Life Unexpected

Because I Haven't Been Brave

2012-01-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

The other night I was very sick. I came home from work early and slept for about 3 hours then got up, showered, and turned on a movie. I chose You've Got Mail. It's one of those fun romantic comedies with a predictable ending where boy meets girl and after some struggle, they live happily ever after. I was sitting there watching when Kathleen, Meg Ryan's character, said this line:
"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. . And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven’t been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn’t it be the other way around?"
It struck me because I feel exactly the same way. And sadly, I have discovered that the answer to the first question is that I lead a small life because I haven't been brave. I have an acquaintance who I like to blog stalk. She is a girl I know from high school, but we aren't really great friends. Not because I wouldn't like to be. Maybe we're just too busy to be anything but facebook friends, but I read her blog faithfully. She hasn't had an easy life. She has struggles like anyone, maybe even more than anyone, but the way she's come out of her refiners fire makes me envious. I want the clarity she has. Maybe I'm required to go through a refiner's fire that I haven't been through yet to get that kind of clarity. Maybe I don't desperately want it because I'm not willing to pay the price, but her testimony of the role of her Savior in her life is something to envy. Last year I began a reformation of sorts trying to get myself into a position I was comfortable with. I began to question things I've always done in an effort to get closer to my Father in Heaven. I got rid of a whole bunch of inappropriate (in my eyes) movies and started reading some amazing church books all in this effort to become a better person and here somewhere in the middle of that, I'm losing focus. I'm losing sight of what I gave it all up for. I struggle daily with the Sunday School answers (prayer, scripture study) when I desire a close personal relationship with my Savior. It's like I have the equation backwards. I want the blessings without the sacrifice and therefore I lead a small life and I do so because I am not brave. I do so because I am trying to find the answers in all the wrong places. If I was going to be brutally honest with myself (and in turn with all you loyal blog readers) my future frightens me. I have this desire to find that one single person who completes me, but truth be told, I have absolutely no idea how to go about that, that isn't scary. I have wandered onto dating websites, but even filling out my profile terrifies the snot out of me. I have no idea what to write. I have no idea what person I am representing and that is ridiculous to me. How do I not know how to answer the question "Tell me about yourself"? And so like Kathleen in You've Got Mail, "I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void.”

Happy Grateful

2011-12-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today at work I had an aha moment that both hurt me and made me smile. A girl came in. She was wearing this adorable winter hat with earmuffs and was probably in her mid teens. She was with a middle aged woman and as they came in, I noticed the younger girl's smile. She came abruptly up to the counter and proceeded to pour out a dollar bill and a bunch of change. I was busy helping some other people, but I heard some of the conversation. She was counting the money out loud and looking at the menu board. She had $2.36. She was trying to explain to the older woman how much money they had and the older woman kept saying she wanted a hamburger and a fry. The young girl (I found out later her name was Christina) told the woman (I don't know if it was her mother or grandmother, but I assumed it was her guardian whichever) that they couldn't afford that. She kept asking me how much something would cost. I told her I had country chicken sandwiches on special and they would be able to afford 2 of those, but the older lady kept saying how she didn't want a chicken sandwich; she wanted a hamburger and fries. My first thought was how ungrateful this woman was and Christina was ever patient trying to get something that would make her happy. Looking back on the whole exchange, I wish I would have just given it to them, on a coupon which they didn't have, and taken the loss, but I didn't. Finally Christina ordered a country chicken sandwich and paid for it. She then counted out the rest of the money and I pitched in 12 cents so she could afford to buy the older woman a hamburger. She smiled even bigger and told me I was nice. As they went to sit down, Christina's smile never faltered. After they had eaten, she came up to get courtesy cones and then merrily wished me a good night and walked out the door, smile in place. I turned to Morgan, the girl I was working with, and told her that Christina probably had a really hard life. She said that she noticed too, how grown up Christina was acting and how she was obviously the "grown up" in the relationship and how sad it was that kids had to be adults so early in life. The whole scenario really hurt me emotionally. I wonder what she has to go home to, if she has a home to go home to. I was awed and amazed by her attitude. She had $2.36 to her name, and came into Arctic Circle for a nice dinner out. She was so happy and cheerful about everything and a part of me envied her. I have money in the bank, a nice place to come home to, a wonderful family, amazing friends, and everything I need and I'm not that cheerful. It was definitely eye opening and I told Morgan that I was a horrible ungrateful person. If I learned nothing else from Christina, it is that I am so enormously blessed and I need to do more to help others. I had money in my back pocket that I had pulled out of the bank for a pedicure. I wish I had given it to her. I wish I had been less annoyed by her insistent questions about how much things cost. I wish I could change the fate of that poor little girl, who never got the chance (I imagine from the exchange) to be little. Today I weep a little for that poor little girl, and vow to be a little more grateful and a lot more cheerful.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Spirit

2011-12-18T23:33:00.002-07:00

The older and busier I get, the harder I search for ways to feel the Christmas Spirit and the more abundantly I fail. This year has been no exception. I always try to find ways to keep traditions alive and motivate myself to remember what Christmas is all about and more and more I feel like I'm not getting it somehow. This year, I am frustrated by the fact that Christmas is on Sunday for several reasons. One is that I won't get my extra day off work, because we're already closed on Sundays. The other one is trying to put a brief Sacrament meeting in the middle of commercial merriment has me twitching. I know that Jesus is the point. I know that we are celebrating Him and what better way to do so than partaking of His sacrament and remembering Him through song and word. On the other hand though, I struggle with not being able to go to my Sacrament meeting and my parents (one of my favorite traditions) because they are at the same time, and I really want to enjoy Christmas breakfast without having to get dressed up and run off to 45 minutes of church. I AM A WHINER!!! Today in Sunday school we had a brief Christmas program that started me off thinking how ungrateful I am and then an afternoon filled with remembrances as I sat alone in my apartment watching Mr. Krueger's Christmas, Nora's Christmas Gift, and The Forgotten Carols. The last one hit me like a ton in the stomach and I felt myself tearing up as Jeff McLean belted out the immortal words "Let Him In." If I am struggling with the Christmas Spirit, it is because I have forgotten the whole point. As the play continued (and please understand I have seen this play probably a hundred times), I found myself crying at the small things. The Shepherd's testimony that "He was here!" The amazing spirit behind, "I cannot find my way." And my all time favorite, "Arise and Shine Forth." These may be the forgotten carols, but for me they are the ones that find a way into my heart and make it possible for me to remember the Christmas Spirit.

Still here

2011-11-30T21:00:00.001-07:00

It's been ages since I posted and I just wanted to say I'm still here. Things are crazy and I'm still trying to wrap my head around most of it, but I just wanted all you loyal readers to know that I'm still alive. I'm trying to think of something fun I can do for December so stay tuned...

New Calling

2011-10-23T17:07:00.003-06:00

Today I got a new church calling. I have been called to teach the 12 and 13 year old Sunday School class. I think they didn't want me to feel too bad about leaving young women's because 3 or 4 of my young women are in there!! I also get a few of the young men, and I have a co-teacher so I don't have to teach every week. The curriculum is The Presidents of the Church and I'm pretty excited!! I think it will be a fun experience and I really do enjoy teaching. Wish me luck as I strive to learn more about our prophets!!

"My heart is full; mine eyes are wet"

2011-10-09T14:39:00.000-06:00

Last night I received a surprising phone call. I was told by the second counselor in the bishopric that I was being released from my calling as second counselor in the Young Women's presidency. I knew that it was looming. Our President has been in nearly four years and we all knew her days were numbered, and as things work in the church, that meant our release as well, but I still was surprised. When I hung up the phone, feeling a little cheated, because I didn't get a say; I also felt a strange sense of accomplishment. We were allowed to finish the Temple Walk and really that was my only assignment as second counselor. I was only in that calling a couple of months even though I've been in Young Women's for more than 2 years. It's a little bit bitter, knowing that these Young Women that I have loved for so long will continue their journey without me. I know they are in good hands. The new president is the former secretary and I just love her, and know she will do a fantastic job and carry on everything that was good about the old presidency. So today, I took my place in the back row with the other leaders for the last time. I'm still in the ward. I'll still have association with these amazing women, but it's a little bit difficult to walk away from the best calling in the church. The Bishop promised me that I wouldn't be bored for long, and now I'm anxious to see what the Lord has in mind for me next. So here I leave my last memory of my best calling:

General Conference

2011-10-02T22:37:00.001-06:00

I have sat through many a General Conference, and many a General Conference has touched my heart and soul, but none like this weekend. I'm so grateful for Living Prophets and Apostles, who teach with the Spirit and touch my life in ways that teach me what I should do. I have been sufficiently fed, rebuked, and called to repentance and today I am making some changes in my life. I need to choose to give up my summer home in Babylon and while that is my personal choice and I'm definitely not in the business of judging others and their possible summer homes, I just wanted to share. Pray for me. I have a lot of sins I'm not sure I'm ready to give up and I need all the help I can get. May God bless us to follow His prophet.

Forget Not

2011-09-26T20:03:00.002-06:00

I love General Conference time! It starts for me with the Young Women or Relief Society meeting and then goes for a week, and then ends up when I get my Ensign and can mark up all those great things the prophets said. This week I was especially moved by President Uchtdorf's talk and so now my blog sports a forget me not, so I'll not forget!

Raise your hand if you're crazy!!!!!

2011-09-14T21:20:00.001-06:00

Before you start reading... I don't have pictures yet... I may add them later. Also the tense changes a lot, so if the grammar bothers you... I apologize. I'm not turning this in for credit, and this is how it came out of my brain. I guess that's the good thing about putting this on my blog, I can write it anyway I want and you can choose not to read it :) Also... it's long. It took us almost 11 hours to do the Temple Walk and it'll only take you 11 minutes to relive it!!

"So was it fun?" What is it with that question? A few months ago, I would have hit the person/people who asked that kind of a question, but today... yeah it was kind of fun.

It all starts when the alarm goes off at 1:30 a.m. and you jump out of bed after sleeping 8 1/2 hours. You grab your running shoes, and pack your backpack with Gatorade, band-aids, extra socks, and some other odds and ends, then head to work to meet Holly at 2:45 so you can fill 5 water coolers with ice and water. Then you drive over to the church and realize you're not alone in your insanity, because the church parking lot is full of youth and their parents, and all those other leaders who are just as crazy as you, and the funny part is, only a few of them look miserable. I think secretly, they are all excited to be up at 3 in the morning. Holly gives a few last minute instructions, everyone grabs a pen and a piece of interfacing that will eventually be pinned to all of our shirts, with two names penned on. One for a person we're walking in celebration of and the other someone we are walking in memory of. It is hoped that these people will be the motivation behind this insanity. At long last, we pack up in as few vehicles as possible (it was a lot, there were about 50 of us) and get on the freeway to drive 45 minutes south just to walk more than half way back. It's a little after 4 and you can't see our destination because they haven't turned on the lights yet. Before we leave though, those beautiful lights come on and in the "shadow" of the pre-dawn morning, we gather in front of the Draper Temple for a picture. The "Before" picture. When the photographer is satisfied, we start down the hill. The goal is 22.7 miles away and we are so eager to get going. The moonlight helped us see our way, with the help of some flash lights and head lamps. Our first stop for bathrooms and breakfast is 3.3 miles away and we start off at a good clip. About a mile and a half into the walk we hit the Porter Rockwell trail, a nicely paved trail that keeps us off Draper's busy roads (because there is a TON of traffic on Saturday morning at 4:30). Keeping an eye out for wildlife, we spot a small frog. I was pretty sure it was a grass hopper until my light caught it. That was the extent of the wildlife on the trail, aside from a few rowdy young men, but we made good time getting to the park. After a potty stop and some muffins and juice, we fill our water bottles and head for the hills. Literally. The biggest hill on our journey was just out of the park and we conquered it in a few short minutes. The next stop is another 3.2 miles away and has been slightly modified from our original plan, since Sandy City doesn't open it's park bathrooms till 9:00, so we got a really nice man to open a church for us at 6:00 in the morning just so we'll have a place to pee. We fill up water bottles yet again and grab granola bars and trail mix to snack on and head off again. The light is starting to show from the sunrise and as we continue on we realize we're not alone in our journey. There's another group of young women walking and surprise, their destination is the same as ours. I call Mom and Dad to tell them we're almost to their neighborhood so they can come meet us, but we walk too fast and they miss us. I told them to go back for the car and meet us farther down the street. They meet us at 7-11 and we stop long enough for a quick hug and then the light turns green and off we go. By now we've walked nearly 9 miles and I can't believe how far we've come. This area is where I grew up, and I can't believe that I have walked from Corner Canyon in Draper to this point. Only 14 miles yet to go. We stop again to use the bathrooms at Harmon's and after filling water bottles again, we continue down the trail. Wheeler farm is our next stop and the half way mark. We stop for bagels and chocolate milk and some blister treatment from our capable first aid team. About a half hour later we head off again, and see yet another group walking. These girls are in pink tee shirts with the temple spires on the backs and they are moving quickly. We make it to the Walmart, 14.2 miles into our journey for another potty stop and a potassium boost. Bananas are handed around and we take advantage of a first aid need to rest a minute. We start again and I proceed to walk the LONGEST 3.6 miles of my life!! Our next destination is Fairmont park, but somewhere along the way my right knee starts to hurt and I'm not entirely sure I'm going to make it all the way there. Another leader, Jessica, is having the same problem and so she and I take up the rear and slowly plod on together. WE WILL NOT GET INTO THE CAR!! We are WALKING to the temple. After an eternity of pain and fighting, we make it to the park where the first aid team is ready with ice and tape and they tape up my knee while I ice it. Everyone eats Gogurt, and after a really long time, (We weren't the only ones in need of first aid) we start again. My knee still hurts and the tape is uncomfortable, so I'm still slow going, and I begin to count the blocks. IT'S A REALLY LONG WAY!!! We make it to Liberty Park and a few people run to use the bathroom, but I know I won't make it all the way to the bathroom, so I decide I'll go when we get to our lunch stop. As we are getting ready to leave the park, I realize that there's something on my foot that feels like a giant blister and I can feel the liquid, so I'm sure it's going to pop. It's only a mile and a half to the lunch stop so I grit my teeth and start walking. Again, I'm taking up the rear, but I'm still walking and that's all that matters at this point. We're two and a half miles from the temple. As I round the corner to the church, where lunch and bathrooms are waiting, I see something that makes me smile big. It's Sister Elaine S. Dalton, the YW general President, and it seems that Holly's letter worked. She wrote to her a few weeks ago, but we were told that if we wanted her to visit officially, we'd have to have the stake president submit something official. If we wanted to try our luck, the secretary could tell Sister Dalton where we'd be and she'd be there if she could. We were about an hour behind schedule and Sister Dalton was originally told the wrong church, but it turned out that she saw some of the other groups walking and got to totally surprise them so divine intervention must have been behind our first aid needs. We go to the bathroom and then head outside where we grab our lunches and Sister Dalton speaks to us about the walk and what we've learned. She then encouraged us to find "our" spot on the Temple when we get there, and to make it ours. She told us to touch our spot on the Temple, and then when we meet our Eternal Companion to take him or her there and show him our spot on the Temple and share with him our experience of walking and then have him put his hand there with ours. Then when we have kids, to take them to our spot and tell them of our experience and let them touch our spot. She then took out a flashlight and a piece of glass. She shined the light on the glass and you could see the light go through the glass. She then took out a piece of crystal from a chandelier in the Provo Temple, and shined the light on that. It reflected the light brilliantly and she compared it to living with virtue. After she was done speaking Holly asked if we could take a picture and so we gathered together, and Sister Dalton is standing next to me with her arm around my sweaty body!! She headed out, we got our few first aid emergencies treated (including my blister which was by the way as big as a quarter and full of junk...it was like walking on a water balloon) and then Holly asked if we were ready to walk the final mile to the Temple. We were so ready and off we headed. We turned onto South Temple and although I was in a lot of pain from my knee and my blistered feet, I was completely oblivious to anything except the fact that I had almost walked from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple. We got to State Street and crossed the street, turned North so we could enter the plaza from the East. As we got to the steps, I looked up and saw that temple and immediately said to Jessica, "I want to cry." I have NEVER in my life been so excited to see the Salt Lake Temple as I was in that moment and then almost in the same breath I was sorry it was over. I was sore, tired, overjoyed that we had finally made it, but at the same time, we'd been building up to this for nine months and in that moment it was gone. Accomplished, finished, and now all I was left with was the memory. Yes I wanted to cry. On one hand, because that temple was the most beautiful sight EVER... but on the other hand, I didn't want it to be over. My life has been consumed with weeks and months of preparation and it was over. Sister Dalton had said something about knowing we could do hard things and I had. I had conquered something that 6 months ago, I would have deemed IMPOSSIBLE! I had walked nearly 23 miles and it didn't kill me. I gathered with everyone by the fountain by the Church Office Building for the "After" picture and felt AMAZING. Later I walked up to the Temple. It was busy. Brides, grooms, families, and the other 5 wards that did something hard. I walked around to the west side so I could find "My Spot". I didn't want it to be in a crowded spot. I chose the South west tower and picked a place on the north side and smiled to myself as I claimed it for me. I then sat on the wall and called my mom and Nicole to tell them I'd survived and then slowly and painfully got up and headed home. A few more days of slow and painful followed, but in my memory and in my heart, I know I won't remember that it hurt. I'll remember that I walked from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple, and it changed my life.

