50 life goals

Awhile back my friend Jerilyn put up 100
things she wants to do in her life. BIG, small, and many inbetween. It got me thinking and it was a fun to put a list of my own together. So some are bigger, some small and some random. Here I go! (not in any specific order)

1. Own 3-4 homes that we rent.

2. Get my real estate license.

3. Be in a play.

4. Get the Lyman family on a cruise.

5. Go on a $250 shopping spree.

6. Go see my Brother and Sister in law in Tennessee

7. Volunteer at Camp Hobe again. (a cancer camp)

8. Learn to play a few songs on the guitar

9. Swim with dolphins

10. If not too expensive- permanently straighten my hair.

11. Throw another surprise party for someone who would least expect it.

12. Go to Carcassonne France.

13. Be in a place financially where we can help others in need.

14. Do "RAK's" -Random Acts of Kindess. ei- buy someones dinner at a restaurant, thank you notes, follow spirit on this.

15. Be an Academic Advisor.

16. Own a cabin in the mountains.

17. Go on a cruise through the Panama Canal.

18. Become a fairly good sewer.

19. Own a season pass to Disneyland.

20. Do something to repay Julie and Rick Brunson for all they have done-and still do for me.

21. Be a stay at home mom.

22. Be a part of Jerilyn's book club that she puts together.

23. Buy the "Monte Cristo Sandwich" at Disneyland.

24. Do a volunteer trip to a different country

25. Do an UNHEARD of, HUGE thing for someone else.

26. Read the entire Bible front to back.

27. Get back to the optimal weight for my age, height and sex.

28. Be able to cook/know 50 healthy meals.

29. Be in a game show. (ei Family Feud, Price is Right, Lingo)

30. Go to a real haunted house (not lagoon, or haunted corn maze)

31. Go to SYTYCD auditions or America's got Talent show.

32. Always be learning via taking classes, learning about my kids, being open to be taught by

children- especially my own.

33. Grow a garden with lots of fruits and veggies!

34. Publish my own poem

35. Make another quilt. (a good one! :))

36. Ride on a passenger train.

37. Take trips to all Missions of the Lyman's (a few Broomes) that are out of the country and

take the person that served there. So, take Gary to Canada, Kathryn to Sweden, Ricky to

Australia, Brent to Korea, Liz to Tiawan, Andy to Africa, Kerstin (and Lisa) to Brazil, and Spain with Kevin.

38. Ride on an elephant.

39. Have a member missionary experience as a member that goes somewhere.

40. Get a non behaviorist counselor.

41. Camp on a beach.

42. Be in the midst of a bunch of fireflies.

43. Give up sugar for 6 months again.

44. Own a hybrid car.

45. Learn to play the Piano.

46. Move back to SLC.

47. Go to Venice Italy.

48. Be in a Basketball and Volleyball League.

49. Have at least 3 children.

50. Try being vegetarian for awhile.

Grateful~ top ten grateful list

Top Ten (not in a specific order)

Lately I have been writing daily tender mercies. I really want to always remember and acknowledge the little things that happen in my life and be optimistic. Since its Thanksgiving tomorrow (YAY!) I wanted to take some time and say what I am absolutely so grateful for.

1. First and very much foremost my husband. There has been some rocky, sad, and hurtful times together but far so much good... especially lately. Gary has just been the sweetest guy around. The things he does and says makes me feel like when we were dating/engaged and it was blissful/and I get it now! We are surely meant to be together.

2. Yes friends, but more than anything my best friend. She has changed so much in such a great way, the way I knew she really was. Kind, thoughtful, complimentary, hugs, smiles, fun, boosts my confidence in so many ways, calls me, wants to tell me everything, and happy. I am so absolutely happy that I get to have such a great friend... well, more like a sister. (On top if it all we get to spend Holiday's, vacations, and family events together! We are so sisters!)

