"Magnifying" her calling would be an understatement

I've run out of good gossip from you guys, so this one comes from me.

Our community is good at having babies. We have a TON of babies in this ward. Do you know who is a sort of unsung hero in our community when it comes to taking care of these families? Marta. She has never shirked her responsibility of compassionate service leader in our ward. She always makes the phone calls that gets people dinners. Not just for having babies either. She is awesome at making sure people are taken care of when they need it most.

The thing is, you can't be that good at your calling if you don't genuinely care for and love the people you are serving. Marta is one of the nicest, most compassionate people I know.

We love you Marta!

Email me your good gossip at cassmaster(at)gmail(dot)com!

And mom of the year goes to...

This is kind of a companion post to yesterday's from Jill...

"Candace H. is a great example to me. I've always watched her from a distance and been impressed. I now consider her one of my great friends as well. What amazes me is her calmness. I watch her on Sunday and during the week with her boys. Having a husband working, in school, and in a high demand calling she is forced to fly solo many times. Yet you never hear her complain. Never see her frazzled or yelling or pulling her hair out. If only I could be more like Candace! She's always has a welcoming smile for everyone that goes by. She continues to amaze me in her willingness to serve. She's been a great friend to me.

Both girls are amazing. Despite their 3 children (which the thought of just terrifies me!) They are always willing to help those around them. They always have more kids with them than just their own. And they do it with a smile. I love these two girls and am so grateful to know them and have them living in our community. They are always willing to help out. If ever I am stressed or need a break I know I can count on them. I'm not the best at taking them up on their offers, but it is nice to know that they are there when I need them. They really are true friends. Thanks girls, I love you both!"

Candace, you amaze me on so many levels. Seriously. You are the best, most patient mom ever. If only we could be more like you... We love you!

The massage queen!

This comes from my friend Jill, so awesome...

"Erica G. is one of my closest friends. She and I have been friends since we first moved in, 3+ years ago, and were paired up as visiting teaching companions. She is one of those friends you know you can always count on. She will drop anything to help anyone in need. I love that whenever I just need to get out and spend time with a girl friend I can count on her. I can't tell you how many times I've called her last minute and said "lets go." She's sweet, funny, and always up for a good time. She's one of the best listeners ever. And always understanding, no matter how irrational my stories may get! She's a great person and a great friend!"

Erica is one of those silent service types. She is always flying under the radar, doing the nicest things for people in need. She's so nice and friendly to all who meet her. AND she gives awesome massages. We love you, Erica!

Do you know a nicer couple? Seriously?!

The last one from Janae, though I had a lot of fun reading all these...

"Blake and Mandi Taylor are my next door neighbors. One of the best things I love to do with them is sit on the porch and talk. It is a blessing to go sit outside and just be in good company. What a release. Blake takes my trash out and thanks to Mandi everyone has plots at the garden. That has been a lot of work and she has done an excellent job."

Mandi is one of my favorite people on the planet. She is so NICE. Just genuinely nice and kind-hearted. I just came up with the perfect phrase- without guile. That's her. And Blake is just the same. And so good with kids too. They were made for each other! AND, Mandi is the best photographer too.

Can I live close to you guys forever? Please? :)

The Youngest good gossip yet...

Again from Janae...

"I want to spotlight my daughter Cozette. During the last week she has really stepped up and has been helping me with my chores instead of choosing to go out and play. I love her for that."

Wow, can I borrow her? :) She sounds like an awesome kid. So helpful. Let's hope she stays that way!

Do you know why the garden is so great this year? Because...

Another from Janae. She always thinks of good ones...

"Rob H. is the Stake Garden Specialist this year. He has in my opinion gone up and above the call of duty. The gardens look great. Thanks to all that have helped make that a wonderful area and especially to Lisa, Rob's Wife, for her patience as Rob has spent so much time in the garden helping others."

I don't think we even realize how much Rob has done for the garden this year. He has been such a huge resource for ANYTHING you need. Thank you Rob!

Dude, have you met a better gardener???

Janae gave me like 6 items of good gossip, so we'll be riding her coattails for a while...


"For the last two weeks especially I have felt like the "C" family has done nothing but serve me. They have tilled and fertilized my garden, harvested the spinach that Rachel let me plant in her back yard, taken Madelyn so I could plant my garden, and Dan has put my T-line together and attached all the hoses to the water line at the garden. Mandi and I were laughing about how we have the strength to give birth but not the strength to show a piece of hose onto the valve(there is something wrong with that). Also, who can forget all the wonderful things Rachel has taught me about gardening. I would not have a garden without them."

Um, Diddo. Rachel has been so stinking awesome when it comes to gardens. Always willing to answer questions, offer advice, etc. She's even given me tomato food for my tomatoes last year. Did you know that tomatoes eat food? I didn't either. And Dan is always willing to lend a hand when needed. Plus, he's an incredible executive secretary to my hubbie, the least organized person on the planet. :) Thank you "C" family!

Nothing is better than a listening ear...

This again comes from my friend Janae...

"Raven has been the shoulder to cry, laugh, and vent on. Her willingness to listen and not judge has been invaluable to me. I know I can go to her anytime and she will listen and offer encouraging words. To me a listening ear is a great service."

I don't think Raven has had one judgmental thought enter her head. Ever. She's so loving and caring, and always listens. Like Janae, she has also been a great resource to me whenever I need a sounding board.

We love you, Raven!

Quiet service is one of the best kinds...

This also comes from my friend Janae. She gave me like 6 different pieces of good gossip, so we'll be sharing those for a while...

"With four kids I am two arms short and half my brain does not function. But fortunately Brigitte has been my other arms. When I was in labor and the people watching my kids had to go the the insta care Brigitte took the kids. When I have reached my limit and needed to feed the kids Brigitte has brought over meals out of the blue. She has checked in on me to make sure I was surviving. Who can ask for a better friend?"

Brigitte, you are the perfect example of quiet service. You just always show up when something is needed, and you are always so casual about your help. Thank you thank you!

The Best RS Prez for a reason...

This comes from my good friend Janae. She's not only good at serving, but she is awesome at recognizing service!

"Heather has been a good friend and neighbor ever since we moved in. She has been a friend and a mother figure to my kids. Not only is she my life force at church but also during the week. She knows just when to stop by when I need a sanity check. One of her greatest attributes is the ability to make people laugh and boy have I needed that the last 6 weeks. I love her dearly."

How many of you wish you could live in the condo building at the front of the complex? I do! So many nice people in that building! Anyway, Heather is one of the best people you could ever know. She's so smart and funny, and incredible with kids. She always has snacks in her purse- for other people's kids! She's a great example to me and to all of us. We love you Heather!

Email me your good gossip at cassmaster(at)gmail(dot)com!

The best way to serve is to share your knowledge

This comes from my friend Brigitte...

"Michelle D. has done more for me that I will ever be able to express gratitude for. The last few weeks, she has helped me with getting my garden together since I am now very familiar with that area- and she is extremely educated. She GAVE me 3 planter boxes for me to grow strawberries in my little back yard, went with me to Cooks- so I got all I needed, and provided me with some small cups to put some of them in for the time being. All out of service and kindness--- she is an amazing woman. I will dearly miss her when she moves at the end of this month. And her 2 sweet boys-- they are such a bright light to me. She is always willing to give a helping hand-- such an example to me."

We will seriously miss you, Michelle! Are you SURE you have to move? :)

Email me your good gossip at cassmaster(at)gmail(dot)com!