mission monday

Stopped at a park for a little fun time before an appt.

 

I know it’s been a while about me talking about my mission but my second companion has been on my mind and the difference she has made in my life. The blessings she was in so many ways so here goes a mission Monday on my second companion: my “greenie buster.”

Our Golden investigator! Most PRECIOUS experience!

CheyAnn Ross! What a wonderful companion. I actually had the privilege of having her as my companion twice but first she was my greenie buster. She was the perfect one for me. Let me explain a few things about Ross. If I could only pick two words to describe her I would say classy and confident. I have never met anyone that fits that classification better. Her confidence is the best kind too because she isn’t really effected by what others think and she isn’t cocky and self-idling. –In my opinion those that are confident in that way aren’t really truly confident because they are making up for something. Anyway she is so classy too. I can’t talk her up enough about how amazing she was. And being me- very UNclassy and very unconfident she was what made my world change and many paradigms shift.

A girl we thought was already a member- yet another GOLDEN
With amazing ward support.

Being a greenie I thought I knew way too much and my trainer was awesome and we were OBEDIENT! I had a skewed way of thinking and going to my new area I thought it would be the same. Now I am not saying we weren’t obedient but it was different. I remember writing home at the very beginning saying how nervous I was for the area and companion because it wasn’t going as I thought it should be. (Man I was so naive.) Ross being her confident self taught me one of the most valuable things I have held on to since. I don’t know if I can explain it well but I will try.

CheyAnn had a good relationship with God. I saw it. She emanated it. The Spirit was there even though I thought we weren’t doing things the ‘right’ way. I realized that people can see things differently and it didn’t make them wrong and I was right. If she was good with God and I was good with God even though we did things differently or saw things differently then who am I to judge that she should do it the way I think its right. (Is this making any sense?) It helped me realize even more the dumb part of judgment on others. I have been able to apply this thought process a lot and it has been a great way of not judging anyone-in any circumstance-whether they are in the gospel or not.

P-day having fun looking at the crazy DI clothes

Well not the best explanation but it will do. I became very dependent on Ross which I am sure was HARD to deal with. I was learning, it was a new way of thinking and I fell in love with how she was, so different than I and so amazing. I remember also realizing how Utah bubble I was in as we shared experiences and as I taught. In lessons I would constantly refer to things as if everyone knows certain lingo, saying the stake or ward is doing…. (and many more things I never really knew people wouldn't know what I was talking about) Ross would have to take up my slack and explain what I was talking about because I would use too much lingo and verbage that most didn’t know.

We had lots of fun and I learned a heck of a ton. (that’s a lot) I know more that she was sent to me than the other way around. The next few companions I will get back to but at one point I had a break down. I had my mini Gethsemane and then I got news I was being transferred to none else than Ross. I was ecstatic-other than leaving one of my favorite areas-I knew for a certain things were going to get better.

P-day with elders hiking!

Service shoveling snow

Up to Great Falls I went to ‘kill her off’- it was her last transfer and I got to be her companion. She was sick in this part of her mission. Many doctors’ appointments but man she was still determined as ever. Though I was more of a seasoned missionary I fell back to a little too much of dependency. I KNOW I wasn’t as easy as I could have been looking back. I was still a little broken from the area before. My confidence was shot, my heart heavy, dealing with MANY emotions, and I needed to be built up again. Who else better than someone who is so naturally confident, happy, and great at helping me out? No one. She built me up and helped me see my worth. I sometimes wish I wasn’t as hard as I know I was for her. I was the one getting all the gain and I drained her. So I can’t thank her enough, for merely being her amazing self. Also for being the one to give so much and take so little. I hope one day she knows the great change she has made in me. I have come to cherish those memories.

Disclaimer: I make myself seem like a lame 

companion. We had a lot of fun times, good memories, golden investigator, times where the Spirit was SO strong, worked hard, loved many and have times of talking I wouldn’t trade for the world. I just realized later the person I was and the person I changed into with my time with her. Sure love you CheyAnn (Ross) Prestidge 

Our great falls amazing view we got!

Short Thought

Conference!

