A Thankful Heart: #5

Friday, November 30, 2012
Here we are! The last one of these little thankful posts until next year!
Can you believe tomorrow we enter into December??
I am so incredibly happy about that. December is a lovely month.
However, I am dreaming of a white Christmas and I am almost positive I won't be getting it. sigh.
I have tried really hard to think of things I am SO thankful for this week.
After all, it is the last post until next year.
Might as well put all my effort into it :)
Sooo here goes nothing!

1) My creative side
(Okay forgive me for starting out small, but I just have to build it up ya know? Lately I have really tried my hardest to express my creative side at least once a day. It builds up my feelings of self worth. School seriously just isn't my thing. I was that kid that couldn't sit still for longer than 30 minutes because I just don't have an attention span that can pretend to be interested in subjects that don't strike my fancy. I was the one that would totally ramble about something not even remotely relative on essays because my mind could not stay focused on one topic. My notes ended up being in pictures half the time just to get myself to concentrate on what my teacher was saying. However, if you give me a stick, some tape, ribbon, scrapbook paper, and crayons I promise you my hands would whip something totally awesome up. ASB was undoubtedly my best subject...)

2) Christmas Music
(I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Remember how I mentioned I start listening to it in September?? I lied... I actually listen to it year round, I just wait til September to play it when others are around. I love that Christmas music talks mainly about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the happiness that his birth brought. Christmas music is so powerful and it bring so much joy to my soul. If you haven't started listening to it, stop being a grinch and just do it.)

3) Quotes
(It really doesn't take much to inspire me. I find myself inspired by anything and everything constantly. However, what gets me the most is a quote that digs into my heart and makes me act upon what I read. One of my favorite things to do is go on pinterest and scroll through pages upon pages of quotes. After I do so, I feel refreshed, like I can do anything. I have 11 different quotes printed out in my room right now. I love them. They are a constant reminder to me. I hope one day, I will be quote worthy!)

4) My Church
(And EVERYTHING that it includes)
(I thought about this quite a bit. I could either split up every single aspect of my church that I love, or try to just squish it all together. I clearly went with the squishing option. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the words of Sister Dibb, "I am a Mormon. I know it, I live it, I love it." And guess what, I really really REALLY do love it. My church, and the gospel we teach is so amazing, life changing, and perfect. I want everyone to know about it. I want to scream upon the mountain tops that others need not look any further, Christ's church is on the earth today. The more I do research and study, the more I am converted. The gospel has been the biggest blessing in my life. It puts me at ease in this crazy world. There are so many troubles that surround us, but Heavenly Father is here for us and wants to help. I have found so much peace in my life through my church. I am reassured that I have a purpose in this life. Christ's church has been restored and that is the most amazing sentence. Why would I not want to tell everyone I know about the happiness that is just awaiting them? That is why we have missionaries all over. To spread the gospel and bring it to all. Nothing is a secret, just ask the missionaries. They can help. I am beyond grateful for my church. I look forward to Sunday every single week. I love the Book of Mormon. I love that it is here on earth for US in THIS day and age. I love that we have modern day prophets that guide and instruct us through promptings and revelation. Heavenly Father knew that we would need them since the world is beginning to twist and turn every moral principle. I love that the church is the SAME throughout the entire world. Wait did you get that? THE SAME around the WHOLE WORLD! The gospel is absolutely the same no matter where you go. Isn't that a testimony in itself? The atonement is a beautiful thing. I'm so grateful I get to take the sacrament every single week and renew my covenants I have made with God. I love my church. I'm so thankful I am a member of it and that I receive the blessings that follow. It is true. I know it is.)

Well, that is all for this year :)
Tune in next year for whatever else my mind can think of.

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
1

mormon daddy style

Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Just for kicks and giggles;
I decided to share some of the funnies that keep me laughing.
It helps me not get so irritated with the cotton headed ninny muggins (elf reference)


I can't decide if this is too far... ehh it's hilarious
HEYY another baby!








