Blogs are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get!

**Warning, I post this blog not to offend, but to state my outlook on life***

Today I read a blog posted by a gal in my ward, it started out 'Is your ward full of back-biting, gossiping ladies?? Geez.. my ward is!' Needless to say, it didn't give a very inspiring outlook on the girls in my ward. I have been thinking about that blog most of the afternoon and I feel compelled to say something about my ward. I didn't grow in Utah, neither my family, nor my husbands family lives in a 300 mile radius. I have a few friends I made in college or while working, but for the most part we were on our own when we moved into this ward. I have found a family in this ward.

Even before we moved in Stacie Thomas was on our doorstep inviting us to a young adult activity. The first week in the ward we were invited to a FHE activity where Jessica Staker invited me to the walking group. I have LOVED the walking group, it has made me great friends with Lynnie Wilde, Celeste Humphries, Tara Felix, Sara Wagstaff, Lindsey Allan, and in the old days it gave me a chance to get to know Karen DeLaMare, Jessica Staker, Dawn Plaudis, and Marci Moeller. There are a many others who've joined up with us every now and again, and I've been surprised to learn more about them, and what strengths they have.

The day I found out I was going to miscarry, three of the girls from the walking group offered to take Lexi at the drop of a hat. I got many phone calls checking in on me and Jessica was on the doorstep with yummy cinnamon rolls. I had a wonderful conversation with Stacie that reassured me through one of my harder days. I couldn't have done it without them.

I know there are unbreakable friendships in this ward when I see Amber Warner come back every chance she gets :) I have learned so much from Lindy Merkely both in teaching crafts and listening to me talk about my life. I have been indebted to Marci Moeller and Lindsay Allen for the many hours they watched Lexi while I worked. I can't thank Lynnie Wilde enough for the frienship she has given me, and the friendship her kids give to mine. Sheena Hendrickson cuts my hair and keeps me looking cute, she also spreads laughter in whatever room she's in! I don't know how many times I've come home and there has been one treat or another on the doorstep from a whole array of people, just because!

There are a lot of younger moms in this ward, and due to the close proximity (and honestly I think the blogs are a big part to blame), we are way too up into each others business. However, I don't necessarily think this is wholly a terrible thing. A lot of time information gets passed out of concern, and I don't think any of the ladies in this ward are purposfully mean or hurtful. I see way too much love and service to honestly believe that. And if Lynnie can forgive me for blogging her secrets to the world, I think I can forgive anyone else of anything they may have said, or will yet to say about me.

So even though we can and will continue to be hurt by an insensitive comment, let's forgive and forget. Use the blogs for good and try to inspire rather then hurt or be offensive. And before you're ready to point fingers, look inside and think, can I truly say I've never done that? And thank you to each and every member of this ward who reads this blog, I'm truly thankful for all the friendships I've made.