I always love conference. I didn't use to until I was on my mission. To be quite honest the first conference on my mission I was actually most excited that we had hours already booked and planned out. I was with Cheyann Ross. What a great companion. This is when I fell in love with conference! It reminds me of a book I read before the mission. A book called, "Blue Like Jazz" says something that hit me.
 "I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes and he never opened his eyes.   After that I liked jazz music. Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way."
I feel this applies to me in so many things. At one point in my life I really feel like I was 'past feeling.' I have slowly been showed a better life. I have talked about my amazing roommates that showed me how to be happy, feel loved, and have a more vibrant life. My mission lit me on fire with wanting to live life to my fullest and my husband is the best man I could imagine to continue helping me with all of it.
I still have some conference to catch up on but what I have seen is great. WONDERFUL. I have had a new fire to learn to do (at least a little) genealogy, to be a better person, and the crazy amount of impact I will have on this little parasite in me! :) The importance of being a great mother is weighed on my mind and my abilities I am unsure of. I know I will try my hardest and some days won't be as great as others. But ready or not here comes motherhood.

As I find the amazing quotes in conference if I feel the need I will share an exert. Today is,
"...External circumstances don't really matter or determine our happiness. WE do matter. WE determine our happiness. You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness... Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
I really like this. Although I still have not so good days I realize I am the one who determines my happiness. No matter the outside influences- of ANY sort- (and there are some doosy ones right now in my life) I can choose to love and move forward. I am strong, I am LDS and I love life!

Pregnancy! -what a weird thing!

I had never realized the craziness that comes with pregnancy. There are 100 things different with me being pregnant than not. ALSO I didn't realize the difficulties that comes. I really don't know why people do it more than once!
First off I don't ever get sick. I might have little things like a headache or something but I am a fairly healthy person. I haven't thrown up in YEARS, so long ago I don't even remember how long ago it was. This pregnancy I don't just have morning sickness, its ALL DAY LONG. I am very grateful I don't throw up daily but when I do I am not one of those that feels better after- I feel worse! I get so weak and exhausted and I usually get a headache shortly after. This is just ONE of many things that is different than I am used to.

Ten crazies of my Before and After!

1. I have these food aversions that drive me nuts. Who doesn't like Cafe Rio? I absolutely LOVE it. Well I guess not when I'm pregnant. It even sounds GROSS. The biggest downside of this the food aversions is that  its not consistent. One night BLT's sounded so GOOD. So we made it. I thought this would be a good food for left overs so I can make something quick. Nope sounded nasty from then on. (mind you I didn't get sick from it either.)
2. Before I never have ice put in my drinks out to eat or at home (even water). Now I crave the coldness of Ice water. This isn't a big deal but totally threw Gary off when I asked him to put ice in it.
3. Smell. Well I have ALWAYS had a good sense of smell. But it has enhanced drastically. I can smell my deodorant with my arms down, to the computer getting hot from overworking it. Most smells just make me sick. I can be a little blunt so don't be hurt if I straight up tell you that you need a mint. :)
4.  Before I was an early bird. 7-730 was often when I would wake up naturally. I would be wide awake and really liked my mornings. NOW I am exhausted at 8:30 at night make myself stay awake until at LEAST 10. I most often am in bed by 11 with nightly routine stuff done. Then sleep in until 9-10! I even slept until 11 once! That is UNHEARD OF! (for me)  Gary loves this one!
5. Before I am a GO GO GO type. Straight from vacation to a temp job to school and trip up to SLC for the weekend was a common occurrence. Now I don't like having things planned for 2 days in a row. Its draining. We were invited to a little trip and initially I would jump on the option even with working out other plans around it with having stuff the day before and after the trip. I hesitated with already having NO plans.
6. Gary has always wanted to watch movies a ton more than I. I really do like movies but if I had the choice I would socialize, play games, get whatever else done needed or various other things. I don't often FEEL like watching a movie. NOW we watch movies 5 or more times a week. One day Gary came home and asked what I did today. With a head bowed I said, "I watched 2 movies." He was shocked. First I watched a movie even without him and on top of that 2. I wasn't feeling very good that day he concluded. TRUE.
7. I won't go into detail on my blog on this but plainly put sex is different. Not in a bad way just different. :)
8. Before I vowed I would do SO good with NO medications during pregnancy. I am a little hypochondriac and I would forever feel horrible if I ever did something to hurt the baby. Well, I have to stay alive. That's really how I feel. I did NOT want to take ANY medication. I broke and took unisom at night (which I love.) But as I continued to feel so sick all day after one night of crying because I felt so horrible Gary called up and got me a prescription of zofran. I didn't disagree anymore and it really is a Godsend. But I take more medication when I am pregnant than I ever did before!
9. Before I would NEVER take naps. When it was day I just had the HARDEST time to fall asleep. I would even at times feel so tired that I swear I could sleep if I tried- so I did and I would be up 15 minutes later with no success. Now, I don't take naps still all that often but when I do its not all that hard. The blinds can even be open. (If you know me you will be surprised at that.)
10. This one is a weird one! Beforehand I was ALWAYS conscious of money. And now I still am but its different. When I want something (most of the time food, gum, suck on candy to get rid of the nasty taste I always have in my mouth etc.) I don't even begin to wonder if I should I just DO. I want it. Now I am still me and am still conscious of a lot but I don't even care half the time it is WAY more than I'd usually spend. Its quite a weird concept. I sure love my husband for even encouraging me to get what I want (normally I have a hard time getting things).

