Sugoi!

Coincidence?

2010-09-14T10:43:00.002-07:00

So I sat down in a comfy looking chair in the library at school. Somewhere I only go the print documents and then leave. Which is amazing considering my love for books. Well I'm browsing the internet for a while and look up to give my eyes a rest when what do I see? Several books on fantasy writers and writing. My favorite kind of literature. Literally within arms length of where I arbitrarily decided to sit.

So is it coincidence or fate? Who cares! I'm grabbing a book and settling in for a few hours....

Be of Good Cheer!

2010-07-13T12:06:00.002-07:00

"These things I ave spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of GOOD CHEER, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

This month has been a trying one. I will spare everyone all the details because really it doesn't matter. I read this scripture today and it really spoke to me. Of course there will be trials, there will always be trials but don't fret too much of it, BE OF GOOD CHEER, the Lord has overcome the world and through him we too may overcome the world and the trials we will experience here. Isn't it wonderful to be part of this gospel, to have that knowledge that we can be of good cheer and face the adversities of this life.

Impossible

2010-06-18T08:29:00.004-07:00

Alice laughed. `There's no use trying,' she said `one ca'n't believe impossible things.'

`I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. `When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.' (Lewis Carrol, Through the Looking Glass)

I've always love science fiction and fantasy. It dreams up the impossible and makes it possible. My favorite reference for this is Star Trek. While it's not my favorite work of science fiction for my purposes now it more than illustrates my point. When Star Trek first aired cell phones, bluetooth technology, and voice recognition software were only ever dreamed of and automatic doors( H G Wells writes about this in 1899) were just hitting the market. Today we are on our way to creating realistic holograms, tricorders (devices to sense and analyse chemical elements and life forms, record massive amount of audio and video and shift through the materiel fairly quickly), universal translators, and LaForge's Visor.

The creators of Star Trek and many other sci-fi works dreamed the impossible and challenged science to make it possible.

I often find myself dreaming about the impossible, whether it is in the realm of science fiction or fantasy. I definitely think about it more than the half hour that the White Queen suggests and find that when I dream of the impossible I can see the world around me in a different light.

Don't shy away from ideas because someone says they are impossible. Make them possible.

The ity's

2010-06-17T19:18:00.002-07:00

ity - a quality, state, or degree of being

H. David Burton said "Virtuous traits form a foundation of a Christlike life and are an outward manifestation of the inner man" and "if virtues are lost, families will be miserably weakened, individual faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will soften, and important eternal relationships may be jeopardized."

So what are the virtuous traits or ity's as he calls them.

Integrity - "the light that shines form a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us."
- David O McKay
Humanity - the quality of being humane, kind, benevolent

Charity - the pure love of Christ

Spirituality - "... learning how to listen to the spirit and letting it govern our lives."
- Carol B Thomas

Accountability - choice and accountability are inseparable, there can be not choice there is no consequences good or bad and there can be consequences if we are not held accountable for those choices. "If me were merely animals, the logic favors freedom without accountability."
- Boyd K Packer

Civility - "... we are so 'at home' we forget simple civility... criticizing one another, losing our tempers, and behaving selfishly." - Wayne S Peterson

Humility - "True humility will inevitably lead us to say to God 'Thy will be done'."
- Marlin K Jensen

Fidelity - "...depends, not upon formal vows, but upon an inherent sense of decency and honor."
- Harold B Lee
"We pledge eternal fidelity as we kneel at that sacred altar."
- Matthew Cowley

and many more. What else can you add?

Two in one day...

2010-06-16T15:59:00.002-07:00

I wanted to add a fun little story to my last post but thought it would be too much.

During our lunch break yesterday they took us to the cafe on campus to introduce us to the food and let us wander around the club booths that were set up. After seeing the booths and getting my salad I began looking for a place to sit. There wasn't many open places as a large number of students brought friends or parents with them. Finally, deciding I didn't want to eat at a table by myself, I sat down at a table with a friendly looking mother - daughter duo and introduced myself. We exchanged pleseantries and found out that we are have the exact same major - Mass Communication with a concetration in Journalism. Needless to say we had a lot to talk about over lunch.

