Everyday

This week I was working on one of projects for my favorite class (Digital Media) - Pointless class for me to take, but at least it is easy since it is the second time I get to take it! (UVU didn't transfer my classes the way they should have been). At any rate, the project was a collage using digital media to describe me. I was trying to find a video clip of something, and I came across the music video for Everyday by Rascall Flats.

I don't think that I have cried so hard in weeks. It made me think of all the opportunities I miss to be that life-saver for people but filled my heart with gratitude when I thought of all of the people who have "Saved My Life". Of course there is my dear sweet family, both the current and past. There was the elementary school teacher who made me learn life lessons that were hard, the home teacher who wasn't affraid to care about me, the Young women leaders who took me out for ice cream on those hard days, The friends who weren't afraid to call my Mom to tell her about some stupid things I was doing, The high school teacher who encouraged me to be something, the College professor that showed me that there is more to life than myself, the friends and family who have cried for hours and hours with me as I faced disappointment of not bieng able to be a mom, and then with me again as I lost my whole world. There are the people who encouraged me to "find myself", the people who laugh with me when I do dumb stuff, Those who are patient with me when I am always grumpy, the Young women and leaders I serve with, ...if I kept listing my list would go on and on, but know that your name is on my list.

My point is, I have been so incredibly blessed by all of you. Because of your examples I have decided to re-evaluate a little, to look for opportunities to save the lives of those around me. Thank you for bieng the angels that I have needed you to be.

"I have spoken . . . of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."

~Jeffrey R. Holland,

"A real friend is like an angel who warms you by her presence and remembers you in her prayers"

Is it Saturday Yet???

What a wonderful weekend!! Crazy YES, but wonderful! I know this is supposed to be my few days off from school where I am trying to relax and enjoy life, but not much relaxing going on.


Thursday night my sisters drove into town. Friday morning we left for Twin Falls Idaho to go to Wyatt's wedding. The rest of the family was staying in Burley Thursday night so we stopped to say hi to them before heading up to Twin Falls. In the craziness of trying to get changed and help get kids in the car my keys got locked in the car. Luckily I had pulled out my purse that had my recommend and stuck it in my trunk which was open. Thank Heavens. We were able to just pile in others cars and go to the temple. The sealing was so nice and the temple was so pretty. I was so glad that I could make it. Wyatt has always been the little brother I never got.

The weather didn't work very well with us, although it didn't start raining until they were almost done with pictures. The wind made all of the pictures turn out splendid. We were going for the wind blown look.

After the sealing we drove out to see the falls. While I hated the drive (Narrow Winding canyon) the end result was worth it. I have always loved waterfalls, and these were completely breathtaking. It was raining so we didn't get to stay very long, but maybe someday I can get back there.

After our little detour we went back to Burley where we had a fabulous winter day lunch. Luckily Uncle Oliver has opened a few cars after the keys got locked in them before, but I must say I was very impressed. I think he had my car unlocked in less than 5 minutes. The reception that night was in Burley, it was fun to have a minute to visit with all of the family that was there. That night we made it home about 12:00, yes Shane and Mathew I realize I was driving faster than the speed limit, but you were going slow.

Saturday morning we woke up early - it wasn't very bright, but wasn't that rain pretty. The agenda for the morning was to make 8 cheese cakes for the reception before noon. The magic ladies made cheese cakes & Mandy even got a salad done. My job - washing dishes. They know better than to let me cook.

One of my cousins was baptized on Saturday at noon. I think I was a little on the tired side because I started crying during the opening song. I have always loved the "rainbows" song. It gave me that new determination because I to want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain, to be the best I can so that I can live with my Heavenly Father again. Sorry- crying again. Trevor & Mandy you did a great job with your talks, thanks for making me cry harder.

After the baptism we started the decorating frenzy. The flowers that were ordered for the center pieces looked terrible, so thankfuly a dear sweet sister in our ward had red tulips in her yard that she was willing to share. Prayers are answered people. After a couple of mad dashes to Walmart we pulled it off, but as Cristal said "we lived at the church" yesterday. I thought the decorations turned out nice, even if the food table wasn't asymetrical.

The reception went really well. It was really good to see a lot of people that were there. I am so glad that family from out of town got to come. I loved seeing them all as well as ward members that I don't normally get to see. It was a long night, but a lot of fun.



This morning I went to Moab with my sisters to meet my Mom who wasn't able to come because my Dad got called into work. She had to bring Stef's car, because Stef is moved (Still in the process) up here! I am so exited to have her here.