Before I end the 11th best of all is Gary. He has become all the more sweet, tender, errand runner, patient, giving and so much more that he was already good at but has enhanced it. He is the best man out there for me. I can't be happier with who I chose to live my lifetime and eternity with!

He brings many laughs which makes the pregnancy not so hard.

Gary Swearing IN!

It has been official for a bit but GARY LYMAN is SWORN in to the air guard. He signed his life away for 6 years! The swearing in was a lot cooler than I thought. I had a little American pride come and an excitement of the future being involved with the Air Guard.
There are MANY benefits that come and a potential full time job when we return to SLC. I can't take all credit we have been far blessed by God with the path we have been directed. He has abundantly  blessed Gary and I in so many ways I can't even explain! I am so happy, life seems to be working out just fine and dandy. (even though I know some rough roads are ahead while Gary is gone for 5-6 months! But I will always look for the silver lining. -which I might not always be good at but I will try)
Here are a few pictures of the grand event!

Swearing in

Head of Gary's department

Gary's Recruiter. She's WONDERFUL! 

The crew that came

Proud wifee

Man is there NEWS!

My life never seems to be calm. But I might bring that on myself. Well, a lot has happened. I have moved up to Sandy for the next little while (friends let’s play!). I have done this for many reasons. First off, Gary joined the Air National Guard! He will be leaving for 6 months and I didn’t want to live in St George all by myself… not only because there is no point, BUT I am PREGNANT! I didn’t want to go through everything alone especially if there were any complications and I didn’t have anyone to help me. Although I will miss my friends and ward down there!

My first choice of where to live worked out. And sure happy it did because my mom doesn’t have any room… well unless you count a half of a bedroom with food storage and a fridge in it! I don’t know if any of you have an in law that you would feel comfortable living with WITHOUT your husband? But I don’t. So my dearly family the Brunson’s that I have lived with for 6 years off and on since I was 18 offered their home once again to me. They are amazing and listen to what Rick (the dad) said to me when I asked if he wants me to pay rent. “No, we don’t want anything. We do this in hopes that those we help can do things for others.” What an amazing man. We do help around the house, Gary has spent 2 full days with some construction things they are doing on the house (which I’m sure he will be helping out more on other days) and I try to do dishes once in a while and show appreciation for all they do. We also have taken kids to school and other things. Although it doesn’t pay for all they do we hope they realize our gratitude.

About pregnancy… well I will do a whole post on the craziness but as for general information.  I am 12 weeks along. I am due March 28^th (well this is MY calculations not a dr.’s) I haven't actually had a first dr's appointment yet. :/ I had a free consultation and the midwife asked if we wanted to hear the heart beat! Yay! It was so cool. It actually was cooler for Gary. I mean it was awesome for me but here is the back story on that:

The night before this I had a dream that I sort of had a dream that I miscarried. But I wasn’t worried I have had lots of weird crazy dreams and didn’t feel like this was a premonition or anything. I also have been sick and the realization of me having a baby has come from all the weird things that happen with pregnancy. So when the midwife starts searching for the heartbeat and she can’t find it for quite a long time Gary actually got nervous. (I just thought it is probably hard to find) Then she found it. Fast little heartbeat of 175 beats per minute and it made the realization for Gary a lot more real. It was very cool to listen to but it was Gary’s moment of truth… I feel like it will even be more for him when we get an ultra sound!

