forgiveness...always

It seems that during this time of year the general theme is about giving thanks. Although I do have a lot to be thankful for, I have been thinking about forgiveness lately. And I think that forgiveness is something to be thankful for.

Today in my Institute class, we talked about forgiveness. Sometimes you hear the message when you need it the most, but when you mostly don't want to hear it.
It's easy to play the victim- "Poor me! Can you believe what happened to me!" (I have many anecdotes to that effect. )
We talked about "unenforceable rules"-- expectations we have for others that we have from how we were raised. Rules we expect others to follow, even though we cannont 'enforce' them. We all have them, whatever they may be.

Some of the key factors in the 9 steps to forgiveness that struck a chord with me are:
- Forgiveness is for you and not for anyone else
-Forgiveness does not neccessarily mean reconciliation with the person that hurt you, or condoning of their action. What you are after is to find peace
-Get the right perspective on what is happening
-Give up expecting things from other people, or your life, that they do not choose to give you (ie "unenforceable rules")
-Move on and put your energy into getting your positive goals met
-Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge
-Learn to look for love, beauty and kindness around you

This past year has taught me a lot about life, family and prioritizing. Keeping an eternal perspective has helped me gain a better perspective on life- my life.
Keeping an eternal perspective has helped me gain a better perspective on family- the most important people in my life!!! (This includes both 'my side' and 'Brian's side'-- it's all 'one side'-one family to me).
Keeping an eternal perspective has helped me gain a better perspective on prioritizing- Family first, everything else after = happiness!!!
Forgiveness is hard- yes. Sometimes people really do suck! But, is it worth my time and energy to focus on the hurt I feel? Holding a grudge doesn't punish anybody but myself, so why not let go, forgive and move forward?

Forgiveness is a process- it takes time. I have found that as I forgive others, my life is filled with happiness and love. And I am always thankful for those who forgive me. I am not perfect and have never claimed to be. I am still learning and growing as a person. I am trying. I hope that all of you will allow me to continue to grow and learn through forgiving me of my mistakes, as I will try to forgive you yours.

I am very thankful this year for forgiveness and the peace, love and happiness it has brought to my life.

Halloween & Harley

After her haircut

Harley's size was cut in half

Harley loves sleeping on her back & getting tummy rubs

Han Solo, Princess Leia & Chewbacca

LaKay, Scott & Sadie

Princess Witch & Princess Leia

Silly Kitty

Harley tried on Sadie's costume- VERY unhappy if you can't tell by looking at her face!

My twin brother Luke Skywalker

Brian & I (& Harley) went Trick-or-Treating in Daybreak with Megan, Claire & Erik-- and Scott, LaKay, Sadie (dog), Jeff & Janae were there too. I was very glad that it was a warm Halloween-- for Utah that is. I think it was around 50 degrees. Harley had a lot of fun running around and meeting a lot of new friends.

This week Harley got a haircut... from Brian! Don't worry, it will grow back- right? If you can't tell from the picture, Harley didn't get a haircut everywhere-- she wouldn't let Brian near her head or legs. Brian said that the next time she needs a haircut, she will be going to the groomers (thankfully). I keep having lines from So I Married An Ax Murderer run through my head when I look at Harley with her "huge noggen" and skinny body. "It's like an orange on a toothpick!" Poor puppy.

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad, Larry Robert Lee, was born October 29, 1946. Today would have been his 63rd birthday. Dad LOVED all birthdays. He loved to sing, buy presents for others, & have birthday cake & ice cream as a family. He was always the hardest person to buy a present for, because he never wanted anything but to spend time with his family. I grew up going out of town all the time & traveling, because that is what dad enjoyed doing most with his family. Thanks for all the amazing memories & life-lessons you taught me, Dad. I love you & miss you every day. Happy Birthday!!!

Monterey, California

San Francisco, California

St. George, Utah -- Home Show (annual tradition)

At Grandma Peart's for Thanksgiving

Great Smoky Mountains, South Carolina

Masters Golf Tournament- Augusta, Georgia

Our Fun Weekend

Saturday night Brian & I were asked to chaperone the stake youth Halloween dance. We had fun & Brian had to enforce some 'personal distance' rules between two different couples-- good thing he brought his flashlight-pen to break 'em up! (I was laughing SOOO hard while watching from the side).
Our Star Wars costumes were a big hit, except with the one 15 year old girl who has never even seen any of the Star Wars movies & had no idea who Brian was supposed to be (Han Solo), but said my hair-do looked a little familiar. She didn't believe me when I told her it was a wig & not my real hair.

Friday night we were invited to a Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by our neighbors the Foster's. It was a lot of fun. The dinner was in 1959 (but the food was from 2009). So we had to dress accordingly. I was Penelope Lofer aka Penny Lofer & was given directions of what I was to wear. Brian just sort of improvised on his own & this is what he came up with (see bottom pictures).

All Things Harley!

A few days after we brought Harley home, my mom and sister threw me a "Puppy Shower."
Harley made a lot of new friends & got a lot of great gifts, toys & LOTS of attention!

I just finished making Harley's Halloween costume yesterday. It looks great & goes great with mine & Brian's costumes this year. I am being Princess Leia, Brian is Han Solo. Any guesses as to what Harley is being from the photos?

Harley is a lot of fun (& work) and is a very sweet tempered, hyper & fun puppy (just like Brian!)

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON: Movie Trailer - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

Olympic Park

Brian & I went to the Olympic Park in Park City today- thanks to Janae & Jeff for giving us passes! We had a lot of fun going on the Alpine Slide and on the zipline! The weather was absolutely perfect and the Fall colors in the trees were beautiful.

Girls Only

This weekend Rachel & I took our Mom to Park City for a much needed girls weekend away. We went shopping, to a movie, to dinner & got pedicures. It was a lot of fun (except for the very misleading movie- Love Happens is NOT a romantic-comedy, it is very depressing).

Harley

We finally brought Harley home last night. She did really well on her first night alone & was nice enough to wait until 5 AM to wake us up so she could go potty. She is a sweet little dog & already has Brian wrapped around her little finger (or paw). She is 6 weeks old.

Our Weekend

Last Friday Brian & I went to a BBQ with all of Brian's friends. Most of them have been friends since elementary school & lived together at Dixie college freshman year. It was a lot of fun to catch up with old friends & new (the wives were there too).

Brian got to be a lifeguard for a day at Raging Waters yesterday. Labor Day is always our official last day and we were a little short on staff so Brian helped us out. He was a very good lifeguard and was rewarded with 4 ice cream bars at the end of the night (oh, he got paid too).

We got to bring our puppy Harley home tonight. She is soooo cute!!!


L to R: Brian, Bus, Jason, Rick, Cameron, Daniel & Rory