Donald and Melissa

Disneyland or bust!

2012-01-23T13:22:00.003-07:00

For our anniversary/Christmas present to each other, this is where we are going this week! We are both very excited!!More pics to come!

Katie and Katie

2012-01-17T20:22:00.001-07:00

I am definetly counting my blessings ! I have had some friends and family go through some really tough things lately and it sure has made me step back and remember that my life has been pretty easy lately compared to a few of them!

My first friend, Katie from College, has been going through a lot this past year with her son. Please read some of her story here on my friend, Ashley's blog. Ashley has been so giving and donated much to Katie's family! I hope through Ashley's blog, that much more will be donated to help out Dylan's leg fund! Katie's strength has been such a testimony builder to me and I am so thankful to have her as my friend! She is one amazing mom to her boys and has really done her research and praying to know what is best for him! Dylan is very blessed to have been sent to the Fish family!

Then, I was able to participate in a 5k for one a high school friend, Katie, to raise money for her family! Her baby had been pretty sick and in the hospital for 1.5 weeks and then a day or 2 after, her husband had a heart attack and was dead for more than 30 mins! He recovered suprisingly well. Heavenly Father was definetly watching over them!

Here are some of the runners. Of course the only day it has snowed this year, was the day of the race. But it was still fun!

This is Katie's mom. I hadn't seen her in years,so it was fun to see her and catch up!

Katie's dad and BIL(?) racing to the finish. Her dad was in the stake presidency my whole childhood and so it was so nice to see him! What a good family they are!

The race was put on my a cupcake company that does a lot of these charity runs! The end was a cupcake! It was such a good feeling to be able to be a part of this!

After the race,I stopped by to see Katie and her family. She is an amazing person and has amazing strength and faith to be able to get through these trials!

The Lord has been watching over these 2 friends of mine. Through much prayers and fasting, they have been taken care! I am thankful to have been able to be a part of helping them and sending extra prayers their way!

HAPPY 33rd HONEY!

2012-01-09T21:09:00.004-07:00

HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY HONEY BUNS!

I am so thankful for him in my life. Somedays I definetly do not deserve such a wonderful husband, but I am grateful that he puts up with me.

We celebrated quite a bit this year. First, we went to Ruby River on saturday night with my family. he just wanted a steak for his birthday, so that is what he got. And this HUGE piece of ice cream cake on the house! We had a great time with the family and such yummy food!

Then tonight, I asked him what he wanted to eat and he said fish. Well, I am not the best fish cook and so we opted to go to Red Lobster. We usually don't eat out that much but I was not in the mood to cook and he was so tired from having to work at 3am this morning, that we decided Red Lobster was great! And it was! They even had a real Lobster hold a candle while they sang to him! It was a fun night!

For his gift... we are going to Disneyland in 2.5 weeks! YAHOO! That is where we are going to really celebrate! We can't wait!

Happy Birthday Donald! I am so grateful that you were born on this day!

2012

2012-01-01T08:50:00.005-07:00

I looked back on my New Year's resolutions from last year, and I have to say, I did ok with them. Not perfect but ok. I love when the New Year comes because it helps me to refocus and really think about the last year and what I want to change or improve for the new year.
We had a busy and stressful 2011 and of course things did not go the way we had planned, but nontheless, we are looking toward a brighter year.

I love making resololutions, even if I don't quite make them because it helps me to really focus on "trying a little harder and being a little better"!
So here it goes... Resolutions for 2012:

Make my goal weight and keep the weight off. I lost 35 lbs in 2011 and still have a little more to go! Lucky for me I have Laurie and Natalie to help me with this!

Run a marathon- already signed up for the Utah Valley Marathon on June 9th!

Go to the Temple more often.

Be more in tune with the spirit so I can teach Primary more effectively.

Be more positive in my thinking and what I say.

Let go of what I can't control.

Put in our papers for adoption.

Look for God's hand in my life more often than focusing on what I don't have.

Enjoy life more!

Learn more about photography.

Learn the organ!

I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year and that this year will be full of happiness and health!

My quote for the year:

"SUCCESS means having the COURAGE, the DETERMINATION, and the WILL to become the PERSON you believe you were meant to BE!!"

Laurie

2011-12-29T18:06:00.005-07:00

So, I have been waiting a long time for this day.

I finally met my nutrionist/trainer-Laurie Donaldson.

As all of you know, I started with Laurie last January 1st and have been meeting with her via phone calls and emails all year. And then in August when we moved to Utah, I started training with her SIL- Natalie but still meeting weekily with Laurie for counseling. She has been the greatest blessing in my life this year. I have had many ups and downs because my weight issues are 90% emotional. She is amazing with the way she knows what I need to hear, when I need to hear it. She is very close to the spirit and acts on the promptings she receives on my behalf. She has strengthened my testimony of the Word of Wisdom! She has a great knowledge of nutrition, training, the Gospel, and most importantly a love for each of her clients! There were many times I wanted to quit and just be done with eating healthy but she wouldn't let me because she knows how much I need this and her! I am so very thankful for her and how she has become an important part of my life!

She was in town to see her family for the week, and made some time to see me and train me today! There are no words to tell you or her how much gratitude I feel for her and what she has done for me(and many others)!

Laurie and I

This is why I am so thankful for her and Natalie!

Before and After pics.

But, not only the way I look but how I feel and how much healthier I am!! What an amazing year it has been with the help of Laurie!

Tubing with the Family

2011-12-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

About 35 of us went up to Solider Hollow the day after Christmas to go tubing! It was so much fun! And even better that we dont have to hike the hills! And it was a gorgeous sunny day!!

Mom and Irene going so fast they ran into the fence! :)

Mimi had to entertain Laurel the whole way up. Here she is singing to her.

And here is Laurel. Luckily she only climbed out once and they had to stop the pulley until she sat back down.

brock and Max... they loved the little bunny hill.

Most of us

And the rest of us.

Christmas

2011-12-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve night so that Eric and Andrea could be with us. We had a late night since Donald had to work, but of course, we had a great time together!

My mom and I made Steph quilt hangings for each month and decided to make a funny one that she opened first. We made her think the whole time that we didn't have any of the other months done. All she was getting was this one to remind her of NM. We finally let her open the rest! Man...was she happy to get the others!

My mom and her vacuumn. She was so excited!

Eric and Andrea with the quilt my mom made for them.

Donald suprised me with this gorgeous picture! I love it!!

Donald and the suit my mom got him. He looked very handsome in it the next day!

Christmas... we went to Church and had a wonderful sacerment meeting. We then had our traditional swedish pancakes and tooka quick nap before everyone came over for dinner. We have Butenyaki- a hawaiian style dinner.

Sisters

Cousins

It was a wonderful weekend, and month full of much Christmas cheer!
We are so grateful this Christmas season for being near family and most importantly for the birth our Savior, Jesus Christ!

And the December fun continues...

2011-12-29T17:06:00.001-07:00

We went down to the Riverwoods again with Steph, Andrea and Eric.
This is at the Provo Indoor Beach.We ate at Malawi's pizza... again! It is just so yummy and the healthiest pizza around. (Well unless you get the peanut butter chocolate pizza! And no... that is not on my meal plan. HA! )

I think it is funny we all have jackets, hats and gloves on and we are surfing. :)

Seeing Santa

We were dog sitting my sisters 2 dogs while she was training for Afghanistan and boy were they happy to see her when she arrived! And then even happier to be dressed up! LOL!
This is Nani

Steph with Nani and Teva- her 2 elves

My mom with her kitty

One night we joined Irene and her family for dinner and the nativity! What a fun night had by all!

Mary and Joseph

Todd and Corrine playing violin for the first time in about 30 years(?). They did wonderfully!

Irene's Grandkids

More December festivities

2011-12-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

I was asked to take Santa pics at Gene Harvey Chev. I had so much fun being there with my old coworkers! This is us with Santa.

Someone made a Tow Mater in front of this tree lot! I thought it was pretty awesome, so I had to take a pic of it!

We happened to get tickets for the MoTab Christmas concert. My mom and Julie had to stand in the standby line but eventually we all got in and sat together. It was a good concert like always and just fun to be at temple square.

Mom and Julie

Eric and Andrea

Then we looked at the lights really quick. It was freezing that night so we did a quick tour. Then to end the night we took the wrong train on trax and ended up taking a long time to get hoome. But we finally made it.

Steph came in the next week. And we visited Temple Sqaure again. Still just as gorgeous! I love this time of year!

After Temple Square, we ate at PF Changs and then had cake for Eric's bday.
ERic and Andrea with the famous 7 layer cake

Marathon!

2011-12-19T10:44:00.003-07:00

It is official, I am signed up for my 1st full marathon! I am excited!! This has been a goal of mine since I finished the couch-to-5k program 3 years ago!

Utah Valley Marathon June 9, 2012

Here we go....

December Festivities

2011-12-11T22:35:00.001-07:00

We have tried to take advantage of all the Christmas festivities around us.

Gardner Village- it definetly is more fun at Halloween, but we had a great time at the quilt shop!

Festival of Trees- It is for a great cause and it was fun to see the different trees! It was really crowded and a lot look the same, but I loved the unusual ones- golf, M&M's, cabbage patch kids, Firemen, snoopy, Broncos, etc. Here are few from it:

This was one of our favorites: Christmas story tree!! We loved it!

My moms favorite- Snoopy

We were able to see "White Christmas" at BYU! It was wonderful and my cousin, Misha did awesome in it!

Nativity display at Midway
They had so many unique nativities-even ones made of mud and dung!!
This is one of my friends from Madagascar.It was gorgeous!

I loved this one too!

Riverwoods
My friend , Cami, came to visit for the weekend and we had such a great time! We shopped, ate, talked and laughed! It was so fun to have her here! I have missed my friends from Wyoming!
Cami's brother owns Malawi Pizza and La Jolla at the Riverwoods, so we went down to eat and visit him! The pizza was awesome and the dessert pizza... even more awesome! It was not heavy and they try to have it healthy! And they donate so much per ticket to an orphange in Africa, so it is an awesome place to eat!!

Walking around the shops

Mom and Santa

Cami and I

Donald and I

Merry Christmas! I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season as much as we are!

9 Years!

2011-11-30T20:37:00.003-07:00

Today is our 9 Year Anniversary! I cannot believe it has been 9 years since this day!

For our Anniversary we celebrated by going to dinner at Red Lobster and then we are going to go on a weekend trip hopefully in January(after the holidays).

I love you Donald! Happy Anniversary!

Visitors from NM

2011-11-29T20:32:00.002-07:00

Our friends, Kassie and Aaron were in town to visit family and so they came by for a little while to see us! It was so nice of them to take the time and visit! I love and miss them both so much!

And it was so fun to meet their adorable daughter, Elissa!

Why Black Friday is ridiculous!

2011-11-28T20:45:00.001-07:00

This is a video that someone posted on Youtube of black friday! Donald is the big guy in blue in the middle! It was a horrible night for him and he is lucky to be out of that alive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbgyIMe_TZo&feature=share

No wonder he hates retail and the holidays! :(

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

I started off the day with a 4 mile Turkey Run at the Orem Rec Center. Katie signed up for the 2 mile but ended up running the 4 mile because we didnt' know the 2 mile started later. She did awesome!! It was a great run and I am pretty proud of my time- 36:35.

