SICK!

Jonathan and I have had a rough couple of weeks. We both have been pretty sick. Here he is doing what he does best when he is sick, playing video games. I was bored with tears so I took a picture. He has had a cold, and I have had the stomach flu and now the cold. It has not been fun. Although it is a great way to lose weight, I miss eating. I haven't eaten much lately. I haven't been to work since Wednesday. I was able to get through two and a half hours of it today. I still do not have much food in me, but I am trying to eat. Jonathan is doing better. He is not completely over it, but much better than what he was.

OREOS

I warned my husband I would put his Oreo teeth on my blog. It was the funniest thing ever. He would be the guy with broccoli on his teeth or in this case Oreos. Gotta love him! Plus, he is in major need of a haircut. I told him he was starting a fro, and it needed to go. Well, it did.

Decorating!!

Okay, picture taken unexpectedly. Not the cutest look on my face, but here I am decorating our front window. I'm not the greatest artist either, but my snowman is cute anyways. I just could not find any brown or black, so he is armless for the time being. I have given him a Santa hat and a scarf since this picture was taken. One day, I'll have to take a picture of the tree with the fireplace in the background and my poinsettias. It feels like Christmas. Now all I need is my family. This Christmas will be spent with the in-laws, but next Christmas, who knows.

OUR TREE!!

My gorgeous husband beginning the decorating of the Christmas tree with his candy canes. Did not have any hooks or thread to put up the other ornaments, so it was only candy canes for a while. It makes me so happy to know we have a tree. I love to plug in the lights at night and just look at the tree. It makes me happy. Who would have thought, Santa gave me more than a boyfriend for Christmas. I just had to wait a few extra months. I did not leave out the pair of pants last year, so he had to find another way to give him to me. He sent me to BYU-I.

GO SPEED RACER!!

Sitting 6'3" in this little car. It was funny to watch him get behind the wheel. At first, I did not think he would be able to get in. He got stuck for a moment, but as you can see, he made it. Not one of the best rides, unless you are six and think it is the coolest thing to drive. Kids will think this is the coolest ride and maybe really fast too, but really it is slow and good luck getting in and out of them. But if you have a husband like I do, it is just fun to watch.

Memory Lane!!

The very temple I served at for three months of my mission. Now, standing there with my husband. It was nice to be there. It brought back many memories and excitement. I love the St. George Temple. It is beautiful, and it is even better with my husband at my side.

Three Headed Turkey!

Yes, this is my husband in the process of making his three headed turkey, while Anna makes faces at the camera. I always knew he was weird, but I sure do love him. He was having way to much fun. I did not even get the final product. I am getting use to this. It was a lot of fun. I just sat there and ate the candy. I thought about playing 'chubby bunny', but there were not enough marshmallows. Maybe next time. Dinner was good. It was nice spending time at his uncles house, which turns out he lived in the area I served in on my mission. I was able to ask him about people I taught, because he is the Ward Mission Leader. It was cool.

Disneyland!

ONE DAY IS GOOD ENOUGH!! 21 rides in one day. That is pretty good. Disneyland was great fun. Our favorite ride was the Toy Story ride in California Adventures, also the Buzz Light-year ride in Disneyland. We did not take many pictures, so you can see what I have. Tower of Terror was one of my favorites, too bad Jonathan is afraid of heights, so he did not make it on this ride. I did get him on Soarin' California. I like that ride. It is also one of my favorites along with Indian Jones. We sat in the hot tub at our hotel and that was a nice break. The Fireworks were amazing, and we had a good time.

MY PUMPKIN!!

I did it all by myself. I was pretty pleased with myself, and the the cut-out that allowed me to make my pumpkin look so cool. It was so much fun to carve pumpkins with my husband. Our first Halloween, and it was great!

Work of Art!!

Never mess with a man when he is busy! CARVING PUMPKINS! Jonathan focuses so much on what he's doing I will ask him something or say something and he has no idea what I said. He did not even realize I took a picture. Oh, how I love him!!

Lisa's 19th Birthday!

It was Lisa's birthday, so we got to where to cool party hats. It was great. She is a great person. She was my roommate prior to me getting hitched! It was fun, but I prefer my eternal roommate.

Jon and a Moose!

He's only grinning because there is a fence between the moose and him, otherwise, he'd be hiding behind me asking me what to do!! That or dragging me as we walk briskly away!! He likes to do that (took him to a haunted corn maze and..well...the rest is for my amusement).

Alaska!

Beautiful Alaska! It was nice to be here with my fiance, at the time. Although Alaska is known for its wildlife, when you want to see it, you don't. I wanted Jonathan to see the different types of wildlife Alaska has, so we went to the conservation center. It was neat. I had never been there. They help the animals and then put them back into their habitat. It was a lot of fun. The animals were huge, and the scenery beautiful.

