A Baby Shower for Melanee!

Tyler and Ozma invited me to a baby shower they were throwing for their friend, Melanee, this evening. I met Melanee once when Tyler invited Chris and me over for Family Home Evening and I was secretly hoping to see her again. She's having a boy. This will be her and her husband, Dax's, first child. I am so excited for her! Even though I haven't spent much time with her, I can tell she is going to be an awesome mom. Melanee and Dax are so cute together.

It was so fun to spend time with Ozma this evening. The only thing I feel bad about is that I can't communicate with her because she only speaks Spanish and I only speak English, but Tyler assures me that she likes me. I felt better after he told me that because, let's face it, I will never be able to speak another language. I can barely speak English! :) Because of that, the car ride over to the shower was pretty silent. If I could speak Spanish, I would, but I'm not that talented.

Even though I don't know Melanee very well, I think she is pretty awesome. Her smile just lights up a room. While I was at the shower, I could tell that she genuinely cares about other people. She even remembered my name! That made me really happy. I hope we stay in touch and are friends for a really long time!

I'm so glad that Melanee, Tyler, and Ozma are my friends and that we get along so well. I love those three and am really grateful that they are kind and included me into their cluster of friendship.

Memorial Day- A Day to Reminisce

Since Memorial Day is today, I thought I would pay my respects to this special holiday. I love being able to remember about those who have gone before us and how special they are in our hearts. We contemplate the memories we had with them. We ponder how much we loved them and still love them.

When this time of year rolls around, I often think about my Grandpa Foster. He is one of the most kind, gentle, thoughtful, loving people I have ever met. The day that he passed away, I was so upset and sick to my stomach. 

Throughout his life, he suffered from kidney failure and because of his kidney failure, he was given three transplants (not at the same time, mind you).

Grandpa's first kidney transplant was before I was born. His sister, Peggy, was a match for him. His kidney lasted 5 years. His second transplant he received was from an anonymous donor who died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. A family received her lungs, another a heart, and my grandpa was lucky enough to receive one of her kidneys. That was a miracle for our family. His kidney lasted for 15 years. It may not have been a big deal to the donor's loved ones, but it was an enormous deal for my family. That was 15 more years I got to spend with my wonderful grandfather. That kidney was an answer to my prayers and so many others. His third transplant he received was from my sweet mother. She and her five sisters were all tested to see if they were able to give Grandpa a kidney. My mom was a match. We were all so grateful for her selfless act of service. My mother did well after the transplant. The one side affect she received was that she is always cold. I'm not sure if she still gets cold today, but then, she was always so cold. I'm so grateful for a mother who is so selfless, thoughtful, and kind. I don't know what I would do without her.

Grandpa was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He didn't grow up in the Church, but was converted and baptized when he was 24 years old. That was the best decision he could've made for his family. My mom said once that one decision can affect millions of people. Grandpa's decision to join the Church is living proof of that statement.

This picture was taken when Grandpa and Gran were both attending Brigham Young University. I really love this picture because both of them have that twinkle in their eyes. I would say this was a "love at first sight" moment. 

When Grandpa passed away, it was the worst day of my life. I didn't cry the entire time I was with my Gran and the rest of my family, but a few weeks later, I was in Seminary and my Seminary teacher, Brother Saunders, gave me a note which read, "You are awesome! I'm sorry your heart is hurting right now. I feel to share a verse with you. Read it as though your grandpa is saying it. Enos 1:27." That scripture reads "And I soon go to the place of me rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put in immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen." After I read that scripture, I let out everything I was bottling up inside since that past weekend. I sobbed the entire class hour. I felt so much better after I let it all out.

Grandpa has taught me so many important lessons about life. He has taught me to love others unconditionally, to serve others selflessly, and that family is so important. He has taught me to love Heavenly Father and to always be on His side, no matter what. On the program at his funeral, a quote was printed on the front. It said, "No one had to guess whose side he was on." That statement sums up my grandfather really well. He always wanted to please his Heavenly Father and did strive to become like Him. 

