. They then proceed to crawl in bed with you, and are content to watch Kung Fu Panda over and over, whether you are conscious or not. (Pro’s)

I’ve decided this is unconditional love.

Thanks boys, for the illness {sort of} and the attempts to make me better ~ it worked.

One of my Favorites:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

We ask ourselves,

“Who am I to be

Brilliant,

Gorgeous,

Talented

& Fabulous?”

Actually, who are you not to be?

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Things that Soothe the Redhead Soul

You know the feeling, like every little decision is affecting the rest of your life. Well, that’s where I’m at right now. This can be stressful. So here are a few things that soothe the redhead soul:

1. Talking with loving friends
2. Dressing up and getting out :)
3. Chocolate (my cousin’s blog just talked about eating chocolate cake while doing yoga…that is something I will for sure be trying this summer when chocolate re-enters my diet!)
4. Anne of Green Gables
5. ENDORPHINS – while pumping iron and rocking out, it is impossible not to feel great – ballet would also be entered here
6. Scriptures
7. Grandmas hugs (I’m convinced they have magic powers )
8. CLEANING – Ok, it’s true, I like to clean in any mood, but there is something so soothing about deep cleaning the house
9. Service
10. The knowledge that God is on my side and knows the end destination, even when I don’t!
11. Letters from Sky
12. Listening to Showtunes ;)

And just so you know, here are a few things that soothe the redhead body:

1. Vitamin I (ibuprofen)
2. Ice baths (ok, this is not soothing at all, but it works)
3. Tiger Balm / Sombra
4. A trip to the Chiropractor
5. Repeat :)

Children’s Miracle Network

Last week I had the privilege to help collect donations at a local IHOP (on free Pancake Day) for the Children’s Miracle Network. CMN is a partner of the Miss America Organization & together they work to collect donations that save children’s lives.

CMN’s local recipient of donations is Primary Children’s Medical Center. 1 out of every 9 children can’t afford their life saving treatment, so CMN donations go towards paying for the medicine and treatments they need. Last year over $14 million was spent on these cases.

It was so wonderful to experience the charity that people have. I was overwhelmed by the support and generosity people had for the program. It’s such a blessing to see that even those with so little are willing to give what they can to help another. I was touched by so many that had such Christ-like love. It was also AMAZING to have people stop and tell me their personal story of how CMN saved them or someone close to them.

This program truly makes miracles happen!

If you are interested in donating to CMN, follow the link below. Even a couple of dollars helps a child and their family in immeasurable ways!

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=12704+91066A8BC84

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

~ Mother Teresa