Anyway, that is our update. Up in Sandy, I’m prego, Gary joined the Air Guard and leaving for basic on a date we will find out in the near future.

My new favorite amazing blog

I have never seen a person be SO creative with taking something from the DI (or looks like DI clothing...) that are HIDEOUS and are transformed to something very trendy, fashionable and CUTE!
Its amazing that with a little creativity (or a lot), and a little cutting, sewing and fixing (or a lot) you can turn THIS:

Before

After

into
THIS:






Her website is http://refashinista.net/

AMAZING!

Life update

Life has been quite different the past little bit.

At the end of June Gary and I went up to SLC. He stayed while by weekend's closure I was going back to St George. Gary has a window washing business he does over the summers (makes really good money which helps with our lack of motivation to work full time jobs the rest of the year). All of his clients are in SLC and he knows great places to find more clients up here. And who in their right mind would want to work in the extreme heat in st george anyway. SO I have 2 jobs in St George and nothing in SLC.
SEPARATION!
Off I went to St George, knowing little of the struggle that was awaiting me. The first little bit wasn't too bad. I was very busy with my 2 jobs, unpacking, projects I had written previously and other random things I set up. The hardest part of the entire month alone was CONSTANTLY going home to an empty house, sleeping alone (while constantly scaring myself with "did I lock the door?" type things), and no one to make food for, go out to eat with, watch movie with, go to the park with, shop with, anything. The normal things I never realized how much I LOVED doing with Gary and now I would sit alone unmotivated to do other things watching the health and fit show.
The funny thing is I didn't mind at times being alone, to do whatever I please and how I pleased. It was times when I would talk to Gary and he's going camping, fishing, downtown with my best friend, seven peaks, my families fathers day party and my sister's birthday party. I missed a lot in June and if I wasn't planning on coming up so much in July I would have come in June. But Gary had something often. I was happy he was keeping busy, having fun and I loved hearing about it. I soon became ok with it all.
One night I was talking to Gary. He was off to go do something fun and I said, "what should I do?" Being the kind hearted man he is, he said- "do something for someone else." OF COURSE. I used to do this all the time when I was younger. I loved making brownies, cookies or anything sweet then writing a note and doorbell ditching it. Or anything to make someone else feel special. This made me realize that I had all the opportunity in my own hands to have fun.
That night I ended up doing something for Gary but ended up planning many things so I wouldn't be bored or alone so much. First, a fun party at my house with ward friends. This was an absolute blast. It made my entire month worth it! I got closer with all of them and it has now become a monthly thing! (So excited for July 13th!) Then, my another friend of mine, (Christie) and I went and saw Hairspray at Tuachan. It was WAY fun and I sure love doing things with her. My companion texted me one night and she ended up coming down. We went to Benja's (SO GOOD...I highly recommend anyone who is coming to St George to try it out!!) and a movie. She slept over and came to church with me.  We both had a spiritual experience that brought us back to our mission and a man we both love (I think I will do a different post altogether for this experience.)  Lastly I also took a temp job for one weekend. It became a very busy and fun time. Although I missed Gary still I was reminded that we have to make our own lives into what we want. Giving or moaning, exciting or boring, alone or friendship, happy or sad. I was waiting for someone to invite ME over, I was the one ALONE. It would be so nice of someone right? NO, I create what I want my life to be. I became okay with what was going on in our life. Not seeing Gary every day wasn't the top of my bucket list but it doesn't mean I can't be okay with the situation and have fun otherwise.

I think too often we are waiting for WHEN THIS happens then it will be okay. It is always NOW, WHEN never comes. Its always in the future and its so easy to constantly find the when. Yes I wanted to see Gary, I knew when I got to see him again I would be happy. But why waist all the happy times I did have waiting for the ONE happy thing to come.

I am SO glad I followed the promptings to keep my jobs, to be separated for a time and to learn once again that NOW is the time to live life no matter what the circumstance is. I give all praise to God, He knows us so well. He is so aware of our tiny details of life. I am SO grateful for the MILLIONS of blessings I see constantly. God is REAL. I use to wonder, and I still have many religious questions or misunderstandings but this I KNOW God loves us, is aware of you, he is VERY real in my life.

