It's a pillowcase kind of day!

How fun to wake up to a blanket of snow on the ground, just a dusting but still ..it is SNOW! Well, it looks like we just moved in, or that we are moving out...with all the boxes all over the house.
I was able to tutor again with this cute girl today. It was a Pillowcase type of day, she loved them. We even made our own pillows for the travel size pillowcase.
We also were able to take out one of Lee's good friend to dinner tonight. What a great kid he is. I am so grateful that my kids have such amzing friends, who have become a part of our family during their years.
 It was a beautiful sunny... but a very cold day!

Black Friday Shopping!

Today Lee headed back home and Jeff and I had a great day shopping all the Black Friday Sales. Our main search was for the Perfect Christmas Tree. The artifical one that we have had for the last 7 years finally bit the dust last year. We hoped today since it was Black friday, we would be able to find just the right one. It was the perfect day to find one too, since every store had all there Christmas music playing throughout the store and today as you can see out the window of the store ...was the first snow of the year! It wasn't much and it didn't last long but...it made for a perfect Christmas shopping day!
Grateful to spend with my best friend!
I am so grateful also to be able to say...Merry Christmas dear friends and Good Night!

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Well, this was a bittersweet Thanksgiving, we only had half of our children with us...so we were a bit lonely. Thank goodness for Face Time, we love having the chance to see all of them.
We hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day yourself .
Please remember how much we love and appreciate you all of you this Thankgiving Day too!

Thankgiving Dinner, but before we eat...our tradition is to say what we are grateful for this year!

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Audrey preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner too!

Right after dinner, relaxing, watching football, napping and playing...we started carrying up the Christmas boxes, Audrey decided she wanted to help! ( We had to use Lee's muscles before he leaves early in the morning :)

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Thanksgiving Eve was a very busy day! I first had lunch with 3 dear friends, wasn't sure if I would get to see them for Christmas or not.... so I made sure to get their Christmas presents for them. I have to admit...it made me want to start making all my presents early!

 The girls are thrilled to see their Uncle Lee, we only get him for another day but...we are trying to make memories with every minute that we can!

Yesterday Lee and I cranked up the Christmas music and did one of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. We made 10 homemade pies. We set them outside last night, covered only with saran wrap. I normally cover them with boxes or put them in our ice chests to protect them from the animals. I totally forgot to do that last night and look what happened to our wonderful pies...darn squirrels. Had to throw away 3 pies :(

After I got back from lunch, Amy and the girls came over. Audrey loves the boxes that we had in the kitchen.

Just more memories!

Finally dinner with the family at Sushi Land. We were missing John...think he stayed home to put up Christmas Decorations, I think he doing it secretly...because he always teases me about putting up Christmas decoration early and about listening to Christmas music. I think he is seriously as crazy about Christmas as I am!

Now the perfect ending to this night would be if we had Brad, Krystal, Kai, Lauren and Nik flying in to be here with us tomorrow! Oh how we miss them!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

what do you see in the mirror?

Everyone should watch this short and empowering video!

Watch it HERE:

Wish I could come do this for each of you!
Good Night dear friends!

Just a normal day at home!

Today I got to spend the day with these nice and crazy girls ( how did she get up there? ) Don't ask:)

 

Then I got to go to a Birthday dinner at Olive Garden with some dear friends.
How grateful I am for dear dear friends!




Oh how I wish I could spend the day with this sweet boy of mine!

Just do what needs to be done!

dfghj
A great reminder of just doing what needs to be done.
Good night dear friends!

Meet a gym staffer who leads and teaches with wet towels

I’ve highlighted some unusual corporate and customer service experiences since launching this weekly column in 2010.

I wrote about witnessing firsthand Apple’s powerful brand through a special employee and a unique experience. You read about Marriott Hotels’ habit of leaving no stain unscrubbed. I shared the spiritual lesson I learned from Great Wolf Lodge’s remarkable lifeguards.

Then last week at the local gym, I observed a 10-second scene that could change the world — if we let it.

I was wrapping up a workout at the Valley Health Wellness and Fitness Center in Winchester, Virginia. As I packed my gym bag and double-checked my locker, employee Greg Brondos came around the corner rolling a large cart of white, wet and dirty towels. I recognized him from the membership department and listened as another man near me, presumably a friend, asked what he was doing.

Brondos quietly explained that he’d noticed the towels needed to be serviced and that he looks for opportunities to help where he can, even when it’s not his job.

A few minutes later as I left, I saw Brondos again and asked about the exchange. “Excuse me. I was eavesdropping back there and I heard you say it’s not normally your responsibility to help with the towels. That’s not something you usually do?”