Later in the day we split from our orientation groups into our individual majors to get registered for class. My major was the last one called, almost forgotten about as a matter of fact, and when we stood to go me and my lunch buddy were the only two! Of all the people I could have eaten lunch with I chose the only other person in our whole orientation group in my major!!!

This is what happens when I follow those little feeling (aka the Holy Ghost's promptings) I elaborated on in my Sunburn post.

The Next Step

2010-06-16T15:48:00.002-07:00

I've been putting of school for a long time now. I went for a while when I worked for the University of Phoenix but that was only because it was free and convienent and I didn't bother to take any classes that would do me any good.

When I quit my job and school and moved to Alabama I felt like something was missing. Of course something was missing, I'd just left a busy city life of full time work and full time school for a quiet country life. Don't get me wrong I love the quiet country life, the soft breezes, the wonderful smells, the sounds of frogs out my back window, two lane highways, and having to drive forever along those two lane highways to get anywhere; but with all that is good there was still something missing. I've been searching for employment since coming here almost a year ago and have come up empty, even when the odds were stacked in my favor and everything seemed right I just never got that job.

Recently I decided to put all my free time to work for me by going back to school. So I applied for admissions to the University of Montevallo, the closest university to me and it just happens to be an awesome school, and I got in. I didn't think I wouldn't, in fact it didn't even occur to me that I wouldn't, maybe that was a little arrogant, or just confidant, I'll let you decide. When I got the letter however a little thrill went through me, see I never went through the whole college thing after high school, I never even applied to colleges, so to get an acceptance letter was new and exciting. I immediately jumped into action getting everything squared away to start school. I still wasn't entirely sure that this could fill in what was missing but it was something.

Yesterday I had new student orientation. Just being on the campus, moving forward with me life and meeting new people gave me a sense of pride. I started to feel like that something missing was being filled in.

I decided after some much needed reflection and prayer that all my frustrations with job hunting, being so close to so many jobs but never getting one, was a push that I needed to go back to school and that this school is where I needed to go back to.

Now, if only we can figure out why Kevin can't find a job. :)

Sunshine, angry Ohioans, and one awesome Police Cheif

2010-06-10T19:26:00.002-07:00

I'm a red head. Fair skin, blue eyes, blonde eyelashes, the works. So why is it that I never remember to cover up in the sun. I'm from Arizona, I had a perpetual sunburn for my entire childhood. And yet the lesson never sticks. I never rememeber sunscreen and a hat when it really counts.

Today was one of those days. Burnt to a crips, stick a fork in me I'm done, etc. I knew, when I was asked to sit on a corner holding up a sign for 8 hours a day for three days that sunshine and me don't mix. I thought I was prepared, I had my iPod for music, my sister for company, water to hydrate and an umbrella that was almost more trouble than it was worth. I had a feeling this morning that I needed to bring a hat, put on sunblock, wear long pants, cover up more in general, of course obstinate me I didn't listen. Now I'm paying for.

There are a lot of life lessons to be learned from my experience holding that sign on that corner today. First, listen when you feel like you need to do something or you will get burned, sometimes quite literally. Second, even if their nice to your face their secretly hoping you do get burned. That's where the angry Ohioan comes in. See we were paid by a guy in our ward that own a pawn shop to sit and advertize his business while some big out of state company tried to set up a gold buying convention just up the road. He really just wanted to piss the people off and make them feel unwelcome in our little town. Afterall, if Ohio got his business what was he going to do. The manager of this little Ohio operation decided after watching us for an hour to come talk to me, sike me out I guess. He had a smile plastered on his face just waiting for me to crack. Of course I was on to him and didn't let him get to me. Though I did get burned, we just won't let him know. ;)

Shortly after his visit I recieved another very friendly visit from the chief of police. They had recieved, "8,000" calls from the Ohio operation this morning and thought he would make sure we were doing ok. He didn't like their operation any more than we did! He assured us that state law wouldn't allow them to continue their operation after next month, wished us well and went on his way. Lesson three, small towns rock. We have to stick together and depend on each other to survive.