T minus 10 days and counting

2011-08-31T21:11:00.000-06:00

We are now 10 days from The Walk. I've been preparing my mind and my body and I've got to be honest, I'm still scared to bits!! Last Saturday we walked just short of 13 miles and I could barely move for 3 days. I'm so afraid of not making it. I'm afraid I'll walk too slow and they'll force me to go into the support vehicle to catch up! I won't do it, I won't go!! I want to walk from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple and I don't want help!!! I'm being stubborn. I know I am, but this is something I've been working toward all year. A friend of mine offered to use her fast Sunday in my honor, well actually in honor of all of us walking, and I told her I'd join her. If anyone is looking for a reason for their fast on Sunday and there is nothing else you can think of, I'll take your prayers... all of them!! This sounds selfish as I write it, but I know that this is a good thing, and I have such a testimony of it that I want to make sure it's a great experience for everyone involved and I have a testimony that Heavenly Father will carry me when I can't do it myself. I'll do everything I can to be prepared and ready and rely on Him for the rest. Good metaphor for life huh??

For Nicole... Michayla's Baptism

2011-08-21T21:25:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Michayla was baptized. Since Todd and Nicole couldn't make it, they asked me to take some pictures of the kids so they could see them. They've been living in Arizona for the last almost year, and the last time they visited was New Years, so it's been awhile since they've seen anyone.

Jaydon 2 1/2 and Karson 23 months

Spencer, Karson, and Katie and baby Gardiner due in January

Michayla asked all of her cousins to sing with her. They sang When I am Baptized with Aunt Katie accompanying.

Malerie 13

Rachel 11 1/2 months

Best friends and cousins, Michayla and Colin-- both 8 (they are 1 month and 3 days apart)

Hailey 5 1/2

Michayla and her daddy

Karson

Kaitlynn almost 11

Tidbits

2011-08-03T21:57:00.001-06:00

I know, I know... it's been ages!! I should be doing dishes!!! I just wanted to quick share. I've mentioned briefly the Temple Walk our young men and young women are doing, from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple. Well now we're about six weeks away from the big day and so that means I get to train... a lot!! We were given a training schedule by the ward that did this last year, and you walk 4 days a week, between 3 and 13 miles. We've done five 3 milers, three 4 milers, a 6 miler, and an 8 miler. Tomorrow I have to walk 4, Saturday we are walking 10. It nearly kills me every time. That may be a slight exaggeration, but this is the hardest thing I've done in a while. Last Sunday we had a meeting to get our ward on board to support our effort and we talked about how this experience isn't about walking. It's about showing our youth that the Temple is important. It's a metaphor for them to prepare to be worthy to someday enter the Temple and partake of the work and the Spirit there. It's an opportunity for them to sacrifice and to find out that they can indeed do hard things. In the midst of teaching them this lesson, I too am learning what it means to sacrifice and to accomplish something hard. There are a few of our youth and probably some of the leaders that could wake up that Saturday morning and walk 22 1/2 miles with very little thought or preparation. I am not included in that number. I can barely walk 3 miles with very little thought or preparation. Last Saturday, we walked 8. I'm learning with every week, that even though I think I can't make it, I can. I may make it a few minutes behind the rest, but I am present and accounted for. I've been thinking a lot about that. Each of us is at a different place in our lives. Each of us is striving to be the best we know how to be, and it doesn't really matter how we do it, or how long it takes... as long as we all end up in the same place in the end. Holly, our YW president has mentioned before, that like this walk, some of our youth will probably make it to the Temple without much preparation. They will probably end up in a place in their lives where they are worthy to enter and receive the blessings of the Temple, without having to endure the hard things, but how much stronger will they be if they figure out they can in fact handle hard things. I believe with all my heart, that those are the kids that are going to endure to the end and make it back to Heavenly Father. This walk is inspired by John Rowe Moyle, a stonecutter on the Salt Lake Temple, who walked this distance every year for 20 + years and then after being kicked by a cow, walked on a homemade wooden leg, and carved "Holiness to the Lord" on the east wall of the Temple. There is a movie about him called "Only a Stonecutter." At the end of the movie, it says "John Rowe Moyle was not just carving words. He was setting in stone what it was that motivated him to act. Holiness to the Lord." I want to be motivated to act by Holiness to the Lord, and that's why I've chosen to do this hard thing. I believe that this experience will change my life.

The final Alabama post... finally

2011-07-18T21:10:00.001-06:00

Okay so let's wrap up May!!! Wednesday was my last day in Alabama and I had to leave Florence at about 1:30 to catch my plane on time. It was the day we had to pack in everything else that I wanted to do. I had no idea that Helen Keller's birthplace was just minutes from Lynae and Tyler, and I decided I'd feel really bad if I didn't take the opportunity to see it. Tyler went to work and Hannah, Lynae, Camden, and I headed to Tuscumbia to take a bite of history in. Lynae decided to stay outside with Camden, so Hannah and I went in for the tour. It's a pretty small house, and I didn't learn a whole lot I didn't know, but it was really fun. Here's a few pictures:

The house Helen Keller was born in.

Helen's parent's bedroom, with Helen's dresses hanging in the closet.

The dining room where the incident with Annie happened.

Hannah standing in front of the cottage where Annie and Helen went. They put Helen in a buggy and drove her around for a few hours and then went to the cottage. It's about 15 feet from the main house.

The famous water pump, where Helen finally spelled "water" to Annie.

Me, Lynae and Camden

Lynae and I

After walking around for a little while, we met Tyler for lunch at Ricatonis Italian Grill.

This was the restaurant that Vance said I had to go to before leaving for home. I asked Cheryl what her favorite was and she said "I can't remember what it's called, but it's got chicken in like a lemon mushroom sauce." Well that was enough description for me to find it on the menu.

Rotolo di Pollo (al prosciutto e formaggio)

IT WAS AMAZING!!! Everyone who gave me suggestions on what to eat, was right on!! It was delightful!! Lemon mushroom sauce is a great idea!! They also had this AMAZING bread!! So yummy!!

This is really a terrible picture, but it's the only one I have of everybody.

When we were done, we went out and I took this picture of the Alabamites!!

It was nearing time for me to head south to the airport. Lynae didn't want to take Camden in the car for 5 hours down and back and had an interview with the Bishop before she would make it, so we decided Hannah would take me.

My last picture with Camden!! I'm missing this face!!!

Lynae asked if I'd mind driving to Birmingham so Hannah only had to drive one way. I told her I didn't mind, but we'd need Kiki Von Garmin, to tell us where to go. She hooked it up and I had fun following the directions. I need to get me a Kiki. We got to the airport safely and I bid farewell to Alabama!

A big shout out to Lynae and Tyler for letting me crash their house for a few days, and to Hannah for sleeping on the floor in the living room and letting me sleep in her bed. It was probably one of the best vacations I've ever had!! Love you guys!!

Alabama: Tuesday

2011-07-10T23:35:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday, Lynae had to go to work for a little while in the morning and then she and Tyler had an appointment for life insurance. Hannah and I got Camden up and ready and waited for Lynae to come and pick us up. We were going to go with them to the life insurance place so that we could go to lunch before Tyler had to go back to work. Lynae ended up being late from work so Camden and I entertained ourselves with little kid youtube videos. Camden really likes this one version of Old McDonald Had A Farm, and while it was annoyingly 2 year old, it was pretty cute. When he (I) got bored with that I went to the Boowa and Kwala website and played silly songs from that and he really seemed to like that. When Lynae got there, we left to go get Tyler and Camden and I waited in the car while they went in to the life insurance place. Due to some technical difficulties, it ended up taking much longer than either of them thought it would, and there is only so much you can do to entertain an eighteen month old in the car, so I pulled out the camera. Here is the result of two people trying their best to be entertained:

Camden took this picture of himself.

When Lynae and Tyler came out, we headed off to Singletons BBQ. I figured that as long as I was in the South I'd better fit in as much barbecue as I could.

At Singleton's you order your meat and sides and then they have different sauces on your table and you go wild. I had pork and chicken and Tyler recommended his favorite sauce and it was delightful!! Seriously, aside from the company; the best thing about Alabama was the food!! After Singleton's we went home to put Camden down for a nap and Tyler headed back to work. Camden doesn't sleep if it's at all noisy, so Lynae and I were really careful to be quiet. We grabbed the computer and watched the latest episode of The Bachelorette. Hannah came home and Camden woke up after only sleeping for about an hour. It was kind of evident to us that he wasn't done sleeping, but he wouldn't go back to sleep. Lynae said she'd pack up the house for our next round of adventures if Hannah would take me to get the car from Tyler on her way to work. I memorized the route so I could find the house again, and successfully drove back. We had decided that day to go to the visiting center and the 5 star Marriott Hotel where Hannah works and to see the fountains. The point of the visiting center was to see if I could find a souvenir. I found some free maps and a pen that writes better than any pen I've ever written with. I love free souvenirs!!

After the visiting center, we took Camden out to the playground and to the fountains. It's a lot like the fountains at the Gateway mall in Salt Lake, but much bigger. I am a total failure, and left my camera in the car, so there is no picture evidence, but it was funny! We hadn't put him in his swimsuit, and so it was like a joke trying to keep him from getting in too far. We only had one moment when he went running and I had to go running after him, and so resulted in a little soakage, but not too bad. We laughed about it, and headed back to the playground! After we left the hotel, Lynae wanted to stop by one of her visiting teaching ladies that lived near there, so we turned on Kiki von Garmin (the GPS system) to find her house. After a quick stop we decided to head into town and visit Cupcakes and Co. We'd seen it a few days before, but it had been closed for the holiday. The lady at the visiting center told us they had happy hour from 4 till 5 every day and so the cupcakes were buy one get one free. It smelled amazing when we walked in. They had 6 different kinds and we decided that for 2 for 1 we'd try all 6. There was strawberry, M&M, red velvet, white, triple chocolate, and my personal favorite, Mississippi Mud. We grabbed some forks and some water, and went at it. We each took a few bites of all of them, and then took the leftovers to Tyler. The only one we didn't really like was the Red Velvet. It was really dry. And like I said before the favorite (for me anyway) was the Mississippi Mud. It was more like a brownie than a cupcake and had lots of chocolate and marshmallows and YUM!!!

Camden and I trying the Strawberry one ( I think this was Tyler's favorite)

Our "Six" cupcakes The strawberry one was already on our plate!

The spoils.

For the record, Camden's favorite part was just the mini M&M's from the top of the M&M one.

After Cupcakes and Co. we went to get Tyler from work so we could go to dinner. Like I said before, the food was one of the best things about this trip and our choice for Tuesday night did not disappoint. We ended up at the local Mexican place, Rosie's Cantina. Jocelyn told me that we needed to go there and since the Cinnamon ice cream with chocolate chips experience, I don't doubt what Jocelyn tells me. It was DELICIOUS!!! I ordered Pollo Fiesta! I think Lynae was jealous! It was so good!!

