Friday Favorites

I apologize for not posting the last couple weeks. We've had super busy Fridays.

Things I'm grateful for this weeL

1. Good laughs. My morning started out with me being kind of ornery. Unfortunately. But right after I got to work, my cousin sent me this picture:

That's me looking ridiculous in the back. I look terrible, but it's pretty funny. I've been laughing to myself ever since. Yay for good laughs.

2. Broccoli. I love broccoli. I had some for lunch today and it tasted oh so yummy.

3. My China experience. I am grateful for that in so many ways, but today it's about the friends we made there. Tonight we are going to get sushi with the couple that spent 6 months with us there. I'm excited.

4. My friend Eryn. She's kinda super woman. She is due with her baby in two week. Her house is in the process of being sold. She has 3 kids at home. She is a full-time homemaker and mother. We got the chance to grab a bite last night while the husbands were kickin' it together and I'm just impressed with her. She sets a great example of loving her children and handling pressure with a grace and smile. Even when she's frustrated and very tired.

5. The color blue. I guess I should say, that I'm not color blind. But blue especially. It's one of my favorite colors. (Let's be honest, I just like color!). Have you heard of color aromatherapy and the idea that colors convey moods? Blue is my happy color. I bought 3 blue shirts last night. I'm happier and calmer in blue.

What's making you smile today?

Want to know more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

I am so behind!

This last week has been super busy! My cute little sister got married and Thursday was recuperation day and Friday was busy at work. Saturday I planted the garden and Sunday I took a nap!!

Five things:

1. The Temple. It was so wonderful to be in the temple with my mom and three siblings for my sister's wedding. I'm so grateful for the sealing power that makes families eternal. My sister and her husband (!) started a new little eternal family on Wednesday. It was wonderul.

2. Family. We have our family as well as my new brother-in-law's family help so much to get everything set up on Wednesday before the reception. I'm grateful for them all.

3. My husband. He was dragged along so many places and introduced to people he will probably never meet again. But he was kind and gracious. Even with a headache. Then he let me have my time to recoup.

4. In-laws. I have great in-laws. Daniel's parent and siblings are great. I've been able to spend time with them recently and I have enjoyed it. They are helpful, kind, and accepting.

5. Music. Music speaks to my soul. I've been listening to a lot of Mozart's music lately. The man was a genius. I'm grateful that talented composers have shared that talent and given the world such great music.

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday Favorites

Daniel asked me why, if we are listing things we are grateful for, is it called "Friday Favorites?" I would have to say it's because I'm often very grateful for my favorite things!

And, oh my, Friday's come quickly. Time seems to be racing away from me.

1. Bulbs. I am grateful for flowers in bulb form. They just come up with the time is right! A few years ago I planted bulbs to come up every month for 6 months. And I love it. My late spring and early summer bulbs are coming up now!

2. Cars. In China we had to bus, walk, or taxi. It was nice because I didn't have deal with the scary driving or the horrendous parking issues, but it's nice to have the freedom of your own vehicle. And listen to your own music.

3. Fridays. Some weeks just seem to last forever and Fridays are wonderful because I know that I get a whole weekend to be home, with my husband and my dogs. Outside in the sunshine or sleeping in till I feel like getting up.  Fridays are a precursor to adventure!

4. Short sleeve shirts. I have recently been avoiding long sleeves like the devil. And not just because of the sunshine. Sometimes having constrictive fabric on my arms make me crazy. Short sleeve shirts are wonderful. And the current styles/trends that allow and propagate the comfort of short sleeves.

5. My nieces and nephews. Last night I went to the Symphony with my 7 year old niece. We had a good time. On the way home we talked about family and she said "I wonder what your babies will look like." So we talked about how adoption means my baby could look like anything. Dark hair, light hair, fair skin or tan. It's a mystery until that baby arrives. I'm glad I got some one on one time with Hazel. She's been my buddy for a long time.

What is making you smile today?

Daniel Chimes in for Friday Favorites

So it is my turn for doing a Friday Favorite. The way it was explained to me is I need to give a list of five things I'm thankful for this week

1. Ethinic food. This week I ate Chinese, Mexican, and Indian food. The differences in the foods make them all better. It also helps me to appericate traditional American food.

2. My dogs. Even though they are a 7:20 am alarm every morning. They are happy to see me all the time and help me to be happy each day.