Mission Mondays

                       Greenie!

First day meeting these two wonderful people!

I thought since I graduated I would have all the time in the world... well it hasn't happened yet. But I am wanting to try and start with more about my mission! So I will fit in time.

I was probably the most green you could get. (On the mission when you first get out in the mission field they call you green-you don't know anything but you think you know how it all should run down.) I was pumped, so excited and ready to go.
Nov. 1st I shipped off to my first area. (Before I left my mission President called my mom and told her happy birthday for me-with me there listening. What a fantastic and kind man! Wait until you hear more later!)

Sister Wolsey and I in our apt.

Off to Livingston Montana with my cluelessness to start what people call a mission. I met my first companion- Sister Wolsey. She was very nice and I really liked her. As time went on my greenie head was disagreeing with what was going on. I have absolutely nothing against her but we weren't working as hard as I wanted to. No need to go into those details but in my weekly letter to the mission president I explained my situation. He made a few calls to other people (you can't take a greenie's word for it for SURE!) and after a week and a half I was adopted. My birth mom (more mission lingo) was gone and my adopted mom in.

SISTER MICHELLE HANNA!

Isn't Hanna gorgeous?

The cool thing about this is my room-mate from college (Emily) was in the same ward back at her hometown. Before my mission I went to Emily's home with her and at church saw that Hanna was in Montana (No pun intended but she sure got that one a lot as it was a big fad at that time) I wrote her a letter and told her that maybe she will be my trainer. She didn't think anything of it because she was pretty green herself. But nevertheless SHE TRAINED ME! (at only 4 and 1/2 months!) On top of that all it was pretty much being doubled in. She didn't know the area, the people, any details. And being there only a week neither did I!

Hanna did this for me above my bed.

It goes without saying that Hanna was an AMAZING trainer. I am sure my greenie-ness came out at times but she was a great.
In my journal I said, "I got my new trainer and I LOVE her. Sister Hanna is ready and willing to work her guts out and I LOVE it!" I went on to say how much we did on the FIRST night she was there! I was so pumped.
As I skimmed through my journal I would constantly see "I love her."

Out working HARD!

My biggest struggle in this area was my naiveness and expectations of something else. As I said before I was very green. Coming from the MTC with Gabbart it was only called for. I rarely missed everything at home and just wanted to work but didn't know how to work hard and still live normal. I expected difficulties to just go away. That my companion and I would push them aside and work. This is NOT realistic but it is what I wanted. Later being transferred looking back I know I was too hard on companion, me and the mission as a whole.

Laughter an often occurance

Don't worry she isn't breaking rules... it is her
birthday.... and its rootbeer. :)

Although next week I will talk all about the area I can't go without saying that Hanna loves like no else. If someone was down God would send us their direction because Hanna had just the words to say to help them feel better. More on this next week.
Hanna and I laughed a lot. She has a great sense of humor and always would make me feel good. I still look up to her as she has such an amazing testimony. Her strength continues to buoy me as she has such a powerful testimony of this gospel. I love her and will always have a tender spot for my mission mom.

I LOVE YOU SISTER HANNA! Thanks for being such a GREAT Trainer!

Side note:

This will be mostly story for later but when I went to zone conference in this area President Fisher would constantly say, "I love you." Especially to the sisters. He was such a tender hearted man. BUT when I had a meeting with him at the very end he asked what's going on. I said this and that. Then he paused and said, What else? I knew what I was thinking but kept going around the topic. He asked me for a third time, What else?  I finally spilt it out and said, "when you say you love me.... I don't believe it." With a big long pause and tears in his eyes he said something that shocked me as a response. "Then I will continue to love you until you do." Those words still pierce me as I realize now the pain he felt when I told him those words. YES this man loved me... I just wouldn't let him in.

My motto song

I have been trying for the past hour how to have one of those cool playlists to my blog. But to no avail I have failed. I have really started to love listening to Lady Antebellum. They have some REALLY good songs. I have found my life motto in one of their songs. I will always get chills when I belt it out (You don't necessarily want to hear it) It resonates inside me as if I am singing out a part of me. I love it and have dedicated it as my motto for life!

Its called I was here by Lady Antebellum here is the link for the one with lyrics with it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koRUgTNJdLs
Love it!

