Just do it!

I run a small business via Facebook. I don't really make much money at it, but it pays for itself and I enjoy it. I think every stay-at-home-mom needs some sort of "out" and my business is mine. I started this business almost 2 years ago. When I started it, Facebook was set up so it was easy to get my page out there and in to a lot of news feeds so I could gain fans quickly. In the last year and a half or so, it has become harder, but, fortunately for me, I already had a large fan base when the changes were made. I think I currently have around 2500 followers. Now, obviously not every one of my followers buys from me, but that is potentially 2500+ people that I can reach via Facebook news feeds.

I do have a point in explaining all of this. Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to help out a couple of family members when crisis has struck. I have been able to host benefit auctions on my Facebook page to help raise money for these families. Because I have such a large fan base on my page, I have the unique ability to reach a large group of people all over the country that wouldn't be reached otherwise.

None of this is being shared to pat myself on the back. Really, it isn't me that has done all of the donating of items, bidding, and giving to people I don't even know. The response has always been so overwhelming. I have discovered, through these auctions, that people are generous and giving.

I once again have the opportunity to host an auction. This time it is to help the family of a friend from college. Her mother has had some serious medical issues and no insurance. I have never met her mother, but as soon as I started reading on Facebook about the situation, I knew I have been blessed to help in a unique way. It took me a couple weeks before I decided that hosting another auction was something I needed to do. I worry that my fans will think I am always asking for donations for something or other. Or that they will get tired of the "sob stories" that I share about the families in need. Or that they might start to think that I am scamming them, which I, of course, am not. I worried about all of these things and more, but then I remembered something that I had heard in church. Whenever you get the idea to do or say something good, it might come from you or it might come from the Holy Ghost. Either way, it is a good thing and you should do it!

So, that is what I am doing. I am doing something for someone else, without worrying what others may think. All that matters is what I think and what my Heavenly Father thinks.

Next time you have a thought to do something good, and are trying to decide if you should really do it, just do it! Doing good things can never be wrong. If someone else doesn't like it, who cares?!? If you don't do it, you may regret it when the time becomes to late to act. And, from my experience, no feeling is worse than the feeling of regret.

Oh, and if you are interested in checking out my current auction, here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.624537650934427.1073741838.176066255781571&type=1

7 Years Down, Infinity To Go!

Yesterday was my 7th anniversary. So, I thought I'd share 7 memories:

On my one year anniversary I was the Assistant Stage Manager for a play at BYU-Idaho, so my family came to see it. During the Q&A, after the performance, Michael asked "Why is the assistant stage manager so hot?" Or something to that effect. I was mortified!!! Now, it makes me laugh.

Our first baby, S, was born on a Tuesday. On Wednesday, Michael had class and went. He came back and told me his teacher asked what he was doing there. I laughed. What else would he do? Sit around with me at the hospital?

Michael served a 2 year mission for our church before we ever met. After we were married he had a mission reunion. While we were driving to the reunion he got a call from a Navy recruiter (at least I think it was the Navy). Apparently he had sent for information about joining. The recruiter was calling to set up an appointment to meet with Michael. I was not a happy camper! He had never mentioned it to me before. Little did I know how often he would apply for jobs that I would know nothing about until they called for an interview. Glad he is ambitious and, so far, it has always worked out for the best.

After we both graduated, Michael ended up working at Albertson's, a grocery store, in the deli. (Just the job a new graduate dreams of, right?!?) Since he worked in the evenings, and we only had one baby, we had a lot of free time on our hands and no money to go anywhere. So, we got hooked on the t.v. show Lost. We had Netflix, but it was before we could stream it to our t.v., so we would turn our computer screen, push the love seat over by the desk, and watch Lost. I am a little ashamed to say we got through much of the series very quickly.

When we moved from Sierra Vista, Arizona to Tooele, Utah we still only had one kid, with one on the way. Since Michael worked for the Army and was being transfered, all of our belongings were being moved for us. All we had to move was our cars and our family. We had one car with a CD player and one without. I got the car without and the baby (well, she was actually 16 months old, so a toddler I guess). As we drove through Pheonix, all I remember is yelling at Michael (who obviously couldn't hear me since he was in a different car) as he weaved through traffic! I am not a city girl and that was not a fun drive. I was one stressed out Mama. At least S loved watching Baby Einstiens and didn't scream.

When Yum was born he came 2 weeks early, and my parents were able to come help with kids. While I was in the hospital, my dad and Michael finished the floor boards in my basement! We had been working on my office/sewing room in the basement for over a year. It was the best coming home present I could have asked for!

This last year we have had to discuss moving multiple times, and every time Michael has let me know that if I don't want to move, he will stay put. He has always been willing to do what will make me happy over what he really wants. That is was marriage is all about. I am not saying that I have this all figured out, because I don't, but in my short 7 years of marriage, I have learned that making Michael happy will make me happier than anything else!

Here's to all the memories yet to be made!

 

Its been a while

I have obviously not been very good at keeping up my blog the last year and a half, but a lot has changed in my life over the last year and I am ready to start blogging again!

A year ago I had 3 kids and was getting ready to move to Germany. My husband was offered a job with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany for 3 years. We would then be able to move back to the states and his old job in Utah. We were geared up and excited for the adventure. Then the government did what they seem to do best, run out of money. The job was put on hold. We were on again, off again for a long time.

Meanwhile, I found out baby #4 was on her way! That was a shock, but I will share that story another time. So, I was planning a move around the world with 3.5 kids ages 4 and under. Sounds fun, right?!?

Eventually we got a firm date for Germany. The only problem was I would be 34 weeks pregnant when we had to go. Since that was not going to happen, we declined the job. Michael, my husband, started applying for other jobs, but we weren't in a hurry to move.

A week before Baby B made her debut, he got a job offer for the Treasury in Parkersburg, West Virginia. I was not ready for the move, but knew from day one that we would be moving.

So, we now live 20 minutes from Parkersburg, West Virginia in Marietta, OH. Ironically, my husband grew up in a town called Pettersburg, and I grew up in a town called Parker. I thought it was a fun coincidence.

Anyway, I have never been in a place that has made me feel more welcome. The first Sunday that we attended church, people were coming up to us constantly welcoming us and offering any help they could think of. I'm so happy to be in a place where I feel welcome.

This last year has not turned out in any way, shape, or form like I thought they would. And all I can say it thank goodness!

Our House, well technically our landlords house, but still. :)