Ready, set, go!

Crossing the finish line. I sprinted the last 1/4 of a mile and was so happy with the way it went!

I did not know about Katie running the 4 miles until she got to the finish! I went and ran the last little bit with her! Good job Katie!! And thanks for running the race with me!

We had a small Thanksgiving with just us 3. I was a little sad we didn't spend it with lots of family, but it was nice nontheless! I am so thankful for these 2 in my life! I am so blessed to have them and many more family and friends who I love!

And here is Donald in his turkey coma.

What a wonderful day it was! I am so thankful for all of my many blessings when so many around the world have so little. We are truely blessed! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Logan

2011-11-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took a day trip up to Logan today to see Kari and her family. Casey is getting married tomorrow (11-11-11) but we couldn't make it for that, so we decided to go to the endowment session so I could see Kari for a little bit.

We left early and stopped in Brigham to see the temple.

Brigham Tabernacle

We got to Logan around lunch so we went and ate with kari and her daughter Hannah. Then we just hung out ther rest of the day shopping and catching up! We went into to Dessert Book and saw her sisters book on display!

Kari and I.... we have been best friends for about 17 years and I love her more dearly than ever! They are stationed in Germany right now, so we don't get to see each other very often!
I miss her like crazy!

Jenny, Casey, Kari and I.... they were my 2nd family growing up so it was so fun to catch up with all of them!

Logan Temple

What a wonderful day it was! We had such a good time with Kari and being able to see people from Farmington in the endowment session! And we are so happy for Casey and her hubby!!

Quote of the day

2011-11-08T17:18:00.003-07:00

"We cannot become who we need to be by remaining who we are."- Oprah

I love this quote! Sometimes we feel like things should be changing but we are not doing anything about it. But things (or ourselves) cannot change or grow if we don't continue to work at it and change those things we want different.

Photography workshop

2011-11-04T09:14:00.000-06:00

I took a photog workshop with Stacy from Stacy Marie Photography and it was AMAZING!!!! It ended up only being my cousin and I as the students and so it was just awesome to have some personal teaching! Stacy is an amazing photographer and teacher. She taught me so much.... espcially how to use my 50 mm lens! I am so exicted to take more workshops from her!

Our gorgeous model. It was freezing but she was such a good sport!

Lorraine being a good student and taking notes

Thanks Stacy!!! We had such a great time and learned so much!

9 Years and counting

2011-10-31T09:42:00.006-06:00

Donald and I have been married 9 years this November. Our lives have not turned out the way we thought but through it all, it sure has made our love grow for eachother, tested our faith and made us stronger! I love you honey and am so thankful I have you to spend eternity with!

And I had to add this picture in. He was being my assistant and holding the extra camera and bags!

Highway to Hale 10k

2011-10-31T09:29:00.002-06:00

I ran the Highway to Hale (theater) 10k today. Not sure why, but I was so nervous all week about it! I wanted to break 60 mins but have had some really "off" runs lately, so I was not feeling to confident about it. Natalie kept telling me to just enjoy it, keep relaxed and have fun.
Morning of the race, I was still really nervous but feeling excited to just run a race. It has been a couple months and this is what I love about running-is the actual race. So I dressed warm and headed out. I put my favorite tunes on and just kept telling myself to relax and have fun. And that is exactly what I did through most of the race. I enjoyed the run, the mountain views, the neighborhoods, everyone dressed up for Halloween, and I was pretty relaxed through the majority of the run. At the last mile a girl passed me and I told myself to just keep up with her so I could finish strong.
I made my goal of under 60 mins.... official time: 57:10.08!
I was so excited!!! It was such a great race for me and a goal I have been after for about 2 1/2 years!

This is my trainer Natalie. She was helping at the race and greeted me at the finishline! She is amazing and it was her voice I heard go through my head the whole time-Be postive! Stay relaxed! And have fun! Thanks Natalie!

Next 2 goals... run 1/2 marathon in under 2:15 and run a marathon.

Alpine Loop

2011-10-23T21:30:00.000-06:00

We took a drive on Saturday and Sunday to see the colors in the mountains! It was so gorgeous! It is supposed to turn cold this week so this will probably be the last weekend it will look like this! :( I am not ready for winter! We have had such a wonderful fall!!

Gardner Village

2011-10-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

We love going to Gardner Village in October. They have a Witchfest and it is some crazy fun! Many pepole dress up like witches and the shops are so fun to go in! Here are a few pictures of us and the witches they have around the Village.

Thanksgiving Point

2011-10-23T21:19:00.000-06:00

I met my cousins and Aunt at Cornbelly's to hang out with all of the kids! They had so much to do there for the kids! What a great fun fall activity!

We did the cornmaze and got lost! It took us forever to get out of there. After a few text message clues and a lot of walking, we finally made it out!

Another one just for me!

2011-10-21T15:23:00.002-06:00

I love to listen to General Conference or to Stories from General Conference on my IPOD while I run. And lately it just seems like everything I listen to is directed to me! I have been struggling lately with letting things, that I can't control, go! And so this talk was perfect for me last night!

Carl B Cook " It is Better to Look Up"

"President Monson’s encouragement to look up is a metaphor for remembering Christ. As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the means whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things.7
Recently Sister Cook and I attended a women’s conference in South Africa. After we listened to some inspiring messages on applying the Atonement in our lives, the stake Relief Society president invited everyone outside. We were each given a helium balloon. She explained that our balloon represented whatever burden, trial, or hardship was holding us back in our lives. On the count of three, we released our balloons, or our “burdens.” As we looked up and watched our burdens float away, there was an audible “Ahhhh.” That simple act of releasing our balloons provided a marvelous reminder of the indescribable joy that comes from looking up and thinking of Christ.
Unlike releasing a helium balloon, spiritually looking up is not a one-time experience. We learn from the sacrament prayer that we are to always remember Him and to keep His commandments, that we may have His Spirit to be with us every day to guide us."

Especially for me!

2011-10-19T09:05:00.003-06:00

I sometimes feel that certain Conference talks are just for me and this is one of them! It is hard after 9 years of marriage to not have children. Especially in a church that is all about family. My heart aches for children of my own and I do know that 1 day we will be blessed with children. I just don't know if it will be on this Earth. So, I definetly needed to hear this talk. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who inspires others for me!

Elder Andreson's talk on "Children"

"In “the best of times [and] … the worst of times,”15 the true Saints of God, acting in faith, have never forgotten, dismissed, or neglected “God’s commandment … to multiply and replenish the earth.”16 We go forward in faith—realizing the decision of how many children to have and when to have them is between a husband and wife and the Lord. We should not judge one another on this matter.
The bearing of children is a sensitive subject that can be very painful for righteous women who do not have the opportunity to marry and have a family. To you noble women, our Heavenly Father knows your prayers and desires. How grateful we are for your remarkable influence, including reaching out with loving arms to children who need your faith and strength.

The bearing of children can also be a heartbreaking subject for righteous couples who marry and find that they are unable to have the children they so anxiously anticipated or for a husband and wife who plan on having a large family but are blessed with a smaller family.
We cannot always explain the difficulties of our mortality. Sometimes life seems very unfair—especially when our greatest desire is to do exactly what the Lord has commanded. As the Lord’s servant, I assure you that this promise is certain: “Faithful members whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in the eternities, [as] they keep the covenants they have made with God.”17'

St George

2011-10-17T09:47:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful time in St George! My mom danced with her Golden Girls at Tuacahn on friday night for a preshow. They did awesome like usual! After they danced, we stayed to see "The Little Mermaid" which was so good and amazing special effects!

Saturday, we went to the Temple, shopped, and then went back to Tuachan to see "Grease"! "Grease" was awesome also!!

I am so glad we went to the Temple. I have needed to go for awhile and needed to feel the peace you can only feel in the Temple!

Julie, my mom and I as Little Mermaid characters.

Donald and I as Sandy and Danny!

Before Grease- Donald loved the old cars and motocylces they had in it!!

Julie and my mom - they have been friends since they were 3 years old! It was fun to hear stories from their childhood!! It is so fun for both of them to be dancing and living close to eachother again!

On the way home, we decided to take a detour and drive up through Manti and the mountains to see the colors. I love Manti Temple! My great-grandfather helped build it and so it is such a special temple to our family! We also stopped in Ephraim. Our family and Julie's both helped settle the area and so it was fun to hear stories of the town!

3 years and counting!

2011-10-13T22:15:00.001-06:00

BeforeNow

I can't believe it was 3 years ago I started down this amazing weightloss and running journey! Remember this post?!?

I am not bragging, but just reminding myself that it is possible to keep going, to keep eating healthy, to keep running, to keep active! Somedays are much harder than others and I feel like quitting, but then I look back 3 years ago and I see a girl who was not active, felt crappy, had no energy, and felt like she had no control of life. Today, I am almost at my goal weight and body fat %! Today I can run 6 miles (or more) easily most days:)! I have energy to keep going through the day. I have hope for the future! And I am skinny! I have never been able to say I am skinny! And I can fit into size 8 and 10 clothes! I don't think that has ever happened-well maybe in 4th grade or maybe not! LOL!

It has been an incredible journey that I am still on! I still have some emotional issues and mind games that haunt me daily, but I am stronger and better today than I was! I have had an incredible support system-family and friends, a nutrionist that has changed my way of eating and thinking of the food that I put into my body and has never given up on me, and now a trainer that keeps me positive and working hard! I can't wait to be at my goal weight but for now, I am trying to be happy with who I am and proud how far I have come!

Eric's Wedding {October 8}

2011-10-13T21:43:00.003-06:00

A few of my favorites from the wedding day and their Bridal/Groomal session. We are so happy for them and excited to have a new "Mann" in the family!! It was a little stressful the day of the wedding. It was supposed to be outside but of course 1 of the 2 days it was raining, was their wedding day. So we set it up inside the church and it was just as gorgeous! All that really mattered was the bride and groom! And they seemed to not care too much about anything else except eachother after the wedding started!

Irene's family

My hubby and I

Most of our side that came(minus a few in-laws and kids)

Our family

Just us

In laws and cousin

Bridals/ Groomals

Thank you to all that came and supported Eric and Andrea! It was a rocky 4 weeks of planning but it turned out wonderful and they are now living their "happily ever after"!

Wedding Day

2011-10-08T07:43:00.003-06:00

The wedding is finally here! Can't wait! Only bad thing.... the weather is not cooperating! But it will still be a beautiful day for the bride and the groom! More pics to come....

Fall

2011-10-06T17:12:00.001-06:00

I. LOVE. FALL!!! I love everything about it-the colors, cooler weather(not cold but cooler), the holidays, pumpkins, cinnamon and spice smells! AHHH, love it!!!! Here are a few pics from my picture of the day project!

And yes that is snow! It snowed today and made it all that more gorgeous!
Good thing it is supposed to warm back up next week.

Photography not Food!

2011-10-03T16:17:00.000-06:00

My trainer, Natalie, has really challenged me to pick up my camera when I am feeling the urge to eat! As most of you know, I love to eat and have been struggling with this for years. It is still a struggle each day, but I am trying to turn my passion for food into photography! I love photography and would eventually like to do it full time, and so it feels so good to remember that my real passion and dream is photography not food!! Here are a few pictures from my "picture a day" challenege from natalie!