After dinner, we had about an hour to kill before Lynae and Tyler's softball game so we drove around and saw some fun sites. There is this park right near the river. I took some pretty cool pictures. Apparently it used to be a golf course, but anytime the river ran high, it got flooded so they just turned it into a park.

I really liked these cliffs reflecting in the water... it was a really cool view.

They had all these teepees set up. Tyler took Camden on Saturday while Lynae and I were at the temple. Pretty cool!

There was something about the bridge and the cliffs and the water. So pretty!

We also drove to The Rosenbaum house. It was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I thought it was a little weird.

We headed to the ball park where it was evident that Camden was overly tired. It was hot and humid and he was so cranky. He was super sweaty, so Lynae gave him a new spiky hair do. It was pretty funny.

Anytime Lynae and Tyler went to field or bat he'd throw a fit. It was hard to take care of him when all he wanted was mama. If I had it to do all over again, I'd encourage them to take Camden and I home and I would have put him to bed while they played.

However, if I had done that I wouldn't have gotten these cool sunset pictures.

After a win, and a complete melt down from Camden, we headed home to put him to bed. As soon as he was settled and Tyler was talked into staying with him (not that that took much), Lynae and I headed back to Ice Cream Corner. It was actually closed when we got there, but they stayed open to take a few more orders. Lynae was in the mood for something refreshing, so ended up mixing orange pineapple ice cream with orange sherbet in a waffle bowl, and I got Coconut cream pie in a waffle bowl. It was so amazing. Cheryl called while we were out, and was very jealous of us. We told her we'd be sure to have a few bites for her.

This is their mailbox. It made me giggle!

After our ice cream binge, we headed home. We sat in the car in the garage for a while and talked about some stuff. Besides the food, the other thing I miss is just being able to talk to Lynae about anything. I know I could call her, and chat, but it's just not the same. While we were talking in the garage Tyler came out and told us he was tired, and ready for bed, but we wanted to play a game. Hannah came home and we played 5 phases of Phase 10, which I think Tyler won. Surprise, surprise!! It was a long day, but very fun and we went to bed exhausted and sad that there was only one more day.

Alabama continued: Memorial Day at Spring Park and UNA

2011-07-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

For our Memorial Day celebration, Lynae had heard about this park in Tuscumbia that had a duck pond, and a train, and some other things that sounded like fun, so we got directions and headed out. When we got there, Camden went for the playground and we followed. We laughed a little bit about how we had one toddler and four adults, but we had fun with him anyway. Everyone took a turn.

Mommy and Camden hit the slide...

Hannah and Camden on the big purple dinosaur...

Daddy helps Camden "fly"...

"Aunt" Julie and Camden swing...

Lynae thought this would be fun... Camden, not too sure!!

After the playground, we headed over to the duck/geese pond. These are birds that are used to people, because they were not shy. We didn't have any bread with us, but Lynae found some graham crackers in the diaper bag and it turns out, the ducks and geese are not picky.

Camden was a little shy.

This picture kind of made me laugh because I told Camden to point to the goose and my camera has a kind of long delay, so it's kind of amazing I got a picture with his finger pointing exactly to the goose. He was pretty excited by this point.

Hannah was a little nervous about how close this goose was getting. I thought it was a funny picture.

This one really wanted his picture taken up close. He's the same one Hannah is afraid of in the earlier picture.

This is me feeding the goose a graham cracker... he was hungry and ripped it right out of my hand.

After a few minutes at the duck pond, we decided to check out the train. They also had a little roller coaster and a merry go round. You could ride all of them for $7 each so we bought the passes and set out. Lynae and Tyler decided they could share one pass and took turns taking Camden.

The girls and Camden.

Lynae didn't want to ride on the roller coaster so Hannah, Tyler, Camden, and I went on it. I took Camden with me, and Hannah and Tyler rode in front and in back. It was a pretty rickety jerky roller coaster and I couldn't tell if Camden was enjoying it. He was crying by the end. It was all I could do to hold his head against me so it wouldn't jerk violently.

The merry go round had a 150 pound weight limit so we put Camden on the horse and I rode standing next to him. It kind of freaked him out, but I think he had a good time.

After the carousel we decided to go on the train again, this time with Tyler, and this time I sat in front of them so I could take pictures of Camden.

One more time around was enough for us (doesn't Camden look bored) so we decided to head over to Big Spring (hence the name of the park) and take in the waterfall.

We played for a few more minutes at the park and then left to get some lunch. We ended up getting take out from a fast food place called Zaxby's. It's not really any different from regular fast food, except they have Zaxby's sauce which if you ask me is a take off from fry sauce, but better! Yes folks, you heard it here first. My company invented fry sauce and we've found better!! Don't tell my boss okay?? After lunch we put Camden down for his nap and Hannah decided to nap too, so we left them home and Lynae and Tyler and I headed out again, this time for a tour of UNA-- The University of North Alabama-- which is where Tyler works and the reason for them living in Alabama!!

This is Tyler's office. He's the ticket manager for the University. He's been a pretty big asset to them. Before he came they didn't sell tickets online or have Credit card options. He's also redesigned the season tickets to make them look a little more appealing. Over all he has a pretty cool job, if you ask me. He may feel differently, but it's well suited to him. We took a tour of campus and stopped in to see Leo and Una, the school mascots. UNA is the only school in the country that has live lions mascots living on campus. They live in a 12,764 square foot habitat right in the middle of campus and people can go and visit year round.

The University of North Alabama is a pretty old school. It started as Grange College in 1830. Some of the buildings date back really far and it is a very pretty campus. This building Wesleyan Hall, was used by both sides during the Civil War. They have the original building built in 1855 and then a new building that was modeled exactly after the original.

While we were in Tyler's office, Lynae was looking for a souvenir for me and Tyler pulled out this shirt. It's a fun souvenir and it was free!!

After the campus tour in the heat and humidity, we decided it was time for some ice cream. There is a great place called Ice Cream Corner where they make all their ice cream, and sell different flavors daily. Lynae had told me about it, and then on Sunday we were talking to Jocelyn (Lynae's sister in law) and she told me I had to try the cinnamon ice cream with chocolate chips. Lynae called ahead to make sure they had it, and when we found out they did, we went and got a half gallon. Jocelyn knows her ice cream!! It was sooooo good!!! After ice cream, Camden woke up from his nap, so we decided to pull out the kiddie pool and let him swim while we played Yahtzee. I'm pretty sure Tyler won that too...

Dinner that night was a cook out. Lynae had planned on hot dogs and hamburgers and sent Tyler out to the barbecue. We had baked beans and chips and lemonade. It was really good. Later that night, we decided to leave Tyler with a sleeping Camden and have a girls night out. We went to the movies. Lynae said she hadn't been to a movie since Camden was born. We went and saw Something Borrowed. I didn't really like it. It looked really cute, but I didn't really like how the plot progressed. After the movie, Hannah was all ready to go out on the town, but Lynae and I didn't get our naps that day so we were ready for bed. We went home and hit the sack.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program

2011-06-28T00:04:00.000-06:00

Okay. I know what you are all thinking. I'm a blogging failure. I was in Alabama a month ago, and still haven't blogged it all! I'm sorry!! However, I have worse news. This week I get to play at Girls Camp so you'll have to wait a few more days... and since Girls Camp means more pictures, I'm going to be even more behind!!! I promise to finish blogging Alabama... and Girls Camp... and Family Reunion... and ... oh!!! I'll never be caught up. I may have to devote an entire Sunday! Anyway I'll see you all when I get back and hopefully I can get the rest of my life blogged. Remember when I had a boring life??? Not anymore!!

Sunday in Alabama

2011-06-25T09:13:00.000-06:00

Sunday I slept as late as possible (church was at 9, so not very late) and then we got dressed and ready and headed off to church. Lynae is the first counselor in the Primary Presidency, and the President had moved away on Saturday, and the rest of the Presidency was not going to be there so Lynae was playing the one woman show. Tyler is the Elder's Quorum President, so we didn't see him until half way through Sacrament Meeting. Turns out he had a rather interesting experience getting one of the new converts to church. He lives in a really bad part of town and Tyler had a bit of a run in with the converts brother who tried to tell Tyler that he shouldn't be allowed to go to church because he needed to be punished for the bad things he'd done. Tyler tried to explain to him that he just came to give the convert a ride and that if he wanted to go to church, Tyler was going to get him there. After church when we went to drop him off, he was locked out of the house. It was kind of nuts, but reminded me of some of the "ghetto" areas on my mission. Sacrament Meeting was good. Hannah had to speak and she did a great job. I was sitting in Sunday School, when Tyler came in and told me that Lynae needed help in the nursery. I grabbed my stuff and headed for the nursery. They had a bunch of super cute kids, including Camden, so not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning. The best part was when we took the kids outside to blow bubbles and they saw a spider crawling on the sidewalk. We had sung the Itsy Bitsy Spider during Singing Time so I pointed out the spider and told the kids it was the Itsy Bitsy Spider. They were fascinated. After church we went home and ate our Rice Box leftovers and put Camden down for his nap and decided to join him. I spent a few minutes reading (Kayla gave me The Hunger Games series for the trip) and a few hours sleeping. It was great!! After nap time, we got in the car and headed out to the Old Railroad Bridge. It spans across half the Tennessee River, and was used during the Civil War. It was really cool to see. It's a little more than a quarter of a mile long and is not used anymore except as a pedestrian bridge, though since an 1872 train accident it stops in the middle of the river so you can't actually cross the river on it. It was really cool to walk down a bridge that was such a part of history.

This is the O'neal Bridge. It's one of the ones you can drive into Florence in.

All of us on the bridge. It's kind of a faraway picture because we were the only ones there, so the only way to get a picture was to put the camera on the other side of the bridge rails and set the timer.

The Florence side.

The dam bridge off in the distance. You can also drive on that one.

There is kind of an island in the middle of the river right about where the Old Railroad Bridge ends.

I really liked how the sun was shining through the bridge on the water.

Some river front property on the Sheffield side of the river. Some are condos, some are houses, all are huge and amazing!

We pushed Camden in the stroller across to the dead end side of the river, but then he wanted to get out. He ended up pushing the empty stroller all the way back. Not bad for an 18 month old, who's still a little shaky!!

Alabama is an extremely humid place. This was one of the first days when I realized I "wasn't in [Utah] anymore" When we got back to the car, we guzzled water and headed home. Lynae made pork roast with mashed potatoes and rolls for dinner. It was yummy. We put Camden to bed and continued the tournament! I think we played Rummikub that night, and I think Tyler won once and Lynae won once. I don't remember, but I know I lost!! I think living alone has made me rusty!! Monday and Tuesday are coming!!

Alabama: Friday and Saturday

2011-06-19T21:01:00.002-06:00

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting my blog about Alabama and since I have limited time in my life, now that I 'm back to work, I decided to do the first few days to get you started and then I'll post the rest. On Friday May 27 I arrived at the Salt Lake Airport around 1:00 for a 2:30 flight. I checked my bag and got into a really long security line. It took about 45 minutes to get through security, but I didn't get stopped so that is good! I flew to Dallas/Fort Worth where I had an hour and a half layover. The flight was pretty uneventful, except I had to pee and didn't want to climb over two people (I had the window seat) and cram into an airplane bathroom, so I was praying that the restroom would be close to the gate when I got out. My prayer was answered and it was a good thing I didn't have to rush to my next flight. I found a place to get some food close to the gate I needed which was good because the Dallas airport is huge. They have a tram thing that takes you to your gate because they're so far apart. I continued on to Birmingham where I found my suitcase and Lynae and we drove into Birmingham to find some dinner. She took me to a BBQ place called Jim and Nick's (it was after 9:30 so we were lucky to find it open) where we feasted on Pigs in a Potato and "biscuits". The biscuits were what I would have called muffins, but in the south they are biscuits. The potatoes were stuffed with pulled pork, bacon bits, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. They were delicious but huge. We decided afterward that we could have shared one. I had texted Lynae a few days before I left and asked her if we would be able to get in a temple session at the Birmingham Temple and since Birmingham is about 2 1/2 hours from Florence, she opted to get a hotel room in Birmingham for Friday night. We stayed up for a lot of hours talking and catching up and then slept late Saturday morning. After breakfast at the hotel, and hurriedly getting ready, we ventured to Gardendale to attend the 11:00 session. We were running a bit late and made it to the recommend desk at 10:59, but they were sweet enough to hold the session a few minutes for us. It was a great experience in one of the smaller temples and when we were through we got some pictures.

After the temple, we headed north to Florence. On the way Lynae wanted to stop at this little Dutch bakery.

They had a lot of interesting stuff. We bought some nine grain bread and some sourdough wheat bread and then had our leftover potatoes for lunch on the road.

We passed some fairly significant tornado damage on the way to Florence. The devastation was devastating. Probably why they call it that huh?? We saw a lot of downed trees, poles bent in half, signs that were blown completely over, and a neighborhood where the houses had some walls but total devastation. We arrived in Florence a little after 3 and Lynae told me some of the geography of the area. The whole area is called The Shoals and the Tennessee River plays a big part of the region. It's really a very beautiful, green place. She took me the "long way" home so I could get a feel for Old Florence and a little bit of the Campus of the University of North Alabama, where Tyler works. When we got to their house, I called out a quick hello to Hannah who was on her way to work and then said hello to Tyler and Camden. When Tyler showed me to the guest room (actually Hannah's room, so thanks to her for sharing her bed) I found this on my bed:

We discussed some of our plans for the week and then played with Camden and the camera for a bit. That kid moves fast... getting a focused picture was a bit of a challenge.

He was upset because I wouldn't give him the camera, but then Mommy pulled out her camera and we played a bit of a trick on him... the result: this next picture! He really is one super cute kid!

We decided to go to a restaurant called the Rice Box for dinner. It is a Chinese restaurant and I still crave that food!! I had coconut chicken, Tyler had pineapple chicken, and Lynae had honey sesame chicken and we all ate each others. It was so yummy!! I was happy we had leftovers because we ate it Sunday after church. When we got back home, we put Camden to bed and then started a tournament! When Tyler and Lynae lived here, we used to get together and play games for FHE. Tyler had a scorecard all set up with games all picked out and so we played the first tournament. Tyler won. Tyler often wins. After that we watched a really dumb movie that we rented from Redbox and exhaustedly went to bed.

