It's the Little Things That Matter

It's the kind text from a dear friend.
It's the fact that they don't judge you.
It's the simple comment made to you in passing.
It's the smile when you're having a bad day.
It's the kind word of someone letting you know they're thinking about you.
It's a listening ear.
It's your friends and family who believe in you, even when they have no reason to
It's the patience of those around you.
It's the unconditional love of family and friends

Really. It's the little things that matter and make the biggest difference in life. To the 3 girls who showed up at my door yesterday with my favorite ice cream...THANK YOU! you'll never know how much that meant to me. 

I'm grateful to a love Heavenly Father who knows exactly when we need those tender mercies ("the little things") And to all of you, who have at one moment or the other been that tender mercy to me, I say "thank you" and please know that I love you. 

I'm still grateful for...

having a sense of humor: life isn't fun if you don't laugh
the tv show Friends: I have seen every episode and I still laugh my head off every time i watch it.
the two boys who pulled over to help, what I assume was a stranger, push their stalled car over to the side of the road.
photobooths: so I can take crazy pictures with my friends

Augustana: Dan Layus from Augustana has the most incredible voice. I never get tired of listening to their music. The more I listen to them, the more I enjoy it! If you haven't listened to their stuff check them out ASAP! You won't regret it... I promise!

Day 3

I am thankful for:
Sweatshirts: so I can be lazy and comfortable at the same time.
Technology: so I can stay in contact with all of my friends and family, no matter how far away they might be.
My Young Women: They are so incredible and have taught me so much. They bring so much joy and happiness to my life. Each one of them is so special in their own way. I love them all!

My Bed: Something I have learned to appreciate even more the last 3 months, since I haven't had the chance to sleep in it. I'm so looking forward to this week when I get to sleep in my bed again.
New York City: For some reason I have always had a crazy obsession with New York City. I love everything about it and I find it so beautiful. I had the best experience the first time I went there and can't wait to go back!

Day 2

Photo by Eric Draper/Mitt Romney for President

Mitt Romney... As crazy as it seems I am thankful for Mitt  I'm thankful that he represented our country so well. I'm thankful he is an honest, charitable, smart, kind and faithful man, who loves his country, family and most importantly, God. Although he won't be the next president of the United States, I know that God has much greater callings in store for him. Thank you Mitt, for your hard work and dedication to our country as well as our Church. But yes, I still think he should be the next President of the United States. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to thank you for your service.
With admiration,
Stephanie Dautel

thanks

Thanks to webster dictionary I found the following definition:

thanks

 noun plural \ˈthaŋ(k)s\

1

: kindly or grateful thoughts : gratitude

2

: an expression of gratitude thanks

 before the meal> —often used in an utterance containing no verb and serving as a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude thanks>
So let me say thanks and let you know what I am thankful for

1. My family: I don't now how I got so lucky to have such an amazing family. They are incredible! And I am thankful for each member of my family. I LOVE YOU

Beauty

Last week I had the opportunity to take pictures at Lacaille with a good friend of mine, Amber. Let me just mention that she is one of the most talented people I know. 

I've always loved photography... one day I'll know how to take good pictures... until then here are a few shots from a beginner. Thanks Amber for a fun afternoon.  

Amber is so lovely

The Swans and ducks were my fav

Lacaille

Not sure what to title this

I have been waiting for the perfect moment to finally get back into the blogging world, and today I came across an amazing video that has inspired me to do so. A video that hit close to home and so I want to share it.

please note this is not my video nor do I take credit for it nor do I or want to infringe on any copyright I got this video from youtube. 

Livingston said, "Yes, the truth is, I am overweight. You could call me fat and, yes, even obese on a doctor's chart. But to the person who wrote me that letter, do you think I don't know that?" 


All I have to say in response to that is I have said pretty close to those exact words. Sometiems I feel like people don't think I know that I'm fat. Truth is: I do and I am really self conscious about it and unfortunately there have been times when it has affected my self esteem. 

Now after that I do want to say a few more things: 
1. Thank you to my amazing friends who haven't judged me because I'm fat. Thank you for taking the time to get to know who I really am, because I really am more than the overweight girl you see looking back at you.
2. There are so many good people in this world who want to do good.  (more on this in an upcoming blog post)
3. If you have ever struggled with self esteem and self image, let me tell you how amazing you are. And if you're reading this YES I am talking to you.  You are such an incredible person and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. 
4. If you have ever made fun of someone for the way they look... STOP.