Mission Mondays

So I am going to change Tribute Tuesdays for a little bit and its going to be called Mission Mondays. I am not going to type one every Monday, just every once in awhile, but I love reminiscing and I would love to have an account typed with some pictures. I am going to be talking about my mission and the amazing people and experiences I had. I also wanted to recount the hard and lessons learned on the mission here as well so I didn't want to limit it only to the great and grand of the mission even though that's great and all- the mission in reality is hard and painful as well.

So first off with every mission comes the MTC! 

BFF's 

Always supportive always loving

OH wow! Just looking at the pictures overwhelms me. I absolutely L-O-V-E loved the MTC. It couldn't have been any better if I put it together myself. HMMM where to start...As I said in the previous post about my best friend, Jerilyn we got to go to the MTC on the same day. This was a blessing not only because she was my best friend but her family is who I too consider family. SO they got to see me off. And considering my parents were on a cruise (celebrating) JK! I mean they were on a cruise...but I told them that was ok.  My sister and brother who are just the BEST came to see me off with the Brunsons. 

Isn't she gorgeous!

Here I was a little nervous, but surprisingly so EXCITED! I didn't know what to expect but I was sure ready for it. Meeting my companion didn't do anything but exciten' me within. 

KELLY ROSE GABBART! Gorgeous in and out.

This little lady taught me SO much. I can't even express the gratitude I have for God letting me serve with her. As Jerilyn was struggling with her companion I was absolutely in AWE of mine. I think in almost any quarters that you are with someone 24-7 there is going to be some conflict but in the MTC they were MINUTE. We were synergetic, attuned, full of the spirit and ready to do all we could to serve.

Miss this memory

 We were obedient to the T (never have I been so obedient) even to the extent of not being a minute late for class. We were so hyped for everything we would constantly find ourselves running from place to place.

Kelly is so absolutely incredibly fun, amusing, enjoyable, and funny. Many a laughs were had from this infamous look (picture) to beating each other to the bottom or top of the stairs.

AND ITS MONTANA!

The MTC was as much of a learning experience for me as it is for investigators, which made it all that much more powerful but hard on me as well. I can’t believe I got on a mission, and I can’t believe how little I knew at this point along the trek. I learned a lot from Kelly and had her take lead while I learned as a child learns any pivotal step of life.

Sister Tidwell (our teacher)

Brother... starts with an H 

My district was awesome and we didn’t have problems (that I remember) at all. We clicked and empowered each other. Our teachers were amazing and it made me want to teach there as well.

This one always brings a smile

OK so onto a lesson that I still think about a lot, of course I learned from none else but Sister Gabbart! It was Temple day. We went up with our district excited to go learn from what the elders knew within the temple. We got to the temple to only find that my recommend wasn’t there. I had no clue where it was. 
Kelly was so positive and said we could possibly run back and still make it. We ran all the way back. Not knowing where to look we ran from our room to our classroom. FINALLY I FOUND IT! This all may be insignificant to you but it was a big deal to me. Kelly wanted really bad to make it and so on we run back to the temple hoping to at least catch the elders in the at the very end and still get to talk to them. 
I am not a runner, at this point I was beyond out of shape. I had already ran so far and I was totally wiped out to run back. I started out ok but I couldn’t run any long and I started to slow down. Kelly, being a great runner and didn’t even have a huff, kept encouraging me to “just make it to the street.” Just make to this next goal. Explaining it doesn’t do justice but it was something to look forward to, a goal when something was hard.

Sisters that were in our MTC district

I think about this a lot. It was very big impact on me. It made me think of some of her inspiring pictures she had of running a marathon and her trip to New Zealand. I tried my best and made it to the next session. We found the Elders right before they were about to leave. Just the beginning of the many tender mercies I had.

Always had so much fun

Now going back to this lesson I learned. I have often been in a rush, running here or there and thought of this experience. I have also thought of it spiritually and in life goals- just getting to the next step, the goal I see ahead. It inspires me to know I can. Kelly believed I could, had full faith that I would find my recommend and be able to make it back, when all I did was doubt and become sad. I realized there is constantly those two choices. To keep your head high, make the best of it, try your hardest and have faith, or you can sit, moan, beat yourself up and not reach for the next step just in hopes to reach your goal.

Although this may seem very small to all of you it has been very significant to me.