“Not really,” he said, and his curious eyebrows arched higher than the McDonald’s logo. I couldn’t tell whether he was intrigued by my nosiness, slightly alarmed, or just sizing me up and wondering whether he could outrun me. (He can.)

“It’s not my job, but I saw that it needed to be done,” he added. “I’m a Cub Scout leader and I always tell my boys that if they see something out of place, they should pick it up and take care of it. Doesn’t matter whether it’s theirs or not.”

He smiled. “So, I guess I better do the same.”

Bingo.

I complimented him on an unusual attitude in today’s me-first world. “Your Cubs are lucky to have you.”

With humility, and probably a dose of embarrassment at the attention, he added his opinion that if every one of us looked for opportunities to do things that might not necessarily be our responsibility, the world would be a much better place.

We said goodbye, and little did he know I was writing this column in my head before I even hit the parking lot.

It’s just a pile of wet towels, I thought. It’s just a small thing, right?

Wrong.

His attitude is a rarity in today’s selfish and self-centered world. The planet doesn’t just spin around itself; it spins around each of us. All too often we’re the center of every universe we occupy. Our needs, troubles and time are much more important than those of our neighbors.

Spend time in most restaurants, corporate boardrooms or cubicle farms and I promise you’ll hear at least some of this dialogue:

“Not my job.”

“Not my problem.”

“Wow! Glad that’s not my mess.”

I know, because I haven’t just heard those lines, I’ve said them.

Imagine a community, school or family where every single set of eyes was focused on the messes and how best to clean them up.

Imagine if every business or government body — local, state or federal — fostered this culture of messiness accountability.

What if the first person on scene was always the one to clean up the towels — literally and figuratively?

What if everyone’s response to an odd question from an odd stranger was, “I just saw that it needed to be done.”

I hope that someone who knows Greg Brondos and his Cub Scouts shares this with them at a future pack meeting. They should know that their leader doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk.

And when he is walking, he even takes care of the dirty towels.

You can read more of Jason's work HERE:

Music to my ears!

Jason hit this note on the head, when he shared a story about someone who was tone deaf but sang with all her heart in church. It was a sweet reminder that the Lord loves each of us, and only cares about what is in our hearts!
Good night dear friends!

Years ago while attending church far from home, I arrived earlier than expected and sat down next to an early-bird elderly woman sitting alone. She had a big handshake, a huge smile and we snacked on some friendly chatter before the service started.

When a less commonly known opening hymn began, she shared her hymnal by sliding it in the air between us and energetically starting to sing. But it didn’t take long to realize that she didn’t need the book. Not because she knew the words, but because I suspected she couldn’t read.

With her cracked and craggy voice, she looked up and down from the hymnal to the chorister at the front of the chapel and sang a mishmash of spiritual words and phrases as if her salvation depended on it. But it was not obnoxious or distracting in any way.

It was off-key, off-rhythm and completely out-of-tune.

It was also beautiful, uplifting and memorable.

Even though I haven’t seen her since that Sunday morning years ago, I can picture her next to me singing out with all her heart to a God that she loves and with a voice that is uniquely hers. No, she wasn’t in tune with the organ, but she sure was in tune with the Spirit.

A few weeks ago, once again in a different congregation, I had the opportunity to sit next to a former member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Carter Knapp had two stints with the group before relocating permanently to Virginia and is known as “Golden Tones” in his home ward and stake.

The well-educated and articulate Knapp has such an authoritative, distinctive voice, that if he asked a complete stranger on the street to clean his room and finish his homework, both chores would be done by dinner.

I listened to him sing at my side and was genuinely touched by the Spirit. He sang out with all his heart to a God that he loves and with a voice that is uniquely his.

It was in-key, in-rhythm and completely in-tune.

It was also beautiful, uplifting and memorable.

I wondered why, in that moment, sitting next to this man who’d traveled the world and sang countless numbers with the world’s most renowned choir, I was thinking about a woman whose voice I’ve only heard once, but that I could not forget?

Because despite sounding as different as two voices possibly can, both had invited the Spirit into the room and into my heart. These two children of God have taken all the Father has given them and used it for good. Despite differing talent levels, there is no pride on his part, and no shame on hers.

Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Just do the best you can, but be sure it is your very best.”

I’m certain that for both these singers, this is true.

Obviously no one would propose that my tone-challenged friend should take a coveted seat with the most talented choir on the planet. The suggestion would trigger in her a giggle fit that would last longer than the church service.

No, not everyone sings as if they belong in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but when it comes to raising a voice to heaven, it doesn’t matter.

The sound of your voice is much less important than the fact that you’re singing in the first place.

Read more of Jason's stories HERE:

6 years ago today!

