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. :)

Birthdays for Mom

I'm back! Its been a crazy few months, but now that my baby boy is here and things are back to normal, I'm going to get back to posting.

Today is my 26th birthday! I love birthdays!!! I think they are the best holidays, because everyone has one just for them. As I was thinking about my birthday this year, I remembered something my seminary teacher once said. He said something to the effect of, "I don't know why kids get presents for their birthdays. They should be giving presents to the mom! She is the reason you are alive and doing all the things you are doing." Now, I don't take all the credit for my kids. I do stay home with them, but some days that's about it. But, I do credit my mom for a lot that I have and am. So, today on my birthday, I want to say thanks Mom! Brother Chelson was right! The person I am today has much credit to you! Love you Mom!!!

Television

Do you ever find yourself sitting an watching mindless shows for way longer than you should? I hope I'm not the only one. Sometimes at the end of the day I think, "Wow, really Heidi?!? You just wasted an entire day, or at least a big chunk of the day, and now you are grumpy because the house isn't as clean as you would like!" Most of the time I will justify the action saying things like, "Well, you are pregnant right now and don't feel that good. What else are you going to do?" or "You did a whole bunch of crocheting or cutting out whatever you are going to sew for your business. It was just back ground noise. Its not like it made you go slower." or "The kids were asleep. It was your one chance to relax without interruption."

As I have been thinking about all these justifications, and more, I have thought about how much time I have wasted almost every day! There is always something that needs to be done, and yet I just sit there at times. So, I'm going to try something. Tomorrow I'm going to go an entire day without watching a single show or movie. Then I'm going to do that for a second day. I'm going to try to not watch television for one week. Now, here is the hard part, I'm also going to try to replace it with something more productive. That does NOT include Pintrest, Facebook, my smartphone, etc... I can still do those things, but not any more than I normally do. At the end of the week, I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck!!!

Big Sisters

When I was little, I always wished I had a big sister. I was so jealous of all my friends with older sisters. They had someone to talk to about boys, to do their hair and nails, etc... I was lucky enough to be the big sister, but at the time I didn't think I was so lucky. Now I am married and I have 6 big sisters!!! How lucky does a girl get?!? Instead of doing my hair, they are examples to me and my family, which is even better. Here is a little bit about each one.

Big Sister #1: Every time I talk to her, I feel so important. She has a way of making you feel great about yourself and your family. She really is interested in you! I don't think I have ever met a more loving person. Even my kids feel that from her! She also is a great person to go shopping with. That is one of the functions of a big sister I always wanted!

Big Sister #2: She is a great example to me that you can be a smart, strong woman, but still be a stay-at-home- mom. That is something I have struggled with in the past, and it is so nice to have an example like her. She fights for her kids. She teaches her kids. She is a great example for her kids. And most of all, she obviously loves her kids!

Big Sister #3: I think I know her the least of all 6 sisters, but I want to be just like her when I grow up! She is Wonder Mom. I have never heard of a mom taking their kids on so many adventures all by herself! Her kids aren't just learning about things, they are experiencing things. She is also very compationate. I love hearing stories of people she helps without even being asked. That is how I want to be!

Big Sister #4: Whenever I talk to her, I am not afraid to say what I think. I love it!!! She has an opinon and isn't afraid to share it. At the same time, she doesn't mind if you share yours either. That isn't a quailty many people have. I love sitting and talking to her. Its so great to just be able to talk with her. I often find that I could just go on for hours!!!

Big Sister #5: She fills just about every roll you would think a big sister would fill when you grow up. She is willing to drop what she is doing and help family when it is needed (she has done it several times for me). She is super talented, and obviously helps her kids find their talents. There is always singing, dancing, sports, bull ridding, etc... going on in her living room, and I love it!!!

Big Sister #6 (She is technically a few months younger than me, but close enough!): She has more faith and inner strength than most anyone I know. She is an example to me every single day. Nothing in the world is more important to her than being a good mother. It is so obvious when you see her with her kids. I also love it when she calls because I know there is going to be a happy, energetic voice on the other end that will make me smile the moment I hear it!

These are just a few small things that I have been thinking about and so thankful for. Big sisters are a must, I've decided, even if they don't come into your life until you are an adult. If you don't have one, I suggest you get one!

Boy