Sorry if you take offense to what I find hilarious
Just laugh about it :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy


2

Turkey Day

Monday, November 26, 2012
Is it just me, or did Thanksgiving seem to totally drag on this year??
Its quite possible I just think this because I am terribly excited for Christmas. 
Either way, My Thanksgiving was quite wonderful.
This holiday brings everyone home for just a short period of time and that is my favorite.
I was able to rekindle relationships with lost friends and pick up right where I left off with close ones.
My Thanksgiving meal was absolutely delicious.
Have you ever had a smoked turkey?? It was quite good and super moist!
My grandpa watched the bird on the grill the entire time, then walked away for 30 seconds and it caught on fire. Hahaha. It was fine though :)
Sister, brother, brothers friend and I went to see Breaking Dawn part 2.
It was my second time and it was just as good if not better than the first time I saw it.
Seriously, watch it.
I'm not a twihard, but I realllyy do like these movies!
Friday happened to be the longest day of my life.
I worked a black friday shift then went shopping afterwards.
Wait, its not over...
Then I went to my brothers football game, even though we couldn't even see the game. Dang fog.
After that I went to froyo with my lovely Samantha friend! Oh how I missed her.
On Saturday I went to a surprise party and reminisced with old high school friends :)
Needless to say, it was quite hard to wake up for church yesterday...

Sweet brothers pose of choice

The turkey! My dad put those oranges there... All about presentation

Brother sneaking a piece while dad carves

Haha I don't know what to say

The table is set

My twice baked potatoes :)

The yams... I didn't get pictures of the other food.

I love my bro

Sibs!

Kayla, Kait, and me. I love these girls :)

Brother!

The fog was crazy

She is our favorite :)

I love these friends :)

Turn my sass on.

So much joy in the room :)

The high school friends :)

Jordan Jackson!



That is all for now :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy



0

A Thankful Heart: #4

Sunday, November 25, 2012
Woah.
Thanksgiving came and went like really, fast.
This week was a really long blur.
I realize that doesn't make much sense, but my mind isn't like a normal persons...
Speaking of blurs, this fog in the night time is so crazy cool!
It makes me wanna go run around in a rambunctious manor in a huge field until I remember I hate running...
I'll do a whole different post on the Thanksgiving festivities because I need to catch up on my feelings of thanks first. 
P.S. I realize this should be my last thankful post because Thanksgiving is over, but it won't be. 
There are still a few more days in November.

1) Friends
(In the words of an old girl scouts song... "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the others gold." True that! I'm all about friendship and the happiness that it brings. Everyone needs friends to make their world that much brighter. I don't know what I would do without mine. I am so incredibly thankful for them. It's crazy how you realize who your true friends are when you grow up and venture out to new lands. The ones that stick around and still call you just because they are wondering how you are doing are truly a blessing. I have so many friends I will go months without seeing then the second we embrace again, its as if we never left each others side. I love those relationships, the ones that will continually remain the same through thick and thin. Friends are a lovely blessing we have been given. Life would be terribly boring without them. I'm thankful for each and every one of my friends and I'm also thankful I had the opportunity to see so many of them this Thanksgiving break.)

2) Prayer
(I could probably make a huge, never-ending list of times that prayer has kept me going, but I don't feel like typing all night. Therefore I might just name a few times. After I got surgery I prayed every single day that when I woke up I would feel even just a litttlllee bit better. Each morning I woke up, I did. Sometimes it was only a small bit, other times it was drastic. Either way, I knew Heavenly Father heard my plea and wanted me to know that he loves me and cares for me. He healed my body and through my prayers, I knew that I really would be okay.  Every now and again I get to a low point, ya know those moments you can't quite figure out why you are down but its hard to snap out of anyways? Yeah it happens. Anyhow, every time this occurs the first thing my heart demands is making myself kneel in prayer so I can just pour my heart out to my father in heaven. So I do. I usually end up crying, but by then end, I'm smiling uncontrollably. I love how much more important and loved it makes me feel. The power of prayer is so real, and such a blessing. I am incredibly thankful that I have such a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and that he knows me and hears every single one of my prayers.