Six years ago today I had my mastectomy, I actually had it at 2:30 till 4:00. I still remember every moment about that day. Oh how scared I was, how worried I was on how this was going to effect my family and the rest of my life . But it really wasn't until after the surgery that the fears, discouragement and pain began to set in. It is true, that some things you just have to go through in life. There is are lessons in everything that happens to you, I truly believe that, but oh some life's experiences are tough and this was one of my toughest ones.

Now here I am 6 years later and I finally get to have good news from my last MRI, and my family is doing well.

 

And I have a job that I love and more friends that I can count, plus a family that I am so proud of and thankful for. How grateful I am for my life. I am grateful for each day of those 6 years, that I have had. Many of them taught me so many things, and I still am learning each day.

So this November 12th, I am glad to be happy to where I am, doing what I am doing and understanding just a little more about life's lessons. ( Just for the record, that is not my quilt behind me...but oh how I wished it was! )

                                                 

Truth!

Their Story

Our son Brad, daughter in law Krystal and grandson Kai were highlighted in a magazine called Woven, here is their focus...
Woven Magazine exists to celebrate artists, craftsmen, and makers alike to share their stories of fear and triumph, risk and return.

What a wonderful article about some of our favorite people. Reading this was a proud moment for us!
Here are a few sneak previews of the photos. You can read the article HERE:





Like Father Like Son!

Personal Opinion

I love how Jason puts his words on to a page and many times after reading them, I want to go and do something, be better, help someone and on and on. What a beautiful thing to do with your talents...help others and encourage them to be better.
Anyway these are great words of wisdom to all of us, but I think tonight...I really needed to hear them for me.
Good Night dear friends!

‘Shrink the gap’ between your opinion and God’s by Jason Wright

One of my favorite people on the planet suffers from a confidence deficit.

It’s heartbreaking.

We have many mutual friends, and everyone in her path finds her talented, articulate, dedicated, focused and faithful. This friend is lovely inside and out, and she seems to be the only person who disagrees.

She’s in a near-constant state of doubt about her real value. “Am I a failure? Am I good enough? Smart enough? Am I trying hard enough? Giving up too easily? Am I being kind? Generous? Am I reading the Bible enough? Serving enough? Praying enough?”

The doubts spread and multiply like a dangerous virus. Oh, if only she knew.

She’s a force!

She’s amazing!

She’s great!

Plus, she holds untapped potential to be even greater!

During one recent exchange, my mind ignited an idea that I’m pretty sure I didn’t plant there. In a flash, I realized that we’d had it wrong all along.

My self-doubting friend shouldn’t worry about our opinions, but about what God thinks. Doesn’t He know the goodness in each of us and how much potential we possess?

Then, with this theme, I posed a few leading questions.

“Do you believe God is your Creator?”

“Yes.”

“Your literal Father in heaven?”

“Of course.”

“Is He perfect?”

“Yes.”

“Does He love you?”

Her humble smile and the gathering tears answered for her.

“All right. So He’s our Creator, our Father, He’s perfect and He loves us. If that’s all true, then would any of us be built for failure?”

She shook her head.

“Well then,” I said. “It’s time to ‘shrink the gap’ between who you think you are, and who God thinks you are. No, we’re not perfect, but He doesn’t make mistakes. We are divine creations with divine potential.”

I reminded her that we are all unique with different talents, strengths and weaknesses, but we all have one thing in common. No one ever has been predestined for failure. We are built for success.

I know what you’re thinking. You’ve been there, too.

We all have. It’s natural. We doubt. We question. We cry out for a reminder that we’re not alone.

We each have days when we wake up and wonder if our prayers are powerful enough to reach the all-powerful.

I think you and I, plus my friend, plus your neighbor, plus your neighbor’s neighbor, all suffer from a flexible confidence gap that constantly expands and shrinks between our self-imposed limits and the eternal potentials of heaven. But if God’s power is limitless, and if all of our talents, gifts and abilities come from Him, then aren’t they also limitless?

Consider that. You are unique, so is my friend, and she is talented in many ways. So are you. Those gifts come from an infinite Creator who knows us intimately, even how many hairs are on our heads.

We’re flawed, selfish, impatient and prone to repeat mistakes. No, we’re not perfect, but our Father is. And that’s the miracle that matters most!

Of course we must remain deferential, humble and attribute all our success to Him. But we also should never, ever doubt His best work. (That’s you!)

I sure hope my friend is listening, but by now I understand that it’s not just about her. It’s about all of us. May we all recognize that none of us are meant for failure, because we’re all meant for Him.

Let’s shrink the gap.

Found the article HERE:

Small World!

