Love/Hate

Liam: "She hit me" (mad voice)
Layla: "Liam hit me Mom" (insert huge alligator tears)
Liam: "Layla do this you scurvy dog" (this is said in a mean and bossy pirate voice)
Layla: "Well you can't play with my pet shops" (this might bother him a little more if petshops were dressed like ninjas or pirates)

Ohhh siblings. Two of the best things that ever happened to me were my sisters. Or better yet, one of the best things that ever happened to my sisters was me :). They are my best friends, nothing compares to the bond I have with them. A majority of my most happy and funniest memories involve April and Tara. Funny now because I can't believe what we would say or do to each other. But there has been and always will be a loyalty there that will never go away. They are who I call when I am happy, sad, or bored.They are my best friends.
I was talking to my Aunt Elaine who just lost her wonderful sister, Pauline to cancer. It happened fast. I can't imagine the hole she has in her heart for her sister. At the same time I know Elaine is a product of Pauline, Pauline was a product of Elaine. They have made each other who they are today. Through thick and thin they have always had each other. My Aunt took care of Pauline as she lost her battle with cancer. I know my Aunt has a very special angel looking after her. Pauline is still fulfilling her big sister role and is still very involved in her sisters life. How blessed they are to have each other weather it be on earth or in the heavens. I am sure they will have a happy reunion one day. I can't imagine the joy they will feel.
When my Mom was in her mid-twenties she was interning at the mayo-clinic. She had a day where she felt something was wrong. It was like there was a dark cloud in the room. She found out later her brother Chris had been in a car accident. He died several days later. When I hear my Mom talk of him her voice and words are filled with love and respect. She looked up to her brother and always will. There's a bond between siblings that can't be put into words.

Liam and Layla,
After a morning of fighting here is how it all ended. Liam you screamed with joy for Layla when you realized she could climb the rock wall. Layla, you remembered to thank Liam for his help with so much excitement. You laughed and laughed as you went down the slide together. You sat side by side as you enjoyed your favorite snack while you talked about things that only a 2 and 4 year old would understand. Always make memories like this, always watch out for each other, always have gratitude for one another, and never let anything come in between you. I have seen many tender brother sister moments with you two, it happens daily. The love you have one another is genuine. Be quick to forgive and quick to apologize. Never let ANYTHING or ANYONE (I don't care who it is) come in between your relationship with each other. You two were made for each other.
Love you both,
Mom

Music...

The truth is I have bought maybe 5 CD's in my whole life. I have never downloaded a song. I do like music... What I prefer is country, I LOVE Jewel although she has some really weird songs. I also like Alison Krauss and Sarah McLachlan.  Maybe what I like is called coffee house music? People who are into music are most likely laughing because I have no idea what I am talking about. I will stop here.

Day 9

Something I am proud of in the last few days... I am grateful for good conversation's with my friends and family that give hope. Although the purpose of the conversation may be a hardship they are facing I am inspired by their strength and optimisim. I am grateful they feel comfortable discussing such sensitive topics with me and hope I can bring some light to their trial. I love you, admire you, and treasure our relationship. They would do the same for me.

Goals, Goals, Goals

I am full of ideas and goals. As far as realistic goals...well that's a hard one. I realized as I thought about this post how healthy it would be for me to set some goals each month. For the next month I hope to talk kind of others, I hope to go out of my way to show others I care, and lastly (last because I hate the idea) I want to get all the smudges of my walls, furniture, and light switches that don't belong there. I also want to wipe down all the insides of my drawers and shelves. I can do it! I think...

Someone Who Has Influenced Me

Not to long ago I knelt in prayer. It was one of those times where I felt alone and confused. During that prayer I was completely filled with a feeling of love and understanding that Christ had for me. I knew then that everything was going to be OK. Although, I already "knew" that he loved and understood what I was going through it was absolutely wonderful to feel that. It wasn't the answer I was hoping for. It was even better. We are blessed with sacred experiences here and there through out our lives (if we are worthy or are striving to do what is right). I will never deny the way I felt at that moment, it was heaven sent. I am grateful for that experience. I will always hold onto it.


I will always love this picture. It speaks to me. It's hard for me to put into words what it makes me feel but I will try. I picture my life with out my understanding of our Savior, Jesus Christ and what comes to mind is complete despair. I have had times in my life where I felt like I could do it on my own. At the time I felt everything was fine, my life to others and me in a sense seemed perfect. But I was not who I should of been, or who I could of  been. Looking back I see what I was missing out on. I will never have that period of my life back. The peace and comfort I have from learning more of him, from trying to be more like him is what gets me through life. It makes me a much better person. I picture a innocent little lamb lost and confused. What safety that lamb feels as he his held in our Saviors arms. I am comforted to know that lamb represents me, my children, my spouse, my sisters, my parents, my friends, and even those who have hurt me. If we let him in and truly try (I know it isn't always easy) through that humility we will have great peace. A peace that only comes through a true testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ is completely selfless and full of a never ending love. I try to be like him, I want to be just like him. I have to remind myself that the journey through life isn't always easy or fair. It at times requires great faith but as we overcome these difficulties we grow to be more like him. I may stumble along the way but I will stand back up and continue to try because the gospel is what brings true happiness.