Eric and Andrea-Bridals

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a sneak peek of Eric and Andrea's bridals we took yesterday! I couldn't wait to share some!

Cousins/ BYU game

2011-10-01T11:16:00.003-06:00

We were able to meet Tommy and his family yesterday for breakfast. They were in town for the BYU game and Conference. It was so good to see them! We just love them and are so grateful for their example of faithfulness to us!

Donald and I with his cousins

Donald with Uncle To mmy, Aunt Eileen, and his cousins.

And as a bonus, they had an extra ticket to the game(thanks to his cousin Amanda), and so Donald was able to go to the BYU vs Utah State game with them! He loved it and now wants season tickets!!(we will see;)

You are Not Forgotten

2011-09-28T21:21:00.001-06:00

On my run tonight I listened to President Uchtdorf's talk to the Relief Society this past saturday and his talk was what I needed today! What a wonderful thing it is to know that we are not forgotten!

"You Are Not Forgotten"

As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and very insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.

Years later, I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now I was never forgotten.

And I know something else. As an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart and soul—neither are you!

You are not forgotten.

Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love.

—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

New Mexico Part 2

2011-09-26T11:18:00.001-06:00

The 2 newest... they are 6 months apart but almost the same size! I had so much fun holding them and giving them loves! I already miss kissing those cheeks!

Sara, Jeremy and Christian- I am so happy that Jeremy and sarah got married last year! Sarah and I worked together 7 years ago and became good friends! And now we are SIL's! I love it!

Kourtney does this face so much! So stinkin' funny!

Barry posing for the camera!

Barry and Tyra- what a cute couple!

Barry has started a taxidermy business and these are 2 that he did for jeremy! He does awesome work! If anyone needs any work done, let me know! He loves to do it and is getting busier and busier! We are so proud of him!

Donny and his mom

barry trying to be tall like his son

All 4 of us

Kaden being silly

Jadyn and I

Giving me the "don't take my picture" look!

The new family of 5!

We love living closer so we can see everyone more! (we missed Mike and Stacy but we will see them soon! )

New Mexico visit - part 1

2011-09-26T11:03:00.002-06:00

First off, Donald's surgery went great! Thank you for all the prayers! We weren't sure if we were going to make the trip, but we did end up going to New Mexico. And we are so glad we did! We had such a wodnerful time in seeing the family this past weekend. We didn't do much but it was just fun to visit and love on the new niece and nephew!
(Warning... picture overload!)

Us with Donalds Grandparents and the 2 babies

We played cards, games outside, and just talked!

Christian- 2 1/2 months

Kaitlyn 4 years

Jadyn 8 years

Kayleigh 6 years

Kaden 9 years

Kourtney 8 months

We watched Kaitlyn play soccer! She was so adorable!!

Mimi and the soccer star!

I took the kids to my old school - Ladera to play on the playground!

Sarah, Christian and Jeremy

I was also able to see a couple friends.
Staci and I

Jill, Tara and I- we have all been friends since elementary! We haven't all been together since graduation! So it was fun to catch up and reminise of our old "rebellious" times!!

Our old house... I went running around my old neighborhood and it was hard to hold back the tears from memories in this house! It made me very grateful for the childhood I had here!

More pics to come....

Surgery

2011-09-14T00:36:00.004-06:00

Donald has surgery on Monday. We are so grateful they are getting him in quickly because he is in so much pain!

We met with the surgeon and he seemed on top of things and the way he described the surgery...." Oh it is not too difficult. I just make 1 incision here(pointing to lower arm) reach up in your arm and pull down tendon and bicep muscle(pointing to the upper arm) and then reattach it." WOW! That does sound simple and kindof gross!

Anyways...please send positive thoughts and prayers our way! Donald definetly needs them.

ER visit... again!

2011-09-13T10:41:00.001-06:00

We sure have had our fair share of Doctor and ER visits this past year or 2(or 8). Once again, Donald called me early on sunday morning to tell me he was at the hospital. I didn't hear the phone but luckily he called my brother and he woke me up. Donald had to work overnight to get the halloween stuff out(I know.... crazy it is fall already). He went to push a box and his bicep muscle snapped off the elbow! He says it was like some hit him with a baseball bat and then it felt like when you twist bubble wrap with all the popping! So they took him to the ER at about 2am. I got there about 3:45am when they finally started some pain meds and testing. They ruled out a break at about 4:30am and needed to do an MRI. Well, there was a shift change and they dropped the ball with calling the MRI tech until about 7am!! Meanwhile, donald is in excruciating pain and the pain meds are not working the best! AHHH!! So frustrating to just watch him in pain. So about 8:30am(after the machine warmed up and teh tech finally got there) he went in for MRI. They twisted and turned him every which way and so he was in even more pain when he got back to the room. The results came back with a Bicep tear and we now we have to meet with the hand surgeon today. They are hopefully going to get surgery done this week. His whole arm is swollen and you can see the bicep muscle retracted up in his arm about 6 inches just sitting there. He is in a great deal of pain! I just hope they can do surgery soon so he can start to heal and get some sort of relief! I will update as we know what is happening. Other than the wait for the MRI, we were very blessed to have such nice nurses and Doctor's in the ER!
Thank you to everyone who has text or called with concern. And thank you for all the prayers on his behalf. He sure has not had much luck this last year!

August 2011-Utah

2011-09-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

We have been pretty busy with family get togethers, work, planning my brother's wedding, going to play's and just enjoying Utah.

Baby shower for my cousin Teresa

Cousins and aunts

Teresa and Lorraine

Teresa and Aunt Jean

Aunt Irene and baby Laurel-they look so much alike!

Cousins and their kids

Teresa and baby McKay

Kennedy, Laurel, Noelle, and me

I babysat my cousin, Mimi's kids. Max just loved the cats!

Getting ready for the wedding!! So exciting they are finally getting married. The big day is Oct 8th and we are so happy for them.

Moving from Wyoming 08/12/11

2011-08-26T10:42:00.003-06:00

It seems like this is an all too familiar site. And these last 3.5 years went way to fast! We loved Sheridan and will miss many things about Wyoming-wildlife, hunting, fishing, camping, the Big Horn Mountains, small town life, our ward, and our friends! We know that we need to do this and that the Lord has a plan for us in Utah, but it was sure hard packing up and driving away!

This was some of the chaos we lived in for a week while trying to pack.

We had many friends from the ward come to help! I think I counted 30 people at one time! It made moving much better because it literally took us 45 minutes to load up everything in the Budget van!Thank you to all that came and helped pack, move boxes and clean!!

After the whole hose was packed! One last look at our home for the past 3 1/2 years!

Driving away! :(

Oh how I will miss these mountains!

This is what I saw for 14 hours on the drive to Utah. It was a looooong day of traveling. We almost lost the car off the back of the truck, the cat meowed a ton, and we were both tired of sitting but we finally made it to my mom's house late friday night.

On the way, we stopped at Martin's Cove. What a sacred place to visit! I felt overwhelmed with gratitude of what the pioneers went through to get to the Salt Lake valley. As I complained of a 14 hour drive, I don't know how it would be to walk 1400 miles! What great faith they had!

We are here in Utah and getting settled. We love being near family and are grateful for this next chapter in our lives! Good-bye Wyoming... Until we meet again!

Good-Bye Sheridan, we will miss you!

2011-08-15T13:16:00.007-06:00

Saying good-bye to friends, was very hard! We had a couple of get together's so we could say our good-bye's. We truely have been blessed to have been in Sheridan for 3 1/2 years! My life is better because of who I have met here!

Paula & Deb
.

Brand, Tiff, Cass, and Helen Stewart

Nancy -health coach and friend

Heather-my PT and friend

Ronda &Dorothy (RS Presidency)

Shannon, Katrina and I

The Laman's & Little's

Us and the Huntley's

Katrina, Lissa, Nicole, Marcia, Susan, Julie, Heather, and Sydney

Lissa and I-one of my best friends and running partner!

Nicole, Julie and I -GOOD FRIEDNS!!

Cynthia and I-she inspires me and was always encouraging me!
Bishop Workman, Susan and us -we were blessed with such a wonderful Bishop!

Tiff, Me and Jenn-love these girls. Just wish we would have hung out more!!

Cass, Helen, Tiff, Jessica, LIzzy, Jenn, and Emily My YW and primary girls! They will always have a special place in my heart!

Zannah, Cheyanne, me and Jenna-these girls were always making me laugh and wanting to hear about my boy stories!

Paula and I-she made me this quilt and the girls signed the back!

Maria and I-She was from Ranchester and we would always have the best laughs when we were together!

Zannah, Shaylee, Me, Paige, and Elizabeth-Love them! Some of my best friends!

George, Betty, and Us-they adopted us as their kids.

Us and the Gonda's-some of our best friends!

Katrina and I-friends from the beginning

We will miss Sheridan but we are also excited for our new adventures in Utah.

Good-bye Wyoming!

Ward Pioneer Day Celebration

2011-07-31T21:45:00.002-06:00

Our ward had a good ol' fashioned Pioneer day celebration compelte with dutch oven cooking & homemade rootbeer, dancing, pioneer games, and stories around the campfire! It was a good time had by all!

I'm Committed!

2011-07-31T13:32:00.006-06:00

I have had a rough couple weeks with life. Just not knowing where or what we will be doing, kindof drives me crazy! I like things to be planned and to know what I will be doing and when! So, with Donald's job being so up in the air and "we are moving, we are not moving, we ar moving"... it has my emotions all out of whack! Well, if you are like me, when my emotions are out of whack, then I just start to eat and not care about things. So that is what I did. I went on a little bit of a binge. After girls camp, I just felt like quitting and was even ready to tell Laurie that I am done and I can't do this anymore. I felt like it didn't really matter if I kept eating good or taking care of my body, because nothing was happening the way I wanted it to and I can be happy with the way I am. So tuesday came, I weighed in and it was not pretty! Then, I really just felt like giving up because I was sick of trying and it was too hard! But the truth is, I am not happy when my life is out of control and I feel sick and stressed all the time. So when Laurie called me and she didn't let me say much(because she knew it would just be excuses) and gave me a long talk! She told me that I needed this and I am obviously not ready to quit with her. She reminded me I need her and I need to eat healthy and take care of this body that Heavenly Father has given to me. She reminded me of some of my goals, and yes I have accomplished parts of them, but not all of them and that I was definetly not mentally ready. So, after crying and talking to he, she told me to "jump all the way in" and to let some things go that I can not control(mainly pregnancy). She then told me to go for a walk that night(no running and no IPOD) and have a nice long chat with Heavenly Father and turn these things over to Him. This is hard for me. I like to feel like I have control of things but lately my life has been out of control and I was not dealing well with it. So, I went for my walk that night and I decided it was time to do this for me! I am doing this for my health and happiness. I do enjoy eating good and the way it makes me feel. I also love to run and love the challenge of running. I had a long talk with myself and with my Heavenly Father. And I had some strong confirmations and answers to prayer come to me. I also received a whole new level of committment and determination! It was a turning point for me in this journey. I know what I have to do and I am just going to finally "jump all in!"

I feel like I am in control again of my life and that a load has been lifted off my shoulders!
I have a ways to go, but I know that through Heavenly Father's help that I can do this!

I was reading this morning on LDS.org and found a talk by Elder Uchtdorf: "Brother, I'm Committed". I love what he says and this goes right along with what Laurie has been telling me from the beginning.

"Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you are committed or you are not. Either you are moving forward or you are standing still. There’s no halfway. We all face moments of decision that change the rest of our lives. As members of the Church, we must ask ourselves, “Will I dive in or just stand at the edge? Will I step forward or merely test the temperature of the water with my toes?”

Some sins are committed because we do wrong; other sins are committed because we do nothing. Being only sort of committed to the gospel can lead to frustration, unhappiness, and guilt. This should not apply to us because we are a covenant people. We make covenants with the Lord when we are baptized and when we enter the house of the Lord. Men make covenants with the Lord when they are ordained to the priesthood. Nothing can be more important than keeping a commitment we have made with the Lord. Let us remember the reply of Rachel and Leah to Jacob in the Old Testament. It was simple and straightforward and showed their commitment: “Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do” (Genesis 31:16).

Those who are only sort of committed may expect to only sort of receive the blessings of testimony, joy, and peace. The windows of heaven might only be sort of open to them. Wouldn’t it be foolish to think, “I’ll commit myself 50 percent now, but when Christ appears at the Second Coming, I’ll commit myself 100 percent”?

Commitment to our covenants with the Lord is a fruit of our conversion. Commitment to our Savior and His Church builds our character and strengthens our spirit so that when we meet Christ, He will embrace us and say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

There is a difference between intention and action. Those who only intend to commit may find excuses at every turn. Those who truly commit face their challenges squarely and say to themselves, “Yes, that would be a very good reason to delay, but I made covenants, and so I will do what I have committed to do.” They search the scriptures and earnestly seek the guidance of their Father in Heaven. They accept and magnify their Church callings. They attend their meetings. They do their home or visiting teaching.

A German proverb says, “Promises are like the full moon. If they are not kept at once, they diminish day by day.” As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have committed to walk in the path of discipleship. We have committed to follow the example of our Savior. Imagine how the world will be blessed and transformed for good when all members of the Lord’s Church live up to their true potential—converted in the depth of their souls and committed to building the kingdom of God.

In some way, each of us stands at a decision point overlooking the water. It is my prayer that we will have faith, move forward, face our fears and doubts with courage, and say to ourselves, “I’m committed!”

Girsl Camp 2011: Treasure Island

2011-07-24T17:17:00.004-06:00

This year I was the Stake co-camp director with Cami and let me tell you.... it was an AMAZING week!!! We started planning back in September and after a ton of planning and replanning, much stress and many many prayers, we finally made it to girls camp! I am so thankful I was able to do this with Cami!

Our theme: "Seek Ye the Treasure Within". We concentrated on the treasures within ourselves and each ward had a gem/color they represented. We played games, walked the plank, made treasure boxes, made hygiene kits, roasted marshmellows, had a Value Treasure Hunt, went canoeing at Lake DeSmet, did skits in a bag, hiked, played in the creek, shared our tesimonies, laughed and cried and then laughed some more.

My girls-I love them! I did miss being with my girls but also loved getting to know the whole stake!

I cannot believe that it is over! It went by way too fast and I am sad that I won't be here another year to do it all over again and again! I feel so blessed to have had this calling in the Gillette WY Stake! These girls are amazing and have such a special spirit about them. My testimony was strengthened this week of the importance of the YW program and I am so thankful for every moment I had at camp with them and their leaders! I will miss you all!

Sneakers and Spurs 5k

2011-07-17T18:21:00.007-06:00

If you are from Sheridan, you know that the Wyo Rodeo is celebrated more than July 4th. Sad, but true. But it is a fun week of festivities and this year I decided to run the Sneakers and Spurs 5k.I ran it 2 years ago but this year I am 63 lbs lighter and much healthier than then. I had a goal of under 30 minutes and I came in at 27:55(unofficial time). I felt so good and was so excited to come in under my goal! Krista and I ... she has been with me through all of my struggles with losing weight and I am so thankful I have had her friendship and encouragement! This was her 2nd race and she did amazing! Nicole and I before the race... this was her 1st 5k and she did awesome as well! She started running with the couch-to-5k program. I am so proud of her!
Ready, set, go!

This is me finishing. I followed this girl most of the race and we had a good race to the finish line. Thank you #674 for helping me along! This is some finishing... you can't see it very well, but the last .3 mile is down main street where everyone is lined up for the parade. It is pretty awesome because they all cheer for you.

Kyle, Tammy, Lyn and I after the race.

Denise and I... she was there cheering me on! I met her at my gym and we see eachother a couple times a week working out and have become good friends! She is always so encouraging and I just love her!

Donald, of course, had to work all week, and so that was all of Rodeo Week I partook in.

But it was so fun to run a short race and be able to smash my goal!

4th of July Celebration!

2011-07-07T19:53:00.005-06:00

First off... our nephew was born today!! How awesome to have his birthday on our Nation's birthday?! We are so excited for a new nephew... meet Christian Jeremy! We started our 4th off with a trip to the lake with some friends. We have never been to this lake and were so excited to go! Unfortunately when we got there and put the boat in, it wouldn't start! So after about 3 hours of working on it, the men came to the conclusion it was not fixable without other parts. So, Jodi and I rode the wave runners up the canyon a little and let me tell you.... IT WAS GORGEOUS!!! Hopefully we can go back and be able to see the whole lake before we leave Sheridan. Then, that night we joined other friends for a BBQ, games and the fireworks! We had a great time and are proud to live in this great country with so many freedoms!
Lissa and I

Playing Ninja... one of my favorite games we learned at girls camp! Batchi-love this game! Katrina, Shaylee, me and CynthiaThe whole gang waiting for the fireworks-The Brown's, Little's, Gilbert's, Lissa, and Us!

We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! We are proud to be Americans and are so grateful to have our Freedom. We are also very thankful for the many men and women who fight and have fought for our Freedoms! We love the USA!!!

I Love America Yes I Do!

2011-07-02T21:54:00.004-06:00

4th of July is one of my FAVORITE holidays! I love America and I love that we celebrate our Independence on this day with fireworks, delicious food, and spending time with family and friends! I love that we honor our servicemen and women who fight for our Freedoms! I love to wear Red, White, And Blue! I love to hear patriotic music! I love how we all feel united as Americans!

I have many great memories of the 4th of July . We either were spending it at Lake Powell with many fireworks with my dad or we traveled to Utah to be with my cousins and would often go to Stadium of Fire at BYU. Either way... it involved yummy food, singing Patriotic songs while waving flags, and fireworks! I loved it! I always felt so proud to be an American and very thankful to have the Freedoms that we do in this country.

Stadium of Fire 1999

Lake Powell
Freedom Run 2010

I love America Yes I do! I love America, love it true! I love America, it's for me! The Home of the Brave and the Land of the Free!

Moments that Matter Most

2011-06-30T21:34:00.002-06:00

After this week, I needed a reminder that I just need to enjoy all the small moments in life!

Why?!?!?

2011-06-28T21:16:00.005-06:00

Well.... for you who read my blog and saw the previous post, JUST KIDDING! We are NOT moving, yet! Maybe someday but I guess the Lord has something else in store for us here in Sheridan! Remember when I said I hate to say good-bye, well I also hate to say that I am moving, plan to move, finally feel at peace to move, and then BAM! It doesn't happen! Some things fell through with the position and we are staying for a little while longer! We are very sad and upset about it all because we thought that this was what we needed to do! I just don't know why! WHy when you think that all is going good and your prayers are being answered, then things change? Why do things seem to never work out for us.... jobs, kids, house, life? Some days I feel like maybe I am doing something wrong and that is why things are not happening like we want or think is best. But yet.... even when things seem like they never work out, we do know that the Lord has a hand in all things. We don't know why this is happening right now, but I am sure there is good reasons for it. Hopefully one day we will find some answers that we are seeking and know the why's.

Moving Stinks!

2011-06-26T14:56:00.004-06:00

I have to say, that one thing I hate in the world... is moving! I hate the packing, I hate the cleaning, I hate the loading and unloading, but most of all I HATE good-bye's! Donald accpeted a position with Walmart in utah this past week and I am having a hard time with this! In one instance... I am compltely happy with the job he has been offered and that we get to move closer to family! I am happy about that! But in the other instance, I am just beyond sad! We have LOVED Sheridan! Our friends we have made here mean the world to us and I am so grateful for the time we have had to share with them! Today in church it was all I coudl do to not cry through the whole 3 hours and I even hurried out of the building so I didn't have to talk to many about the move. This is just plain hard! to say good-bye to many that have made such an impact on my life! Luckily, we are moving some where we have family and friends so it won't be a complete start over, but man... I will miss Sheridan!

I was reading on my friends blog the other day and these words were very comforting to me:

Talk by Elder Richard G. Sott titled, "Trust in the Lord". He said, "Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience , they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."
The scripture D&C 84:88 was also quoted, "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

We thought Sheridan was going to be our home for awhile and I was not ready for this, but I do know that the Lord has a hand in it. Things have already started to come together and so I know that this is what Donald and I need at this point in our lives. It doesn't make it easy, but will make us stronger. We have been very blessed here and I am trying to be excited for what lies ahead.

Summer Fun in Sheridan

2011-06-25T06:44:00.006-06:00

We have had such a great June so far-my 30th birthday, Vegas with my family(more to come on that), and many get together's with friends!

Marcia and I at our ward RS/YW BBQBetty, Zannah and PaigeAmy, Marcia, Nicole, Miles and Texie

Nicole and I

Last night we went out to Nicole and Charlie's house for a fire pit BBQ! We had a great time!!

Nicole, Cassandra and I

This is Nicole's Bassador-Archie! Oh man...he is the cutest dog I have seen!!

Charlie helping the kids roast HUGE marshmellows!

And we have some bittersweet news.... we are MOVING back to Utah!! We are very excited for this but also very sad to leave Sheridan!

My Journey

2011-06-06T16:02:00.011-06:00

Some have asked how I have lost weight this past 6 months and so I am finally going to share my story. It has been a rough journey but so worth all the hard times! Here is my story:

Back in 2008 I was diagnosed with Poly cystic ovarian syndrome-PCOS. Like many of you know, we have been trying to have kids for 8 years with no success.I had gained quite a bit of weight back in College before I got married and then when we got married, my body starting changing and becoming "irregular" but I didn't think much about it. I thought it was just stress, but really it was me eating too much of the wrong foods, not exercising and stress. After years of Dr's telling me "Well you are just too fat fat and need to lose weight",my Dr. here in Sheridan tested me for PCOS and it came back positive and he said I was borderline diabetic. My weight played a huge part in it all, and so I made the descion that I was going to do something about this because having children is my dream!

My friend-Liz, told me about the couch-to-5k program and I started that in October 2008. I started to love running and dropped about 20 lbs. But then after that I fluctuated weight and couldn't really lose much more. I was eating a little better( I thought), but it still was not coming off, even while training for half marathons. I even joined a few weight loss competitions and lost some but then gained some. I was at a loss and was very disappointed that maybe, I would always be overweight because of the PCOS and never have kids. I was very disappointed in myself for letting it get to this point and also dealing with the regret of knowing that my eating habits may have hindered me from having children.

This was until I saw one of my friends-Kim-lose a ton of weight and become healthy! Her transformation was amazing and I wanted that! So, I asked her how she did it and decided I would try her nutrionist-Laurie! I was a little nervous but excited to get the education I needed about food and fueling my body! I was put on a waiting list back in October of 2010 and in January 2011was finally starting with Laurie!

