LATELY

 I feel like I haven't had just a regular real life post for so long. I thought I would put together this little compilation of pictures & thoughts from lately. 

A few weekends ago was General Conference. It's always the best thing to be able to hear the wise words of the general authorities. I think that in the midst of difficult trials their words are even more valuable and that certainly was the case this time around. 

  A lot of people I talk to think that being forgiving makes you weak. There should be no shame in forgiveness. There is nothing wrong with having a tender heart. Even when people colossally disappoint me, I can hardly find it in myself to confront them. I'm realizing now that it is a good quality. There is a really fine line between being soft while still standing up for yourself and we are all trying to find it. In the long run though, there's nothing wrong with leaning towards being soft. When it comes down to it, that is the more Christ like thing to do. I'm working on keeping my composure internally as well as I do externally and be genuinely forgiving. When it's all said and done, the person you hurt most by holding a grudge is only yourself. 

It's really been on my mind lately how self absorbed we can be. Myself included. When things are going your way it's easy to get caught up in it and disregard others, sometimes even the friends you care about most. I'm making it a goal to be more inclusive of others and mindful of how my actions can affect their feelings. I've heard it said from lots of people (especially now that high school is almost over for us and the only friendships that are lasting are the ones that are nourished) that you shouldn't care about people who don't care about you. To an extent, I get that, but if it were everybody's mantra, nobody would care about anybody! Let's all try to not be hypocritical, exclusive, and blind side each other. Be a sincere friend. 

 Syd & Mads' craft camp was such a success! All of the girls were such sweethearts and made awesome projects. If you missed the vlog you can see it here. 

Syd texted me this picture of a letter one of the girls gave her after camp was over. It was the sweetest little thing and made camp 10 times more rewarding.

 Don't let the pictures and vlog fool you though. Crafting with 30 8 year olds is no easy task. By the end of the night we had both been on our feet the entire day (me filming a wedding video and Syd sticking around to help the girls). The only thing that could help us was some Pei Wei takeout (so suitable for post craft camp because all of those funds went to our Thailand trip) and the movie The Intern. We didn't last longer than 30 minutes before we crashed- Syd's mom snapped this pic of us all curled up on the couch. I am so grateful for Sydney and all of the fun things she supports me with. 

 The boys are starting to get their mission calls which is CRAZY! If you missed that vlog it's here

Remember even on your saddest days, things are totally gonna work out! Try your best, be kind, and good things will come.