Happy New Year!

May your resolutions  bring you joy and happiness and that your faith,  family and friendships are abundantly rewarding.

Keep Calm.....

This past fall I began to sell Thirty-One Gifts. What captured me was the opportunity to get great products that help me organize and m-a-t-c-h  everything in the bargain. Every month there is a great special that has allowed me to build my collection. I liked this idea so much that I called my consultant and asked her to sign me up.  It took a few weeks for us to get this taken care of, due to life's blessings and challenges, including the delivery of her brand new baby boy.

 In the meantime a new catalog came out and I got a brand new kit from that catalog. Our new catalog debuts on January 4th and I can't wait to celebrate the excitement of sharing the new products with my customers. January is full of resolutions and while that is all well and good, many of you know that I am still trying to get organized in my home. It takes more than the hour shown on the  Mission Organization program to get this done and change habits too.

For a peek at what I am so excited, take a look at my website:  mythirtyone.com/mardellgrayhek

Four More Days....

My spirits are brighter tonight at the prospect of the next four days. They will be filled with family gathered together for laughter and lots of food. Sometimes the holiday season can be difficult for some because of expectations that cannot be met. Family dynamics are complicated so gatherings are not always welcome.

 I am at a point in my life where some of the things that used to get under my skin over the holidays just don't get that chance anymore. I am very lucky but it took a long time to get to this place. I feel for those who cannot say that but encourage you to keep trying.

 Now, I am going to go get some rest because tomorrow I will begin making treats and cookies and pans of lasagna for the first of the extended family gatherings.

 I wish you a Merry Christmas and pray that this year brings peace. 

Such a Time of Sorrow.

I am trying to understand what happened today in Newton Connecticut where so many lives were taken by a madman. So many children who will not be receiving their Christmas presents or squeal with delight any longer at simple pleasures of life. How their voices will be missed by parents who have had their hearts torn away today. I feel such a pit of sadness in my heart, wondering what is happening in our world. We need to come together and make this world a much better place for everyone.

I pray that God will help us understand each other better and guide us to live together as He intended. I pray also for patience so that I may be kind to those who I don't think deserve my kindness. I pray for the courage to speak up when I see things that are not right and to make the world a better place.

I cannot say one word that will make it easier for those left behind tonight after the shootings this morning; I can simply pray that it never happens again.

Snow!

The snow fell today!
Excitement is building
The season is here
The Snow Village is growing
Round rocks for eyes
Chose carrots or buttons for a nose
Hats and Scarves
Make a family of snow
Keep your spirits up with cheerful people of snow!