And so my real journey began! I cleaned out my kitchen of all foods I could not eat-which was most of it! Laurie taught me what to eat, how to eat, when to eat, and also coached me every week and every moment that I wanted to cheat or quit. She taught me that what I had been feeding my body was hindering my running, my health and getting pregnant(which was my orginally the ultimate goal). She wrote me out a meal plan exactly for me and my body type. She gave me workouts to burn the fat and slim me down! She supported me, educated me, cheered me on and even has had to reprimand me for cheating! She also, wrote Donald out a meal plan when he started having all of his health issues! And together, Donald and I are slowly changing our lives!

It has not been easy because I went through sugar withdrawls and have had constant cravings for sugar, salt and all the unhealthy foods we should not have! I went through some really dark days with all the cravings and just thinking "I can't do it and that it wasn't worth this"! I was looking at the big picture and would get completely overwhelmed and just want to quit. It was like I was an alcoholic going through the withdrawls they do. It was tough some days to resist the temptation, but I counted everyday as a success and tried to concentrate on other things. As I lost weight and inches every week, the temptaion and frustation slowly got smaller and smaller. Laurie encouraged me to say positive affirmations daily to myself to help me fight through it! I still struggle on a daily basis with food, but I know what I need to eat to feel good and so it makes those temptations a little easier to overcome. I feel stronger mentally and physically and am healthier than I have been since who knows when! I still am not at my goal weight or the right body fat %, but wanted to share my story thus far.
So here are my stats:
October 2008
230 lbs

January 2011
203.5 lbs
203 inches
33.8 Body fat %
32.7 BMI
Size 22 and XXL

June 2011
167 lbs
171 inches
26.8 body fat %
29.1 BMI
Size 10 and M

I am so thankful for the support system I have had and especially for Laurie! She has helped me get my life back! But I am also so very thankful for my friends and family that have cheered me on through this whole thing and always have believed in me! I am loving life and at 30 years old, I am healthier than when I was at 20! (and fitting into skinny clothes is pretty awesome too!!! ) I am so thankful for this oppurtunity I have had to change my life! I will always have the PCOS but that is not an excuse anymore for me! I can control my eating and I can exercise, in hopes that this will help the chances of having children. I am not sure if I will ever get pregnant, but my body is back "regular" and so we will see what the Lord has in store for us. It takes 1 step at a time and you can reach your goals ...but you have to take that 1 step! I am so glad I did!

Jan 2011(this is a horrible picture!)

June 2011

Good-Bye to my 20's!!

2011-06-05T15:20:00.009-06:00

Can I just say how excited I am for my 30's?!?!

A year ago, I was not thinking that, but lately, I have been very excited to think about what my 30's might have in store for me! These last 10 years have been rough for me, and so I am glad to say GOODBYE to my 20's!!

The reason why I am excited is because I am as skinny as I was in High School and I feel like I have have my life back! I am healthier than I have been in about 10 years and I just feel very positive about what the future holds for us- kids, vacations(Hawaii or Europe or back east), accomplishing some goals for myself both spiritually and physically(marathon and triathalon).... who knows what is to come!!

For my birthday, we didn't do much "celebrating". But next weekend, we are going on a short getaway to Las Vegas with my family! I was spoiled, though, with many text and fb messages, cards, roses and a big box from my mom! And I had 2 lunch dates throughout the week with some of my good friends- Marcia, Darlene and Betty! Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday! It is always nice to be remembered and I definetly felt very loved on my special day!

Opening the box from my mom-she wanted to be on the phone so that is why I am holding my phone! She gave me a ton of material to make some quilts!!

She also gave me this statue.I have always loved this statue because it reminds me of my mom and I! I will cherish this gift for a long time!

Lunch with Darlene and Betty

Thank you again to all those that made my day special! I feel so blessed! And bring on my 30's!

Home of the Free, Because of our Brave!

2011-05-30T17:50:00.002-06:00

"This was made in memory of all those lost in war both past and present. I hope this video touches everyone who has lost someone in their lives. It's not only a tribute to those who put their lives on the line each and every day for we as a people, it's also for all the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandfathers and grandmothers and our friends that were taken from us too soon. May their memory live on in our hearts for all time. Here's to all the heroes in heaven. May your memory never be forgotten."

The Best is Yet To Be

2011-05-20T12:56:00.002-06:00

I have been really trying to be positive lately with all the trials of my life. Some days are not as easy as others, but I have tried to really go back to the basics and simplify my life (by saying No to things!) This talk really helped me to remember that " The Best is yet to be" and that we need to live our lives in simplicity

Let Him do it with Simplicity

Elder L. Tom Perry

"Those of us who have been around a while—and Elder Wirthlin and I have been around for a long time—have recognized certain patterns in life’s test. There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: “The best is yet to be” (“Rabbi Ben Ezra,” in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103). We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come."

Quote of the Day

2011-05-16T09:10:00.000-06:00

"Ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results."

—Elder David A. Bednar

No Regrets

2011-05-15T13:15:00.004-06:00

I have had a hard time lately with regrets. I feel like the things I have done(or ate) have hinder me from having children. Now that I have taken control of my life and health, I feel like I should be blessed with children but the Lord might have other plans for me. It is a constant struggle and sense of regret so when I came across this challenge today, it made me realize I need to be thankful for th things I have been blessed with and stop thinking of all the should have or shouldn't have's.

Jillians CHALLENGE: "This week, try staying firmly rooted in the present, not regrets from the past or worries about the future. Your power exists in the now. So many go through life on autopilot without ever stopping to question things or cultivate a life they're passionate about. So, set your alarm to go off every hour throughout your day. When it does take inventory of what you're doing & how it makes you FEEL. If you love something do more of it. If you don't make a course correction. Your emotions will help guide you to your happiest healthiest life."

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:38:00.006-06:00

This is what I shared in our RS newsletter this month and so I thought I would post this today! Happy MOther's Day to all the women in my life! I am very blessed to have so many influential women that have touched my life for good!

And to the BEST mom in the world-Happy Mother's Day! I love you so much!!!! May is the month we honor our mother's and the women in our lives. As
women we all have the divine gift of motherhood. Sheri Dew states:
“Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the
essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature
and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us. President Gordon B.
Hinckley stated that 'God planted within women something divine.' That something
is the gift and the gifts of motherhood."

I think of my mother as a gift to me! She is and has always been my listening
ear, shoulder to cry on, an example of faith, and my best friend. My mother
has always showed her love in many ways to me—she cheered me on at swim
meets, pushed me to play piano and viola, taught me to cross stitch, toured me
around the country, taught me to be proud of who I am, showed me how to serve
in the church, and most importantly she taught me to rely on the Lord.

By everyday moments and her unconditional love, my mother showed me how to be
a mother and women of God.

Mother’s Hands

Mother's hands were busy hands,
But never did they fail
To take the time to tie a bow
Or braid a loose pigtail.
And never did those hands refuse
To soothe a fevered brow,
So even injured dolls pulled through
In Mother's hands, somehow.
It seemed those hands were magic,
Always knowing where to start
To reconstruct a shattered dream
Or mend a broken heart.
Dear Lord, I pray, as years go by,
Whatever life's demands,
That I may give just half the love
I've found in Mother's hands.

I have been truly blessed with a wonderful and loving mother.

Beaver Creek Slide-Half Marathon

2011-05-07T14:00:00.001-06:00

So... you remember this post, well I did it again! It was my very first half marathon 2 years ago and I did it in 3:05. Ok time for a first and the terrain. But this time, I am 40 lbs lighter and in much better shape! Last July I ran one, and ran it in 2:30! Today I ran a personal best!!! So I am happy with my time and the way I am feeling!

Beaver Creek Slide-Half Marathon

2:26

(not sure my official chip time but that was by my watch)

The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the terrain was not as bad as 2 years ago! It was not too hot, a little breezy, and no mud! So I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Cami and I before the race

Cami is my co camp director and good friend! I am so thankful for her friendship and willingness to run this with me today! We had such a fun time chatting the whole way and she pushed me to listen to my body and the way i was feeling. It was such a great run and I just feel amazing and blessed that I can be healthy and run like this!

Here are some friends from the running club here in Sheridan! I am so thankful to be able to have friends that love to run just like I do.

Now... time for a nap!

Date Night

2011-05-01T22:06:00.002-06:00

These last 2 months, Donald and I have not been feeling very sociable but decided it was time to get out of our house and do something fun with friends! We have wonderful friends in our ward, so we got together with a few of them and had an awesome night out!

We went bowling-the men beat us girls by a long shot! Then, went to eat at Oliva's and came back to our house to play catch phrase -which the men beat us 2 out of 3! It was such a fun night and much needed time out for me and Donald!

Hopefully with spring (or summer) almost here, we will get to go out more!

Brand & Tiffany, Dan & Amy, Donald & I , Texie &Lance

David & Katrina

Us

2011-04-23T20:24:00.002-06:00

I realized we haven't taken any pics since December so we took these today before a baptism! I think my husband is quite handsome and I am excited for both of us since we are both losing weight!! YAY for us!

Update on Us

2011-04-21T21:17:00.005-06:00

I haven't updated my blog in awhile with what we are up to lately.(This might be boring to some of you, but it is for journaling purposes for me) Read on at your own risk!

We have been in and out of the Doctor for the past 2 months trying to figure out what is wrong with Donald. About 3 months ago he started having random numbing in his hand, face and leg. Then he would have horrible headaches and shooting pains down his spine. So, we took him in to the family doctor and they didnt' know anything. All the Dr would say is... "I don't know." So, we did a little research of our own and thought it might be Chiari Malformation (same thing his brother had). So after the MRI of his brain, everything cam back normal and we were back to the Dr for him to say again... I don't know-let's send you to the neurologist. (We literally have seen his Dr for 5 minutes over about 4 visits... frustrating! ) So, we got an appointment 3 weeks later to see the neurologist. In the meantime, donald is in pain and getting no sleep. 1 day while at work he had a few brain lapses and shooting pains in his legs and arms. So off to the ER went. The ER Dr was not sure either, but talked to us, examed him for an hour, took blood, checked his heart, etc. He was an excellent Dr and we were very pleased with the way he treated donald. Still though, no answers... but they suggested we go to the heart Dr because they thought it looked enlarged and his oxygen levels in his blood were very low. 2 days later... we saw the heart Dr. Did 3 hours of tests, and everything was normal. But Donald is still in pain and no answers on the numbing and pain. FINALLY.... we saw the neurologist and he ended up doing a nerve test(which by the way, is not fun! Donald deals with pain very well and he almost jumped off the table several times when they would poke the nerves and muscles! EEK!! I couldn't even watch!) After the nerve test, he sent us to get 21 viles of blood for testing on teh immune system and other causes that it might be. He said that he has neuropathy mulitplex(which is numbing in different extremities adn they don't know why.) but this is caused BY something. It doesn't just happen. So we are still awaiting the results of that. He has been feeling a little better after they put him on a few meds, but he still is hurting and exhausted all the time.