3. The Gospel. I can't go without expressing my utmost gratitude for how the gospel has changed every nook and cranny of my life. Even when I wasn't so strong, left, had many confusions

I was helped along the path. Now that I am back with fire I can't even explain the absolute joy it has filled my life. I don't know if I have ever been so happy as I currently am. (times on my mission comes neck and neck). I want to scream from the mountain tops how much I have learned, how everyone can be just as happy as I am. I love my Savior so much and this season I want everyone to know! To my friends that mock, siblings that snicker, strangers who look down you are loved, even if you don't see it God is real, and KNOW that the Savior lives.

4. Family. I get the greatness of celebrating holidays with 3 families.

My family, Gary's and my adopted family (Brunson's/Best friend). This week I am watching every meal I eat because its not just one, its three! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will have wonderful meals! More than the meals I am so happy who I get to spend them with. My family is real close, us siblings often stay up to the

wee hours of the morning talking about deep things. Its one of my absolutely most favorites.

Gary's family is also great. They are all so...GOOD. (best word I could come up with my small vocabulary) I love how goofy, funny, and how much we will laugh. (usually because Gary is doing/saying something) No matter the circumstance they are always willing to help. Just like yesterday Ricky (gary's brother) was coming home from ephraim, he stopped to go to the bathroom and ended up fainting. To make a long story short, Kathryn called up Kerstin and told her the situation and she said she will be there in 10 minutes to help go get Ricky (who was still an hour and half away) This is the epitome of the Lyman's.

Last but definitely not least the Brunsons. They always have a ton of people there which makes it fun. We on occasion will go out and play sports, or 'night games' with the kids but then we also will talk, laugh, and be in such great company. For some reason most of the time I leave the Brunson's I'm on a high. I'm just happy, feel so blessed I get to be a part of a family like I do and they surely treat me like one of their own. (sorry that was a novel gratitude)

5. My condo. I absolutely love our little condo. It only really fits us in it (and guests sleep in the front room) :) but it was the right price, the right place, and the right timing.

6. To live in St George. I absolutely LOVE St. George. The weather is beautiful. Gary and I go on walks all over the wonderful town. On top of the greatness of the place I get Gary all to myself. I need this time away just so I can be obsessed with him for a time. We don't have family to always run off to, or friends that are easy to drop by and hang out with but yet....

7. We have an Aunt and Uncle that lets us eat Sunday dinners with them. Its a great mix of being separated from most of the family but yet still get to enjoy the simplicities of a free meal and good company. LOVE it. (They are such a generous family! More than you know)

8. Kevin and Lisa.

Okay I know they are my siblings, thus my family BUT I can't go without saying them specifically. Kevin and I just get each other. I don't know if its partly because we are only 15 months apart, we have grown up and have done so much together, or if its just because we just simply understand each others needs and attend to them. I can never say enough about Kevin. I remember days of sadness and he has boosted me right up with simply the most kind words. He knows how to touch my heart in the specific way I need. Absolutely NOTHING against Gary but at times he just hasn't understood so I talk to Kevin and HE calms my aching and makes me feel so good. He is so great as well. I can remember many times where he felt like a girl was being mistreated and has stuck up for them. He has a great sense of humor, along with a great laugh. (okay as you can see I can go on and on... but I haven't even gotten to Lisa yet.)

9. Lisa. My sister! She is not only my sister she is far more than that word expresses. She has been my nurse, teacher, and listener. She has been an example of excellence.Although an atheist I have learned more values and inspiring things than that of a religious one. She is an inspiration in many more ways than one. Her mothering is one of the best I know. Taking an infancy and childhood class I am constantly thinking, "hey that is what Lisa does." (on all the recommended things to do.) She is one of the most giving, she serves more than anyone else I know. Constantly giving her time, efforts, food, and thoughts on how she can help others.

Not only all of this but she has been there for me from the beginning. She supported me in my dreams, told me I can when i felt like I can't, let me cry on her shoulder and she cried with me (for me). I am sure lucky to have a sister like her. I get the benefit far more than the other way around. She is my friend, my sister and one I know I can rely on.