5 Fav TV Shows

1. Monk
2. Mentalist
3. The Wonder Years
4. HGTV Dream Home
5. AFV

Somewhere I have been...

I have been blessed to be able to go to Argentina several times throughout my life. It is wonderful ONCE you are there. To get down to the ranch we visit is a PAIN... Josh and I got engaged there. I haven't been since. We stay in cabins, fly fish, RIDE HORSES, and enjoy the tranquility of being around nothing but the noise of nature and no one but who you went down there with (plus a few Gaucho's). The food is delicious and completely organic, the people are great, and Patagonia is beautiful.

Bad Habit

A habit I wish I didn't have would be not following through with different things. I seem to be full of ideas and like to dive into anything that crosses my mind. I am learning to try new things but in moderation. For instance I am starting a garden. Instead of going all out I am going to just start out with one small garden bed. I would love to have a beautiful backyard full of life but lets face it, I am easily distracted. I love something new and when the new wears off I jump to the next thing. I like change a little to much :)

Friends

Today's post is suppose to be a picture of my friends... Well the truth is I don't have any pictures. I hope that still means I have friends :) The truth is when we are together we typically have a ton of little ones running around. If we do snap a picture it is of them not us. Considering someone is usually pregnant, sick, didn't have time to do the hair etc.
Over the past 5 years I have truly made some of my dearest friends. They all make me a better person. They are kind to others and because of that I know I can trust them. They don't mock or criticize people who are different from themselves. I have learned that it is ok to be picky about who your friends are. It is actually healthy. Even though we are all now adults we may not always act that way. I know I am not perfect, I don't expect them to be perfect either just trying there hardest and want nothing but the best for those around them.
I often time look back on friends a grew up with and the friends I had in college. Many of our paths have gone different ways. By the time I keep in contact with all of our family and friends who live near to us it leaves me literally no time to keep up with those I was close with in Colorado. It doesn't mean I don't love or respect them. I do, most of them will always have a special place in my heart. They shaped me as a person. At this stage in my life considering where I live and being strong in the church I find myself being friends with people of my faith, for the most part. I am pretty sure the friends I grew up with have a very small if any understanding of my faith. What they do know I assume isn't very accurate. Although we may have different spiritual beliefs some of the best people I have known have been a different religion then my own. I am grateful for who they are. I hope they could say the same about me. I hope they know that what makes me who I am is my family, my friends and most importantly my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and of our modern day Prophet President Thomas Monson. I hope to be like them kind, genuine, compassionate, charitable, humble, and the list goes on. All of these are characteristics I see in the friends who have blessed my life. Love you all!

Day 2

5 Things on my bucket list:
1. Get my hair cut
2. Clean out my car (feel free to do it for me)
3. Clean bathrooms
4. Get feeling better so I can exercise again
5. Read and pray every day first thing (it really makes a difference in my day)

Question 1

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

I know I have a few extra's but I have no pics of just me. It's actually pretty realistic. Good thing the extra's are my best quality :)

 
1. I love being a Mom (it is also the hardest thing I have EVER done)
2. I love being a wife (I have done an awful job at this the past year)
3. Josh and I are both willing to admit after 5 years we are each others best friend :)
4. I want to learn to do genealogy and plant a garden
5. I want to feel healthy all the time (this past year has been awful)
6. My dream job would be to be a realtor
7. The last thing I would ever want to lose in this life would be my testimony
8. I love to ride horses and ski
9. I have finally realized the meaning of a true friend these past few years
10. I love to go out to eat
11. I love to be with my sisters
12. I love sun shining in my windows
13. I have wonderful friends and sister-in-laws
14. My Mom, Dad and Mother in Law are three of my best friends
15. I want an awesome camera and to take photography classes

The Hot Seat

A QUESTION FOR 31 DAYS


My dear friend Samantha has been doing this on her blog. I thought I would give it a try. I have loved reading hers and it is a great way to get things out there that you don't normally think to write. It had some great questions that I find very interesting. I hope to stay on top of this. Feel free to do the same on your blog (I know I have very few readers but hey, it would be fun). Thanks Samantha!
day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

day 2- five things on your bucket list

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been

day 6- 5 favorite TV shows

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, anxious or mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

day 31- the best thing about being you