Other than that, he tries to go to work and do his best with how he is feeling. Needless to say, we had to turn down all of our lawncare clients this year because he is so exhausted that by the time he gets his days off, he just wants to sleep. Hopefully next year we will be able to do it again, but we will see. Walmart changes their schedules quite often and so we are not sure the lawncare will work for awhile. It makes us sad because we did really well last year and Donald enjoyed doing it. But we have to get donald well enough so that he has energy to do more.

Donald was also just put in as Elders Quorum President. WOW.... what a responsibility he has on his shoulders with that. We had an awesome interview with our Stake President and feel that if this is where the Lord needs him, than he will do all he can to serve.

Here is Donald with our cat Cole. I haven't taken many pictures in the past 3 months. But this day was finally feeling like we were going to have spring.... but it only lasted a day.

As for me... I started working at home 3 days a week and than in the shop for the other 2, and I can tell you that I have loved it! It is so nice to get my work done without interuptions and to just be home!!

I am in the final stages of planning Stake Girls Camp and am in the RS presidency too. I love both callings and they keep me very busy!

I am hoping to run a marathon (26.2 miles) this year and am training for it. I workout 5-6 days a week and actually am loving the time to destress and burn calories! I am still eating healthy and Donald has joined me. We both are feeling great and losing weight. And i think the healthy eating has helped Donald in all of his issues also. But for me....it is definetly time to get new clothes. They all just hang on me! That is a good thing but I dont want to buy too many more clothes until I get down to my goal weight -24 lbs to go! I put myself on a 45 day challenge starting this week. I want to be within 5 lbs of my goal by my 30th birthday. So far so good!

One VERY EXCITING thing for us that has happened this month is we finally have started the process of adoption!!! We have wanted to do this for a long time and we are finally going for it! We actually have been looking into international adoption lately, but are not sure what the Lord has in store for us. Either way....we are excited to start a family soon. I know sometimes it can take a really long time, but we are hoping by looking into International and through LDS services, that we can bring a child into our family soon. We have just felt a sense of urgency lately to just do it! So we are very excited about it and pray that the Lord will bless us with children soon.

I think that is all for now! We have felt very blessed lately and have felt the Lord's hand in our lives. We hope everyone has a wonderful EASTER!!!

The Living Christ

2011-04-18T12:38:00.003-06:00

I thought this was appropriate to post right before Easter. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the atonement and the resurrection! I know He lives and is the light of the world!

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles"The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, (2000)

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

Just the Same

2011-04-10T19:38:00.008-06:00

This poem was published in the April Ensign and written by one of my most favorite YW leaders and friend! I love this poem. As I might not be able to have children of my own, I hope to have a chance to adopt in the near future. And this is a wonderful poem that reassures me that the love of a child is the same... no matter if you adopt or bear your own child. Thank you Sister Lacey for this beautiful reminder!

Just the Same
BY DIANA LYNN LACEY
Sometimes—
God sends rain
Straight from the sky
To nourish the young flower
and it grows.
Sometimes—
God sends rain from the sky
To the mountaintops,
Then over hills and through valleys
Until it reaches the flower
and it grows, just the same.
Sometimes—
God sends a child
Straight from His realm
Into a mother’s arms
and love grows.
Sometimes—
God sends a child
From heaven to another’s arms,
Then over hills and through valleys
Until he reaches the arms of his mother
and love grows, just the same.

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

2011-04-10T08:45:00.001-06:00

I love Easter time. I love the flowers that come alive in April, I love listening to our Prophet and leaders of the church, and I love that the Savior loved each of us enough to atone for our sins! I am so grateful for His atonement, and for his resurecttion! I know He Lives!!!

Quote of the Day

2011-04-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

What Hurts Worse?

The Pain of Hard Work

The Pain of Regret?

-Laurie Donaldson-

New Year, New Me!

2011-03-27T18:41:00.011-06:00

I started running about 2.5 years ago to try to lose weight with the ultimate goal to get pregnant. I didn't really change the way I ate so after talking with a friend last year and seeing her weight loss, I decided it was time to take control and to beat obesity and PCOS! So, this year I started eating really heatlhy and it has changed my life! It has not been easy, luckily I have had an amazing support group-Donald, Mom, Steph, Kim, Lissa, Kari, and Laurie-to name a few! So far, no baby but I have lost 10 sizes, and 53 lbs as of today! I still have about 22 lbs but just wanted to blog about how good I feel and it is so fun to fit into skinny clothes! I haven't been this size since about my junior year in HS!

Anyways.... I will blog more about the whole story later (pretty much eating healthy and stepping up my workouts) but just wanted to show some pics of me lately and some from before.

Today March 27th

Feb 14th, 2011Christmas 2010 (yes just 4 months ago!)October 2008-this is when I started running! Good thing I did! LOL!

Imperfections!

2011-03-24T21:54:00.004-06:00

Jillian Michaels gave this smart tip: "Nobody is perfect, so get over the fear of being or doing everything perfectly. Besides perfect is boring. You’re perfect with all your imperfections. So today, instead of picking yourself apart in the mirror or with friends over drinks start seeing your "imperfections" as unique traits that give you character and dimension - because that's exactly what they are."

I thought it was perfect of for the way I have been feeling lately. I need to stop focusing on becoming "perfect" and picking myself apart because I am not the so called "perfect" person! I need to love my imperfections and uniqueness!

Run Til Your Green

2011-03-19T22:58:00.003-06:00

Today was the Green Run that I have done the last couple years. Lissa and I haven't run in a race since our half marathon last summer and so it was fun to finally be running again together!

They added an extra loop around the park at the end, so the time is a little off compared to last year, but if it would have been the same route we would have beat our time by 2.5 minutes. Anyways... our time for the 10k was 1:06.14. I am pretty proud of that. I still want to be under 60 minutes one of these days, but for now, I am feeling good about my running and so I will take it!

This was the last stretch and we were dying!

The effects of Caffeine

2011-03-19T09:56:00.002-06:00

I saw this link on my friends blog and wanted to share it. For all of you caffeine drinkers( or anyone) out there, I would read this before picking up your next can of Coke or energy drink. It is scary that it causees this much damage and that it is legal to drink it.

The REAL Cougarettes! Jean's Golden Girls March 2nd 2011

2011-03-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my mom's dance group! She is in the first row, first one on the right. This was at the BYU vs NM game played this last week. GO MOM!!!

Memories

2011-02-27T17:05:00.005-07:00

I have had some weird memories come back to me lately. You know how certain things-smells, songs, random things-spark your memory? Well... I don't know why, but lately I have had quite a few. So... I am going to tell you about them since I don't have much else to blog about, because this whole week I was sick and mostly in bed.

Peanut Butter-the smell of it puts me in a trance. I love peanut butter and the other day Donald was eating some and it just brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. I can remember loving peanut butter since I was a kid.I would take spoonfuls of it and just eat it. I would eat it on toast, or in my chocolate ice cream or on graham crackers dunked in milk. YUM! But along with what I would eat it with, I can remember our huge newly remodeled kitchen(where the peanut butter would have been stored) in Farmington and loving to slide on the new wood floors.My mom waited a long time to get her house remodeled and they finally had my uncle come down and remodel for us. Seems like not long after that, we had to move out of it. Also, I think of one of our many trips that we woudl have peanut butter sandwiches along the way. We were always traveling somewhere and of course peanut butter was always in the car! Weird memories of peanut butter, but that is what came to mind.

Newspapers-Whenever I read a newspaper and come across the comics, it makes me think of my dad. He HAD to read the paper in the morning and if I was not grouchy that day, he could convince me to go out in the cold and get it. But when I got the paper, he always knew that I would take the comic page before handing him the rest of the paper. He would get irritated when I would mess the paper up, but I didn't care because I just wanted my comics to read while I ate breakfast. He would always read the paper in the living room or in his bedroom while eating his breakfast which was most likely a yoplait yogurt. He loved the news-reading the paper and watching it on TV. He was always very well informed!

Hallelujah(the song)- reminds me of the day my dad died. We were all in a little shock that day and didn't know what to do. So we went to try to ease our minds a little and saw "Shrek". So now everytime I hear that song I think of the day he died and how Shrek brought a little laughter to our day of mourning.

Chlorine(clorox does it too)-ever since I was a kid I have loved the smell of Chlorine because it reminds me of swimming. I should have been born a fish because as soon as I was first thrown into a pool at a young age, I have loved to be in the water. Chlorine triggers so many memories-swimming in our pool as a kid, Lake Powell, swimming on trips(my parents never got a hotel without a pool), going to Wet N Wild in Vegas,& being on the swim team(too many memories to count). When in the pool, my parents loved to swim with us and my dad would throw us all around and see how high he could launch us! He even taught us kids how to body surf one year when we were little. I just love the water and when I am cleaning with Clorox or walk into a pool area, I just can't stop thinking about wanting to dive into a pool or lake or just any water!

Backstreet Boys song:I Want It That Way (yes I was a HUGE BSB fan!Don't laugh! ) - I heard it the other day while driving and it brought me back to high school. This song reminds me of one of my very best friends in high school. He didn't like the group but when we were together and that song would be on, he would always belt out the song just because he knew I loved it. I would just laugh and sing right along with him. We had some good times together and I was lucky to have him as one of my best friends! So.... while I was driving that day, I turned it up and belted out the song. And yes I still remember all the words even though I haven't heard it in years! Nerd I know!

The word "WARSH"- we have a running joke in our family when some one says wash, because my mom always said it like: Go warsh your clothes. Well... the other day my boss said : you need to go warsh your hands, and I just started to laugh. My mom has always said warsh (until recently because now she knows we will correct her, LOL) and I just love to hear my mom say it. It reminds me of growing up and my mom constantly telling me I need to warsh my clothes. I start thinking of our old house and the long hallway to the washering machine. I even dreamed about our washroom that night I heard my boss say that. Weird how little things trigger memories of your life.

Anyways... those are a few memories that came to my mind in these last few weeks. I decided I am going to try to keep track of some of these things since I wasn't the best journal keeper. Especially memories of my dad. I miss him dearly and seems like lately, most of the memories take me back to times with him and our family!
And here is a picture of us when we were little-for old time sakes!

Out Sick

2011-02-23T16:57:00.003-07:00

This has been me the past 5 days. So I finally went to the Dr. today and she said I have strep and an ear infection! I haven't been this sick in years and man I forgot how much I hated being sick. My boss called me today and banned me from going into work since this has been going round and round our shop. So, as much as a forced vacation would be nice, this is not very pleasant. I would much rather be healthy and at work than feeling like this.

On a good note, I will be starting to work from home 2 or 3 days a week. I am quite excited about this new adventure because I have always wanted to work from home. We will see how it is all going to work out. I really do like my job and the company I work for, it is just sometimes a little stressful at the office. So we are hoping this will relieve some stress on my end and help my boss out a little more.

Blogging

2011-02-21T19:24:00.002-07:00

So.... I am sad to see that blogging has become so unpopular these days. There are still a few out there that blog regularly but not as many. Facebook is the big thing, but I have to be honest, I miss the blogging days. I have not been the best lately either at blogging but I still check other's regularly. I love blogs. I love seeing pics and hearing stories. I think they are inspirational and uplifting. On facebook you just get the status of who is going where and who just picked their nose(or something like that). Dont' get me wrong, i still like facebook because I have connected with long lost friends, but I miss blogging!

Anyways, I am going to try to do better about blogging because I don't write in a journal anymore and so this is my journal. It seems like our lives our boring, but this is us. So if you still follow blogs and care about our boring lives, I will try to be better about updating.