Preview

2011-06-02T10:08:00.000-06:00

I don't have time to blog Alabama right now, but I thought I 'd do a teaser. This is what I got to see for the whole 5 days!!

Isn't that the cutest face you ever saw? (The one on the left!!)

2011-05-27T07:54:00.002-06:00

See you in a week!! Hopefully I'll remember to pull out the camera occasionally so you can all share it with me!!

Catching Up

2011-05-22T20:55:00.000-06:00

It's been a really long time since I posted anything, so I thought I'd do a quick catch up post. A few weeks ago I was asked to sing a solo in Sacrament Meeting and that happened today. I chose the song Once there was One, which is one I've sung a few times before so it's familiar and very beautiful. It turned out really good and thanks to the Spirit I got through it and added a lot to the spirit of the meeting. After it was over, I got a lot of compliments and a lot of people told me that they didn't know I could sing like that. I don't try to hide my talents, but singing solo is not something I'm absolutely comfortable with, except in the shower. I was happy to share my talent and would do it again if asked, but it's not something I beg for. In other news, Alabama is 5 days away!! I am so excited! It will be so nice to get away for a few days and especially to a place I've not been. Yesterday I was at Mom and Dad's and 7 year old Colin asked me to bring him something from Alabama. I asked him what kind of something and he promptly replied, "I don't know, something random... something boy style." I laughed. Mom suggested a rock. He'd love it!! Anyway I'm excited. I guess that's all for now!!

Funny Quote

2011-05-06T23:38:00.000-06:00

I found this quote the other day. I don't remember where, so I can't give credit, but I laughed so hard and decided to share it here. I like it A LOT!!!

I figured out why I’m so fat. The shampoo I use in the shower that runs down my body says “for extra volume and body.” I’m going to start using Dawn dish washing soap. It says, “dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove.”

Happy Day

2011-05-01T10:06:00.003-06:00

Yesterday my cousin Landon married the love of his life! We are excited to welcome Hailee to the family. I just love Hailee. The past few months Landon and Hailee and I have been getting together for dinner and I've gotten the opportunity to get to know her just a bit and she is amazing and perfect for Landon. It was such a great day! Landon's whole family lives out of state so we were able to see all of them. Vance and Cheryl came from Iowa, Hannah and Lynae and Camden from Alabama (amidst the tornado carnage), and Jameson and Jocelyn from Kansas. It was such a beautiful (snowy, overcast, with a few peeks of sunshine) day and such a great thing to be in the temple with a bunch of people you love. My Uncle Kevin and Aunt Debbie brought my Grandma and Grandpa and a lot of Cheryl's family was there too. The reception was at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and there was a lot of family present. I was able to bond a bit with Camden who is almost 18 months old and is a real mama's boy (with Dad not here, but I imagine he loves Dad just as much). He had to warm up to me but by the end of the night he was talking and giggling and playing ring around the rosy with Grandma and Mom and Hannah and Jameson and I. I wish I had a picture... it was too cute. I ended up staying until the very very end and walked out with Vance and Cheryl and then walked to the parking lot with Vance and got some one on one talking time with him. He's such a great guy. I came home feeling a bit melancholy because even though it was such a great day, one of the problems with having out of town family is that you get to see them for a few hours every little while and then it's back to saying goodbye. The light at the end of the tunnel is that I get to travel to Alabama to hang with Lynae and Tyler and Camden and Hannah in 26 days!!! I'm so excited to see where they live and to spend some quality time with them. It makes saying goodbye a little easier knowing that I'm going to see them in less than a month. Hopefully Camden will remember me and I won't have to rebond!! I'll post a few pictures here and then hopefully I can get some from Mom because I didn't have my camera at the temple... I know big surprise!

The cake... I've never seen one like this before... not sure what it is.

From L to R: My dad's cousin Carolyn, Grandma Gardiner, Jameson (Landon's older brother)

The centerpiece. Hailee decided to do greens as her colors and it was springy and beautiful.

I love the saying on this picture frame--Live every moment, Laugh every day, and Love beyond words.

The first dance

Camden and "Aunt" Julie-- I'm really his first cousin once removed, but that's way too difficult so Lynae calls me Aunt Julie! He wanted the camera... that's the only reason he's smiling!!

Camden and his mommy Lynae!! ( I love this girl!!)

Lynae, Camden, Hailee, and Landon with the temple spires in the background!! So Beautiful!!

The lighting is bad in this picture, but I needed this one. Landon accused me of trying to split them up, but I told him it was only temporary!!

Farewells

2011-04-29T22:48:00.000-06:00

Okay so I admit that at times I am pathetic and tonight is no different. I just watched Steve Carell's final episode of The Office and realized what a fan I am. I found myself crying as he said his final goodbyes to everyone. Over and over I've told myself I should stop watching the show, but I haven't been able to stop. I'm super addicted to it and I'm really going to miss him. Maybe the change will be what gets me to stop watching the show, but for tonight I'm just going to sit here and miss Michael Scott for a minute more. I know... pathetic!!

For Lynae...

2011-04-17T18:43:00.000-06:00

Today my bestest cousin Lynae randomly called me. I love random phone calls from besties!! She told me I need to put up an updated picture of the countdown chain since it seems too long still. We are down to 39 days!! I am so excited to go see her! So Lynae, here is the 39 day count down.

Toddler Crafts

2011-04-03T09:25:00.000-06:00

My friend Nicole has been posting a lot lately about spring toddler crafts that she has been doing with her kids. Well I lack the whole kids thing, but yesterday I did something so totally 4 year old that I wanted to post about it. I decided this year that some of my vacation time would go toward visiting my cousins Lynae and Hannah, along with Lynae's husband Tyler and baby Camden at their home in Alabama. I bought my plane ticket with my tax return and I am seriously looking forward to 6 days in a place I've never been. Yesterday while watching conference I decided to make a paper chain to count down the days. I counted it up on the calendar and 54 chains later this hangs on my living room wall. Happy Counting!!!

Catching Up

2011-04-02T09:28:00.001-06:00

It's 9:00 on a Saturday morning and I'm not at work. That is good news number one. Good news number two is that RC Willey will be here any minute with my new bedroom set. Good news number three is that today is General Conference, and I'm going to actually get to watch all 4 sessions. So the reason I'm not at work is because of General Conference, and the necessity of the manager to be there during the Priesthood session rushes. I decided to work 6 to close so I can watch conference and still be there for the rush. It makes a lot of things possible, that aren't usually possible on Saturdays. Our Young Women are preparing to walk from the Draper Temple to the Salt Lake Temple in September, so a bunch of them get together every Saturday morning and walk. Because of work, I generally can't go, but this time I woke up early and met them. We walked a little more than four miles and I am severely out of shape! I need to walk more by myself, because I was tired after 2 miles, barely made it 4 and now I'm sitting here hoping I don't have to move for a bit. 22 plus miles is going to kill me. I'd like to think I'm going to make it on adrenaline but I'm not!! I'm going to have to train for this a lot more than I am now. I also think I need to buy insoles for my shoes. The balls of my feet feel raw. In other news, the new bedroom set is on it's way. RC Willey had this great deal. The whole thing (headboard, foot board, side rails, dresser w/ mirror, night stand and HD TV) for $700. It was way too good to pass up, plus it's pretty!!

March was an interesting month in a lot of ways. The first Sunday in March, the Bishop pulled me out of Sunday School and asked if I'd do him a "hard" favor. I told him I would and he proceeded to ask me to speak in church about the trial of being single in a family church. I was stumped about how I would take on that task, but after a lot of praying and some serious study I figured out how to present it, and I felt the spirit so strongly and delivered a talk that I hoped was what the Bishop wanted and afterward, he confirmed that it had been. The biggest struggle for me was that I'd never thought about being single as a trial to me until he pointed it out. Of course, there are things that I feel like I'm missing out on, not being married, but overall I'm a happy girl. It was a humbling experience, followed by relief that I couldn't give the talk assigned to the lady that spoke after me. She had to talk about the trial of being divorced in a family church. Two weeks later, a couple spoke about the trial of not being able to get pregnant and dealing with not having children. My first response was that I'm so glad I don't have to deal with those trials, but I realized we all have different trials designed to prove us here to see if we will follow our Heavenly Father. My second response was a quote I once heard. It says "be grateful for your trials because if you didn't have them, you wouldn't be here and if they were any less difficult we'd find someone with less ability to take your place." Sometimes it's easier to be grateful for what you have, when you realize that there are other people in the world much worse off than you are. That sounds incredibly callous, but I was telling someone, that I was glad I had never found Mr. Right, instead of being married to and divorced from Mr. Wrong. Also, the struggle of being married and not being able to have children would be terrible to me. I've always taken for granted that someday I would be a mom. I can't imagine being married and not having that as the obvious next step. There are a lot worse things than being single. Well, that ended up being really long so thanks for reading. More later!

Arizona

2011-03-07T21:36:00.001-07:00

So it's only been like a month since our Arizona trip. Seems like high time to blog about it. Unfortunately, I am a worse photographer than blogger so the pictures are few and far between, but you'll learn to deal with that I'm sure. Mom and Katie and Karson and I headed out after work on Wednesday, February 9. The goal was to be in Mesa with Todd and Nicole for Rory's second birthday on the 10th. I got off work at 6 and we headed to Costco for some dinner, car snacks, and Grandma Sycamore bread. They don't have it in Arizona so we needed to pick up a few (10) loaves for the freezer. We stopped at my house for one last bathroom break and headed south. I drove the first few hours, then Mom took a turn, then me again, then Mom got us into Mesa. We dropped Katie and Karson off at Katie's mom's house and continued east to Todd and Nicole's arriving about 7:00 am. None of us slept at all on the drive down, and Mom and I caught about 15 minutes later that morning, but we all stayed awake about 42 hours. After Nicole took Andrew to preschool, we went to Target to get Rory's pictures taken. She was about as cooperative as any two year old should be expected to be and after Nicole chose the pictures she wanted to keep, we headed home. Nicole took Rory to Andrew's preschool Valentine party and Mom and I grabbed some Jack in the Box and our 15 minute nap. When the kids got back, they went down for naps and when they woke up, we headed to the mall. Rory's big present from mommy and daddy was to get her ears pierced. She was pretty good. The pen marking the spot on her ears freaked her out more than the actual gun did, and she only cried for a few minutes after it was over. My favorite part was when she thanked the lady for piercing her ears midst the wails.

The before shot...

Pretty little pink pearls

After taking video of it for Todd, who was working, we headed to the Disney store. I'm not sure who likes that store more, Andrew and Rory or Mama and Meemaw (Nicole's mom), but it was fun for all. They were having a sale on stuffed toys, buy one get one free. I hadn't found much to give Rory for her birthday so I let her pick two stuffed toys. She picked a Rapunzel doll and a Tiana doll. After spending some time and money in the Disney store we went to this spot in the mall where they have all these animals and junk that the kids can climb on and around. This is where most of my pictures were taken.

Andrew playing in baby Jaguar

Cheese it up kid!

Andrew wanted to make sure I got in on the fun, so he took the picture!

Rory and the groundhogs

After playing for awhile (and a quick run to Payless for mom and I to take advantage of BOGO), we left the mall and much to our surprise found Todd in the mall parking lot. He took the birthday girl in his car, and we headed back to Nicole's mom's house for some pizza and crazy bread. We got home in time to put the kids in bed an hour late, and then Nicole's primetime TV shows were on so we watched those and turned in early. Friday morning we woke up and hung out for the morning. We took the kids outside and they rode bikes around the neighborhood and then we grabbed the sand stuff and played in the sandbox until lunch and nap time. Sorry, no camera....While they napped Mom and I headed out to the Mesa Temple to take in a session and the pictures of us at the temple are on Mom's camera. When we got back Nicole's mom and sister were watching the kids while Nicole went to do activity days. When she got back, the kids wanted to dance so we went to the kitchen and Nicole turned on some music and they danced on the counter. It was epic.

When Todd got home from work, we headed out for Girls Night Out while Todd stayed home with the kids. We went to downtown Mesa where on every second Friday of the month they have booths and demonstrations and stuff like that. We wandered up and down Main Street, just admiring the paintings, crafts, jewelry, etc. I had been looking for some time for a ring, that was small and tasteful and was lucky enough to find one for $30 there. An Indian woman from Page area was selling turquoise rings and I really liked this one so I bought it for my Arizona souvenir.

Ignore the dry cracked Utah hands!!!!

After we were tired of walking around we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I don't know about everyone else (well I know Nicole wasn't too impressed with her food), but my Stuffed chicken tortillas and chocolate coconut cream pie cheesecake were amazing. (I am still craving it!!) We got home pretty late, and went to sleep.
Saturday was Rory's birthday party. Todd and I took her to see Tangled. She's two. It's long. I still haven't seen it all the way through. We ended up getting our money back and going home to put the tired child to bed. I spent some time outside, just sitting in the sun catching up on my Jesus the Christ reading for Young Women's and got a bit of sunburn. It was great!! Mom and Meemaw spent the morning setting up the birthday party on Meemaw's screened in patio. It was an awesome place to have a party. Todd drew a chalk race track for the kids to ride bikes on and we got rotisserie chicken from Costco and Nicole made Rory's favorite pasta salad and zucchini. After dinner, Rory opened up all of her presents. (Again, no camera! I know, I'm amazing!) We ate Tangled cake and Rory got the huge piece with the plastic Rapunzel doll, and did much better this year than last year. After cake Todd and I took the kids home to put them to bed while the others cleaned up. After the kids were in bed, Todd needed to do some work at home, so the girls went to Nicole's mom's to hit up the hot tub. One of the great things about Mesa in February is the pool is nice too. We swam for a few minutes and then hit the hot tub. We sat around chatting and enjoying each other's company and then went back to Todd and Nicole's for some Wii Party. Sunday morning we had told Katie to meet us at 10 so we could get home at a fairly decent hour, so we loaded the car and she got there. We had said goodbye to the kids before their naps so it was a goodbye to Todd and Nicole and out the door. It was an awesome time and a big shout out to Todd and Nicole for letting us crash their house for a few days. We really had a ton of fun and I hope I can go back soon... well next year, when I have vacation days again!