So, next time I have the feeling I'll follow, I won't trust someone because of a smile and I'll remember to get the back of my neighbors when they need it.

Visiting Teaching

2009-05-13T20:41:00.002-07:00

Here is a really funny but still inspirational video about visiting teaching. I'm sure everyone, at some point can relate. I know I can. Sometimes we get so caught up in hitting the numbers of visiting teaching that we forget the purpose of it and the spirit behind it. I've been very blessed this year to have a wonderful partner that is such a wonderful visiting teacher. We have mostly inactive sisters so we don't always get in but she is always eager and happy to go and do what the Lord wants us. She has been a true inspiration to me and working with her has helped to grow my testimony of visiting teaching. It's important to remember why we visit teach. Doing it is a start but don't forget while you are doing it to go with the spirit and the Lord will work wonders through you!!

Anyway... watch it. Enjoy it.

Freebie on Mormon Mommy Writers

2009-05-11T16:56:00.002-07:00

Hey go check out Mormom Mommy Writers. They are giving away an author signed book. Check it out here.

Mothers

2009-05-10T15:41:00.002-07:00

Second post today! It's a special day. I wanted to post something about mothers and to my mother.

I work in primary so I'm always thinking of primary songs to go with everything. I think the songs have a beautiful and simple way of expressing the most heartfelt feelings. Here is one of my favorites about mothers:

Mother I Love You:

Mother I love you,
Mother I do,
Father in Heaven has sent me to you.
When I am near you,
I love to hear you,
Singing so softly that you love me too.

Mother I love you,
Mother I do,
I want to help you because I love you.
I want to mind you,
I want to find you,
Happy and Smiling because I love you.

Mother I love you,
I love you,
I do.

In the scriptures there are so many accounts of mothers teaching there children. My favorite is the Stripling warriors. Alma 56: 47 & 48. Everyone uses this scripture but I do really love it.

47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the aliberty of their bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their amothers, saying: We bdo not doubt our mothers knew it.

They knew because their mothers had raised them in righteousness and had taught them to trust in God. We learn so much through our mothers, through their example and their faith.

Everything I am I owe to my mom, she is so wonderful and her righteous example has taught me to trust in the Lord and turn to him in my life. I am so grateful for my mother and hope that one day when I have my own children I can half the mother she was.

Thank you Mom.

Elder Knight

2009-05-10T15:32:00.003-07:00

So I got to speak with my brother today over the phone. We generally exchange emails on Mondays but today because it was mother's day he gave me a call. I never realized how important he was to me and how important to me it was that he served a mission. I do not have any children of my own right now but I was the oldest girl of a somewhat large family. Though we have a great mom (post to come in honor of her) I still felt a motherly pull towards my younger siblings at times. I actually cried this morning, he called while we were still in bed, when I picked up my phone and saw a missed call from him. I am proud of him and honored that he thought to call me today. He's at such a wonderful point in his life. He has chosen well and is happily serving the Lord. It is so wonderful and such an example to me that he is so willingly serving on his mission.
When I talk about my brother to people at work that aren't members they are always stunned that a young man would sacrifice two of the best years of his life to serve a mission - leaving behind family, school, cars, girls, etc. I always love to explain that there is no greater thing in life than to serve the Lord and that having the opportuinity to wholly devote two years to that service is a wonderful thing. Of course then they usually have more questions about the gospel, which I eagerly respond to ;).
I'm grateful for my brother and his example to me and the rest of his family. I'm grateful for the gospel in my life and the understanding and that happiness that it brings to me and I really try to share it every chance I get.

Motor Vehicle Department

2009-04-25T16:03:00.004-07:00

Ok so this is just a rant.