What a small world this is...tonight we had a young missionary who we met in our home a few months ago. When he came to our home for dinner, I recognized his last name and asked him if his Father ever served a mission. He said yes, then I asked him and then he told me his Dad served in Salt Lake City, Utah ...I couldn't believe it. A great missionary and friend from my mission, this young missionary was his boy! That's amazing!
Now this young missionary has completed his mission and his parents came to pick him up and they got to visit us tonight. It has been over 34 years since I had seen his Dad. But I knew when I first met his son, that he looked like his Dad. Now I got to met his sweet Mom and his Dad again. It was a fun evening and it made me realize how grateful I am for Forever Friends! I hope for years to come, we will be able to keep in touch with them and watch their family continue to grow. What a wonderful night!
Good Night dear friends!

Finally!

A week ago today I went to my check up. This one is an MRI with a IV which has a contrast that runs through you body to check for cancer. I haven't done one for a couple of years, it is a tough test to do, so I have tried all month to get the courage up to finally go and get it done.

It actually went better than I thought and they have improved things since the last time, so it didn't last as long so I was grateful for that. One of my dear friend went with me and when I left ...they told me that I would have my results in 24 - 48 hours.

 I waited for Weds and Thursday to hear results but nothing. By Friday I called my Doctor's office to see if they had any news and they didn't. I prayed that I could enjoy the weekend and not worry about it. I reminded myself over and over again that I know that my Heavenly Father is in charge and to continue to rely on my faith in Him. Plus, if all else fails I tried to remember what my Grandma to say..." No news, is usually Good News".

Last night Jeff brought in the mail and handed me a letter from BMI where I had the MRI done. Here what it said...

Dear Lynn Woodard, 

Thank you for selecting us for your breast imaging study. We are pleased to tell you that your breast imaging study is normal/benign ( not cancer ).

I have had cancer twice in my life in my life and since those diagnosis, I have always had calls with my reports... not letters. So I guess this is a first and a good first one to say that.

For those of you who prayed for me, thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Knowing I have friends and family who love and support me, means the world to me.

Good Night dear friends!

Happily Ever After

Finally we got Lauren and Nik's  wedding photos back! We love them and we are so excited that we have the memories of such a wonderful day.

Lauren and Nik were married for Time and all Eternity in the Seattle, Wa Temple on Sept 12th

Here are our sweet kids!

Lauren and her boy ( Kai )

Lauren and her girls ( Angie, Audrey and Jenny )

 
The Beardall and Woodards together. ( Nik's parents Russ and Jackie and I served our missions together 34 years ago)  What a small world!

Here are the girls from our family at the wedding!

The bench that Lauren and her Dad made for the reception ( from my Grandma Johnny's 4 poster bed that Jeff and I had when we got married 32 years ago )

 Father Daughter Dance...the best!

On their way to their Happily Ever After...with sparklers and all!

 Here is our sweet Lauren, so glad she found her one and only!

Today's wisdom!

Today was a very busy day but a good day.
 I learned something today that struck a cord to my heart. It wasn't from the pulpit or even in a lesson in class, it was from a friend. She brought up about me speaking at church last week and what a great job I did on my talk. I told her that I didn't really feel that I got across exactly what I was hoping to. Then these wise words came out..."You know what they say Lynn, thank goodness...Feelings aren't Facts".
 So true, even if we feel strongly about something, like we didn't do something well, or we should have done more; or even wished you could let some one know what you really meant or felt. The important thing I think is...we need to remember those words of wisdom..."Feelings aren't Facts".

How grateful I am that I have a Heavenly Father and a Savior Jesus Christ who do know my feelings and the facts. I get great comfort when I know that they truly know my heart and my intentions.

Another couple of friends shared with me a few weeks ago "Don't worry about what others think, your true friends, know who you are and that is all that matters. " 
So today I am also grateful for good friends and family, who know me and know the facts!
Good Night dear friends!

True Confessions from a Nana!

Ok, this happened quite by accident. The girls came and did a sleep over last night after Trick or Treating. Then this morning we got up and Poppa fixed everyone a great breakfast, next we started taking down Halloween decorations so we could start putting up Thanksgiving decorations...right? Sounds good so far.
We were doing great until we had to get the vacuum out of the downstairs closet, while we were in there, the girls saw the Fisher Price Christmas Cottage and Village that I bought last year with my sister in law Shirley ( at the after Christmas sales ).  The girls were soooo excited about it, they begged to open it now, and sooooooooooo since I already had Christmas music in the air... I couldn't help myself. We had hours of fun playing with it!
But just to prove to you that my whole house isn't Christmas, below are the photos of all the hard work we did today...AFTER we played with the Christmas Cottage and Village! :)

I have all the Pumpkin Candles on!

Fall 2014

It definitely looks like Fall around here!

Good Night dear friends!