10. Holidays.

Life is so fantastic but Holiday's just make the monotony of life exciting and wonderful. I love this time of year. Not because of the cold weather but because of the joy this season brings. family, food, love, and if people are in the true season then people are giving, happy, and happy. Plus CHRISTMAS is the BEST holiday and its coming so soon! This time of year also brings so many traditions. I love it.

Been a while... little update

Long time past due... But let me explain.

SO I know its been a while since I posted.

I had great plans, and still do of things I want to post. BUT let me tell you this semester is a little more than hectic. I have done 12 papers this semester already (half way over) and have at least 5 more that I know of off the top of my head. Its the PAPER writing semester!

No wonder by the end of people's bachelors they are burnt out! Seriously. I still like school but I am glad to be finally finished in may!

Other news is that I am going to do 2 internships (if I get both jobs) next semester. Call me crazy but I will have school, one partially paid internship, an unpaid internship, and work! Okay that sounds like a lot more than it is. First off, one internship will only be 5 hours a week and very flexible on where I am doing the work. Second the other internship I set the hours.

The most exciting thing is after next semester I have a high chance of being the newest member of Dixie State College Academic Advising! In the midst of that I will take classes for real estate too! Man I can't stick with one field of work, but who says I have to?

The funny thing is I have been contemplating getting a childhood education degree that is offered here at Dixie as well. Man if i felt like I had a good enough life when I went to college I would be a PERMA student! I saw a radiology book at the library and I instantly got sucked in and wondered if I wanted to get this degree too! WHO DOES THAT? I don't know, I just love learning.

I have yet another paper I have to get to. This one shouldn't be too difficult though. Wish me Luck!!

Time-- another Poem

This is a poem I wrote for a presentation I had to give on paying more attention to our kids. It was suppose to be a persuasive presentation to get everyone to be on the side I was taking. Anyway, I came up with this poem.

I remember the days of laughter and carefree,

we played a lot and was happy as can be.

Slowly by slowly you both were gone so much,

so busy with work, or school, or church and such.

Alone I sit wanting to be cared for,

I was so excited when you walked through the door.

I asked you to come outside and play,

All you said was, "I'm too tired, I had a hard day."

So now I'm alone again and you don't care,

because all you wanted was me out of your hair.

I don't hate you, I just want you to take time for me,

I'm so important to you don't you see?

TRiBuTE TuEsdAy

Tribute to My BEST FRIEND Jerilyn Joyce Brunson, My sister, my confidant

The one that has been there from the beginning to the end- the hard through the great.

I have avoided doing a tribute to Jerilyn for a few reasons. One, I can place her at almost any time in my life. (I was trying to go in chronological order) Second, there aren’t really words to describe, no one will quite understand and I want it to suffice. Third, it will probably take me a long time, in the midst crying, laughing, smiling, just loving all around. So takingall of that into account here I go:

I just want to apologize beforehand because in order to get everything out the best I can I will have to follow my thought process which might be a little jumpy from here to there.

I chose to write about Jerilyn right before my mission because I really feel like she is a HUGE reason I felt confident enough to even go on a mission. Jerilyn and I got our mission calls the same

day and were also lucky enough to go to the MTC the same day. (even though our available dates weren’t the same) It was a godsend- and probably a ton more for me than for her.

Ok so back up. At this time I lived with Jerilyn and her family. We sure did a lot. Some of my most treasured times though is in her bedroom. We would stay up and talk for hours. Analyzing, talking about life, wondering this, wondering that. When I spoke I remember her saying things like, “I never thought of that before- wow.” and “You’re SO SMART” or when

I would say that I didn’t know about this concept or that thought but she would constantly make me feel like I should get a million bucks just for thinking of it.

My confidence was shot still at this time, so she prepared me to feel strong, to be happy with me, to really know I am a child of God. She was one that really helped me see who God might see in me.

Let me quickly interject here, I have known Jerilyn since 4^th grade. We were childhood friends until her father moved away and then when I ended up moving into her father’s house we became best friends. Jerilyn knows so many minuet and big details of my life. I can tell her anything and she can tell me anything. For those of you that really know me this is an ENORMOUS love language for me.