My entire mission I always looked up to Kelly. She was an inspiration for me. I loved hearing all the stories about her. I loved talking to her companions since I saw more of them than I was ever able to see her.

Sorry saps she is my comp

I feel very privileged that I had the opportunity to be in her midst, to learn from her, to find the inspiration she is, to be friends with such an individual. My MTC was great and though I said I was going to also explain the hard and rough parts too I didn’t have many struggles in the MTC. I remember being petty and feeling sorry for myself at times, slight selfishness over dumb things, and just being the slightly immature little 21 year old I was. There was no big fight, horrible experience, hardest type thing I had to deal with. I loved my teachers, my district, the lessons taught, meetings we went to, the food, and I had the best MTC companion a girl would ever want.

I feel so privileged to have a fantastic MTC experience. It was the best start to the best 18 months FOR my life. I’m glad it was with Kelly, I’m glad I went when I did. 

Thanks Kelly, You were what I needed in every way. Thanks for being who you are! --AMAZING

Secret Saturdays

12 Days of Christmas

One Christmas season I decided I was going to do the 12 days of Christmas to someone that I dearly loved--my Young Women's leader Joni Thacker. I have always had a special bond with and her and its only grown through the years.

I was such a goofy little teenager. I did it all on my own. Although I am convinced she knew from the beginning who was doing it-- I thought I was being sneaky and secretive. Most of the things I did were made by me, kind of ridiculous and am embarrassed to even claim some of those things that I did. Some of which are home made suckers that were weird shaped and uneven in thickness because I didn't have molds to put them in, other homemade goods (not that she didn't get them enough this time of year! DUH JULIE!) but worst one is one night it was late and I had totally forgotten that I didn't do it so I grabbed some of our treats that neighbors had given us and put them on a plate for her. HOW EMBARASSING, she totally got things she already had and knew it!

Oh well its the thought that counts right? It was a lot of fun and it made me happy to do it.

So the SECRET IS OUT. I did 12 days of Christmas for Joni. SURE LOVE HER!!! --isn't she cute!

Secret Saturday

Here you get to know a little about me. Past secrets good and bad
FIGHTS!
Today I want to share another not so good secret of my past (They are easier)
In sixth grade I had loaned a friend of mine named Stephanie0 $10. Now in 6th grade $10 was like $100 for adults. I had borrowed her overalls. Stephanie kept asking me to bring her overalls back, in which I would reply that I would gladly when she pay me back. I don't know why but I later on I wore them to school.
Of course this made her even more mad because she wanted them back. I responded with my usual response ignoring her whines. After school that day she approached me. I don't remember who started the fight but we for sure got in a fight. Now I'm not talking about some verbal yelling, I'm talking about physical. Now with that said, we weren't boys and didn't have a good hook or anything but in the end we were pulling hair, rolling on the ground.
The sad part of the ending is that as I walked away running to go home since my family was going to lagoon I felt a sense of pride. I totally WON that fight, I thought. Yes she is the one that gave up too. I got her into a position and said I didn't want to fight but I would give her the overalls once she gave me my lousy and ridiculous $10 back. She didn't argue and said okay.
Having 3 brothers right above me sure helped!

SO the secret is out. I got in a physical fight, won and felt proud.
Don't judge I bet YOU have secrets too.

Secret Saturday

Today for my secret saturday I have been trying to think of a good secret (the bad secrets are easier. And what I have done the past 2 times) Nevertheless I finally thought of one secret...that's a big secret!

Well, a few years back a friend of mine was so stressed money wise. It was a topic I heard a few times, she didn't know what she was going to do exactly. At the time I was NOT in good financial position either. It killed me that she was so worried, stressed, and the hard spot she was in, I just had to do something.

I knew that if I offered her the money there would be no way she would accept it.

So I did some easy sneaking around, just asking random questions. Not long later I knew where she banked. When I got my paycheck I cashed it and took $100 to her bank. (I must have somehow found a check of hers or something to get her account number off of- I don't remember exactly how I did it-it was long ago.) However I did it! I deposited that $100 into her account.

I remember the day that she looked at her bank account, I was right there and she was astounded. She didn't know where the money came from. There was no way to find out either. She was so happy that day. I wasn't stable either but I wouldn't change that decision for the world. That moment hearing her relief, happiness, gratitude, and knowing she had no clue it was from me brought me the same feelings.