Wishful Thinking

2011-02-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

The other day my sis in law (who lives in Arizona) asked me why I still had snowmen as my background and I told her it was because there was still snow at my house. Today I don't want it to be winter anymore so I'm putting flowers on my blog to hint to the weather that I like Arizona weather better! I still need to blog about our trip there, but for right now, enjoy the hint of spring!

Absent

2011-02-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time since I posted, and I have a ton to post, but not so much time! I'll try to do better. Tonight I went to dinner with my cousin Landon and his fiance Hailee! I LOVE THEM!! They make me happy and I love our monthly hang out moment! I'm excited for Hailee to be my cousin on April 30! Mom and I and my sis in law Katie are leaving Wednesday to head down to Arizona to spend a few days in the sun! Todd and Nicole and Katie's mom and some family are down there and Rory's birthday is Thursday, so we're planning on spending a few days with them. I'm excited!! I'm so excited to go on vacation even for just a weekend. I'm also planning a trip in May to visit Lynae and Tyler in Alabama, so it's going to be an awesome couple of months!! Totally great! I'll post more about life later, but right now I have a sinkful of dishes waiting!

Kindred Spirits

2011-01-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Today I had a pleasant surprise at work. My friend Abby popped in with her kids to say hi and to make sure I was okay after my last blog post. I have to say, Abby is the other sister that is missing from my family. I mean my sisters are great, but everyone needs that one person that they just relate to! Abby is that person for me. I'm so grateful for her! When I was transferred to Bountiful for work, I wasn't sure I would ever find the kind of people I was leaving in my last ward, but it's just as good and in some cases better. I'm so grateful that I was led to this apartment and this ward. It's been a life changing experience and I've met so many people that I can't imagine my life without. Thanks Abby for thinking of me and taking time out of your busy afternoon to make mine even better!! I love you!

The January Letdown

2011-01-16T09:28:00.001-07:00

WARNING: The following post is probably going to be depressing. Read on at your own risk!

Today I feel rather blah!! I just came off an insanely ridiculous work week (hours wise) and I feel like I've been hit by a truck!! Also it's that great month where New Year's Resolutions are imagined and then quickly thrust away so as to not discourage one further! I set out at the beginning of the month with all these great ideas of how I was going to adapt to being better and it's biting me in the butt!! I don't know why I have such issues! I'm sure it's the tired talking, but I make all these plans for myself and end up just being too tired to do it. My house is suffering (though I can't figure out who is messing it up), my Christmas tree is still up in the corner, my study schedule is already in catch up mode, and I get really excited when I come to a Sunday that I don't have to teach. Isn't that just sad?? (Holly, if you're reading this, I'm just cranky not requesting a release!!!) I need to find something to be happy about!! I get a vacation in four weeks. Maybe I should make a paper chain and rip one off each day until the blessed day of vacation!! Maybe I should stop whining and go do something about the dishes in the sink. Maybe I should just devote my sabbath day to catching up on that study schedule and then be proactive in not having to catch up!! Maybe I should remember my blessings and stop feeling sorry for myself. Maybe my Sunday is going to involve a long nap!! Whatever I need, it's important that I acknowledge that deep down, I really am happy. I don't mind my job and I feel good about the fact that labor came down in just one day. I'm okay! I appreciate that I have this place to vent and whine, and really no one can do anything about it... except choose not to read, and I'm okay with that too!!! Maybe my next post can be about something funny!! I'll look for something!!

For Lynae...

2010-12-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

Andrew and Rory

Malerie holding Jaydon, Kaitlynn holding Karson

Kaitlynn and Karson

Jaydon

Karson and his mama

Colin, Kaitlynn, Kayla, and Hailey

Kaitlynn holding Rachel, Malerie holding Jaydon

Karson loves Daddy

Crazy hair Karson

Karson loves Christmas!

Rachel

Karson in his new Christmas outfit and his daddy

My favorite one of Karson

For Nicole...

2010-12-28T20:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry Nicole, but here are a few ( and I mean few) pictures of Christmas Eve jammies...

Katie Spencer and Karson

Kaitlynn holding Rachel, Karson, Kayla, Jaydon, Colin, Hailey, Malerie

Kaitlynn and Rachel

1 day till CHRISTmas

2010-12-26T22:15:00.001-07:00

(So I wrote this post Christmas Eve and didn't get it posted at Mom's house, so I just wanted to put it here so you'd all see the advent calendar with Jesus in it. Merry Day after Christmas!)

Tomorrow is Christmas!!! I'm so excited. Tonight for the advent we read 3 Nephi 1 and Luke 2. We sang Joy to the World to commemorate. I'm super excited for tomorrow! Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!!!

2 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-24T00:12:00.000-07:00

The good news about today is that I only have 4 hours left of work (tomorrow) and then it's Christmas vacation!! Yay! Today's advent is Alma 37:37 Counsel with the Lord. Talk with your Heavenly Father about your day and the things you are grateful for.

3 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's like 12:30 in the morning of the 23rd so I guess technically it's 2 days till Christmas, but I haven't gone to bed yet so it's still 3. I just got back from watching my cousin Lynae's son while they went to see Savior of the World and I just want to say that I think it is so funny when someone is so grateful to you for doing something for them, but really... you got the better end of the deal. Lynae lives in Alabama and so really the only time I've seen Camden lately is on the web cam. I hoped he wouldn't freak out since he doesn't really know me, but he was totally cool with the idea! I guess he's had to get to know everyone again this trip, so what's one more face in the mix, but the others were his grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and I'm just one of his mom's random cousins!! I hope that he never sees me like that, because I really like the idea of having a relationship with this adorable little boy! Anyway, let's get on to the advent, so I can get on to bed!! 3 Nephi 12:9: Make a resolution to be a happier and kinder person. At first when I read this one, I thought it was kind of funny, but the more I think about it, I really need this one. At my job, I'm kind of the mean one. I think it partly comes with the territory, being the manager and all, but I think I could uphold the rules and standards that I am called upon to uphold differently. I think I could really work on being a nicer person, and not letting mundane things that drive me crazy affect my attitude and demeanor. I think it's possible to manage and be a peacemaker at the same time, and that is my goal.

4 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today's advent is Alma 34:17-19: In your prayers, express thanks to Heavenly Father for the gift of His son.

5 days till CHRISTMAS

2010-12-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

So there has been a small change in my advent calendar. The last five activities were either for super young kids or for families to do together and since I live alone and my family is a bit too far away to help out, I decided to find five different things to do. Todays is: Helaman 14:2-3,5 Write in your journal what your family Christmas traditions are. My family's traditions have changed as the family gets older and bigger, but there are things that I'd like to be traditions in my home when I have kids of my own, or just for myself. One of my favorite traditions is reading The Forgotten Carols and listening to the music with each chapter. Also I have to watch Meet Me in St. Louis, White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to Temple Square. Going to Christmas Sacrament meeting in my parent's ward is also an important part of my Christmas. The music is a big part of my Christmas. I hate that the radio stations play Christmas music the day after Halloween, but I don't mind when I decide to play it on my own. There are so many songs that I just love and listen to on repeat!! I love making Christmas treats and eating them!

6 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today was my favorite Sunday of the year!! I got to go to my ward and see the Christmas program and hear a fabulous Young Women's lesson (Thanks Cori!!) and then I headed south for Mom and Dad's ward Christmas program. It's one of my favorite Sundays to go back because there is always a really great turn out of people I haven't seen in a long time and the Christmas program is a lot the same year to year, so it's comfortable. I sat in the congregation and mouthed along! Todays advent was made possible by the fact that it was the Ward Christmas program. It is Matthew 22:34-40. Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors. Do something nice for a neighbor. During Sacrament meeting, I found myself wedged between two of my favorite families, that both have small children and 3 out of 4 parents in the choir. I got to help entertain their children during the program and after it was over one of the moms came and apologized and I told her it wasn't necessary because I LOVE IT!! It makes me feel important when the parents trust me to sit by their kids and the kids like me enough to let me sit with them. At one point I had two of the daughters (one from each family) sitting on my lap and it was awesome!! So thanks to Abby and Holly for giving me the opportunity to do something nice for your families and thanks to my Heavenly Father for letting me find a place to live in such an AMAZING ward!! I love you guys!!

7 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today's advent is 3 Nephi 17:21-24. Jesus Christ blessed little children because He loved them. Show you love for a brother, sister, or friend by sharing a toy or helping them in some way. Since I'm not a small child who can share my toys... today I am watching my sisters kids while she finishes up her Christmas shopping. It's a fun day when you get to play with a 7 year old and a 5 year old. I've played Hide and Seek and Wii with them. It really takes me back to being a kid.

8 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we're down to almost one week!! It's so fun to count down. I told a girl at work that I wanted to make a red and green Christmas chain, but it wasn't worth it to me to start in December because it's only 25 days. I told her I was going to make it this week and count down till next Christmas. She thinks I'm nuts...probably true!! Today's advent is 3 Nephi 23:1: Jesus Christ commanded the Nephites to study the words of Isaiah. Read Isaiah 53:3-5 and think about the Atonement. I love this scripture. When I was on my mission I memorized it and it's one of the few I can still quote. I remember hearing a quote from someone that said something to the effect of no one would care about the baby in a manger if it hadn't been for the cross. Not exactly but you get the gist. Without the Atonement, Jesus Christ would have been just another baby born. His whole mission, his work was to bring about the Atonement so the Plan of Salvation could continue. I love 3 Nephi 27:13-14 which reads "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I gave given unto you-- that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether thy be good or whether they be evil..." I'm so grateful for the baby in the manger that became the man in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. I'm grateful that He knew His role and wasn't afraid to come down and accomplish it. I'm so grateful that He loves me enough to let me come back to live with Him again. I'm so thankful that I have the gospel which Christ gave. God lives and He loves us and He proved it by giving us His son. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine son."

10 and then 9 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today I need to post 2 advents because last night was girls night and I got home after midnight. We got together and made Christmas treats. YUMMY!! Yesterday's advent was: 3 Nephi 12:16 Jesus asked us to be examples to those around us. Set an example of service by helping with the dishes or cleaning or other chores at home. I don't know who I'm being an example to, but at least my house is clean now. At least for a little while until I mess it up again. I've discovered I'm really good at that.

Today I had a rather productive day. I got off work early and had a primp day. I got a haircut and a pedicure and then headed down town to meet Mom and Dad for the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert, which unfortunately we missed due to some bad planning and worse traffic. We ended up walking around on Temple Square and seeing some stuff in the Visitor's Centers. Not a bad evening, though it was too cold and I'm thinking of putting in a request to Mac Wilberg and Mac Christensen to have the Christmas concert in July next year. I think that will be best for all involved! Anyway, today's advent is D&C 19:38-39: Jesus Christ asks us to pray always. Carry a prayer in your heart today, thanking Heavenly Father for your blessings. I think this is a good reminder and it is really helpful to get through a stressful day.

11 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a super stressful day!! Everyone at work was cranky (probably because I was), guests were being stupid and I was just so glad when it was over!! Tonights advent is 3 Nephi 18:21: Jesus Christ taught us to pray with our families. Help your family remember to have family prayer today. Since I live alone, I consider myself my own family. I used to really struggle with prayer. I'd always forget to say my prayers in the morning and night ones weren't much better. Since I've been in the thumb society I've been motivated to remember and now I do a lot better with it. Things are definitely better when I remember to pray. I can't imagine what today would have been like without it. Good thing I don't have to find out!!

12 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... oh wait, wrong activity. Although I must put in that my mom found this adorable board book that takes the 12 days of Christmas song and incorporates a tiny baby sleeping peacefully. I don't really remember the rest of the days except ten cows a mooing, but I thought it was brilliant. Todays advent is D&C 35:26 Jesus Christ wants us to be happy. Make a list of blessings that make you happy and hang the list in your bedroom. A lot of things make me happy so I'll just list a few here: Hot cocoa when it's cold outside; slippers; Church; U of U football (when they win); a clean house; hanging out with family and friends; knowing the Atonement can save me in my weakness (not in my sin, but in my weakness); President Monson and really all of the General Authorities; my calling; a beautiful sunset; Skype... this list could go on and on so for now I'll add a nice warm bed and head in that direction!! Good Night!

13 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those awesome Sundays. I went to church and felt the Spirit then I Skyped with my cousin Lynae for an hour plus, then off to a Stake Family Christmas fireside where again I felt the Spirit. Have I ever mentioned that I love the Christmas season? Todays advent is D&C 76:22-24: Even though Jesus was born two thousand years ago, He has appeared to prophets of this dispensation. As a family, read and discuss today's assigned scripture. I love this scripture. Since I had to memorize the Living Christ for my Faith value project and this scripture is part of that, I can recite it, and it's even better when I think of it in the context of the Living Christ statement. Jesus Christ lives and He loves us!! How great is that! Prophets are real and Heavenly Father has provided us a living one to help us in our day. Doesn't get any better than that, now does it?

14 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 2 week mark till Christmas and I'm excited... though I have acknowledged that time is going by way too fast and I know it'll be over before I know it! Today at work, I hung all the paper snowflakes that my friend helped me cut out, and hung stockings on my curtain wall above the counter. It's so cute now. I just kept staring out into the lobby with a smile on my face, because Christmas has come to Arctic Circle. I'm extremely pleased about how it turned out. In other news, I got to go out to dinner tonight with my adorable cousin Landon and his adorable fiance, Hailee. They are my favorite people to hang out with. They are just so sweet!! I love that Hailee will soon be my cousin in law and then we will be family!!!!!! :)

Tonights advent is 3 Nephi 12:9 Jesus Christ promised to bless peacemakers. Sing a reverent Primary song to help bring greater peace to your home. My favorite favorite reverent Primary song is Reverence is Love, so I sang that and I did feel more peace. I love this season. It's so nice to be able to remember Jesus every day (of course I should be doing that anyway).