I sold my car today to a kid in our ward, Benny. He needed a car and I didn't need to make any money off it so needless to say he got a really great deal. Well I woke up early this morning and started searching around for my title. I knew it had to to be one of two places otherwise I would never see it again and would have to get a duplicate title. So I searched through piles of paperwork, weeded through stacks of folders and old bills, until finally at the end of the pile there it was crumpled and folded and generally discarded and forgotten about. I pull it out, straighten out as much as a I can, trying to make it look like I actually cared about keeping it filed away nicely, and jumped in my new car to go get it notarized. I drive to the nearest open bank, figuring that they either had a notary or knew where one is. The first bank I stopped at didn't have one but they refered me to another bank just up the street that could help me. Well I get to that bank, wait in the everlastingly long, or so I thought, line to see the notary. I finally get helped and she's pulling out all her books and stamps and whatnot when she sees that it is the title to a car. "We don't do those anymore, ADOT requires you to go to the MVD to get those done now because it is a transfer of ownership." She said to me politly and apologetically. When did that change? Now I have to go stand in line at the MVD just to get something notarized. Ey ey ey. Well it was still early so I hoped that the lines were short, I called up my husband to rant to him a bit and tell him I would be longer than I thought. He then suggested that I just take Benny along with me so I can help him get it registered and get everything knocked out at once. Great idea I think so we call up Benny to get him to come and he isn't even awake yet. So much for getting to the MVD before the lines are long. Three or so hours later he calls up proclaiming that he is ready to go. By this time I guessed the lines were pretty long but what the heck it had to be done. I drive over to pick him up and process to the ONLY office in the area that is open on a Saturday. Whoever thought that only one office in a 20 mile radius should be open on a Saturday of all days wasn't really thinking. The line is snaking out the door and down the entire length of the building, I make Benny get out and stand in line, good call by the time I parked and got up there the line had almost doubled in length. Now this really was an everlastingly long line. Slowly we make our way up to the counter when the young lady behind it popped her gum in my face and asked very nonchalantly what I needed. I had to repeat myself twice before she finally understood. We get out ticket and find a seat. Now this particular MVD is quite large there are 33 windows and probably close to a hundred chairs, almost everyone of them full with several people standing around the edges. Of these 33 windows only about 15 of them were open. LESS THAN HALF! What kind of manager thinks, oh it's Saturday, we're the only office around that's open, less than half staff should do. ARGH! We sit there for almost 2 hours listening to one number after another being called while children run around screaming and sweaty guys try to squeeze by into a seat that really isn't meant to hold that much weight. (no offense to anyone) Finally our number is called. It's a glorious moment, relief floods through me and almost too quickly I jump from my chair toward the awaiting attendant. Our business only takes about 10 minutes but in the brief bit that she is quickly typing the information into the computer I overhear just exactly why it take so long (aside from less than half staffing) to get through the line. The converstation goes like this.

Employee: "Sir, I need you to select yes or no to the question."
Man: "I'm already registered."
Employee: "Ok sir but I still need you to select yes or no."
Man: "Well I don't know I told you I'm already registered."
Employee: "I understand that sir but I still need you to select yes or no."
Man: "Why? I'm already registered."
Employee: "Because we need all the questions answered. So would you like to register to vote?"
Man: "I'm already registered!"
Employee: "So is that a yes or a no?"
Man: "Yes I guess, I'm already registered."
Employee: "Ok you'll need to fill out this part of the form then."
Man: "I told you I'm already registered why do I need to do it again."
Employee: "Sir just tell me which party you want to register with and we can move on."
Man: "Democart but I'm already registered."
Employee: "Thank you sir by the way you can complete this paperwork online and you don't need to come into the office." He then hands him back his paperwork. "Ok just take this over to that counter and put it in the bin and wait for your name to be called."
Man: "Where?"
Employee: "Over there."
Man: "Oh ok and just wait for my name?"
Employee: "Yes sir that is what I just said. Have a nice day."

Ok, if you were that employee wouldn't you just advise the man to mark 'no' if he is already registered and move on instead of wasting precious time going back and forth like that?

So just to end and get back to my original point. The MVD sucks. State employees suck. It's all just one big circus.

Standing for Something....