3. Doctor Who. One of the most entertain TV shows of all time. The new season just started in the UK and it is great.

4. Sunshine. It has been a bit of a long winter with moving back from China and still going back multiple times.

5. Mowing the lawn. Yeah I know this is weird. This is a Zen thing for me. It is a simple tasks that allows me to clear my mind and accomplish a task. There is a lot of satisfaction in completely a task.

That is my Friday Favorite.

Friday Favorites

Forgive me for posting late this week. Friday was a special day. My dad taught at the University of Utah and about the time he passed away there was a scholarship endowment anonymously set up in his name. On Friday they gave the scholarship out for this coming school and they invited us to be there. It was nice to see my dad's coworkers and catch up with them. The young man who got the scholarship is finishing up his Doctorate.

So on this week's things that make me smile.

1.  My dad. I miss him terribly, but he left behind a legacy that continues to bless us. I'm grateful to have had a good father to teach me all that he did and to influence those around him as much as he did. Being in higher education, he had impact on so many. He was a good  man.

2. My husband. This week I turned 30! (Ack!) He took me to do iFly and then to a nice dinner. He treats me well and I'm grateful for his love and support.

3. Tulips. The tulips are up everywhere. Tulips are the reason we got married in April. They just make me so happy.

4. The mountains. Our mountains here on the Wasatch Front are inspiring. The are majestic. I love them in the evening sun, especially when they get the pink hue in the winter.

5. Friends. We've been able to spend some good quality time with friends through this last week and it has been good. We support each other and we know we can count on each other. Good friends can make a world of difference in you life. I'm glad I have such good ones.

What's making you smile this week?

Ashley

Friday favorites

Hmm. Today I am in a great mood! Aren't those kind of days just wonderful? The sun is shining. I'm hanging out with friends tonight. My flowers are in bloom. It's a great day.

Today's list:


1. Dirt. Yup. I love dirt. Because in America, you can own it. In China the government owns all the land. You can lease it. Like you can own your apartment, but the building owner has leased the land from the government for 99 years. Then I don't know what happens. Crazy. In America you can buy your land. I love it. A yard, a garden, your grass, your house. We put together a garden space and last week we filled it with dirt. This weekend the goal is to get some seeds in the ground. In our ground.

2.  Puppies! I love my puppies. Sometimes they try my patience, as everything in life does from time to time, but they are always glad to see us. They love to cuddle. They love attention and are grateful for every moment the get. They say having dogs can improve your health.

3. Family. Both our families. Daniel and I come from great families. Siblings who get along, set good examples and help each out when needed. With conference last weekend we got to spend more time with Daniel's siblings. Next weekend is our monthly dinner with my family. I'm glad they live close, that we live close to them and that we have time to spend with each other. Being around people is good for you. Especially good people.

4. My maternal grandma. Yesterday she gave me a card for my upcoming birthday that was just what I needed to hear. She is great. She spends a long time carefully considering everything a card conveys and has boxes of them saved for specific times for specific people. So when I read that card, I knew that she meant it. Sincerity is wonderful and I'm grateful for grandparents that sincerely love me.

5. A comfy chair. I spend a lot of time sitting at work. It's not a great chair, but it's comfortable. Makes it easier on me when I spend 6 hours sitting to have somewhere nice to sit.

What is making you smile today?

Ashley

Friday Favorites

Before we moved to China I did a weekly post of "Attitude of Gratitude." This is the resumption and that with a little change to include things that just make me happy.

Today, April 5, 2013 -

1. Vegetables. I am grateful for vegetables and they just make me happy. I had a handful of sugar snap peas at lunch and enjoyed every bite.

2. Employment. I am grateful I get to work. And I'm especially grateful that I like my job. I work for good people doing honest work and I get to participate. It's wonderful.

3. I am grateful for Daniel's job. They appreciate him. Things are hard right now with a big project hitting a critical moment. But he works with good people, for a good company and his hard work has recently been kind noted and appreciated.

4. Sunshine. I love sunshine and what it does for me. My dogs are happier, I am happier and it makes vegetables (see #1!) grow. Yay.

5. My sister. My baby sister is getting married in 4 1/2 weeks. I am so excited for her. She is marrying a wonderful guy that we all just love. They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple in May. I have been privileged to be her older sister. What a great gal she is. I even get to help with wedding stuff. I wish her the best.

Those are things to smile about today. What do you have that you can smile about?

Ashley