If I feel comfortable enough to tell you things in confidence and you in return I feel very special. We know things about each other that almost no one will ever know. I am married now and I won’t ever keep things from him but Jerilyn knew a part of me—and helped me through it—that he will never know. Jerilyn has known me in my dark, depressive state, and when I have healed. She has LOVED me through it all-never ceasing. (no matter what your thinking Jerilyn—never ceasing! At least I believe that)

I can remember the day of entrance to the MTC. I just was so happy I had my best friend with me. I barely even shed a tear. I got to see her throughout the 3 week stay of mine. I had an AMAZING companion and she had a hard time with hers (at first). Talking and confiding just like when we were at home. She always helped me feel like a million bucks.

Jerilyn would send me letters, tapes, call me even on Christmas and mothers day—yes I know this wasn't obedient, but for the option of her being in Ukraine and somehow being able to call me somehow felt like God was okay with it, and if not I still was. I was always just pumped-once again helping me feel like a million bucks.

It is so hard for me that she had such a hard mission. It makes me sad, cry, and wish that somehow it could have been different. That somehow I could give her some of my mission- even if I missed out. Mostly because she helped me so much to even get on mine, and mine was life changing, amazing, touching, healing, tender etc. I want her so bad to get to have that, to know of the remarkable experience.

OH we've had a lot go on from laughter, tears, fear, distraught, depressed, love, hope, faith, loss of faith, loved lost, utter enjoyment, excitement, worry, happiness, joy, to family trips, sibling vacations, camping, Hawaii, Disneyland, Cruises, many 3 A.M.’s, Oakcrest, Holidays, Birthdays, many and many

special gifts I treasure, talks about @(# and about #@#()$, we have done it all-all together. And it’s all still continuing, more memories, more experiences that I will add to my treasured moments.

I’ve said it before but no one will ever know the effect Jerilyn has had on me. I will forever feel gratitude towards her. One day I was thinking about our relationship, my feelings and wrote a little ode to her. Some of which I want to post:

You are my best friend and will always have a place in my heart. No matter if you hurt me, tear me to pieces and stomp on me, no matter if you decide you don’t want to be friends with me anymore, no matter if you even sent me hate mail and wished you never met me… you have changed my life. You personally have made such an impact on my life that I have this dedication to you. You have helped me in so so many ways and have made me feel loved and helped me feel confident during the deepest sorrow of my life that it’s like I owe it to you. Like me life is this happy because of you. I feel in some small way that it was like you were a savior for me. It makes me think of Christ and as if you were working together because he couldn't get me through any other means he had to get me through you. You were an angel sent by God to make sure that I was lifted, it makes me cry when I really think about how much joy you have brought to my life, how much self-worth you brought to me, how much life you brought into my deadening soul.

I love you and wish you knew how much

So here is to you!! No one might ever know or understand what you personally have done for me, and probably you yourself won’t know

but I will and for that I will always be dedicated to you, trying to be the best friend you will ever have, trying to be there for you when you need-no matter the circumstance, trying to show how much I love you AT ALL TIMES because I owe it to you, because I feel it for you and because you deserve it.

For now I will try and show it as much as I can

Love me!

BeSt FriEnd

So the other day I was looking at some memorabilia and I found a poem that I wrote maybe a year after my best friend moved to Oregon. I was sad and missed her so much. I worked so hard on the relationship.

I figured this would be the best poem to start with since it is just a little funny to see how I wrote and felt back when I was 14 or 15.

To Krista Casal:

My best friend means all the world to me,

I miss her very much you see.

Krista Casal is her name,

We have many differences but many the same.

We've had many laughing moments, but many sad,

we've strengthened our friendship-- that's not bad!

She'll always be my best friend

and oh the emails we send

helps our friendship even more

I love her personality she's never a bore.

She'll always be my best friend

all the way to the end.

Now I was lucky enough to have a mom that worked for an airline. I got to go see her every summer until I graduated High School. She's had a pretty tough life. I got to go see her in 2009 (the picture) and I still sure love her so! Sorry peeps, if you put a print in my heart your there for life.