3) The rings on my fingers.
(I love my rings. I love what they stand for. I love that others know what they stand for. I love that they are a representation of me and the way I live my life. I'm so thankful they have so much meaning and are a constant reminder to myself. I have worn a purity ring on my left ring finger since I was a freshman. I remember watching The Secret Life of the American teenager and being appalled by the girls that went a little too far with boys and gave away their most prized possession. I thought about this quite a bit as I saw more and more of my friends do the same that first year of high school. I recall speaking with my dad in the car on the way home from who knows where and I told him that I wanted a purity ring. It wasn't ever necessarily to remind myself to be pure because I made that decision quite a long time ago, it was more to let others around me know that I would be strong and not give in. My dad gave it to me for my birthday and I have been so proud of it since. He told me he stuck a little camera in the heart shaped emerald so he would always be with me. Haha love that man. This ring has so much meaning to me, I think I'll pass it on to my first daughter :) On my right hand I wear a CTR ring that I was given at my baptism. It represents my church and all that we stand for. The letters "CTR" stand for "Choose the right" a little motto that  I absolutely adore. I love when people come to Jamba and as they hand me their money, I notice a CTR ring on their own finger. It makes me feel so happy. I love what my church stands for. I love my rings, I'm so thankful for the meaning each of them carry.)


4) Comfy Clothes!!
(Dang, I'm getting real deep now. It just got real. Ha, but really. I loveee love love dressing cute and putting outfits together, but in all honesty, the second I come home I put on sweats and a t shirt. Fuzzy socks, over sized sweaters, sweatpants, basketball shorts, t shirts, soffes, and slippers are most definitely something to be thankful for!)

Alrighty.
I just wrote another novel.
I need a nap.
Good thing I'm already in my comfy clothes :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

0

It really isn't THAT early

Monday, November 19, 2012
Dear friends (that despise anything Christmas before Thanksgiving occurs),

I couldn't wait any longer, I made the blog all kinds of Christmas. 
Just accept that it is the happiest holiday, and enjoy.
For the record, I watch the polar express year round and started listening to holiday stations on Pandora in September. 
It makes me a happier person, just give it a whirl.

Currently:
 I am obsessing over this song and this one as well.
As far as the Christmas tunes go I can't get enough of her heavenly voice and this tear jerker
I can't stop drooling over the prices at this online store but am really skeptical due to the fact that a sweater I ordered a month ago hasn't come and the reviews are terrible...
Pinterest is making me feel a whole lot more crafty as of this holiday season.
This talk is amazing. I love being a woman.
I realllyy want to try these treats and these as well
Oh and because I can never stop crafting... I think one of these will soon be in my room :)

I hope by now you understand how much I love pictures
Recently:
Sunday's best... friends ;)

I made mi amor a Christmas frame, wait til you see my ideas for the picture :)

I've been trying to drink green smoothies lately. This one consists of mixed berries apple juice cucumbers celery broccoli and spinach. Not bad.

Remember how my doctor scared me with the whole celiac disease situation? Well, turns out I'm not allergic to it(thank goodness) and ate weird plates of stuff like this ^ for a week. 

My cute store put up our Christmas decor. 'Tis the season to be Jamba, Ba-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

When I went running the other day, I realized how strange I dress to work out... I always have. 

I made a Christmas ornament wreath the other day and am quite pleased with the results. You wouldn't believe how easy it is. I may have to make a tutorial.

Brother man's team won their first playoff game on Friday! It's not over!
Well gee, another post that was longer than intended.
Who woulda guessed?