Jon's visit to Alaska

Here is a picture of Jonathan and I when he went home to Alaska with me. He was not use to the cold. It was quite funny, because I gave him my jacket to keep warm, instead of him giving me his. The glacier was cool, and we enjoyed being there other than the freezing cold weather. He needed to have the Alaska experience. I do not have any of him fishing, but I am sure he does. Those might come later.

Doing Great!

Jonathan and I have been doing great. We have been married for almost two months now, and we are learning a lot about one another. I love him so much and appreciate all that he helps me learn about myself. We carved pumpkins together, and I will get pictures on here soon of them. We are now finishing up our weekend with his new neices, nephew, brother and sister- in-law. It has been fun.

New Pictures of us as a married couple!!!

LOVE STRUCK

I never thought I would find my Prince Charming, but Heavenly Father has put us together. I could never have asked for a better man in my life. He is amazing, and we will be married in September. How Lucky could one girl get.

LIVE IT

I live to make others happy. I do not like letting people down. I want people to look to me, and smile. I want them to be happier people because they know me, which is why I strive to do what is right, all the time. It is hard. I feel happy more for others at times, because their happiness is what matters. I have a constant happiness within me. That is what keeps me going. I make myself read my scriptures every day, because I know it helps me, and Heavenly Father is happy when I do. I need to keep a clean apartment, because it's gross if it's not. I have found that by trying hard to do, what I feel is right, the greatest happiness follows. I have been given the greatest blessings because of my choices. My happiness comes from the goals I set in stone (my heart). I live to be better, and do what I can to be there for others. Everyone should be given be able to feel as happy as I do.

LIVE FOR IT

There is so much in this world, but there is even more that is not. I live to see what is not here. I live for the chance to see God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, again. I live to know them. I live to make the choices I must to return to live with them. I do not want to take any chances that will keep me from them. I make many choices that will bring me closer to Christ. I want Christ to radiate in my countenance. I want my light to shine forth and touch lives. I know I was chosen to come at this time that I might let my light shine brighter with each new day.

I LIVE FOR

THE UNKNOWN! The best part of life is to not know what is coming. It keeps you in suspense for what the future holds. It allows you to take each day at a time. I live for today. I have thought of what the morrow will bring, but I live for today. Good and bad come, but it's the journey that makes me who I am. I have my own pattern in life, and it develops in the way I live each day. It is my own pattern being woven together. A pattern of which I have yet to see the complete work. The thread continue to weave as I continue to take each day at a time. I live that one day I will see the pattern I wove.

Greatest Peace!

I love going to Temples. I have been to seventeen different ones. Beauty comes in many different shapes and sizes; especially with temples. I had a goal to go to all 124, but the number keeps rising. I'll just go to as many as the Lord will bless me to visit. I've already enjoyed the beauty of so many, and am grateful for the opportunity. I don't even have to go inside to feel God's presence. I walk about the grounds of the temples, and ponder on the gift of life, and family. I take to the Father my thoughts, dreams, goals, and anything else I want to talk with him about. I know he can always hear my prayers, but I feel more at peace when I come closer to him. That's why I love the temple. It's the Lords' house. It's said that home is where the people you love are. Since my family is always far away, I go here, where I feel God smiling down on my. I know He always loves me, and I will always love him. It's my home!

Peaceful Moments

My place of peace and to calm my heart and mind. The place I go to talk with God, ponder, and shed tears. I can see the entire city and feel the wonderful breeze brush past me. It's as all thoughts and prayers are carried through the wind. I love it. Smelling the outdoors, enjoying the beauty of Gods creations, and having time to ponder on the blessings given me by God, are things that take my worries and fears away.

MY MENTOR

This is one of my BEST FRIENDS, Kelsey! He has been an inspiration to me, even though he does not think so. I’m surprised with the short inspirational thoughts he comes up with. I don’t get it. He always seems to know how to cheer me up. He always seems to know when I’m feeling down, or when I need to hear a friendly voice. Sure, there are times he wakes me up in the middle of the night, but he’s one friend I don’t mind waking me up. He helps me take a step back and look at my life. He does not fear. He goes and does. He goes and has fun. He enjoys life. He has been to every place I have only dreamed about going. Most people spend their life dreaming, but he does it. He has an outlook on life most of us wish we had. I am so grateful to have him in my life. I was glad we met when we did. We worked together, and were best friends from then on. We’d enjoy our sunsets and Neapolitan milk (had to be there). Now, I look forward to things I can do. I don’t let my fear hold me back, as much. I’m still learning. He has made me a better person. He helps me realize it’s okay to take chances, because if we don’t we won’t get anywhere in life. Thank you Kelsey! You’re AMAZING!