I am home sick today and waiting for my chicken tortilla soup (minus the tortillas and salt) to cook and so I thought I would just share my random thoughts.

Quote of the day

2011-02-19T17:52:00.003-07:00

I loved this quote on Bob's blog. I am trying to be more positive about myself and so this really struck me today.

"I believe that whatever you put your mind to, as long as you work from an open and positive place, you will be able to make miracles happen."-Bob Harper

What Matter's Most

2011-02-03T21:54:00.003-07:00

Love this talk from President Uchtdorf-"Of Things that Matter Most"!!! Just had to share part of it from it. It is a good reminder that we all need to slow down in life and focus on what really matters!

"Brothers and sisters, let us be wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. The heavens are open again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, and its simple truths are a plentiful source of joy!
Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.
Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

2011

2011-01-25T21:11:00.004-07:00

I have many personal goals I want to achieve this year and I am trying to be positive about how the year is going to be.

First, we started off the year at home! Shocking! We have been homebodies lately and I actually don't mind that. I have loved being at home at night and on the weekends so I can get things done and relax a little. Anyways... we were invited to a PAR-TY that night but both of us had been so sick that week, so we decided to just stay home. We rented some movies, ate pizza and I feel asleep at 8:30pm! yeah... I know! Lame! But It was nice and actually kindof perfect. It had been a crappy week with being sick and trying to get all my year end stuff done at work, and so it was nice to relax, a.k.a. sleep!

Anyways... back to the goals. As all of you know, we have been trying for 8 years to get pregnant and have not been successful to say the least. I had gained quite a bit of weight before Donald and I met, and it messed my whole body up. The Dr's have said I am too fat and I just need to lose weight. Long story short... 2 1/2 years ago I started running and losing weight but then plateued. So this year I decided to really concentrate on my eating and so far, I have lost 12.5 lbs and 15 inches! So as for the goals:

Continue to eat healthy (no sugar, salt, white flour, etc... pretty much everything I shouldn't eat but I love!) I have NOT cheated! I want to lose about 30-40more lbs.
Run a marathon( I think I am going to run the Logan Top of the Mountain Marathon in Sept)EEK! I am very excited about this. Every since I ran my first 5k I was hooked and have wanted to run a full 26.2 miles! Call me crazy, but this is the year I am going to do it!
Get my body healthy so if I am supposed to have kids, it will happen. If it is not supposed to be, then at least I will be healthy!
Be ok with some unanswered prayers(pregnancy). I am trying to have more faith in what direction my life is supposed to go. It is not what I want all the time! (darn! )
Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover with Donald before Nov 1. Our RS president challenged all of us to do this, so I am taking it on! So far, so good!
Attend the Temple more often.
Be more in tune with others needs around me.
Go on more dates with my hubby.
Organize my house. we have a little house and not enough space but I feel so disorganized so hopefully I can get that all under control!

I think that is it! I hope everyone is having a FABULOUS 2011!! Don't give up on your goals!

Horses

2011-01-21T23:00:00.005-07:00

I went with a friend the other day to take some pictures of her horses! First time taking horses but I love how they turned out!

Love the snow on his face!!!

HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY!

2011-01-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

Donalds Birthday came and went with nothing too exciting happening! He had to work and we are going to go for a weekend away just the 2 of us in a month or 2 and celebrate! But for that day, I did buy him a piece of cake since of course(like many years past on his birthday) I am on a strict eating plan and can't have any! So he got his piece of cake and phone calls from the family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY BUNS!!!! I am so grateful you were born this day 32 years ago! I love you more than anything!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T17:29:00.005-07:00

Christmas was so WONDERFUL this year! My family decided to come to Wyoming because of course Donald has to work through the holidays. So, we were so excited that they came to spend it with us!

(Pictures are out of order, but I am too lazy to change them all around)

This is Christmas morning! We are still all like little kids and cannot wait to open presents. Here is all of us before the unwrapping. These are the quilts I made for my mom and sister! I thought they turned out quite nice! Now I just need to make myself one! Donald with his COlumbia jacket! If you don't know, Donald is quite tall and has long arms, so we can NEVER find him jackets that fit! So I searched the internet many nights and finally found one that I was positive that would fit! And it did!!

Eric with his XBox. He actually opened this a few days before so we could all play it with the Kinect!

ERic and Andrea eating our tradition of swedish pancakes. Andrea always has chocolate sauce with pancakes on Christmas so we made some of her sauce and man... it was DELISH!!! Me and Donald before openinig.
Eric and Andrea

Me with my new camera lens that Donald suprised me with!! He also gave me a flash! I love him!!!

My mom crocheting! She always has to be doing something, and so she did a lot of this while we watched movies.

Playing Mexican Train-Dominoes. One of our favorite games!

And then donald got me blokus and so we played a lot of this too! This is one of our favs now too! This is the fam at Irene's christmas party before they came to Wyoming Man... I love my family! I sure miss them and I hate living so far away! But I hope everyone had as good as Christmas as we did!

Caroling with Friends

2011-01-02T16:45:00.006-07:00

Our friends invited us to go caroling one night. We first had a yummy dinner and a delicious candy cane cheesecake! Then, they suprised everyone and had rented the city trolley to ride in. It was so much FUN!!! We laughed and laughed and sang our little hearts out to members of our ward. It was definetly a wonderful night and a great way to bring in the spirit of Christmas!

Here is the trolley
All of us
Me and Donald

Caroling to some of our dear friends Betty and George!

Susan and Tammy

Tammy, me and Darlene

Thank you for inviting us-Darlene and Marie!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T23:24:00.004-07:00

Hope everyone had a great one! I will blog more later of our weekend with my family and last sunday caroling! We have had a wonderful Christmas!

Real Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

This is the sweetest video of why we celebrate Christmas!!!

A Night in Bethlehem

2010-12-04T09:49:00.008-07:00

We had the most WONDERFUL ward Christmas party last night. It was "A Night in Bethlehem" complete with traditional dinner and program. During the program, the spirit was strong and testified to be once again that Jesus was born on this earth that night in Bethlehem. I am so thankful for my Savior and for this time of year that we can celebrate His birth and life! What a great way to start the Christmas season.

The winery and activity station for kids

Bethlehem Bakery

The Bishop serving his Wine(gingerale and grapejuice)

Baker

Roman Soldiers and Darlene

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

Angel appearing the the Shepherds

All that participated in the Nativity

"Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth form heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said 'Come Follow Me.'

As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others." -President Monson

O Christmas Tree

2010-12-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

I love having a fresh Christmas tree! We found a perfect one and decorated it last night!I love it and now it finally feels like Christmas time!!!

Photography

2010-11-30T22:13:00.001-07:00

I love that I have had more and more friends ask me to do pictures this year! I really LOVE taking pictures and hope to just keep doing more and more! (and hopefully soon I can get the camera I want!!) Anyways... I posted a new session I did on my photo blog. I love how they turned out! Tell me what you think!

My Photo Blog

I am Thankful for...

2010-11-25T21:06:00.005-07:00

I feel very blessed today! I have a wonderful husband, family and friends! I have the Gospel in my life and the Lord has blessed me with many things-health, a roof over my head, food on my table and a good job for both me and Donald! I am also thankful for egg nog, ice cream, the smell of apple cider, a clean house,christmas movies, music, technology so I can stay in touch with family and friends, and for a warm house(because it is freezing here!) I really do love my life and am grateful to being living in this day and age!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My life is boring but good

2010-11-22T19:24:00.004-07:00

My friend Katie wrote me today and said she noticed I had not blogged in awhile. SO here I am.. blogging! I really do love blogging but usually I get on here and end up looking at other blogs so long that I don't do anything on mine. I sometimes feel my life is pretty boring compared to others but life is good for me.

The past month has been a whirlwind with trying to recover from surgery. I have had quite a tough time recovering (maybe me falling off the couch and then falling off the porch might have something to do with it!OOPS!) But I am doing much better now that I have started Physical Therapy. It is awesome to be able to move my arm and then she massages my knots out of the shoulder! AHHH! So nice!

Donald of course has been hunting and working. With the holidays they don't get much time off and then when he does get a day off, he has tried to go hunting. Tis the Season!

Hope everyone enjoyed their fall and is enjoying the FREEZING weather!!

Anyways.. that is my boring but good life. Nothing new to report on but we are still here in Wyoming looking forward to Christmas(well i am... Donald is already Bah Humbugging!)

Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner

2010-10-31T19:21:00.004-06:00

We held a Murder Mystery Dinner for a Halloween party! We had yummy food,spooky costumes, and a great time with friends trying to figure out who murdered Hall O'Ween!

I was Elle Razor-Hall's secretary that was madly in love with him and very psychotic, and Donald was Watt Madaxman-the coffin builder.

Hope everyone had a SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN!

Shoulder Surgery

2010-10-17T21:22:00.003-06:00

Remember this post, well it resulted in shoulder sugery last week. I was pretty nervous about the whole thing, because I have never had any type of surgery(besides wisdom teeth extraction) and actually have never really been in the hospital-for myself! So, I had a lot of anxiety about the surgery, mainly about the needles and the pain after.

The night before Donald gave me a blessing to help calm my nerves and for all to go well. Then day of surgery, I ended up going to work in the morning to keep my mind off things and to get a little ahead on my work. It finally came time to go to the hospital and get going with it all. We arrived, got in the nice little hospital gown, and got the IV started. Then layed and waited for about an hour. All the while, having a lot of anxiety. But the nurse was really nice and kept assuring me that all would be alright and to forget all the horror stories that my boss kept telling me about-waking up during surgery, getting the wrong limb worked on,etc. ( He was telling me these things to ease my stress but it didn't help.) Anyways, it was finally my turn to get anesthisia and then like a second later, I was waking up in the recovery room. I was very tired and nauseous and it took me 3 hours to be able to go home. BUT.... all went well with the surgery and I am recovering ok. The Dr. ended up doing quite a bit more then expected and so it will be a little longer recovery. He had to repair my tendon, some other things in between the 2 bones, and then put the supports in the shoulder to prevent any more dislocations.

Recovery has not been easy! I have had pain-lots of it and sickness! I did not inted the recovery to be this hard, and so I am just trying to take it easy and get as much rest as possible.

I have had AMAZING support by my husband, friends here in Sheridan and family and friends not here who have called to check in on me constantly! Thank you to my husband who has spent sleepless nights helping me get comfortable, putting up wiht a whiney wife, and taking care of the house while I have been recovering! THANK YOU to all of you who have kept me in your prayers, brought me dinners and goodies, sent me flowers, cards, texts and messages, and drove me to my appointments and to work! It is all VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!! Also, my boss has been so great to let me recover at my own pace and not worry about work! I am overwhelmed with gratitude of all the support and concern everyone has shown me! I am hopeful the pain will go away soon and when I start phyiscal therapy that all will go well!

I have learned how to function without an arm and let me tell you, it is not easy being a one arm lefty!

Here is me getting ready to go in to surgery.

Gifts received that brightened my day!

Denver Photographer

2010-10-11T15:16:00.003-06:00

My good, good swimming buddy and friend is starting to do photography in the Denver area! If you live close by and need some photos, here is her website:

Kristin Beam

She is such a creative and fun person and it really shows thru her photos!!