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
0

A Thankful Heart: #3

Saturday, November 17, 2012
Am I seriously already writing another post??
Where in the world did November go?
I feel as though I am ALWAYS saying time goes by too quickly, yet I'm always wanting it to speed up.
I should really learn how to make up my mind...
Next week my sweet Samantha friend comes to hangout with me!
This week was quite delightful.
I felt like a VERY big girl.
Not size wise... age wise.
Although, "that time of the month" does make me feel pretty large and in charge.
'Tis the season to gain a few pounds.
Speaking of Christmas I made an ornament wreath today that I am quite proud of and my work put up our Christmas decorations! It's never too early.
And speaking of being a big girl, I went to the doctor all by myself on Monday. I made the appointment, paid the copay, signed in, did a blood test, and all that jazz alone.
I also opened the store all by MYSELF on Friday :)
I'm feeling proud.
Please don't knock me off my high horse.
Anyways let's get on with this show:

1) LOVE
(Cliche? Maybe a tad, but really. Love truly does make the world go round. It's an amazing thing that can make anybody's heart grow 3 times the average size or say the most mushy gushy stuff. Love is essential in life. It's how families are created. It makes people feel happy, important, and loved. The love of a mother can make a child stop crying instantaneously, the love of a good friend can console a broken heart, the love of a spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend makes your heart melt. The reason this made the list this week is because I saw an elderly couple at the doctor on Monday. They hobbled their way over to some chairs arm in arm. They held hands and giggled just like newlyweds would. They kept their eyes locked on each other even though there were several others in the waiting room. The old man had to go to the bathroom so he got up, looked at his cute wife and said, "see ya later alligator!" She giggled again and said "In a while crocodile!" They grinned at each other, the old man winked, and she watched him walk away until they couldn't see each other any longer. It was precious, and my heart completely melted. THAT is how love should be! Forever should never be long enough with the one you love. It was so amazing to see a strong couple like that even in this crazy world we live in. Love takes work, but it is so worth it. "Choose your love. Love your choice." -Thomas S. Monson)

2) The Post Office
(What the heck would I do these 2 years if it weren't for the post office. Thank you thank you thank you mail man for delivering Hunter and I's love notes. They sure do make a difference.)

3) My Sunbeams
(Oh my goodness, I love those kids. In one Sunday they can melt my heart, make me want to pull my hair out, and teach me more than I could ever possibly teach them. Without even realizing it they teach me the most wonderful lessons. I was worried when I got this calling that I wouldn't get the same feeling after church that I used to chasing little 3 and 4 year olds around rather than hearing lessons in young women's or relief society. Boy was I wrong. I am completely spiritually fed after church in a completely different way. The lessons for the sunbeams are so simple and perfect. They are the things we as adults would just kinda overlook. It helps me sit down and really ponder the simple but just as important parts of the gospel. I love hearing them pray. When I ask who wants to say the opening prayer every single one of them raises their hands in hopes that they get to say it. They thank Heavenly Father for the most precious things. I can truly see the light of Christ in their eyes as they speak to me with pure love. I had one little girl tell me that Jesus makes her feel happy, and fuzzy. What better way to explain how the spirit feels? She hit the nail on the head. I love when they tell me they want to be reverent, or the sweet snuggles I get during sharing time. I love them so dearly!)

4) Laughter
(I have always been told that my laugh is contagious. My brother says it constantly, so do my coworkers. I find it kinda annoying quite honestly... When I really get going I make this weird noise where I'm gasping for another breath. But hey, it's original right? :) I love the belly laughs people do when something realllyy makes them happy. I laugh at almost anything, I would much rather laugh my way through life than be upset. Sometimes I laugh at the most inappropriate times because nearly everything is funny to me. I.E: At one of my brothers football games one of the players got tackled out of bounds and totally took one of the student trainers out! It was so great! He nailed her and water bottles went flying! I bursted out into laughter then realized I needed to stop when others looked at me like a cruel mutant species. Whatever, I had my mother laughing right alongside me and it's better to laugh it off anyways :) I think I'll keep laughing my way through life.)

5) My Hair
(Kay, I don't want to sound conceited like at all but I really do like my hair. It's long and wavy and does just about anything I want it to except dry how I would like it. I have a lion mane and that is all I will say about that.)

Yay! Another week of thanks :)
Are you ready to stuff your faces with turkey and mashed potatoes? 
I know I am!
Do you know of any awesome black Friday deals?
Do share...