MY MENTOR

I don’t think anyone is as blessed as me, because I have such wonderful people to look up to and help me. This is my WONDERFUL sister Janice. She is amazing. While mom worked, she was our mom. She had a lot of responsibility placed on her shoulders at such a young age. She has been through so much, and has not had any help. If something could go wrong, it would go wrong with her. It never seemed like she could ever get a break in life. It was always one trial after another. She was always worse off than others, but she still seemed to keep her chin up. Now, she has a thirteen and three year old. That says it all! Life trials were not bad enough, but now she gets a toddler and a teenager. My sister has always been a ‘tomboy’ I guess you could say. It was all sports and hard work for her. She helped me realize that if you want something in this world, you have to go out and get it for yourself, because it does not just come. She’s the mediator in our family. Everyone talks with her. She’s the one we all trust and respect her opinion. She’s, kind of like, the glue that keeps us all together, and without her, we would not know what to do with ourselves. I love her so much and am grateful for her honesty and love she constantly gives! Love my SISTER!

MY MENTOR

This is the kind of picture you post, when your mom does not want to give you any other pictures; the day she brings you into the world, 25 almost 26 years ago. As you can tell, that’s little me on her arm. Oh how I love my mother. She has done so much for me, the rest of the kids, and she did it on her own. My parents divorced when I was three. My mom lost my brother, Seth, in a house fire, one lived with my dad, and the rest she raised. This is one remarkable woman. She worked hard her whole life to give us kids everything we ever wanted. I remember on Christmas day, the living room would be filled with presents. She bought us new clothes for school, I remember setting them on the couch the night before school started. She never gave up. She may have been a single mom with seven kids, but she made it work. I can’t imagine the struggles she must have faced spiritually and mentally, but she kept fighting. She loved us children more than she loved herself. She still does! She has shown me what it’s like to work hard. I go through life, working hard, and not giving up, because I know if she can do it with seven kids, I should be able to do it on my own.

MY MENTOR

This is the face of pure charity; also, known as Hannah, my niece! She is as sweet as she looks. I have never known a sweeter spirit. She is always the first person to help you with anything. She always thinks about others, and rarely herself. She has a light within her that you cannot help but let it in. If she smiles at you, there’s no way you cannot smile back. If everyone had her charity, this would be a perfect world. She’s very honest in what she tells you, but that’s what makes her even more cute. She’s not afraid to let you know what she thinks. You know she does not say it to offend, she says it because she loves you, and you cannot help but try and be better around her. She has a Christ-like love that most of us forget, or fail to act upon in our lives.

MY MENTOR

My beloved sister, Lonna! I would not be who I am without her. She has been my strength, my earthly angel. She has been at my side throughout my entire life. Whenever I needed strength, she was there for me. I our bond was made at birth of course, but more so July 6, 1991. This was the day we were baptized together in Grants Pass, Oregon. There was a spiritual bond. We have been through a lot together, but it has always been together. We struggled making the right choices, more me than her. I was living a sinful life, and she was on the strait and narrow. Her decisions made me want to be a better person, and a guiding light for others. I have had no greater blessing than my sister. She continues to teach me with her outlook on life, and love she has for everyone. Her faith and strength is contagious, so there’s no question why I’m succeeding in life. It’s because I have her as my sister.

MY MENTOR

This is my sister-in-law Tawnia! She is one of my mentors. She has been one of my guiding lights. She is two years older than me, but has four children. How does she do it? I can barely handle school, homework, and work. She seems to juggle four kids, housework, a husband (A stubborn one at that. I can say that, he’s my brother! It runs in our family.), and all the tasks of being a mom. Those kids have so much energy, but she makes it work. There’s no doubt she has the Lord on her side. What surprises me more is that she always keeps in good spirits. With the weight she carries around, it does not show, because she bears it with joy and thanksgiving! That is why she is one of my mentors.

#1 MENTOR:GOD

I wouldn't be anything in this world without God. He allows me to have life in this world. He grants me every breath I take. I could never be more grateful. He has given me a belief, that brings miracles into my life. He has given me the most amazing family, that I love so much. He sent for his son Jesus Christ, that we might return to live in his Presence. Christ continues to be a beacon of light. He shows us through his actions what our Father is like. They are one in purpose, but very much two separate beings. The Father sent his son to give us someone to try and be like, and earthly figure. God gives us everything we ask for and are faithful enough to receive. I know I must learn to give everything I can possibly give, because after all, nothing I have is mine. He's given me EVERYTHING! I must learn to sacrifice what I have for a greater cause. I must learn to look deeper, when I meet people, and not be so judgmental. I need to look for the son or daughter of God, and not at who they appear, at first, to be.

I will get there!

How do you juggle kids, husband, housework, and still keep your head above water?

My sister-in-law, Tawnia, says, “Mostly, for one, I start with prayer. I can tell the difference when I start with prayer or not. You have to know everything is going to work out. It’s hard to focus, but I can’t lose my focus.” She then tells me about a quote she read from Sister Hinckley, “I can either cry about it or laugh about it, but crying gives me headaches.”