15 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Can anyone else believe that Christmas is 15 days away!! CRAZY!! This year I got a $100 gift card from work in lieu of the dumb Christmas party. I bought me a DVD and The Christmas Family Songbook and a new Wii game!! I didn't wait for Christmas for any of them, and I am seriously addicted to the Wii game... you are all so lucky I'm blogging!!! Anyway... today's advent is D&C 33:11-12: Jesus taught the principles of His gospel. Memorize and recite the fourth Article of Faith. Since I already have it memorized I just quietly recited it to myself. It reminded me of an activity we did a few months ago for Young Womens. We got the achievement day girls together and Holly set up the gym with different activities for us to teach them the Articles of Faith. For the fourth one, she had stairs with each of the four principles written on them, and once they had said the article of faith and climbed each stair representing the principle, they got to jump off the stairs into a love sac. It was awesome to see how many of them learned this article of faith, because they got to fly off the stairs into the cushy arms of a giant love sac!! The principles of the gospel are important, and I'm glad that through following Jesus Christ and obeying the principles, we can go home to Heavenly Father.

16 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Todays advent is: 3 Nephi 27:7: Jesus told His disciples to call the Church in His name. Sing "The Church of Jesus Christ." This one seems a little silly, but I did it, sitting all alone in my house. I was talking with a friend today about how grateful we are that Jesus Christ is leading the church and that He has control over who He calls to lead it, because we are quite impressed by the leaders of the Church. It's nice to know that we belong to the true church.

17 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-08T22:07:00.001-07:00

Today's advent is: 3 Nephi 27:29: Jesus Christ promised that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers. Write in your journal about a time when He answered one of your prayers. One that happened recently was a few weeks ago I was struggling to memorize The Living Christ for my Faith project for Young Womens. I was having a hard time remembering what I had already memorized and so I said a quick prayer that Heavenly Father would enlighten my mind and when I closed the prayer, I began to focus more easily and by the time I put it down I had remembered all that I had previously memorized and had also memorized 3 additional paragraphs. I know that our Heavenly Father helps us even in the small stuff. Even if it seems mundane and meaningless to the world, it is important to Him and I am so grateful for that.

18 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-07T23:18:00.001-07:00

Today's advent is D&C 25:12: With family or friends sing Christmas songs about Jesus!! I live alone, so I sang to myself. I love the Primary Songs about Christmas. The Nativity song is my favorite!

19 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-06T21:29:00.001-07:00

Okay so let me start with a Happy Birthday shout out to my 30 year old "little" brother!! Love you Todd! I finally got my Christmas tree up today. I don't know why it took me so long, but now I'll have to leave it up till February to make it worth it...
Todays advent is: D&C 21:1, 4-5: Our prophet tells us what Jesus Christ wants us to do. Read a talk given by the prophet in the last conference. I chose The Three R's of Choice from the Priesthood session. He emphasized how important it is for us to make choices that will keep us on the path to Heavenly Father, rather than justifying our way to a different path- one that leads somewhere else. I'm grateful we have a living prophet today who helps us to make the right choice and stay on the path back home.

20 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-05T15:18:00.001-07:00

Let me start by saying I can't believe it's less than three weeks till Christmas. Better get my Christmas tree up!! Today's advent was John 13:34-35: We show that we want to follow Jesus Christ when we love other people. Show your love by helping someone today. It's sometimes hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and help others, but I've found that when I do, I am the one being blessed. Today in Sacrament Meeting one of my favorite families sat next to me. They have three kids and the middle daughter just loves me!! She is sometimes a handful, but I just love her! I know it's hard for her mom, when she's being irreverent, but I like to think I can try to help a little. During the Sacrament, I was reading in the Book of Mormon, and she grabbed her scriptures to be like me. She was entertained for all of 2 minutes, but you have to take those minutes whenever you can get them. I hope Abby knows that her kids are not a burden and I love them all!! If it's helpful at all for me to sit by them, I'm thrilled to do it. If not, I'm sorry that I contribute to Sarah's irreverence, but she's just so cute!! Anyway, this season I hope I can find more ways to show people my love!

21 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-04T15:38:00.001-07:00

Today's advent says: Mark 10:13-14 Jesus showed that children are very important to Him. In your personal prayer, tell Heavenly Father about your day and the things that made you happy. Now remember this was a little kids advent calendar, but it's kind of fun when you read in the scriptures that we need to become like little children. I think it's important for everyone to kneel down and tell Heavenly Father about things that make us happy.

22 days till CHRISTmas

2010-12-03T23:42:00.001-07:00

Todays advent calendar was 3 Nephi 12:6: Jesus Christ taught that we will be blessed for seeking righteousness. Spend ten minutes reading scriptures or scripture stories. I have been reading the Old Testament this year so I started with that and then finished up in the Book of Mormon.

CHRISTmas Advent Calendar --24 and 23 days till CHRISTmas!!

2010-12-02T23:41:00.009-07:00

Last Christmas I felt like the season went by much too fast and it was over before I realized it had started. This year I don't want that to happen, so I was trying to figure out how I could appreciate the Christmas season. I found this kind of silly "little kid" advent calendar online, but what I liked about it was each day you read a scripture and then do an activity that goes along with the scripture. After the activity is completed you add a puzzle piece to the Nativity, ending with Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.

I had so much fun every day thinking about the things I was thankful for in November, I thought my December installment would be my adventures with the activities on my advent calendar. Each day I'll post the calendar with the puzzle pieces and you can all count down with me. I forgot yesterday was December 1st, since I was up so late doing month end the night before and so was asleep on my living room floor by 6:30 pm, so I had to do two today. The first one was D&C 1:37: Jesus counseled Latter-day Saints to study His commandments. Think of one commandment you keep and one blessing that you enjoy. I chose tithing as the commandment I keep and the blessing I enjoy is being able to pay all my bills and still have money to live somewhat comfortably. The second one was 3 Nephi 18:6-7: Jesus asked His followers to always remember Him, especially when partaking of the sacrament. Write in your journal how you feel about the Savior. Since my blog is kind of my online journal, I'll write it here. I am in awe! I cannot believe that the Son of God loves me enough that He would "descend from his throne divine, to rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine" but He does. He loves me in all circumstances and I am so grateful. Jesus Christ's Atonement provided me the way to go home! He is my advocate with the Father, who also loves me. It is a blessing to know the Savior and to feel His love for me every day.

Sabbath Musings

2010-11-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today in Sacrament Meeting we got a new bishopric. One of the counselors is moving with his family to Saratoga Springs and so the reorganization was necessary. The whole Stake Presidency was there and it was a joy to feel the Spirit in the Bishop's decision about his new counselors. I thought he'd keep the one that was staying but it turned out that they were both released and two new ones put in. As the new counselors took their seats on the stand, I felt the Spirit and knew that both had been called of God. As the new second counselor stood to bear his testimony he talked about how it would be easy to get up there and talk about how inadequate he was, but he also knew that this calling came from the Lord, Jesus Christ and to question His authority would be putting the man's will above that of the Lord, the leader of the church. I had never thought of it quite like that before. One of my favorite quotes says, "The Lord doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." I truly believe that and I decided today that I would strive always to put the will of Heavenly Father above my will, by not questioning what he asks me to do. I have felt inadequate in most of my callings, but every time I am blessed beyond words as I have done my best to do the Lord's will. It's a good lesson and I 'm grateful for the reminder today.

One Fantastic Saturday

2010-11-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today started out just like any other Saturday. I woke up tired, dragged myself to work trying to pretend I wanted to be there and then began what was probably the longest day ever!! It was seriously slow and I was upset that I had to be at work instead of watching the Utah vs. BYU football game. In the middle of an atypical rush (that only lasted about 20 minutes), I was standing in the pass thru (where all the food comes out of the kitchen) and I heard my name from the drive thru window. I turned to see who was yelling at me and saw my friends Hayley and JC. It was awesome, because a few months ago Hayley and JC moved to Idaho and Hayley was just weeks away from having a baby. I ran outside to see the baby in person (I've seen pictures) and talked to Hayley for a few minutes. She said she didn't think I'd be there, but she was glad I was, and I was glad I was. I love seeing people I don't get to see so often. I got off work at 5 and went out to my car, and was surprised to find out that Utah beat BYU by one point in the last seconds of the game. I had gone out to my car 2 other times just to get the score and BYU was ahead both times. What a surprisingly pleasant Saturday!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

I missed my thankful yesterday and since today is Thanksgiving I think this will be my last "thankful" post. At least the last one that I head with this title. Today I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for his son Jesus Christ. This year my mom and I have been discussing ways to put the Christ back in Christmas, and through all the discussions and things we've talked about, I can see how much we need to remember the amazing love our Savior has for us, that he was willing to condescend and become lowly so that he could be raised above all and then as a "final" act of love, atone for me. It is completely impossible for me to consider how he could love one such as I in all of my imperfectness and moments of pure idiocy, and yet he does. He loves me, He paid for me, and He wants me to come back to him. It fills me with gratitude to think of Him, so today and everyday He is the one thing I am most thankful for.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-23T23:01:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for my washer and dryer ( I know Nicole did this one yesterday, but I promise I had the idea before I read hers). Tonight I got home from work an hour after the "Blizzard of 2010" started (seriously disappointing blizzard), and I needed to wash my work clothes for tomorrow. It's so nice to just throw them in the washer on my way to the shower instead of having to pack up all the dirty laundry and heading to a laundromat or at very best the laundry facility at my apartment complex. It's nice that the apartment complex has a laundry facility, but in the snow, even across the property is too far. I knew when I moved out of Mom and Dad's, I wouldn't survive long without a washer and dryer, and so off I went to buy one, and now 4 years later I am so grateful for that purchase!! It really is a blessing to have the ability to do laundry whenever I need to.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for Skype. When I found out that Todd and Nicole were moving I went out and bought myself a web cam and then found out from my cousin Lynae about Skype. Since then, I have had the opportunity (not as often as I'd like) to be allowed into their homes and share a bit of their days. Tonight I "skyped" with Lynae and Tyler and my Aunt Cheryl in Alabama. Before they moved to Alabama, Lynae and Tyler and I would get together and have FHE on a few Mondays. Tonight through the web cam, we had the opportunity again and I'm so thankful that we have the technology that lets us see each other and share in each other's lives even for just a few minutes. It's definitely cheaper than a plane ticket!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for old friends. Today I was about to go into a Presidency Meeting at the church, when I looked up the hall and saw a face that didn't belong in that environment. It was the face of my mission trainer, Naomi. I called out her name and she turned around and we had a great short talk in the hall and I met her new (4 month old) baby Mason, and it was so stinking awesome to see her. Her in-laws live in my stake, and meet in the ward just after mine. When I got home, I logged onto facebook and had a post on my wall from my friend Chantal who lives in Missouri, just saying that she missed me and had been thinking about me. That got me thinking about how few really good friends I have that live here in Utah and how far away we all are from each other. It's so nice that we have the ability to keep in touch faster than snail mail these days, and therefore having friends far away is easy! I'm so thankful that the Lord has allowed these people to be in my life and I 'm so thankful that today has been so full of renewing past relationships!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-20T19:47:00.003-07:00

Today I am thankful for snow. I know there are a lot of people out there who don't agree and wish it would just go away, but today after I got home from work, I looked out my window and it was falling, and looked so pretty. I love winterscapes and especially the ones right outside my window. I think I'll grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the wintery weather with some showtunes!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for Excedrin. I don't get headaches all that often but when I do I am a cranky pants! I appreciate that there are over the counter meds that can save me (and my crew) when the headaches come on.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for my regulars. I'm sure that didn't make sense to most people so let me elaborate. At work, we are encouraged to get to know our guests by name, and it's pretty fun when you do. Every day there are probably 10 or so guests that come in that I can call by name and we chat and sometimes I know their order before they say it, and sometimes I see them at church or something and it's really fun. Some of my favorites came in today. I had to work till 8 and Carma came in and demanded to know why I was still there. Bonnie is in my ward, and comes in almost every day for a caramel shake. Sherlyn and Alane come every Monday for hamburger kids meals, one with no pickle. Kevin comes in with his little boy every so often, and I saw him in the foyer at church. He must meet in the ward after mine. Becky and her seeing eye dog come in two or three times a week for a large drink and Hannah makes me laugh because she really likes brown toppers, but she likes when the chocolate is still runny before it hardens so we try really hard to get it from the topper can to her window speedy like!! Sometimes I feel like I made a bad choice when it comes to career, because I have to work 60 hours a week and it causes serious burnout sometimes, but then Larry the mailman comes in for his double burgers no pickle and since he's from Indiana, we always have something to chat about. He is sure, even when I'm busy, to take time out to make sure he's told me to have a good afternoon, and sometimes... that is the only reason I can. I love my regulars and I hope that I can continue to make their experiences worthwhile because I need them to come in every day to brighten my day!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

I missed a day so you get last nights post this morning and then I'll do today's post tonight.
Today I am thankful for peace. Last night I came home and found my roommate had moved out and taken the bad feelings away with her. It was not an ideal relationship, things had changed in her life since the last time she lived here and all I felt upon finding her gone, was joy and peace. Now I can get back to being who I am, doing what I want, and not having to worry about her and her boyfriend doing whatever they do in my home. I am grateful that Heavenly Father watches out for me and helps me to know what I should do.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-16T23:42:00.003-07:00

Today I am thankful for my mom! Tonight we did 3/5 of a girls night out. Nicole is in Arizona so is absent for all girl's nights out now and Kris had to stay home with her kids cuz Daddy had school. Mom and Carolee and I got together to make heating/cold packs. Mom dug out a bunch of flannel scraps and we bought feed corn at IFA and proceeded to make them. Now for as long as I can remember, my mom has been an awesome seamstress and I can't sew, cut, or even think a straight line to save my life, but my mom would not sew mine. She forced me to do it. She gave instruction, turned the sewing machine down to low, and pushed me into the chair. When we were all done, I was so proud of my heating/cold pack and Mom said, "See, aren't you glad you did it yourself?" I was actually very glad I did it myself. It was actually pretty fun! So thanks for pushing me Mom! Love you lots!

Mom helping Carolee get started.

