Aldo Leopold Half Marathon Oct 25th!

WARNING: You MAY receive a phone call notifying you of my death by heart attack or cliff fall on Saturday October 25th.

Blessed

The title of this post has 2 meanings: First, we went to Bowling Green, Ohio this past weekend to be with Doug's brother Matt, his wife Erianne, & their daughter Aleah for her baby blessing (pictures will follow eventually). Second, this past month has been weighing me down, and I'm feeling very relieved and happy of late, so I wanted to share the blessings on my mind today!

Aleah's blessing was beautiful...and hilarious. Here's why: mid-way through the blessing, up front in a silent chapel, 3-month-old Aleah lets loose a big juicy fart followed by a relieved sigh. Doug was heaving with silent laughter, trying not to burst at the seams. She gets something from her youngest uncle.... The weekend was great, getting the chance to visit with Doug's parents and Doug's aunt & uncle, and Matt & Erianne AND of course Aleah, the girl of the hour. She's so precious...and gaseous. Gotta love it!

This past month on a whole, has come to a happy end and here are the things I'm most thankful for right now:
1: My mom's email message last night that she DOESN'T have uterine cancer. Phew!
"Hi! Just thought I’d let you know my appointment with the doctor went good Monday. They had all my test results back and it was not cancer and no surgery needed!!!!! ...To say we are relieved is an understatement. Just wanted to pass the news on to you. Hope all is going good in your lives. We love you! Love, Mom"
2: My brother's graduation from an intensive outpatient treatment program for alcoholism. I was able to attend the graduation last Thursday night with some of my family who drove up for the occasion. My brother has been sober for 6 weeks today and I couldn't be more proud. He is an amazing person and his feelings of being on cloud 9 right now are nothing compared to how our family feels. It's been an answer to my parents' 10 years or prayers. We wish him the best in this new life and throughout everyday inner battles.
3: I passed my first of eight CLU courses/exams on Tuesday morning of this week. I pulled an all-nighter Monday night like I was back in college days, but I pulled it off and I'm so excited and ampped up for the next one :) I hope to finish all 8 courses by next summer to earn my CLU designation (Chartered Life Underwriter) and then by the end of next summer finish 3 more courses/exams to earn my ChFC designation (Chartered Financial Consultant) and by Dec 2009 take my cummulative exam to earn my CFP designation (Certified Financial Planner).
4: I had a good chat with my mom & then my sister last night. I am trying to be a better communicator in my daughter/sibling relationships because it's not something that comes super easy for me. I feel really good about my efforts and the prospects of slowly strengthening relationships over time into what I desire them to be.
5: I got a ton done yesterday evening on my own personal project lists, so I'm feeling empowered and accomplished :)
6: I love what I do for work and I am very passionate about it. I am ampped up and loving life right now.
7: I am looking forward to a peaceful weekend of General Conference and then getting to the temple next Saturday the 11th with my Young Women.

So yes, things are not ALL peachy, but I need to tell myself and consequently all of you that the GOOD things that go on in life are more important than anything else to dwell on :) Have a fabulous weekend!