2009-04-24T19:02:00.003-07:00

Recently Miss USA was crown, however that is not the story I, or anyone else want to hear. In fact, I don't even know her name or anything about her. There is one contestant however that I now respect and would have been proud to have as my Miss USA. Miss California, Carrie Prejean. In today's world it's so unfortunate and so common to pander to the whole, actually to pander to the very loud minority who gets offended at every turn. When too many people ride the line and are afraid to stand for their beliefs we see a degredation of those beliefs. They become less important to the individual and to society as a whole. Below is a segment from the Today show interviewing both Perez Hilton, the judge who asked the conterversial question, and Carrie Prejean. I love her response to the question at the end... "if you could do it all again, would you answer differently?" She was as sure of herself during that interview as she was during the pagent and she, in front of all of America, realizing it or not, bore strong testimony of her beliefs and of what she stood for. She was strong and immovable and someone that I highly respect and will always remember.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Cooking Adventures

2009-04-15T21:06:00.002-07:00

So it was time for grocery shopping, that daunting task that must be done. I usually rush around the store only paying slight attention to what I'm throwing into my cart. Today's trip was no different, get in - get out. I did spend a little extra time picking out the perfect ingredients for spagetti and garlic bread - that's big for me. I had a craving.

I get home, very excited to make a yummy homemade meal for the husband and I. I start the water boiling and turn to make some meatballs. About half way through the meatballs I smell something burning. I couldn't quite figure it out, after even I can't burn water. I turn around and there is a small fire burning under my favorite pot! I freak out and in the process of turning to take care of the fire I cut my finger. So I've got blood gushing from my finger and I'm trying to put out the fire. I saved the pot and the fire went out quickly. Turns out the cut wasn't so bad it just bled a lot.

Thank goodness for small miracles. I could have burnt my house down! Ok it wasn't even that close but it was still terrifying.

Dinner turned out great by the way. Lots of left overs so I'm hoping Kevin doesn't eat it after I go to bed so I can have it for lunch. Mmm...

writers blues

2009-04-14T18:48:00.003-07:00

So a few months ago, that would only be a few posts ago, I posted that I finished a book. Beginning, Middle, and End - characters, a plot and all. I've since then started to try to re-write, ah the re-write and write again. I've seen new characters and plot twists. A whole new direction for this is unfolding before me. It feels almost like writing the first draft again. I don't know what's coming next. It's so exciting!!
Since I work full time most of my writing is done on my hour lunch and when I can sneak in sometime at work. For some reason it's easier to write there. Anyway I was telling a co-worker of mine about my book and asking for feedback on my ideas and the little I've written. (I'll prod for feedback from anywhere. I'm pretty shameless that way. ) She got so excited about the fact that I was writing a book, not the book itself mind you just that I was writing one. She noticed that I used several of my other co-workers names, not intentional mind you completely accidental. She of course wanted her name in there somewhere. So I changed one of the very minor characters names, so minor I was going to write them out, and just like that the character came to life for me! It was so bizzare. I didn't have need for this character, in fact I usually didn't even remember her name but now that she has a familiar name she has a personality and a part, she is really there now in the book. It's great. Well, Katie, this co-worker of mine got very excited about that and loved to read the parts with her name. Like a little kid. It was the funniest thing and the simplest, most unexpected forms of instant gratification.
It made it worth it to change a name, not only because it literally created a new character, it also got someone excited about my book.

Ok so this isn't really the writers blue but it started that way. Re-writes are tough. But apparently worth it.

One is the lonelinest number...

2009-04-14T18:45:00.002-07:00

So I logged onto my blog today noticed something different. For the first time since I've started my little blog I have a follower!!! I was surprised and amazed and thought I would mark this with a tribute to my lone follower. The one other person out there that cares!!! I'm only being slightly sarcastic as it is exciting to have a follower. So to Aubrie, Love Ya. Thanks for the support. I'll follow your blog anytime! LOL.

Now lets see if that follower actually does follow it and read it...

Let's try this again!

2009-04-13T18:14:00.002-07:00

Alright I'm going to try this blog thing again. I went to a writers workshop about a month ago and I took a class from a publisist that encouraged us to use blogs and social networking sights. So here we go!

