Amanda

This necklace was last with Kendra. She couldn't find someone to pass it on to so she just gave it back to me [the Editor]. Which is totally cool, I hope no one feels guilty or something if they do that.

I think this is a good time to explain to- or remind- people that although rules are set out, there really are no rules because no one will enforce them. From the start I just wanted to put these necklaces out there and see what would happen and I've done my best to not interfere with their journey.

Now on to Amanda...

Amanda is the wife of my husband's best friend.

When I first met Amanda I was rather rude in my assumptions. She was blond, and skinny, and cute. Which may not sound rude, but in my mind I knew enough of "those type" of girls and I was sorely disappointed in Brad's ability to choose women (all these thoughts occurred with in just a matter of seconds upon my first seeing Amanda). But then we started chatting, and she was so nice. "Ah flip!" I told myself, she's awesome!

And I think we've been pretty good friends ever since.

I admire Amanda because:

#1- She is so nice. I can't hardly think of anyone more genuinely concerned about and interested in other people. [As a girl I tend to be rather judgemental of other people (i.e., "her hair looks funny", "her blouse isn't very flattering", etc., it's embarrassing to admit that sometimes I'm so shallow, but I am. Although I'm working on it.)]

#2- She is just good. One time Amanda and I were walking around her neighborhood with our babies. And I was saying something about how its hard to not want more things all the time. Amanda replies "I know, I see my neighbors with their pretty flowers and bushes, and I'm like, 'I want that bush'".

No, Amanda, you don't know. Who covets bushes!?

#3- So Amanda is sweet and caring. She is very creative and everything around her is beautiful. She is also smart. She graduated several years ago, which I am painfully jealous of, and has been teaching Jr. High health classes for at least a couple years now. Which I'm not at all jealous of. But she says she loves it.

As with all the other women mentioned in this blog the list could continue. I am just grateful that Amanda and I have become friends (especially since our husbands are best friends). Anytime I'm with her I have fun and leave her company feeling better about myself.

Thanks for your friendship Amanda.

Kelsey

I am passing this necklace on to my niece Kelsey. She is one of my most favorite people. I was at the hospital 19 years ago when she was 30 minutes old. I knew she was special the minute I laid eyes on her. She came first and my daughter Molly, Kelsey’s cousin, was born 5 days later.

I love Kelsey because she is going through her first year at college. First year away from home, her first love has just left on a mission for 2 years and she was the first person I thought of regarding this necklace.

I selected Kelsey for the Gold Heart because the day I wore the necklace was a very special day for her boyfriend Wes at the Jordan River Temple, and I was there with him.

Kelsey is a lovely young woman who will do justice to the journey of the Five Necklaces.

Joy's Day

Wow, I have just been reading what others have said and I am so touched that I was included in this “awesome woman” project. My daughter is too kind with her praise of me, she is a wonderful example to me, I have been blessed with amazing children. My girls Anna, Brandy, Emily and Molly are the hardest working and most thoughtful daughters anyone could ask for. Although I can’t claim the privilege of raising my daughter in law Brandy, I honor her mother Debbie for a job well done!

I did not rush right out and wear the necklace, I waited about a week and thought I would try to attach it to a special event or person in my life. Such an experience happened on Friday November 20. I wore the necklace all day at work and had a very pleasant day. It was the week before Thanksgiving and I had some lovely George Winston music playing all day. I tried to remember to be a little more cheerful and a little more positive. Work has been stressful and hectic lately- lots of people wanting lots of things done before the holiday. I focused on slowing down (a real challenge for me). Wearing the necklace was a good reminder to put people first and issues second.