Improving

I've been wrestling with a little something lately.. So I thought it was kind of ironic that I saw this sticky note at my In-Laws yesterday. It completely put into words what I have been trying to correct myself on. I asked my Mother-In-Law about it and she said she heard it on "Leave It To Beaver" the other day; she thought it was a great quote and wrote it down. It is a really good quote. I'm glad she did write it down.









"As you go through life, try to improve yourself, not prove yourself".
Proving is kind of an outward thing, I think. We need to show the world that we are worthy of something or someone. ..Improving is a more silent, inward, private kind of thing.
Proving is sometimes driven by negative feelings--Jealousy, anger, pride.... There is a determination that is fueled by feelings of insecurity. When trying to prove to someone that you are smart, talented, or just good enough...you can get lost in being "better than". Comparison comes in to the picture and that can lead to tearing down other. This is just what I've noticed about myself when I've felt the need to prove.

Improving is a kind of freedom. It doesn't matter what other people think. It doesn't matter where you compare to anyone else. It is between you, The Lord, and yourself. Yeah, I did mean to say that, between you and you and The Lord. (It makes sense in my head). It's about where you are and where you are going; and if you make it, it's because you have changed for the better and not because you are bigger and better. I love this quote and will remember it often, I'm sure.

Octobers

 Family Fun at Camel's Back Park in Boise!

And....We can't not do this...

If you know me, I'm sure by now you know I'm pretty obsessed with picture re-creations...If that's what you call this... I looove "then and now" photos...even when they are only a year...a few months...possibly even just weeks, apart. Haha. It's silly a little bit. And probably annoying to some people. But I like it.
Oh, I also like Octobers.
A fall hike (or just walk) is now a traditon for us, I think.
Left picture: October 2012. Exactly one week before Aleah came 
Picture on right: Saturday.

Fun, fun!

And.....is Throw Back Thursday only an instagram thing? I don't know the rules..... Here's my throw back anyways....

October 2011. Adam's Canyon hike in Utah.

Best.Hike.EVER! (I don't hike much, by the way...) 

It was so much fun. I wish I could go back every October.

Little Red

It was Thursday night of last week and our ward Trunk-Or-Treat was the next night. I knew the costume that I wanted for Aleah and where to find it. I was going to pick up the costume the next morning and I would pretty much be set. Easy Peasy. 

...Buuut...I wasn't 100% feeling the costume. Especially the price--($30). 

I thought I would just browse the internet a little bit and see if I could find any other costume ideas. I didn't really think I would find much though, or have time to make anything so late. 

(Make. HA. In my dreams...)
I came across a Little Red Riding Hood costume; I thought it was cute and so I googled "Little Red Riding Hood", to see a little more of what this costume would entail. I then remembered a dress Aleah had sitting in her closet. It would be PERFECT. (Baby shower gift from my sisters Mother-In-Law. It is an adorable dress that she just now fits in!)

The cape/hood part of the costume I thought, would be the difficult part... Maybe I could make one...? Crazy thought, since I don't sew.

Enough googling brought me to some very helpful video tutorials about....NO-SEW CAPES! 

Whaaat?!

Awesome.

I went the next morning to Wal-Mart and picked up all of my supplies--minus her basket.. The total came to about $11
We drove to the dollar store and picked up a basket---Making our grand total for her costume: A little more than $12

The fabric glue and new tights were the most expensive part of the whole costume.
I got home, put Aleah down for a nap and got busy. A little bit of cutting and a little bit of glueing. And that was it! 

It isn't perfect. It has it's flaws. But...I think it is RAD. I LOVE it. So easy and cheap and SO adorable.

To see the video tutorials, click on either: 1 or 2.

So, there is one idea for you if you still don't have a costume for your kiddos for tomorrow!
Happy Halloweeeen, tomorrow!

First Post!

First post in my new blog. First off....I have a lot of work still to do to make this blog what I want it to be. I am trying to teach myself all the blogging tips and tricks. I have buttons I want to add and links to share. Be patient with me as I figure out how to make this blog look decent.
I started this blog because I felt like there was a little more I should/could be doing right now. This was the direction I felt pushed in. I'm not sure exactly where this will all take me....but I am excited. 

I am sooo grateful for Patriarchal Blessings. Mine has talked to me in a very special way lately while I have thought about where I wanted to take this blog. It amazes how much guidance and truth is in that blessing.

Soo, here we go! Let the fun begin!