All my love, 
Aleigh Joy

0

Flashback Friday

Friday, November 16, 2012
Around this time last year I was one of the happiest girls in the entire world. Hunter was away at college, and I was back here at home. We called each other once a week, sometimes more but that was rare and strictly for important reasons. Provo started to get colder and it was hard for us to find a good time to talk. He never got reception in his room and would stand outside in the cold just to talk to me. I could usually hear his heavy breathing trying to make sure his fingers wouldn't go numb, or from him pacing back and forth keeping his warm blood flowing through his body. I felt bad, but he insisted on it. I would say, "Hunter Miles you are going to get sick lets just talk for a little bit" and he would say "Noooo, I just wanna talk to youuu. I'm fine I promise" Therefore, he would stand in the cold for hours on end because we just couldn't hang up the phone. I loved those phone calls. I will always cherish them. I would get so giddy and smile the whole time I could hear his voice. It was as if time stood still and there wasn't another care in the world because we had our time together no matter how far apart we were. Every time we spoke we would somehow get to talking about how marvelous it would be if I came up there to see him. He got tickets to every home game for free and wanted me to go to at least one so badly. It always seemed so far out of reach being that I was still in high school and the obvious... where the heck would I stay? Then one day after totally zoning out in class and staring at my calendar mentally crossing out the days until Hunter would be home, I was struck with the most marvelous plan. Audrey friend goes to Utah every Thanksgiving so I could just go up with her, stay at her grandparents, drive home with Hunter, and be home for Thanksgiving! It was perfect. The only problem, if I went with them I wouldn't be able to go to the game... This was one of those moments of urgency I was talking about so I called sweet boy. He didn't answer. I left a voice mail and went to work. He called me back, I didn't answer. I got off work and couldn't wait to get home to call him back. I parked in a random parking lot and called. He answered on the first ring thinking something was wrong, oops. I explained "the plan." He was a fan and I was giggling with excitement as he threw out ideas. We brilliantly decided it was possible for me to make the drive alone... Yeah father shot that down instantly and even offered to pay for part of the plane ticket as long as I didn't drive. I immediately went online and found reasonably priced tickets. Here's where more problems arrive. The airport is in Salt Lake, sweet boy is in Provo without a car. Also, the game is at 8 and the only arrival times are 1 and 7:30. We went with the one o'clock and he used his room mates car. The week before my flight I planned out outfits and checked the weather every day. I would go downstairs to show my family and say, "what about this one, too much?"
The night of my flight I couldn't sleep. I was nervous to see Hunter after a while and just anxious to get there! The flights went lovely and I even met a sweet mother with a darling baby boy. I landed and my heart pounded. I went to the nearest bathroom to check my makeup and my hair and then called to let him know I landed. I walked out and our eyes met. We both instantly had smiles upon our faces. My thought process was "Drop all of your bags run over there and jump in his arms!" However, I played it cool and casually "fast walked" over to the car. We couldn't stop giggling and smiling in the car. We listened to Christmas music and sang along to every song. That night we went to the football game and I met a bunch of his friends. It was so weird to actually see them in person rather than hear stories on the phone. They would always say, "Hey is this your girl you always talk about?? Nice to meet you, I've heard great things," Oh I was just on cloud nine :) I was only in Utah for about three and a half days but in that amount of time we managed to go to a football game, go to temple square, go to church, eat at the cannon center, have FHE with his brother and sister in law, eat at cafe rio, meet a ton of his friends, go to deseret book, play in the snow at random parks, and have dinner at auds grandparents house. It was the perfect little trip. In my opinion, it was much needed too. Then we got to spend the rest of Thanksgiving break in California. Oh the memories. Can you tell I'm missing him this holiday season? It doesn't help that I just looked through all the pictures from that trip. Such a happy time. Best idea ever.


Here are the lovely pictures from the joyous occasion. 
Enjoy!
My ticket! :)

This was actually on the ride home. He found my broken sunglasses and loved wearing them ha

Going home!

The Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl!