Even though the day Grandpa passed away was the worst day, it was also the best day. I knew Grandpa wasn't suffering anymore. I knew he would be with his family members who have gone before him. I also know that I will be able to see him again. 

I am so grateful to be a part of Grandpa's family. I am thankful for his loving counsel and example. I am grateful for his consistency in the gospel and for teaching me to always be on Heavenly Father's side. I hope I am just as committed and faithful as he was.

The Truth (plus some sisterly love) Will Set You Free

Throughout my life, I have had trouble with being blunt with others and telling them that they drive me up the wall (or something along those lines). I beat around the bush because I don't like others' feelings to be hurt. I am a people pleaser and I know I shouldn't be because then I, myself, wouldn't be as happy as I could be. Others think they know all about someone when they actually don't have a clue about who they really are. They think they know the whole story when they only know bits and pieces. That's how rumors get spread, trust is tested, hearts are broken, and feelings get hurt.

McKayla, my little sister (I call her Kay), on the other hand, will tell you like it is. She will tell people what she's thinking that very moment and she will stand by what she says. She may not know this, but I really admire that about her. She is so strong and independent and doesn't care what anyone thinks. She doesn't take crap from anyone and those who are just getting to know her will learn that very quickly. I wished I was as strong as she is (and not only in that category). 

Kay and I are best friends. We are so different. She's an Einsteinette, works very hard, and plays volleyball. I work hard, try my best, play the flute, and I love to read books. One of the few things we have in common is that we play the piano, but we didn't have a choice in that matter. Our mom made us learn how to play the piano. When we were growing up, she said that we couldn't participate in any after-school activity until we learned how to play the piano. It was hard and frustrating at times and there were a lot of tears shed during lessons, but how grateful I am to know how to play the piano!

Kay and my other two sisters play volleyball. I think that is so cool that they can share that bond together. Sometimes, I feel like I'm out of the loop because I do my own thing. It's not that I hate them or anything; I'm just jealous that they have something they are all a part of and that they can share together.

When we were growing up, I am not going to lie. I was not the most supportive sister. When Kay was in Jr. High, I hated going to volleyball tournaments because they were "so long" and I got bored really easily. I felt bad that I didn't like to go because Kay supported me during Show Choir concerts and she said they were really boring to watch as well. I guess it's different when you are the one participating in the event. After her last tournament of Jr. High, I made a commitment to go to every single game as she started high school. Honestly, I don't think I went to all of her games, but I went to most of them. It was more fun to watch her play in high school than it was in middle school. I think it was because we were in high school at the same time (I was a senior when she was a freshman). 

Even though Kay and I are very different, she has taught me so much about being a friend. She is kind and considerate of others. She genuinely cares about other people. She loves others no matter what. I'm so grateful she is my sister. :)

Left to Right: Heather, Kay, me, and Erin

This is one of my favorite pictures of me and the sisters. As all three of them would say, "Delaney, don't I just look adorable?" ;)

Adjustments

Now that we have a new member in the family, it is hard to adjust to some things Chris and I had to change so Buddy can stay with us. I have to get used to taking him outside to use the bathroom and cleaning up after him (it's not as bad as I thought it would be). We've kind of got Buddy on a schedule. We wake up at 5 AM and go outside so he can go to the bathroom. Then we come back to our apartment. About an hour later, I take him outside to use it again. We've got that one down for the most part. I have to get used to his smell (I will admit it. He stinks). I have to get used to his curiosity about everything. We have to keep all our doors shut so he doesn't get into our shoes in the closet or the toilet paper in the bathroom (Buddy chewed up my brown flip flop- he didn't take both of them; he only took one- a couple of weeks ago and I thought I had all the doors shut. Apparently, I didn't. At least it gives me the excuse to go shoe shopping!). I have to watch him constantly which isn't that big of a deal since I'm home all day every day.