We recently had to buy a new car. The old one finally just gave way. The transmission went out again - for the second time in two years! We test drove a car on Friday that over heated and died during the test drove. Umm I think not. We then went to an auction but yet again nothing. Running out of options we decided to take a little road trip and drive the two hours drive out to Globe and look at one we found that we liked and fit our needs. So we hit the road. Now mind you the weather forecast called for rain. But seriously this is Arizona, how often does it rain, and when it does it comes and goes quickly. Well guess what - it rained!!! It poured! The rain was coming down so bad the whole way that we could barely see the car in front of us. We got there saftely and it turned out that the car was a right fit. In the end it was well worth it! And another fun adventure! I'll post pictures of the car at some point.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Little Purple Bar

2008-11-26T16:44:00.004-07:00

I did it!! I finished a book and won NaNo. To find out more about NaNorWriMo or National Novel Writers Month go to nanorwrimo.org. Anyway, it's done and I have a finished book, though the finished book isn't very good. In fact it's pretty much crap but that doesn't matter what matters is that I did it. By the way for those of you that wanted to read it when it was done are going to have to wait a few months. It has at least one rewrite to go before it's ready for other eyes. I'll let you know when it's done. In the mean time I plan on relaxing and reading. Ok that was a little lie, I had a brilliant idea for another book. Yes, I just finished one and I'm starting another one. My friends at work are thinking of taking me to the crazy hospital. It's exciting though to create something like this.

Look my pretty winners badge!

Twilight

2008-11-21T20:36:00.002-07:00

So last night my good friend Crystal and I decided to have a girls night out and see the midnight showing of Twilight. The girls night out part of the night was very enjoyable. We hung out and gabbed, it was like we were sixteen again. I think everyone needs a night like that just once in a while. However, the movie portion of the evening was, well, less than satisfactory.
The Twilight movie was an insult to the books. Not even comparing it to the book, just looking at is as a movie and taking it for what it is, it was terrible. I do no recommend it. Though there were good parts, James for example did an excellent job being the antagonist in the story, he was about the only one who could really act and live up to their part and portrayed it well. Just in case you were thinking of going to see it, save yourself some money and time and don't.

Thanks for listening to my short rant!

Been Awhile

2008-10-12T16:05:00.002-07:00

So it's been awhile since I've posted anything, not much going on in our little universe. We did move a few weeks ago. I like our new place, it's much bigger and we have a litte yard, we are going to try to start a garden, we'll see how that goes. It's much brighter in this place too, our last apartment felt like a cramped dungeon. Now we have just enough room to feel comfortable. We are planning a camping trip to the Flagstaff area this weekend, my husband informs me today that he made plans with the Wilson's to go camping with them, that will be fun, I'll post pictures. Speaking of pictures, I was going through the pictures on my computer looking for a new backround picture and I found the funniest picture of my dad from this time last year. It's from our ward's fall fesitival. Kevin and I dressed up as a pimp and his ho and my dad decided to mix and match our accessories. It's timeless, take a look:

"I hope they call me on Mission"

2008-09-06T23:35:00.002-07:00

So Skylar got his mission call last week. He has been called to serve in the Albuquerque, NM mission. He leaves on December 3 and is very excited. He has really grown up in the last year and we are all very proud and excited for him.

Salt Lake

2008-09-02T19:11:00.027-07:00

So we just got back from a trip to Salt Lake City to visit my brother and sister in-law and my new nephew. It was a blast!! Here are some pictures that we took while we were there!

We stopped at the Hoover Dam on the way up.

Along the way we saw the St George Temple and stopped for pictures.

We also stopped in Provo and took the boys to the MTC and Provo Temple to take pictures and let them see where they will go one day ;).

Finally we get to Salt Lake and spend the next day at Temple Square just taking in the beauty.

While we were there Benny and Will met up with the Thomas', Jake was Benny and Will missionary when they were taking the discussions.

That night Kevin, William and I went to dinner at the Mayan with Jedi, Aubrie and Tucker.

On Sunday the boys went to the State Capital and got some great pictures.