After the turkey bowl :)

He came to the football game as an alumni :)

That face :)

The cheerleaders threw this t shirt and he was cold, so this is what happened :)

aww happiness

Salt Lake Temple :)

My two bestest friends :)

love

Just playing some corn hole in auds grandparents basement :)
He thought I got my sweater on sale...



Reminiscing is good for the soul.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy
1

I think I'm gonna...

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Remember that one time I fainted? Oh wait... 
That was more like 20 times so take your pick!
Let's see here:
There was that one time my mom was blow drying my bangs when I was but a 5th grader (remember how cool it was to have your straight across bangs do that little flippy thing with the circle brush?) and as I'm standing there I feel my knees below start to get all weak. My thoughts exactly "She's goingg downn!" Sure enough I did and woke up to my mom looking at me all worried and myself just laughing realizing what a silly dream I had. 
Then there was the time I was a bit sick and woke up in the middle of the night absolutely dying of thirst. I walked down the stairs and filled my glass up only one quarter of the way and got that "weak in the knees" feeling again. Then my vision goes dim. Next thing I know I wake up on the complete opposite side of the kitchen really upset and sweaty. Exactly the way I felt after running the mile at school... I barely made it up the stairs which appeared to be mount everest at the time and laid in bed crying from the hard work. I called my mom and she got me a glass of water. That's all I really wanted in the first place, Thanks mom :)
Oh but here's the best one! So upon finding out that I have a hernia that needs to be taken care of I have to take a trip over to kaiser to meet my surgeon. My hernia, Bernie as I liked to call him, was very stubborn. He only popped out for others to observe when he felt like it. So my surgeon asks if she can meet Bernie. Because it was early in the morning and my body hadn't done much of anything to upset him, he was still sleeping. I went to the bathroom and jumped up and down and did some crunches and nothing worked... wait I'm getting side tracked here. So anyways Bernie Finally comes and the surgeon realized I wasn't lying. She then continues with the pre-op by telling me what is going to happen while I'm under. Bad choice doc. I get queasy at the sight of blood, or when others talk about medical well... anything. So she proceeds to talk about cutting my nerves and other stuff that made me want to sprint towards the door. First the blacking out came, then the complete weakness, and finally I say "I think I'm gonna...." boom, I'm done. I scored some apple juice out of it and hey what better place to pass out than the doctor's office right?
Anyways before this turned into a novel the point I was trying to make is that I pass out frequently and easily. 
However! I might have gotten over this!
In the past 2 weeks I have gotten my blood drawn twice and didn't pass out either times!
I did get a little weak and giggly (I giggle when I'm nervous) but I got through it without hitting the floor :)
So why was I at the doctor's office you ask?
Well I was planning on talking about this when I had a little bit more info but as of right now I'm going to leave it at tummy issues.
The most recent assumption is celiac disease. Aka: no gluten.
I'm really not too pleased with this.
Apparently it comes from Irish roots. Here's to having a grandpa that's almost full Irish!
So until the blood tests come back I have been advised to lay off the gluten.
Uhm, you're talking to the girl who lives off of creating new cupcake flavors. 
I already hate it.
If you have any delightful gluten free recipes, do share. 
Oh, and a little prayer that this isn't really the problem would be much appreciated. Thank you :)

This sure turned out quite a bit longer than I had envisioned. 
Sorry that I like to ramble!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
4

10 fingers = 10 months!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

10 WHOLE MONTHS!
That's double digits people! 
That's 2 months away from a year!
That's 304 days!
That's like 43 weeks!
That's a lot of minutes...
That makes me reallllyyy happy!!! :)

I can't believe we have come this far already.
I am beyond happy and excited.
My heart has been swelling with joy all day.
I couldn't stop snuggling and tickling and laughing with my sunbeams because I have been in SUCH a good mood!
He has always done that to me, even when he is so far away :)
We have come this far, there's just no stopping us!

