Mighty Fine

It seems like almost every time we visit Mighty Fine Burgers and Fries something interesting happens. When we lived near the North Austin location, we'd randomly see church friends there all the time. Now that we're patrons of the South Austin location, we haven't seen any church friends there, but...one of the first times we ate there an old lady told us that we were good parents (so nice!), and the last time we ate there a middle-aged woman gave us five dollars for our "angel girl." Henry and I joked that we were finally capitalizing on Elle's cuteness.

Tonight there was a group of 12 year old boys that stood in line in front of us and then sat at the table in front of ours. I'm pretty sure the birthday boy took a picture of me with his cell phone (and then played it off by saying he was trying to get a selfie of his friends when I said, "did you just take a picture of me??") because later he turned and yelled "you're a hottie!" in our general direction. I can only guess that the message was intended for me and not my toddler or husband, so thanks, kid. I was feeling particularly bulbous and unattractive today. Mama's still got it at 4 months pregnant.

The cherry on top: I'd be willing to bet that the birthday boy goes to the same church as us (different congregation, same building or a different congregation in our stake). My Mormon-dar immediately went off when I saw the parents, while chatting in line the mom told me they have six kids, and Henry overheard a friend of the parents talking about the Barton Creek ward. That'd be fun to cross paths in the hall.

Because of Him

Hi there. I felt obligated to come out of blog hiding to write what has now become my 5th annual Easter post. This year has been no different from recent Easters past in that it has awakened my spirit.

But this year, unlike previous years, one thing helped me along. My church launched an Easter website, which included a video and the hashtag #BecauseofHim (that's probably redundant to write out hashtag and then put a hashtag, but oh well). All week long I have seen friends sharing it on social media, and I have been blessed because of this campaign. Scrolling through facebook and instagram today, I've felt immense gratitude for Jesus Christ, and I've spent a little more time than usual thinking about the things that are possible because of Him.

I love my Savior. I am so thankful for the knowledge and the accompanying feelings I have deep within that he died for my sins so that I may have eternal life. I am so thankful to know that when I feel alone in my struggles that He knows my pain. His sacrifice was not only to save me from my sins but also to strengthen and sanctify me. He stands with an outstretched arm ever-ready to extend grace when I feel worthy of none. Because of Him, all things are possible. Because of Him, there is no end. Because of Him, there is everlasting joy.

Watch the #BecauseofHim video here.