It's interesting how much work goes into everything that you're involved in whether it's a new job, starting a family, moving out of an apartment, moving into a house, etc. One decision really affects millions of people. It affects the people you love and associate with whether it's your family, friends, or neighbors. It's also interesting how sometimes I wish I could go back and fix whatever mistake I made that one day, but if I changed even one tiny decision, I would not be where I am today. All the decisions and mistakes I've made have made me who I am today and I'm pretty proud of where I'm at now. I've been happily married for almost two years. I live in Live Oak, Texas and have made some unforgettable friends here. I have a puppy that I just adore. It's funny how one tiny decision can make your entire day so much better. 

The Enchanted Rock

Cyrus, Danielle, Kathleen (she's another friend Chris works with), Chris, Buddy, and I went hiking this afternoon. It was fun. We hiked to the top of Enchanted Rock. It felt like a really long hike. When we arrived at the top, the view was gorgeous.

Buddy needed some shade.

Mommy and Buddy

Look at that face! ;)

It was more fun going to the top of Enchanted Rock than coming back down. Buddy was exhausted going back down and he threw up once (he got car sick on the ride over), but he's alright. I felt so bad. Poor little pup. It was hard going back down Enchanted Rock. I literally felt like I was going to fall on top of Chris or Cyrus. I asked Cyrus to catch me if I ever fell during the hike. Cyrus laughed and said he would (thankfully, I never did). He is so awesome. It was so fun to see everyone and visit.

I just love this girl! :)

    Me, Kathleen, and Danielle

What a cute family picture!

 I love Buddy's face in this picture. Looks like he passed out on Cyrus's lap. Silly puppy! ;)

        How precious is that?

After our hike, we went to El Milagro to get something to eat. We ate outside which was fun because Buddy could stay with us. Chris and I thought that was awesome. We tied Buddy up to Chris's chair so he wouldn't wander off. The waiter even gave Buddy his own cup of water! That was so thoughtful of him.

He wore himself out today. Poor pup!

We were all exhausted on our drive home. I think Buddy got his workout for the evening. :) As we were driving home, Buddy fell asleep in the back seat and crashed on our blue rocking chair when we entered our apartment. That poor pup played so hard today. He deserves a long rest. 

Friend or Foe?

Why is it that people can be so nice to others, but then turn around and be so vicious to that one specific person? I don't understand how others can be so mean to certain individuals because of whatever reason. I mean, no one can be happy all the time, but do they really have to take it out on other people, especially the people they love? I've tried to wrap my head around this, but I just don't understand.

We are commanded to love one another, especially our families. We are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father which makes us all brothers and sisters. We are one big family and we should become one big happy family. We need to reach out to those who have gone astray and plead with them to come back onto the path of righteousness. 

I suggest we all try and treat others more like we want to be treated. I'm not an expert at this by any means, but I'm trying to be a little better every day. I know that others can be mean to certain individuals for whatever reason. I've been on the other side of the glass and I'm sure everyone else has too, but we need to keep in mind that they are Heavenly Father's children just like we are. If Christ came back to the earth this very day, could you answer honestly how you have treated all of His children without feeling guilty? Could you tell Him that you loved them unconditionally? Could you tell Christ that you have tried your hardest to become more like Him? Could you tell Him you treated your family with the kindness and respect that they deserve from you? Could you tell Heavenly Father that they treated you with that same kindness and respect because you gave them that in return? Now, I know certain people can drive us bananas sometimes (believe me, I know), but we still need to treat others the way Christ would treat them.

This is not going to be easy. It hasn't been easy for me. If I could give some people the "what for" I really would :), but I need to keep reminding myself that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them just as much as They love me. I need to love others because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. This is something that I constantly and continually work on every single day.

To whoever is reading this, let me challenge something to you. I challenge you to be nicer and kinder to those individuals that drive you bananas. I need to take this challenge too. Maybe they will understand that we are all God's children and that we should love each other. Maybe they will realize that we weren't as bad as they thought we were. Maybe they will recognize that they need us as much as we need them.