My finished product

Me and Carolee being silly!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-15T22:23:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for mops. I got to work this morning and proceeded to put my food order away. I walked past the walk-in refrigerator and glanced into the window to see how much there was to put away in there. What I saw was a fairly good sized order sitting in half an inch of liquid ice cream that covered my 12 x 8 walk-in nearly corner to corner. Upon further investigation I realized it was only 2.5 gallons of ice cream. It's unbelievable to me that so little ice cream can cover so much space. After putting garbage bags down outside the walk-in to put stuff on in an attempt not to spread it, I put the order away the best I could and then proceeded to turn two hot soapy mop buckets into nothing but cold vanilla ice cream water. Thankfully I was ahead this morning because I had done some extra work yesterday and so the 40 minute mop job didn't put me too far behind, but I was ready to throw it all and go home at 9:30. Here's to another Arctic Circle adventure. Let's hope tomorrow goes better!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am thankful for the Priesthood. Each and every time my home teacher comes he leaves a blessing on my house and he may as well have his hands on my head for the way it makes me feel. Every blessing has the phrase, "Bless this home to be a place of peace and safety." The last few days have made the need for that blessing even stronger and I know that Heavenly Father is granting it for me. Today I was so worried about so many little things, that I can't even control and I had a prompting to pray. Immediately I felt the promised peace and now know that whatever happens, I will be okay. So without actually putting his hands on my head, I appreciate that home teacher who exercises his priesthood on my behalf through blessing my home.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for the lessons I get to teach in Young Womens. Each week as I look through the book and read the lessons I am impressed by the caliber of lessons the leaders of the church have come up with. This week the lesson is on Gratitude and I'm so excited to teach it!! Part of the lesson is to write a specific note of appreciation to each of the girls. It was very eye opening as I thought about what I could say to each girl to help them feel of my love and gratitude for each of them. I'm so blessed!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for prayer. It has become apparent to me more in the last few days that Heavenly Father really cares about the mundane, little things that are important to me and has blessed me by answering the "stupid" questions. It is really comforting to know that he really is there, he really does love us, and he really does care even about the small things.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for my friends!! I love to get online and scan through my blog list and see who has updated and then to read about their awesome lives!! I'm so glad that we care enough about each other, that even when we're hundreds of miles apart, we still manage to keep in touch whether through a blog post or a facebook message. I love you guys!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am thankful for my calling. I am the Laurel advisor in my ward and I am so blessed to work with some of the world's most amazing young women! Next week is our Young Women in Excellence program, and one of the Beehives is planning it for one of her value projects. She decided on a Hollywood theme so tonight we met together to get ready. We had each girl make a star (like on the walk of fame in Hollywood) and then we gave them gray poster board and black paint to do their hand prints in the "concrete". Then they signed their names and wrote a quote that best describes them. There were so many awesome scriptures and quotes that I am just so pleased to be acquainted with these girls!! I promise to post pictures of the Bountiful 12th ward Stars next week, but today I am just grateful to be a part of the magic!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

I really had to think today about what I am thankful for. Someone at work asked me around 2:00 what I was going to write, and I told her I didn't know yet. Tonight I came home to a sink full of my roommates dishes and a dishwasher full of "clean" dishes (my water is so hard, my dishwasher really struggles) so I emptied the dishwasher into the already full sink, stacked the dishes neatly, turned on a Friends episode, put the Finish Dishwasher cleaner in the dishwasher, and started washing and drying every dish in the house!! Literally!! So today I am thankful that my kitchen is clean, the dishwasher is empty, and the cupboards are full. And I'm thankful that it only took 2 Friends and half of The Biggest Loser!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for the fact that I got that whole last post done. Nicole and Todd were kind of bothering us yesterday that no one had blogged the Pumpkin Walk that happened 3 weeks ago, and I told them I had tried, but the pictures were giving me grief. You can't blog the Pumpkin Walk without pictures but the last time I got so frustrated I gave up. Tonight the pictures were cooperating nicely, so for Todd and Nicole... I'm grateful that I finally got that post done!!

Pumpkin Walk 2010

2010-11-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Every year in North Logan, the community comes together and creates scenes with pumpkins, squash, gourds, and other harvesty things. Each year has a theme that the scenes have to fit and every year we try to make it up there to see it. This year the theme was cartoons. That's all I'm going to say (except the captions)! Enjoy the pictures!

A Bugs Life

Toy Story

Slinky Dog

Veggie Tales (David and Goliath)

Corpse Bride

Partly Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

The Hungry Caterpillar

The Magic School Bus
( I love that Arnold is laying down in front of everyone)

The Flintstones

Self explained

The Little Mermaid

Smurfs

The Polar Express

The tree from the Polar Express scene. Probably my favorite thing there!

101 Dalmations

The Muppet Show

Gonzo

Sponge Bob (Colin's favorite thing there!)

Monsters Inc.

The next few are for Andrew... Madagascar!

These next ones celebrate Dr. Seuss

Star-bellied and Plain-bellied Sneeches

Horton hatches the egg

Pale Green Pants

Green Eggs and Ham

Don't those eggs look tasty, Sam I am?

More pale green pants

The Cat in the Hat

And the pale green pants are back

Alice in Wonderland (notice the Cheshire Cat in the top left)

Rapunzel (or is it Tangled?)

The Princess and the Frog

These next ones are from Looney Tunes...

Popeye the Sailor Man

When you're done walking around you get to have your picture taken as almost anybody. Here are some of my favorites...

Malerie as Ariel

Malerie or Harry Potter?

Colin or Harry Potter?

Kaitlynn or Harry Potter

Is it just me or are there a lot of Harry Potters around here?

Hailey as Ariel

Hailey as Max

Malerie is Jesse, Kaitlynn is Buzz, and Hailey is Woody

Master Yoda... I mean Malerie

No offense to Malerie but this Yoda is a little bit cuter... Hailey

Kaitlynn takes her turn as Yoda

Malerie as the Genie and Hailey as Malerie

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for the Thumb Society. Let me explain. In our ward, the Young Women belong to a secret society... okay it's not secret, because everyone knows about it; but two years ago, Sister Dalton, the Young Woman General President gave the girls a challenge to smile, read the Book of Mormon five minutes a day, and say morning and night prayers. In our ward, we pass around a necklace and each time you get the necklace you strive to be 100% on these challenges. Last week I was the recipient of the thumb, and it is such a blessing to have a tangible reminder to help you do the right thing. Each Sunday before we choose a new person to take the thumb, we give the girls a thumbs up and they do it back. It's a fun way to remind them without really saying anything. Also, there is a journal that is passed with the necklace where we record our experiences. It's really great to read back and see how the thumb is changing all of our lives. Do you want to be part of the secret thumb society? All you have to do is commit to smiling, reading the scriptures, and praying daily! Let's all take Sister Dalton's challenge and see if it doesn't change your life!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-06T18:17:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for slippers. I had a rough day at work. We were crazy busy and my feet are killing me, so I came home, got in the shower and then cuddled up in my pj's and slippers. I can't even begin to explain how awesome slippers feel on sore tired feet. Next best thing to pedicures I'm telling you!!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-05T23:21:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for yummy food. I had a really loooong day at work and afterward had made plans with a friend to hit Zupas. It is my FAVORITE restaurant. Soup, salad ,and panini sandwiches. They have this combo meal option, where you pick any two and it's one price, but today I couldn't decide between salad and panini, so I got all three. That my friends is a lot of food... and I ate every bite, including 3 pieces of baguette and 2 chocolate dipped strawberries. Good thing it's kind of good for you!! Yay for yummy non Arctic Circle food!!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-04T21:25:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for sleeping in! I don't get a ton of opportunities to sleep in being that I have to be at work most mornings by 8 and my church on Sunday is at 9, but on Thursdays I don't go to work till 10. I usually stay up really late on Wednesday night, so I don't get anymore sleep than normal nights, but last night I went to bed at 10:45 and didn't get out of bed this morning until 9:30! It was pure bliss!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-03T18:21:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for toilet paper. Nicole commented that my "thankfuls" were very practical and it's true. I'm trying to appreciate the small things! Today I had to unclog a toilet at work and as I was cursing the person that put half a roll of toilet paper in our somewhat ridiculous toilet (anything clogs it!) I was thinking how grateful I am for this small roll of awesomeness. I mean at the moment it was somewhat the bane of my existence, but overall, I'm really glad to have it.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-02T20:31:00.001-06:00

My sister in law decided to blog something that she is thankful for every day in November and since I think that's a pretty swell idea, I'm going to copy her. Also since I am a day behind, I will do two today.

I'm thankful for my health. It is such a great thing to get up in the morning feeling good and rested and ready to start a new day, so I'm thankful that I can get up and out of bed and feel good.

I'm thankful for hot water. I got into the shower today and the water came out crazy hot, and as I turned it toward cool I thought about how lucky I am that my water is hot. I'm glad that I have the ability to have heated water and don't have to shower in the cold.

Ew Sick!

2010-10-25T21:45:00.002-06:00

I am 32 years old and for all the time I can remember have escaped having the flu. I rarely get stomachaches, in fact don't really know how to handle them. I had big plans for the weekend that involved a lot of family fun in Logan and getting the flu was not in the plan. Nevertheless, I woke up Saturday morning with a strange feeling in my gut. I thought I was hungry so I made some oatmeal and left for work. I ate my oatmeal and opened the store, then was feeling ultra tired (attributed that to going to bed at 1 in the morning) and had some serious heartburn. I had to go to another store to pick up some product, so I ran by home and grabbed some Tums. I took four Tums and continued working. When it was time to go on break I didn't really feel good, but knew that I should try eating something. I got a hamburger and a small fry. As the day went on the heartburn faded but my stomach got more and more sore. At 2:30 I called my boss for permission to leave early. He agreed and I went home. I took a bath and laid down for awhile, and then my friend Tierny came over so we could drive to Logan for the Pumpkin Walk. I got dressed and ready to go and really felt like I was going to toss my cookies. I knelt down by the toilet and nothing happened. I decided to just get in the car and go. I made it all the way past Ogden about 10 miles outside of Brigham City and then knew I was going to lose it. I started to pull off the freeway at an exit and tried really hard to race down the ramp so I could at least get out before I threw up. No such luck. Halfway down the ramp I lost control of my stomach. Have you ever tried driving while puking??? NOT RECOMMENDED!!!!!! Now my car smells like some nasty combination of throw up and Febreeze. Needless to say, after a clothes change at the Brigham City Wal-mart and a shower at my brother's house in Logan, the Pumpkin Walk was not as fun as other years. I'll post pictures from that tomorrowish. Sunday I laid in bed all day and today I've been really careful about what I put in my mouth. Hope I'm better tomorrow, because someone needs to detail the car!

Discovering the Key to Happiness

2010-10-13T21:28:00.003-06:00

This week has been kind of hard. Not to be all preachy, but I think one of the big reasons for it, was that I wasn't doing the whole scripture study thing as well as I should have been. I recommitted Monday and the last two days have been a little better. Work has been a pain, because it seems like a lot of the people I work with are sad, depressed, emotionally unstable, etc. and the sad part is most of it is because of "my stupid ex-boyfriend". I'm so sick of it and realized that if you spend enough time with downers you start to feel a little down yourself. Yesterday I was reading in 2nd Nephi 9 where verse 3 says, "Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children." This chapter is Jacob, teaching the people about the plan of salvation, or the plan of happiness. Later in verse 52 he says, "Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice." Now if my understanding of the scripture is correct, Jacob was ordained to be a teacher over the people. That means that basically he is God's servant and "whether by my own voice, or the voice of my servants, it is the same." Letting our hearts rejoice therefore is a commandment. I've learned this week (again) that if we want to be happy, we have to do what it takes to get the blessings from our loving Heavenly Father who wants us to live the plan that leads to happiness. I wish I worked with more members of the church so I could make them understand. In the meantime, I'm choosing to follow the plan and find my happiness, and when I can't find it, I will pray continually until I am at peace.

32 candles

2010-10-06T22:16:00.002-06:00

It was one year ago today that I made a birthday resolution to be less selfish. It's funny, but I'm not sure how I'm doing. Today at work I was like, "It's my birthday... it's all about me!" That's a very selfless attitude right??? Well in all fairness to my selfless goal, I did spend the night of my birthday with the youth in my ward, doing a service scavenger hunt. We did a lot of really great things for the people in our ward, and I was happy that I chose Young Women's over any other way to spend my birthday. After I was done, my roommate and her boyfriend took me out for ice cream, so all in all not a bad way to spend the day! Here's to another year of striving to be better than I was last year!! Happy Birthday to ME!!

October in Utah feeling more like Arizona

2010-10-01T00:52:00.003-06:00

It is barely October 1st. I just got done with month end at work and I was thinking as I walked out of work, that it is unseasonably warm. It was 90 degrees earlier today... maybe I should bust out the fall wreath to remind the weather that there should be a chill in the air. I'm so ready for sweatshirts and long pants. Come on Fall!!

Payoff

2010-09-28T22:31:00.006-06:00

I've been trying (some days less than others) to lose weight for 10 months. Today I decided it was time to replace some pieces of my wardrobe, even though I had decided not to buy anything new until I was where I wanted to be, but my work pants are trashed! I went to Shopko and grabbed pants a size smaller than the last ones I bought and headed for the fitting room. I put on the first pair of pants and they fit okay, but alas no pockets. I need pockets. I tried on the next pair and they were saggy. The next pair also too big. I went back out and grabbed both styles in the next smaller size and went back to the dressing room. Both fit rather well, with room to spare, which is what I want a little of in work pants because I have to tuck my shirt in and don't want to feel like I have to suck it in for ten hours at work. I was really happy! I haven't fit in that size in 6 years! If that's not a motivator to keep eating right, I don't know what is! Maybe by Christmas I can drop one more size! Here's to healthy eating!!

Early Monday Morning

2010-09-20T23:07:00.002-06:00

Today was one of those days that you get into and then realize perhaps staying in bed would have been a better choice. Last night I was following the news about the Herriman fire, and so didn't get to bed entirely early. It wasn't really late, but I woke up at 7:30 a little groggy. I read the latest news that ksl.com had about the fire, and then got ready for work. I pulled into the parking lot just as the governor was saying a few words so I sat in the car for a few minutes and then decided it was time to get to it. My opening cook wasn't there yet, which is really strange for him, he usually beats me by 5 or more minutes and I ended up having to call and wake him up. I walked in and glanced at one of my cash registers and it had squiggly lines on it, and was blinking like a strobe light. This is not the first time I'd seen it do that, but I had the guy out on Friday to fix it and was charged $200 for it. I went immediately to the phone and called him back. He told me he'd be there around 10:30. Next I went to my office computer. It has been having some problems, but as long as it doesn't get turned off, it's been okay. Over Sunday, it must have gotten some new updates and restarted itself to install them, and wouldn't go back on. I called my boss to let him know, then called the IT guy to come. He told me he'd build me a new tower, and bring it by tomorrow. That's all well and good... for tomorrow. What about today?? I tried throughout the day to get it to start, but no go. Without the computer, one must do all the paperwork by hand. Now luckily, I've worked for Arctic Circle long enough, so I remember how to do things the precomputer way; however my assistant manager and supervisor have no clue, so not only do I get to do day books by hand, but also night books. That means going back in at 10 and spending an hour doing it the hard way. Needless to say, I'm really not appreciating the wonderful technological advances of the 21st century. If only they would work!! It's amazing what I take for granted at my job. Hopefully tomorrow will bring less excitement!