On Monday before we left we ate at the First KFC.

Overall it was a wonderful trip. We all had a lot of fun and had a great experience.

Sunaes on Broadway

2008-08-24T14:50:00.010-07:00

So our ward tries to do monthly ward parties and this month it was Sundaes on Broadway, we had of course, ice cream sundaes and performances of Broadway musicals by several different talents.

The men were invited to sing "Somewhere over the Rainbow". It was the funniest thing, you can't really hear it but somewhere in there Kevin says "tornado" and "there's no place like home" and clicks his heals together.

Marla Stringham our RS president does a wonderful solo and then trips. Just watch.

Last but not least in honor of the Olympics the YW leaders did a syncro act

Boys will be boys... even at 28

2008-08-21T20:17:00.002-07:00

So a week or two ago our ward had their annual youth lake trip, the boys go the night before and camp and the girls go up to meet them. Kevin of course being the deacons adviser and the 2nd counselor in the presidency so of course he was there with the boys the night before and this year I drove up with the girls. The morning goes on and most of the leaders, me included are of course sitting on the shore under shade watch everyone have fun and play around. Well that just not Kevin's style so of course he is out in the lake playing with one of the boys like one of the boys, it was actually really fun to watch ;). Anyway there was giant tube that all the boys were playing with and climbing all over and fighting over. Well for a while the older boys had taken over the tube and the deacons were tired of being the underdog so they tried to take it over. So the battle began and then out of everything I hear my husband yell, "WE'RE THE DEACONS!!!" trying to get the older boys to relinqish the tube, not sure how that was supposed to do it but whatever. Well not even 10 minutes later they are still at it and Kevin is trying to regain control of the tube, like a game of king of the mountain. And agian out of everything going on we hear him above all only this time he yells "I AM A DEACON!!!"

Grandpa

2008-08-14T18:09:00.002-07:00

So my grandfather passed away today, and while it should be a sad time I can't help but feel greatful. I am greatful for the gospel, for the plan of salvation and that I know that this life is not the end. People at work can't believe that I would feel that way about his death but he is in a better place now that he was his last few months on earth. It is so wonderful to know that this life has meaning and that when you pass from it it is not the end.

More about my grandfather, I think my best memory of him is fishing and gum, we called them gumma and gumpa because they would always without fail have gum for us, it was the sugar free pink bubble gum, everytime I chew it, it takes me back.

Life is a Luau

2008-08-03T19:02:00.002-07:00

So my dad's motto in life is Life is a Luau and as with that he wears Hawaiian shirts every chance he gets, if fact he wanted to wear one to my wedding, my mom wouldn't let him so he bought a Hawaiian tie. Anway long story short he bought my nephew Tucker a Hawaiian shirt and shorts to go with. It's the cutest thing ever!!!

Small Miracles

2008-07-23T19:24:00.002-07:00

At work the topic of religon comes up frequently and at one point someone said there is no way that God can be real because miracles don't happen anymore, I begged to differ, small miracles happen everyday. I thought of this again today after a phone call from my parents. I have very recently been stress out due to money troubles, who isn't right? Anyway we were going be short a great deal of money for next month and I had been praying for sometime about what we were going to do and today my parents called to inform me that my grandfather has sent them money to divide up among their children and that I would be getting twice what we actually needed. It's the small miracles when I need them the most that remind me who I am and that my Father in Heaven knows me and my needs.

All by myself...

2008-07-22T18:55:00.002-07:00

So my husband is away at scout camp this week leaving me to myself in my suddenly way to big apartment. When "the ladies" at work heard that my husband was going to be gone for a week their responses were "oh it must be nice to have your apartment to yourself for a week" or "oh I wish my husband would go away for a week". I couldn't believe what I heard, I don't want my husband gone for a week!! I love him and even more I like him, I like to have him here, I like to come home and have him listen to my latest rant about work.
Kevin... I love you and want you to know that I am her to support you in all your endevours!

