Learning from those we meet.....

So, as a military wife I get the opportunity to move around some. Some of you may think that is horrible and hard on the family, but I am beginning to see what a wonderful thing it can be and how great it has been for me so far.

Besides getting a super clean house every couple of years, there are actually major pluses to moving.

I have meet so many wonderful people that I will cherish forever. I have learned so many things from them and I am so thankful for them everyday. I was thinking today about where I was 5 years ago in life. I thought I was super happy and life was grand. But, today I am so much happier and my life runs so much smoother.

Just going through my daily routine I couldn't help but think of some of the best friends I have had and learned from. So let me take the time to tell them thank you for teaching me what you know.

What I have learned from some of my moves:

Wyoming: I wish I had meet people when I moved to Wyoming. I wish I had been active in the church and actually fulfilled my calling there. I learned hard lessons there and grow closer to Jake.

Back to St. George: I learned being close to family is great but not always the best choice.

Provo: We actually moved 3 times the 2 years we lived in Utah County. I meet some great people while working for the State at the District Court. I didn't grow spiritually while I was in Provo but everything else on me did!!! I wish I had taken advantage of having so many temples so close. I learned, hind site, that eating out is expensive and your waist and butt gets most of the company. I hated cooking, cleaning and being a mom. I wish I had taken advantage of Katie being young and I wish I wanted to be a mom and a wife.

Back to St. George: I learned that Mom's and Dad's are the best! Moving back home with mommy and daddy while Jake was gone for 8 months was fantastic!!! Mom babysat, cooked, cleaned, and was always there to chat. I wish I had learned more from her. Why didn't I learn the things I really wish I knew? MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST!!!

Italy: So, if anyone knew me before I went to Italy and then when I came home, I may just be a new person. I learned so much! I actually learned to like to cook, clean, and be a mom! Not to mention, being a friend to so many who don't have family around, and having friends that uplift me. I grew so much spiritually. Jake and I grew stronger together and actually looked forward to attending church and activities with those who inspire us. We held great callings and actually made a difference in other people's lives, as others did for us. I learned to be organized and enjoy it. Cleaning out closets and organizing drawers is so FUN!! Having a spot for everything in your house is so important. Planning meals, budgeting, and saying NO are very important things I learned from so many great people. I learned compassion for others and that friends don't let friends cry alone. Husbands leave and husbands come home, even if everyday seems like a year. Thanks to some great people, I learned to live and love life!!!

Montana: So far, I have learned some very valuable lessons. #1- don't borrow someone Else's car. People are so generous and helpful and life sure messes things up for those people. #2- love every minute of your trial because it will soon be over and you will look back at it and smile!!!

I have meet some awesome people here in Montana and I even followed an awesome family from Italy. It is great having a familiar face that was so much like family when family wasn't an option.

I have learned that keeping an organized house is so much easier when you have a larger home. I love being in a home and having a yard for the kids to play in. I have learned that using a coupon doesn't mean that your poor, it means you have money and are smart about using it. I have loved learning the ins and outs of coupon using and getting a bargain. I have also learned that having surgery is a great way to get visitors but an awful recovery means bigger numbers on the scale! I was prepared in Italy to serve in the RS presidency and am loving it. I have learned so much from the sisters and my testimony has grown so much. I am learning to sew, cook, and budget. I am also learning how to take care of a yard and TWO children. That's enough for me, for know.

So, I have written a novel about my life the last 5 years but I am just amazed at how much I have changed and the things I find FUN AND EXCITING these days!!!