He is doing so very well on his mission, I know he is loving every minute of it.
In his last letter he said "Looking back on my baptisms and the people I have come to love and care for, I know this is where I am supposed to be."
Then continued to say... "Jesus Christ means everything to me. I look forward to each morning when I get to put his name over my heart and dread the day when I will have to take off my tag for good."
He sure is amazing and I'm so grateful he is out serving the Lord :)

Ten months down, only Fourteen to go!! :)
I sure do love my sweet missionary :)
"Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again." :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
4

A Thankful Heart: #2

Saturday, November 10, 2012
It's been a week already? Cool. That makes my Christmas craze seem a little bit more reasonable.
First off, I am BEYOND jealous of all the fresh powder that arrived in Utah yesterday.
I scrolled through instagram and had to catch the drool in the corner of my mouth.
Here in California, we get rain.
That actually made up for the absence of snow, somewhat. 
It was really very cold yesterday.
If the high 50's count.
I'm supposed to be on a hike with my father right now but the ground is wet, and I'm a baby.
Also mother nature came yesterday and decided to give me crazy pains in my tummy. Oh, thanks.

Nonetheless though, I have reason to give thanks :)

1) The Armed Forces
{I've actually thought about this a lot since September 11th and felt so thankful for all of the men and women that serve this country either over seas or right here in the states. THANK YOU. You may never know how much I appreciate your bravery and strength. The other day as I was working 2 amazingly friendly police officers came and talked to me about a toy drive/auction they are doing for kids in orphanages and wanted to see if we would donate gift certificates. If that didn't make me happy enough, the woman behind them thanked them for all they do as they were walking away. They exchanged smiles and briefly spoke. My heart felt so warm and happy. I was so very proud at that moment. Hence this reason to be thankful}

2) My Free Country
{I thought this one was appropriate being that we just had the election. I felt so much pride in my country as I voted. We have the freedom to decide the one to lead and protect our country. Now, I am most definitely not a fan of the president that was re-elected, but I am still thankful for all of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America}

3) My Patriarchal Blessing
{I don't even know where to begin with this one. It is one of the most amazing things that has ever been given to me. I can't get through reading it without bawling like a small child who's toy just got taken from them. (Okay bad analogy, because mine are happy tears... oops) I love my church with everything that I have and all of the blessings that come with being a member of it, but this is one of the best parts in my opinion. I felt the spirit so strongly as the patriarch laid his hands upon my head and spoke encouraging words directed completely to me. A little while ago I witnessed the power of a patriarchal blessing. I have been having quite terrible stomach issues that leave me feeling quite uncomfortable being anywhere other than my bed. I'm quite the social butterfly so this really put a damper on things. Then a very disgusting  serious thing happened that made me go see a doctor. They took some tests and told me it would take about 5 days to get the results back. That 5 days was more like 12 so there was a lot of worrying going on  in my mind. The internet doesn't help, I was sure I had cancer for a few days. I prayed and prayed but quickly realized I needed to read my patriarchal blessing. I did, and let me tell you, I have never experienced such a spiritual confirmation that no matter what I will be okay. So the days dragged on but my fear was disappearing. By the time I actually got my results, I was ready for anything to be thrown my way. Every single one of my tests came back negative. Negative people! Nothing was wrong with me, so far. Anyways, my patriarchal blessing really helped me though this and boy am I thankful for it :)

4) My Sweet Missionary
{This one may be last, but most certainly is not least. Being that the 10 month mark is tomorrow, I thought this would be the only time I could say how thankful I am for him without feeling like "that girl." Wow, he sure is amazing. And holy smokes are his letters perfect. Hunter is the most amazing person I have ever met. Now, I'm not just saying this because I love him without an end, but because everyone who has had the chance to get to know him would agree. Ask any of his teachers, team mates, friends, coaches, family members, probably even companions... he is an all around AMAZING person. He is so compassionate and respectful. He is kind to absolutely everyone. Something I lack and he fills the gap. His testimony is so very strong and he makes that known to everyone who will listen. He gave me my first Book of Mormon and boy am I glad he did. He has a light about him that shines to all who meet him and it draws them in. I have no doubt in my mind that he is one heck of an amazing missionary. I catch myself thinking about him a little too often and all of the times he has made me smile. I sure do miss that sweet boy, but thank goodness he is in Ohio right now. I'm so glad we have made it this far, we have had quite the journey. I'm so thankful for him and the amazing role he plays in my life. I'm so thankful for all of the memories we share together. I'm so thankful that he is a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.}