Pioneers

2008-07-19T09:56:00.002-07:00

This coming week is my church's pioneer day celebration so last night was our ward party to commerate it. We had to start out and load up our hand card organize our families and begin our journey. We went around to different stations to see how the pioneers lived and to hear stories about some handcart companies and a few determined pioneers.

We got to turn butter, that was interesting and easier than I thought it would be. We had a race in our handcart company between some of our youth, of course none of them had to get the patience to go till it was done but in the end we got some fresh turned butter to have and it was good.

Our next stop was to hear stories about pioneers, the relief society president tells a story that brings me to tears everytime I hear it about her great great grandmother and how she came to be in the Salt Lake Valley. I don't remember the womans name so I will call her Sue. Sue's family was from Denmark and they were taught by missionaries in the early days of the church, were converted and wanted to go to Zion. Unfortunately since there were nine children they could not go all at once so they paired the children up and sent 2 at a time. The two oldest went first to set up a home there and help get things settled for the rest of the family. The next to go was Sue, she was 11. Since there was 9 children one had to go by themselves and they decided that was Sue. Some missionaries were on their way to the States so the took Sue along, she had a very long, very lonely boat ride from Europe to the states and once there she made it all the way to St Louis with these missionaries but after that they said they could no longer let her tag along and set her up with a nice family to work for. So at 11 she found herself in St Louis with a family that while nice, was entirely unfamilar. She became their nurse maid, help, she cleaned and took care of the kids and in return they gave a place to stay food to eat and an income. After 2 years with this family she decided she had saved up enough money and at 13 began to walk to Council Bluffs, which for those who don't know is at the complete opossite side of the state. She did finally make it to the great Salt Lake Valley and lifed a long happy life there but it didn't come without trials and perserverance. The strength and faith that these pioneers had was amazing, I am truely grateful for their sacrifices that helped build the Kingdom of God on this earth and I am equally greatful to be a part of it and to help the work move foward in this day.

Our next stop along the trail was our game room, we got to play some of the games the pioneers loved. First was the.., well I don't know what it was called, but we had to race to hammer a nail into some wood, Kevin won everyone he did!! I lost everyone but that's ok, he'll do the hammering in the family, lol. Next we did the..., oh I can't remember what this one is called either, it is where you sit feet to feet and pull on a stick to try to pull the other one over. Anyway, seeing as Kevin and I are incredibly competitive with each other we had a go, after a little stuggle, although he'll say it wasn't but the look on his face said otherwise, he did win, and went on to win several other after that. I think he really likes to win, lol.

After that we heard more stories and ended in Zion for some miggling and cobbler, I made a peach cobbler but it didn't turn out very good, I used to much cake mix and butter for the crumbly crust, oh well, I'm sure it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. During all our fun of finally making it to Zion the relief society president of my ward came up and pointed out that the hair line of the first presidency and the hair lines of our bishop brick are exactly the same, Bro Hunsaker pointed it out to her, leave it up to bro Hunsaker to notice something like that. LOL!

Oil

2008-07-17T18:22:00.002-07:00

So my dad has a website blog concerning the current oil prices and what we can do about it. He is a-knoyd with the currect oil situation and has started a gress roots compain to do something about it. Visit www.knoyd.com to see what you can do!

More Tucker

2008-07-17T18:13:00.002-07:00

Here are some more pictures of my nephew Tucker....

Opps

2008-07-16T20:44:00.002-07:00

Ok lets try this again....

Thats better...lol

Tucker

2008-07-16T20:33:00.002-07:00

This is baby Tucker, he is the cutest little new born. He was 7lbs 14oz, 22 1/2in. We are taking a little vacation and going up to see them for labor day weekend I can't wait. I'll have pictures from that as well.

New Life

2008-07-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

So my brother and sister in law had their baby today... healthy little boy named Tucker Robert Knight. He is adorable, I'll post pictures later. It got me thinking today though on how fast time flies by. It seems like just yesterday Jedi and I were walking to school together and now he's got a wife and kid, I'm married, little kinsman that I used to hold is to big to be held by anyone, lol. Skylar is getting ready to go on a missions and Auvie is close to being an adult. It's amazing that time has gone by so fast.