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.

Happy Graduation

The title of this post could read the exact same as yesterday's post. But I just wanted to congratulate my baby sister on graduating from high school (tomorrow will mark the sixth year since my graduation, that doesn't seem possible)! Congratulations to my other Young Women graduating today! I love you Elizabeth McGuire, Megan Millerberg and Crystal Pugh! I am so incredibly proud of all four of you! And congrats to my cousin Jeremy Allan!

I also neglected to congratulate my sister Megan on her college graduation... unfortunately I was unable to attend that graduation but I am so so very proud of both of my sisters! Sorry Meg. I love you!

My advice to you Em: Don't let fear keep you from reaching your goals. Enjoy every single moment of your life and the years to come because you'll never be able to get those moments back again. Take every opportunity you have to learn, get involved but always remember what you stand for. And lastly remember all those who have influenced your life, some you may not see again, just like the lyrics in the song "For Good" say:

It well may be

That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

I love you my sister!

A Special Day

Today is an important day.... It is a day that two very very special people were born. I would like to pay a quick tribute to these two special women.

First, my sweet, kind, selfless and loving Grandma Jo. I have the priviledge of carrying her middle name... a responsibility I don't take lightly. Thank you for being the most amazing example! Happy Birthday Grandma. I love you.

Today also happens to be my very dear friend Donna Horn's birthday. There aren't quite words to describe the influence she has had on my life. She is an incredible friend. She's always knows the right time to call, always has the best advice to give and most importantly she loves me for who I am. Almost a year ago she moved and I thought time would make it a little easier... but it doesn't. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss her. I hope on this day that it has been the best birthday ever. And even though I can't be there to celebrate with you Donna, I've been thinking about you all day! Happy Birthday Donna I love you!

= 

 

 



My Best Friend's Wedding

I just returned home from my best friends wedding.... most amazing experience of  my life. Doesn't Janelle look so beautiful? Here's a few pics of the epic experience. They were the first ones married in the Kansas City Missouri Temple. I will post pictures of her reception and all the decorations later. 

 

Roommates

It's kind of hard to believe that it's been almost 6 years since I was first roommates with these 5 amazing girls. It's amazing how 5 girls can have such an influence on one's life. Thank you to these girls for making my college experience so incredible. I'm forever grateful for each of you and love you so much! Glad we're friends forever!

I'm BACK.... well maybe

I've been on a blogging hiatus for awhile... i've debated whether or not to come back. I want to make things more interesting but not quite sure how. And the truth of the matter is.... I actually like to write... just not too good at it yet so I'm looking to improve my skills.

Story for the week: I went to David Archuleta's missionary farewell last week. AND WOW he's a rock star. Seriously he is one of the most humble, incredible people i have ever met in my life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N5b7LFX5JI

Janelle's Back :)

Janelle is home and it brings joy to my heart!

Thank you for being such an amazing missionary Janelle. I'm so proud of you and I know our Heavenly Father is too!

I'm glad you're home. I LOVE YOU!

I do believe I have been changed for the better

5 years ago my life was changed for the better. I never knew that I would develop such a close relationship with roommates, I never imagined I would love Kansas so much but I do and. Love my Kansas girls (janelle, Chelsea and kaela) more than they will ever know and am grateful that we are the best of friends. It was changed by 5 amazing girls who became my best friends. Thank you janelle, Chelsea, kaela, larissa and Katrina. I'm grateful for them. I'm also grateful for the many others I me my freshman year of college and everyone I met at byu.

Time Goes Quickly By

I've been thinking the last few weeks about how fast time goes by. I can't believe that it's been more than a year since graduation. And most of all i can't believe how much life has changed in the past year and how much it is about to change. In that seemingly short period of time I have become a full-time employee, watched friends leave and come home from missions, traveled to New York, been to weddings, funerals and much much more.


Now, I'll be honest. I hate change. I hate change. oh did I mention that I hate change. But I know that some changes are good and for the better and I guess with change comes new opportunities, new challenges. And from each opportunity something is learned. And although there are changes that I'm not ready to welcome, I will look for anything that I can learn from it.


Also, Christmas is going to be here before we know it. Can you believe it?

Day 13

Day 13: What's the best thing going for you right now?

• Family
• Friends
• My young women
• the Gospel
  
  

(the young women and young men at Temple square)

Day 12

Day 12: A child you love

OLIVIA

MARISSA

Day 11

Day 11: A picture of something that makes you happy.

Please see days 2, 4 and 6

Day 10

Day 10: Someone or something you could definitely live without

DRAMA

Day 9

Day 9: A Hobby

Do I have to pick just one?


1. Basketball (playing and watching)