So the secret is out... I put the $100 in YOUR bank account.... HA HA.. Just kidding. When I am wealthy beyond measure then I will do it to all of YOU! :)

SECRETSSecret Saturday!! s

Secret Saturday!!

Here you get to know a little about me. Past secrets good and bad

Today I am going to share something I have often thought of years later. This has been because of regret, but mostly how to make it right.

One summer when I was probably in fifth grade my mom put my brother Kevin, and I in a summer event class. Our friend Jenna got into the classes as well. It was quite fun. This was at the local high school, Kearns High. Because it was only about 1.5 miles away from home we often would walk home.

On the way home there is a Harmons. I don't know who's idea it was, where it started but we .......would steal candy! ok I said it... We stole candy a lot. Most often when it was swimming day because we had a towel to hide it in. Afterwards we would most often go sit on Jenna's grass and eat the deliciousness of recess pieces, snickers, skittles, whatever our favorite candy.

One time we were walking out the door and right before a package of reces pieces fell out of my towel. what did us young kids do? RUN! not the smartest thing to do. we just ran out the door and went home. We didn't get caught. whew. That was the closest call we had.

On my mission I often thought that when I get home I will go in

and pay them 50-100 dollars and explain what I had done. I didn't know how to make it right. Was it worth that amount? I don't know. I would also think about how that is the most dishonest thing I have done! I broke the LAW!

SO the SECRET is out. I had a summer of STEALING! A criminal at 10 years old!

Don't judge... I bet you have some secrets too!

DELAY

Life has been quite crazy with a new job and more hours, full time student, moved, unpacking and organizing/filling our house with necessities and a few more little things. Nonetheless I probably would do at least some of my posts if we had internet at home.

This has put a HALT to all my posts. I think we might be able to get internet from our neighbors BUT not sure yet. SO as for right now my posts will be on delay!

(I have been missing posting, hopefully I can be back soon!)

MONDAYS

I don't normally have the so often heard of "MONDAY CRAZINESS" that many have. Mine typically are sporadic. Not this week!
I had surprised Gary and packed 99% of everything (we are moving) He came home on Sunday and we were to move in Monday. I came home to pack and have alone time but Gary stayed in SLC a little while longer. It was fun for me. I did A LOT of work and packed it all. I left a few little things for food, an extra outfit, socks and bathroom needs. Everything else PACKED! WELL MONDAY HIT!
Started off normal. I had a class (that is the best class you or I will ever take!) :). Then I came home to find out that we weren't getting keys today! With mistakes from the credit union they waited to release the keys to us. UH! I don't have all the essentials for another day. (I even packed all our food--other than fridge items that was cleaned out due to our being gone for christmas break for 3 weeks.)
Anyway. NO keys, off to my first full day of work. The Academic Advising is PACKED the first day of school. DO you know how they train you? They gave me a booklet that I read over before work and then they sit you front desk and have you learn as you go! Nothing else. You get a million diverse questions that you don't have a clue at. They weren't very supportive of all my questions either. More annoyed.
After a few snide and quite inconsiderate comments I shrugged off my shift ended.
I just wanted to go home eat a nice meal and watch a show, or read my book (The Seventeen Second Miracle-VERY GOOD!) But we didn't have food in the house, we quickly ran to walmart for a rotisserie chicken and some side to hurry and conjure up.
Walmart was cooking the chicken at the time. We waited. An HOUR later we finally got the chicken went home. Once more realizing a few more things needed that were packed away.
Needless to say I am happy this Monday is over~! And if people have these often I don't know how you do it. I am quite happy today as we are just about to move in to our new place! HERE WE GO! (we have guestrooms just so you know! COME VISIT!)

Brag Moment

SO I am not usually the type to announce bragging rights but when its few and far between (and when you work your butt off) I feel this time is okay.

I am just so excited because I worked really hard this last semester at school. I took 15 credits, 11 of them being upper division classes.
I didn't expect to do as good as I did. With an appeal to one grade which I got changed I received a 4.0!!!!
MY FIRST 4.0 in college. (If money was given it might happen more often like in high school) But this was a great accomplishment for me.
No bribes. No outside incentives. Nothing but pure hard work, a few jumping through hoops,and my own self fulfillment at hand.
Nothing that big but GREAT for me.