Early Sunday Morning

2010-09-19T07:59:00.002-06:00

So I don't know much about the inner alarm clock or whatever, but everyday I have to be to work by eight, and I'm usually stumbling out of bed at 7:40, racing to the bathroom, putting in contacts and praying while I pee (yeah seriously), pulling my hair into a ponytail, dressing quickly (usually forgetting something important like deodorant), and running out the door with 20 seconds to spare. Yup, I can be ready for work in 7 minutes...and I look like, well never mind. The last two Sundays? Awake at 6 or shortly thereafter. And not like, oh it's 6 something, roll over and go back to sleep. No, like oh it's 6. I'm done sleeping. And so I get up and curl my hair and apply makeup and think about how much better I'd look for work if I got up and put my face on. So here we are, 8:04 am and I've been reading blogs for the past 45 minutes and all I have to do is put a dress on. Now please explain to me why I can't be done sleeping at 6 on Monday morning and have a nice leisurely morning before I have to go open my store? It's the mystery of the week. I've tried all the tricks. I put my alarm clock across the room so I have to get up to turn it off, no go... I push snooze and take it back to bed. I've tried going to bed earlier, later, whatever. For some reason, I can only wake up at a decent time on Sunday morning. Maybe it's because subconsciously I know it's my only day off, so I want to be awake for it. But then again, last Sunday I woke up at 6:18 and by 5:30 I was napping on the couch and then wasn't tired at bedtime. It's a pretty conundrum. Maybe someday I'll figure it out. In the meantime, morning is quite a nice time of day. Maybe I'll try to see it tomorrow before the mad dash to work!

Christmas Music in September?

2010-09-17T22:10:00.004-06:00

I just opened my email to an email from a local radio station proclaiming 100 days until Christmas. They were having a Christmas kick off- playing Christmas music from 8 to 5 today and giving away a great Christmas prize. I was really afraid this was the kick off and they'd be playing 100 days of Christmas music, but luckily for me, not so much. Now let's get something straight. I love Christmas music. A few years ago, I was that girl that started playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. Sometimes I listen to The Forgotten Carols in July. Then the radio stations started the radio wars, you know- be the first station to play nothing but Christmas music, and it starts a little earlier each year. I like Christmas music. Play it in November--maybe mix it in every fifth song or so. I just don't like turning on the radio in November and hearing the same songs over and over for eight weeks until I've completely lost the spirit of the holiday and threaten to throw the radio if they play Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer one more time! So for what it's worth, here's my two cents... Please hold the Christmas music for a few more weeks! There are a lot of other holidays between now and then!

Connection is the Key to Courage

2010-09-08T21:20:00.003-06:00

Today I dragged my tired worn out work body home quickly, jumped in the shower for some rejuvenation, and headed out in my Sunday best for a Stake Youth fireside. It was a veg on the couch kind of day, but I'm so glad I didn't give in to that feeling. The speaker was Doug Nelson (not sure if the spelling is right), but he's a public speaker/psycotherapist and was amazing! I told one of the counselors in the Young Women's presidency that I love youth speakers, they are way more entertaining than adult speakers! He took our Courage in Action theme from Youth Conference a few months ago and expounded on it. He talked about how we all need a little fear in order for us to exercise Courage. He then said the key to courage is connection. We all need to be connected with our Heavenly Father so that He can help us to "Be Strong and of a Good Courage." He related several scripture stories. He talked about how in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve had partaken of the fruit, God came looking for them. He asked us to think about how often in our lives is God looking for us, and we're not paying attention, or we're hiding from him. He talked about the Prodigal Son and how the Father saw him coming from afar off. The Father had to be watching and waiting for the return. Our Father watches us and looks for us and if we live connected to Him we can have courage in the hard times. He also talked about how important it is to remember whose we are. If we truly know that we are children of God we will have the courage to face what the adversary throws at us. He talked about how fear is holding us back from accomplishing the mission we came here to do. We all have a mission in life, and if we don't fulfill our mission, we are selfish. We need to overcome fear with courage and defeat Satan in all of his power. It was such an amazing fireside. I really hope the youth got as much out of it as I did. It really is rejuvenating to have a spiritual experience after a hectic day, and for that I am grateful.

September???

2010-09-04T18:33:00.003-06:00

Is it just me or did September come really fast this year? I swear time goes twice as fast every year I get older. I was thinking last night about my goals at the beginning of the year, to eat better and get in shape and I can't believe that it was nine whole months ago that I decided to do that and that it's been five months since I did it well. Good thing there is forgiveness, because I've decided to forgive myself and start again. I still can't believe that it's the beginning of fall and cooler temperatures and almost time to get out the harvest decorations. It's sad when I look back and feel like I've lost chunks of my life because time passes too fleetingly. It's good though, when I look back over my blog, and feel that I've done a pretty good job of documenting at least the highlights, and it's not completely hopeless. Well here's to another September. Maybe we can hold December off for a few years huh??

Cheese :D

2010-08-30T20:57:00.007-06:00

Sunday was a bittersweet kind of day. Todd and Nicole are moving to Arizona tomorrow, so we all met together for a final family dinner, minus Spencer and Katie. Mom asked Todd what he wanted for dinner, and he said he wanted a repeat of his graduation party, which was a Mexican fiesta. Mom made enchiladas, chile relleno casserole, cream cheese chicken taquitos, carne asada tacos, ground beef tacos, and queso dip made with velveeta and rotel tomatoes. We all were pretty excited because the last time we did it, it was awesome. We all served up buffet style and sat down to chow down. Rory started with a taquito and was really going at it. When she was done, Todd asked her if she wanted some chips and she heartily agreed. Looking over she noticed Grandma dipping her chips so Rory started chanting dip dip dip. Todd got her a small bowl of the queso dip and she started dipping her chips.

Pretty soon she couldn't keep up with the chips so she gave up on chips and dug in. I was a little surprised because it's slightly spicy, but Rory didn't seem to notice. A few hours later when I went to get her sippy cup, it was covered in cheese. I would say that queso dip is a big hit with this toddler!! Can you say cheese??

Eat Pray Love

2010-08-24T23:27:00.005-06:00

Tonight for the last girl's night with Nicole, we decided to go to Jordan Commons to see a movie. I think I've decided I'm giving up PG13 movies, so we decided to see Eat Pray Love, and I decided it will be the last PG13 movie that I see. I'm glad I slipped this one in. It was so profound and thought provoking. It's a true story about a woman who decides that her life is not what she wants it to be and so she goes on this year long journey to find herself and figure out what she really wants. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever felt that their life is somewhat different than they had always planned or anyone who loves a good movie!! When we got out of the movie we were talking about it's effect on each of us and I said that I didn't really see myself in her character. On the drive home, I changed my mind. I don't think I need a year long journey to places far distant to find myself like she did, but I do feel like I need to gain some control in my life like she did. I came home to my messy kitchen, messy bathroom, and laundry all over the hallway wondering when I was going to find time to clean. I spent Sunday at my parents house, Monday night I went to a play, tonight a movie, tomorrow Young Women's, Thursday I work late. It's a miracle my house even gets dirty since I feel like I'm hardly here anyway, but nevertheless... it is! I think that my journey is going to begin by not letting people and things dictate what I do or who I am. It's time for me to take control of my destiny and my dirty house. It's time for me to find that balance that the movie talks so much about. Her balance is about learning to love someone while still loving herself and my balance is to find myself in my schedule! I need to work. I need to be able to live and eat and sleep somewhere, but my job isn't who I am. It doesn't need to be my whole life. I need to find myself in spite of the circumstances that have become my life. I used to be so excited about my new eating plan... now I don't even remember to eat. I need to do things that scare me and get past my fears. I need to find myself and get back on track with the things that used to be important to me. Time to Eat right, Pray more, and learn to Love myself so I can be open to loving someone else. Here's to change... wish me luck!

Rachel Gayle Porter

2010-08-22T22:57:00.004-06:00

SO much has happened in the last week, I have a million things I could and should blog, but since it's 11:00 at night and I have had a very sleep deprived weekend, I will do a short post about my newest niece. She was born Saturday at 12:47 pm to my oldest sister and her husband. She weighed in at 7 lb. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. My sis got out of the hospital today and met at a family party with a 28 hour old baby. She has this perfectly round head and long fingers and perfectly adorable toes, and compared to the other nieces and nephews present weighs nothing!! Welcome to the family Rachel!!

Meeting my Pen Pal

2010-08-15T20:47:00.007-06:00

So a little more than a year and half ago, I wrote a post about pen pals. I had found an old friend on facebook and linked to his family's blog and then through blogging have gotten to know his wife and children like they were family. Today they blessed their third baby and were thoughtful enough to send me an invite. A few weeks ago I sent her an outfit for the baby and she emailed me and mentioned that it would be fun to meet in person at some point. At first, I was a little apprehensive, because I've always thought I'm a different person online; a likable one. I was afraid that the relationship would lose it's magic...for her. I knew I'd love her, I just hoped she'd love me as well. Well today I put aside my apprehension, and with the help of Mapquest found their church and went to the blessing. As I walked into the foyer, the husband was there and I greeted him. After a moment, recognition set in and the greeting back was warm and friendly. We figured out later that we hadn't seen each other since high school graduation over 14years ago. We walked into the chapel and he got his wife's attention. She immediately recognized me and we met. She made me feel so welcome, and introduced me to all the family present. After the blessing, she let me hold the baby for the rest of Sacrament Meeting. When it was over, they extended the invitation to meet at his parent's house and I readily accepted. I spent the afternoon getting to know the kids a little more. In fact, Miss E, the two year old, and I had a fantastic conversation and it was so much fun to get to know the little girl that I had watched grow up through pictures. I helped take pictures for them and when I left I felt as if I had known them for years. I guess if you think about it, I kind of have... you don't need to see each other in person to know someone. All you need is an honest medium and through blogging we have found that. So thanks to my pen pal and her adorable family for making our meeting possible and for inviting me into your family. We decided we definitely will get together again!

The Boring Life

2010-08-08T19:12:00.002-06:00

I know I changed my blog title and so therefore I shouldn't have posts like this, but here we are. I feel a need to post, but don't have much excitement going on right now. Yesterday I spent a half day at work, then went to Andrew's birthday party and then to a wedding of a girl that my mom used to tend. Let me tell you how old I feel when I see the video of this 22 year old girl's wedding and when it flashes back to the 2 year old, I think "hey that's the Jessica I remember." Besides the few moments of excitement yesterday, this week has been fairly uneventful. I worked some and slept a lot and was so tired today I laid down for a half hour (I even set the alarm) and woke up 3 1/2 hours later. I felt bad for about 30 seconds and then told myself it was okay and I needed to feel like the sleep was what I needed so don't feel bad about "wasting" a Sunday afternoon. Then I read a book and then went to work to count inventory and somewhere in the middle of it I realized I hadn't eaten today... at all. Not even a morsel. I'm not even that hungry. Weird! Well, I guess that's enough random rambling for one Sunday. Maybe this next week will bring some excitement!!

It is better for us to pass through sorrow

2010-08-01T12:43:00.004-06:00

I just realized that sounds like a really depressing blog title! This post is not really about sorrow. It's more about awesome temple insights. Last night I decided to go to the temple. It was kind of a silly reason. I had opened my fast early so I could finish it right after church today and didn't want to be home all night surrounded by yummy food, so I figured I'd take advantage of the temple to get me away from the temptation of eating. I ended up at Salt Lake because Bountiful was closed for one more day, and as I walked downstairs, Tom was sitting at the information desk. I smiled and said hello, and walked on to the dressing room. It's the first time I've seen him since the email and it was fine... weird how things work out for themselves. Anyway, I have been reading the book Six Events by Stephen Covey and the sixth event is the restoration of temple blessings. He encourages us to go to the temple completely prepared for the experience and then outlines how that can be done. I copied it out of the book, printed it really small and took it with me so I could reflect on it. The best part of it says, "During the entire time you are in the temple, have the expectation that God will reveal to you the answers to your prayers. You don't know when, but you know that he will-- you just feel it." I went this time, thinking about the purpose of my fast. I listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the car on the way and felt really good about my choice to be there. As we got into the session, I was really impressed by the sister playing the part of Eve. She was really happy and her countenance glowed as if she understood the full impact of the part she was playing. It was probably the first time I ever saw someone absorb the part. As the session progressed, there is a part where Eve tells Adam that "it is better to pass through sorrow, that we may know good from evil." As this sister said that line, she kind of choked up and I felt very strongly that she (Eve) knew exactly what she was giving up. She understood that it would not be an easy thing, and that her decision would force them to give up their blissful life in the presence of God, but she was willing to experience sorrow for the greater good. I also thought about that line. The point is that we pass through sorrow. We don't stay there. Today in Young Women's, the lesson was about agency and choices, and we were talking about how making good choices can lead us to happiness, but ultimately even happiness is a choice. I realized sitting in that sacred place, that I am happy. I may not have everything I want, and I may not be living the life I saw myself living 15 years ago, but as I pass through sorrow, I find happiness, and that makes the sorrow worth it. Not easy, not even really fully understood, but worth it. And for moments like that in the temple, I'm happy for the experiences I've had that have led me to that realization. Side note... I was sitting in the Celestial Room, thinking about the whole thing with Tom and as he walked out of the veil area, I realized there were no feelings. No more wondering what could have happened and no desire to go back. I felt peaceful and I am grateful.

Life Unexpected

2010-07-27T15:47:00.003-06:00

The other day I was reading the book Spare Change and came across this quote by E.M. Forster. I decided this was a main theme in my life and it seemed appropriate as the title of the blog. Hope you all agree!