What a great November day. Enjoy every aspect of it :)
All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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America the Beautiful

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Today someone came into Jamba Juice and asked me if she gets a free smoothie for voting. She even pointed to her sticker so I would believe her. Although we weren't handing smoothies out for free, I really wanted to give one to her anyways. She did her part in voting for the president this wonderful country will have for the next 4 years. I don't know who she voted for, and she could have voted for the one I am voting against, but props to her for doing her part. This was the first year I was able to participate in the presidential election. How amazing it is to know that I had a say in voting for the next president to run this beautiful country for 4 years. Not only that, but women weren't even able to vote 92 years ago and I just did. Yep, I'm feeling pretty special today and pretty patriotic as well.
And now we anxiously await the outcome...
#RomneyRyan2012

P.S. I walked through Target today and bought three pairs of Christmas socks.
After that I almost bought myself a mini Christmas tree. I stopped myself though.
I wish I didn't. Maybe I'll go back and buy it tomorrow.
Don't judge. 
Thanksgiving is boring anyways. 

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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A Thankful Heart: #1

Saturday, November 3, 2012
I decided to dedicate the month of November to a whole month of thanks.
Not just one day. But the entire month.
Therefore, one day each week I will record the reasons why I am feeling thankful.
I am hoping this will help me try to understand how amazingly blessed I am and how there are so many things I have to be thankful for.
I'm going to attempt to take note throughout the week of the simple joys that occurred and made my heart smile.
Then I shall post them here.
Sometimes it might be one thing, other times it could be 10. I'm not making any guarantees.
I just thought it would be a good idea, so here it goes :)

This week hardly counts being that we are only in the 3rd of November, but hey the more reasons to be thankful the better right?

1) Doctors, and anyone in medicine for that matter.
[I could NEVER do what doctors do... the reason being that I pass out at the sight of blood and feel woozy the second someone mentions the word "nerve." When I got surgery the entire hospital knew me as the "fainter." So there are people like me, and people like them. Boy am I thankful we have people like "them."]
That would be me after surgery. Thank you to my doctors for fixing me!


2) Cameras. 
[I would be lost without my camera. I take pictures every chance I get. Memories are so important to me, I try to savor them for as long as I possibly can. Luckily, with the click of a button I can do that! I can replay any memory instantly.]
I was beyond excited when I opened this present on my birthday :)

3) My Father: aka fajaa. 
[After my brothers football game last night my dad and I got to go home together and spend some father daughter time together. It reminded me of old times. He made a mini sandwich on a Hawaiian sweet roll and we just talked, which is one of my favorite things to do with him. We planned to go hiking next weekend and then PPR came on and we watched together, just me and him. When I said goodnight we embraced, there is nothing like a fathers hug. He walked me to the door and then stayed there until I drove away. He always makes me feel so loved and safe. I know he cares about me so very much and I'm so thankful I can feel his love for me. For some reason my dad and I just "click." Maybe its because we are complete opposites, maybe its because I'm a total "daddy's girl", or maybe its because I admire the man he is today. I'm not quite sure, but I'm so glad our relationship has been strengthened over the years. He will always have a special place in my heart, I have such a soft spot for him. Last night I was calling out "dad!" to get his attention but he wasn't responding. Then I called out "fajaa!" only one time and he immediately looked around for me. Everyone has a dad, but I have the most special fajaa and an even more special relationship with him. I love him to the moon and back, always have and always will!]
And there he is! I sure do love him :)

Well, that's it for now. I think three things to be thankful for is good since we are only in the third day of November.
Now my heart feels happy, I like this idea a lot.
I'm thankful that I thought about doing it!
Oops... that's number 4 ;)

Happy November!
All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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