I love this time of year!

2010-10-03T18:43:00.005-06:00

As much as I love looong summer days (except the hot weather), I sure LOVE fall! I love all that fall brings-General Conference, cool nights, changing colors, smells of apple cider and crisp morning air, and the holidays!! I know, I know! You don't want to think about Christmast just yet, but I mean all the holidays-Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I went for a drive 2 weeks ago and saw some gorgeous leaves changing! I didn't get too many pics but it was very delightful to me.

One thing I love the most of fall is General Conference. It was amazing this weekend and I felt some of the talks were especially for me. (If you missed it... .you can go to the new youth site and see some highlights. Click here. Or you can go to lds.org and they already have them up! )
It made me think of where I am at in my life, and what I need to improve on. And how most of us need to get off the internet, put down the gadgets-cell phone, ipods, etc and spend more time doing good in this world, reading the teachings of the prophets, and spending time as a family. How I am grateful for our Prophet and leaders of this church and what a strength they are in my life! (And it was so fun to see my friend, Aubrey's dad-Elder Duncan, speak yesterday! He had a wonderful talk!)

Donald has been busy working, mowing lawns and hunting! And he has started doing P90X with me! We are trying to lose some weight and get more healthy!
Me- As for working out-I am working with a trainer 2 times a week, trying to get back into running, doing P90x with donald. I also have been planning for camp, planning our RS activities, and have had some more photo sessions-which keeps me busy. And then this wednesday I am having shoulder surgery so that will take me a few months to recover from that but then after I recover and do physical therapyI should be good to go! I have been trying to strengthen it, so I will hopefully have a fast recovery and can get back working out(and so it won't get dislocated again!)

So that is us in a nutshell. Not sure how long it will be before I blog again, so to those that even read this, there you go!
Happy Fall!

New Calling

2010-09-20T22:26:00.004-06:00

Well... looks like I will be going to camp next year.... as the Stake Co-Camp Director!!! I AM VERY EXCITED! I actually had a feeling earlier this summer that I would be called to it, but of course you don't really think it will happen. But it did! I got the call shortly after we got back from our ward camp and then they sustained me this sunday in Stake Conference. I am nervous about it but very excited! And the lady I will be working with, seems really awesome and I am more then sure we will have a wonderful time planning it together!

I will still be the RS weekday activity coordinator along with this new calling. So I will be more then busy!

Anyways.... if anyone has any ideas, suggestions, things that work or don't work in your stake, let me know!

Laugh for the Day!

2010-09-13T19:45:00.002-06:00

OK... if you haven't seen this M&M commercial, watch it!!! It makes me laugh so hard everytime I see it!! I love it!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEiFIKBPUq8

Come What May and Love It!

2010-09-12T12:56:00.004-06:00

Lately, I have been wondering "Is this what my life is going to be like?" Mostly meaning... life without children. I have struggled these last few weeks with some realizations that I just might not have children on this Earth. I am not positive and we still have some testing to do, but it just seems that odds are against me. I never imagained my life without children. I always dreamed of being a mother, and I never thought for one day, that it wouldn't happen. BUT...right now, I am not so certain that it will happen. Someone asked me this past week, " DO you think you will be happy without children?" That hit me pretty hard because for the most part, I try to be happy and live life to the fullest. I really have thought about this the last few days, and I know these last few months and years, I have always felt a hole in my life. Like something is missing from me. But maybe it is not what I think it is, and I need to find what is really missing in my life and Love what trials come my way! I am very blessed with a good husband, good family, member of the Church, good friends, good job, roof over my head, food on my table and I am healthy. So why would I not be happy?? I just need to remember to Count my blessings!

I love this talk by Elder Wirthlin: "Come What May and Love it!" It has been one of my favorites since he gave it in Conference and gives me such comfort when I am feeling defeated!

PS... Donald just asked me what I was blogging about and I told him how much I love my husband. So I better tell you all... I do love my husband very much! He is too good to me and has stuck by my side when I shed many tears and have hard days! I love you honey!

Photography

2010-09-04T11:12:00.004-06:00

I have had a few photo sessions lately and so if anyone is interested... .go to my photo blog.

Let me know what you think! I just got photoshop elements installed and it is my new best friend! I still dont know everything about it, but am learning! Anyone know any good sites to get some textures or different things for photoshop??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE SISTER!

2010-08-29T00:00:00.005-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!!!!

I am so thankful you are my sister! What better best friend than your sister.

You are amazing and I look up to you so much!

I admire your love for golf! I love that we are sisters and me, you and mom all love to be with each other! (Hasn't always been like that, but I love that we grew out of that stage :)

I love traveling with you!

I love that you are like dad! You remind me of him so much!

I love that you serve in the Army! I am very proud of you and your willingness to help keep this country free! I love that you are always goofy and make us laugh! ( and if nothing else... our hair should make us laugh! )

I love that we share a love for working out and you are always there cheering me on in whatever crazy workout program or race I am doing.
I admire you for finishing school! And most of all I love that you are my sister and that we get to be sisters forever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH! I love you!

PS... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kari!(sorry I don't have a post for you) But I still love you tonz and love that 2 of my favorite people have the same birthdays!!

Girls Camp is over :(

2010-08-22T22:33:00.003-06:00

Camp is over for another year! All the months of hard work and planning, was definetly worth these 3 days with the girls and leaders! My testimony was strengthened, friendships were made, and my love for these girls grew! I love my calling and hope they will keep me for next year!

Sheridan 2nd Ward and Ranchester Branch Here is a pic of our massive tent! The men tearing it down. Good thing we had them to put it up and take it down!

And a picture of our gold medals. (I couldn't get it to load in the last post)

Until next year......

Day 3- Girls Camp

2010-08-22T15:07:00.009-06:00

Day 3

We started the day off with our 5 mile hike and flying kites! Here we all are getting ready to go! Me and Zannah

Becca, Kajsa and SidneyCheyAnne, Asia, Paula and Kaitlynne. Susan had a great idea-to fly kites at our half way point! It was so much fun and the perfect weather!

Later that day we just hung out! Here are some doing their nails. Leaders hanging out. It was nice a leaders to be able to just enjoy the girls and rest!

Then, Susan did some pedicures and massages. The girls are definetly spoiled!

Later, we had our craft! Deborah came up with these cute jars!

Our last night, we had a Virtue walk-for our value Virtue. It was a little hike and along the way we came upon each of these virtuous women, then ended up at the temple.

Paula-Eve, Elizabeth-Queen Esther, MaryDawn-Emma Smith, Maria-Mary, Deborah-Sis. Monson, and Heather was a Stripling Warrior mother. They told us their story and how they became virtuous women. Heather playing her part well!

After we made it to the Temple, Each of the Bishopric and Branch president shared how these girls can become virtuous women and make it to the Temple! Their testimonies and stories were amazing and the spirit was so strong.

Brother Price talked about virtuous qualities he looked for when choosing his wife.

Brother Gilbert shared of how having virtuous daughters blesses families.

Bishop Workman shared how they can be worthy to enter the Temple.

President Bodily talked on the Priesthood blessings in the Temple.

They all shared some personal stories and it was just wonderful!

Then after the talks, we gave each girl their gold medals!

As they have worked and trained all week in the Games, they finally "won" their GOLD-which ultimately is Eternal Life thru the Temple blessings! Here we all are with our gold medals!

Ranchester Branch-LOVE THEM!!! And of course... we had to show how tough of Atheletes we are!

Girls Camp-Day 2

2010-08-21T09:52:00.014-06:00

Day 2

Kaitlynne and Cheyanne doing the dishes after breakfast! The girls were so awesome! They all helped even when it was not their teams turn! Here is Deborah showing us her mad hoola hoop skills!

Good Works: We cleaned 4 miles of the highway for a couple in our ward. It was pretty fun and felt really good doing service! I even found a Moose shed! After cleaning, we decided to go swimming at Meadowlark! BEST IDEA!! After getting dirty, we got all clean and had some fun!! The water was a little cold but you got used to it after awhile. Here is Elizabeth chasing her tube. My hairdo! Don't you love it?!?

Playing and washing our hair.

After cleaning and swimming, we had a little down time and then had a MODESTY Fashion Show for Divine Nature.

I found a Un Modesty fashion Show skit on YWConnection.com and so the leaders performed it before we did our activity for the girls.

Here are all of us sporting our tatoos.

Elizabeth with her spaghetti straps

Susan and her tight clothing

Melinda and her gothic makeup and spider web tatoo.

We also had short skirts, high slits, piercings, bikinis-coconut bra, and plunging neckline-plunger and low neckline shirt. I made a runway and while saying the poem, the leaders sported thier attire.

Then, I had the girls split into 2 teams and each team made 1 modest dress out of duct tape. We took about 2 hours to let them do it! And they turned out AMAZING!!!! I was so astonished at what these girls came up with!

Here are the 2 models-Asia and Kajsa

Look at that cute bow and those points at the bottom of the dress. Love this back!

Kajsas design team-Sidney, Shaylee, Zannah, CheyAnne, and Kaitlynne.

Asia's design team-Cheyanne, Paige, becca, Rebecca, and Jenna. After dinner we had skits for Integrity. We let the girls choose a value and then had skits in a bag. They had to use everything that was in the bag.

The leaders performed a song for our skit. We all dressed like Olympians.

And then sang this song I wrote to the tune of "Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music

Welcome to Girls Camp, the twenty ten games.

We hope you have fun and not be ashamed.

Strive for perfection, while running the race.

We are becoming AWESOME atheletes.

Playing baseball in the dark of the night

Swimming and cleaning the highways we like.

Faith and Good Works are values we follow

These are the ways we bcome atheletes.

Girls serving others, and being of Good Courage

Go for that GOLD, while we cheer on others.

Hold High your Torch, and shine your bright light.

Stay onthe path, do not lose that sight!

When Girls Camp ends! And we go Home!

And your feeling weak.

Simply remember these Olympic Games,

and you will find strength....again!

You will find strength in this little pamphlet,

Modesyt matters, Don't use foul language.

Be Honest and Grateful. Hang with your fam'ly.

These are the ways ... to go for the GOLD!

Knowledge we get from the scriptures and school.

We have integrity, Lying isn't cool!

Virtuous women we hope you will seek.

This is the way to become great atheletes!

Wehope you enjoy the rest of Girls camp.

Cheering and laughing and no taking naps!

Roasting marshmellows, and starbust we love!

YOU are a few of our favorite things!

When girls camp ends! And we go home!

And your feeling weak!

Simply remember these Olympics Games..

and you will find strength again!

Here are some of the girls doing their skits.

Later around the campfire we had some good laughs! These are 2 of my best buddies-Paige and Elizabeth!

And here is me and Kaitlynne! She is not a member, but still puts up with us crazy mormons every year! She is amazing and I love having her come!!!

This night we had our traditional Bubble Gum chewing contest! We are not sure why we do it, because quite frankly it is disgusting stuffing as many pieces in your mouth and the sugar high you get is terrible! But OH SO FUN!!! We brought 5 tubes! here are some girls blowing their bubbles. They have to blow a bubble everytime they had a piece of gum.

Paige won with 70 pieces! And one of the funniest times of the night... Elizabeth was getting a sugar high and finally had enough, so she said I am going to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little star if I can stop! So she did and it was Hilarious!!

AHHHH.. another good day at camp!