What do you do when you are completely stressed?

I asked Tawnia this, and she already does well, what I’m trying to learn how to do. She said, “Sometimes I have to take a step back. I have to either go in my room, by myself, or do a lot of positive self talk. I’ll usually call someone and talk with them, because I have to let it out. I’ve noticed that when I do what I’m supposed to do, it helps; like read my scriptures, and say my prayers. Sometimes I have to write it down, and it usually starts out bad, but mostly my thought come out good in the end. “

How do you keep a positive attitude when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction?

She talked about how she needed to enjoy the little moments. She referred to Elder M. Russell Ballard’s talk in The April 2008 General Conference. He quoted Anna Quindlen, “I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”

Best way to not take out frustrations on others?

This goes back to the positive self talk and being alone in her room. She has four children so she can’t go far. They will follow. She also likes to vent to her sisters, just so she gets it off her shoulders, but it doesn’t result into yelling at her children.

This is why I look up to Tawnia. She is amazing at being patient and loving. I have been on the other end of the phone when she is stressed, but she keeps a smile and doesn’t let the little things get the better of her.

I BELIEVE...

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt."
-Abraham Lincoln

Scientists have found the gene for shyness. They would have found it years ago, but it was hiding behind a couple of other genes. - Jonathan Katz

This sums it up for me. I may be shy, but I don't have to worry about looking like a fool. I'd rather hide behind. I don't know where it all began, but it happened, and now I suffer. I'm thought of as arrogant or stuck up. I suffer, because instead of making friends, I sit alone and think of ways to keep myself busy. It's nice to have quiet, but to much quiet is just loneliness.

I BELIEVE...

Trials make us stronger. It's only by getting up everytime we fall that we accomplish our goals. I remember a story I read a lot as I served a mission. It was about a boy running a race. As he ran he fell, but he got up and kept running, but fell again. He still got up and started running trying to catch up with the other runners, when he fell again. He was about to give up, but he heard his father in the stands telling him to get up, get up. The boy rose and finished the race. He didn't come in first or second. He was the last one, but HE FINISHED. Trials may be there, but if we rise each time we fall, we WILL finish. Our Father in heaven is there cheering us on, because he knows we can make it, and that is why I'm still running.

I BELIEVE...

"Do not be like servants who serve their masters expecting to receive a reward; be rather like servants who serve their master unconditionally, with no thought of reward."
- Antigonus of Sokho

Service is how we find not only ourselves, but the person God wants us to be.
Give because you are thankful, not because you want something.(I made that up myself)

I BELIEVE...

"Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality." - President Thomas S. Monson

I like the saying "Prayer...when life gets to hard to stand, kneel." Only through earnest prayer can we find strength and guidance. All that I am today, I owe to my Father in heaven, because he answered my prayers.

I BELIEVE...

I have a fear of failure...Yet, something I heard in class made me think about failure. "All the times you didn't succeed, you were learning how to be successful." Ever since I had a teacher tell me I was stupid, I had a fear of doing bad in everything I did. I can't even get a "B" in class without becoming frustrated. Yet, in life, I feel I'm beginning to be successful, because I have a wonderful family that I love, and they love me, I HOPE!

I BELIEVE...

Change happens whether you're ready for it or not. If you're not careful life will pass you by. Twenty-four years went in the blink of an eye; yet, I have a lot to look back on. In this amount of time, I've moved more times than I can count, and more places than I can name, but I've learned who I am, and why life is so important.

I BELIEVE...

"As we cleanse the inner vessel, there will have to be changes made in our own personal lives, in our families, and in the Church. The proud do not change to improve, but defend their position by rationalizing. Repentance means change, and it takes a humble person to change. But we can do it." - President Ezra Taft Benson

Repentance has allowed me to find a joy within my heart I never thought was possible to feel ever again.

I BELIEVE...

The House of the Lord...Holiness to the Lord-This is my heaven on earth. A place for worthy LDS members to go and join families together for eternity. Since family is most important to me next to God and Christ, I want all to be given the opportunity to have their families for eternity. I feel God's love even strong when I enter the temple.

I BELIEVE...

The Word of God is what helps us find out who we are, and keeps us focused in this life. They help us come closer to our Father in heaven, and his son Jesus Christ. It's where I go to find peace and a strength to keep going!

I BELIEVE...

"The Savior’s atonement in the garden and on the cross is intimate as well as infinite. Infinite in that it spans the eternities. Intimate in that the Savior felt each person’s pains, sufferings, and sicknesses. Consequently, he knows how to carry our sorrows and relieve our burdens that we might be healed from within, made whole persons, and receive everlasting joy in his kingdom," --Merrill J. Bateman

I BELIEVE...

While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences for our actions. -Stephen R. Covey