Tribute To Briana Hoffman

Briana Hoffman!

So I feel a little apprehensive writing this one. I have yet to write a post knowing this person reads my blog. BUT I am going to be fully ME and honest and as I write I am not going to worry about anything but to portray what I feel.

There is a reason I saved Briana for last of all my roommates. Her BIG effect on me has been more later on in my life than right when we were roommates.
When we were roommates I was a little intimidated. Briana was the youngest of us all, but you would have not known it. She was very mature, independent, smart, focused, she loved my room roommate and I knew I could never compare to her. I would often think how fun and beautiful Briana is. I would watch her and smile as she would jump in Jen's bed and fall asleep as Jen kept telling her to get out. HILARIOUS. She was strong-IS- strong. I was told of times of difficulty in her life (feeling so privileged to even be told). I was amazed at her strength and power in who she was. I secretly wanted to somehow win her over and be best of friends because I just saw something illuminating from her that was beautiful.

I LOVE that Briana loves dance! But even more so she got me interested in something that just MAKES my DAY! American Sign Language. Briana knew sign and took years of it in high school. So when Emily took a class they would sign in front of me. I was instantly taken in and Briana encouraged me to take a class. I did! I loved it! I LOVE IT NOW! I don't know why other people would want to even learn a different language. (okay Spanish would be useful...) BUT ASL is exciting, visual, bright, fun, happy, funny, interesting, intriguing. I feel a big sense of ME when I can sign. People who are deaf can be quite blunt and I love that too! I just love everything about the language, culture and people. Briana with her simple encouragement, telling me I could do it and it wasn't as difficult as it looked helped me find a part of me I would have never known.

The BIGGEST part of HER- effected me on my mission. I can't even tell you the letters she would write and I felt inspired. Typically people talk about it being the other way around right? The missionary writes and everyone feels inspired. NOPE, I A-B-SO-LUTE-LY LOVED her letters. Somehow I felt so close to her and felt this relationship that I couldn't have even asked a better timing for. Someone as BRIGHT as she to put forth the effort she did to write ME. Wow, she was still a fairly newly wed, then had a baby, worked- choreographed dances for color-guard, etc. etc. She still found time to write little ole' fro (aka me). How grateful I am for this~! I am so grateful for the many letters, hours, and time she put into doing them. Out of all the roommates I got most letters from her. I was always secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) jumping up and down when I got her letters.

Briana is one of the MOST CHRISTLIKE people you will meet.

Can I back up and just try to even explain this concept that you only will get a glimmer of? (I hope this is okay) Briana has a (now) 4 year old (I think?) and a 18 month old. A year and a half ago her cutest little girl was diagnosed with cancer. (remember how strong I told you she is?) She has not only done what it takes she constantly goes the extra mile. No matter how tough things get Briana is ALWAYS giving back and out to others. A year later on the day of the diagnosis they didn't want it to be a sad day and made it a day of HOPE. They did a blood drive and made kits for newly diagnosed children. No, of course she didn't sit in sadness- or have a flush of exhaustion and full of hurt that day, which I would give her every right if she wanted it. But instead she made a hard day into a great one. THIS IS BRIANA! In the midst of all this her newest born was sick as well. Not eating and very thin. Taking both children to the hospital at different times she still manages to make dinner for a friend that just had a baby. AMAZING RIGHT?
Guys, do you see how great she is? Christlike? Can you see how blessed I am to know her? I can, I do.
Briana is always so willing to help, to be there for people, to see the good-the great-the blessings in the midst of sorrow, trials and hardship. She is an inspiration. She is full of GRATITUDE. Recognizes the blessings and gives all praise to God. She is a child OF God and she has just attained many qualities from Him that are to blow everybody else away.

I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to see her this past week. Its been far too long, I was reminded of that light she radiates just because of WHO SHE IS. It was a JoYouS night!

Briana, I sure LOVE YOU! I hope you see how amazing you truly are!

FRO