It has been an incredibly long weekend with way to much driving, but I have loved almost every minute of it. It is raining outside now, and I love the rain, it reminds me to be better, just like after baptism. Have a great day!

The Best Final So Far

Finals are over!!!

(at least for this semester)

So, after a very stressful week of studying, trying to remember everything (or learn) everything I was supposed to for the semester I am finally done. You are all free to do the happy dance with me if you would like.

This semester I was so happy I actually got to take an education class - which I absolutly loved. The Professor - Tom was a great guy who works as a Junior High guidance councilor. Such a fun class. While the class was on adolesent development he encouraged us to learn how to help kids to see that change is possible. Sorry - I am rambling, bottom line, great class.

The reason behind the title for the post...

For our final in Tom's class he showed us a short clip from Dewitt Jones, a photographer for the National Geographic. The title of the clip was "Celebrating What's Right with the World". When I first saw it I thought - yah right - has this guy watched the news lately. But he soon changed my mind. Here are some things that he said that I loved:

• Celebrate What's Right with the World




• When I was growing up, I used to hold that maxim - - I won't believe it, until I see it. Yet the more I shot for the Geographic the more I realized I had it backwards. That the way it really works is - - I won't see it, till I believe it. That's the way life works.




• Vision controls our perception, and our perception becomes reality




• Instead of starting out as we so often do by griping about what's wrong with the situation...what's right with the situation?




• ...The very thing that so often frightens us today - that awesome change curve we hear so much about -- is really my ally.




• The power of vision is extraordinary - -We have to be willing to trust it, to come out to our edge, because it here on the edge that we find the winds to take us higher.




• that edges is between being the best in the world and being the best for the world.




• There's no use walking anywhere to preach, unless your walking is your preaching


• You just have to do it and believe




• If we look for it and believe it is there we will have a vision that fills us with energy, takes us to our own edge and gives us the courage to soar.

http://www.celebratetraining.com/ - You can watch the video.

What a nice burst of fresh air it was. I love to hear things that inspire me, and this one did just that. My goal is to celebrate and look for the positives in life, instead of wallowing in what is wrong which is what I normally do.

I am really looking forward to the 5 days off before I start school again. I am only doing 4 classes in the next five weeks. It should be really fun!

P.S. - I got a 100% on the final, all because I commented on the film. I love those kind of finals!

Going Home

On Monday night on my way home from work I drove past a house that made me smile. The house was beautiful in and of itself, but the yard and the front of the house was covered in Yellow Ribbons with a huge sign that said "Welcome Home Jason". For a minute I was jealous of Jason, whoever he was. I love that feeling of pulling into the driveway knowing that Mom or whoever is at home is going to come out to greet me, that feeling of overwhelming love and comfort, that feeling of peace and safety.

The rest of the way home I thought about my experiences of going to different places I call home, with my final thought being of what it was going to be like to go to my final "home". What would that reunion be like? Does Heaven have yards covered with yellow ribbons to welcome us home? Will we be met by people we love? Will we feel that overwhelming love and peace? I hope so.

After the sweet feelings that I had about Heaven, I had the thought that if I were to go today how unprepared I am. I thought of all of the things I still need to learn, the habits and attributes I need to get rid of and those that I want gain and develop. There are people I need to learn to love and those I need to forgive.

How thankful I am for the blessing that I receive every day to try a little bit better to become the person that Heavenly Father sees me as. I know that there must be days when he pounds his head against the wall thinking "Is she ever going to get this one right", but still he waits patiently leading me along. I know that I have a very long way to go, but hopefully I keep getting the chance to become. My desire is to live my life so when that final day comes that I will have a great homecoming as well. I hope that on that day My Father will say "Well done my good and faithful daughter"

“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.”

President Ezra Taft Benson

Happy Easter

I just wanted to take a few minutes before the fun moments of the weekend hit to wish you all a Happy Easter. I hope that you enjoy your weekend, and that you have a chance to reflect on the reason for the celebrations.

My sister reminded me today of the quote "There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter." -Gordon B. Hinckley

How thankful I am for the events that we celebrate at Easter. For the life of Christ, The Atonement, and the Resurrection.

I love the quote by Elder Ballard "...he had the power to save, and he loved his Son, and he could have saved him. He might have rescued him from the insult of the crowds. He might have rescued him when the crown of thorns was placed upon his head. He might have rescued him when the Son, hanging between the two thieves, was mocked with, “Save thyself, and come down from the cross. He saved others; himself he cannot save.” He listened to all this. He saw that Son condemned; he saw him drag the cross through the streets of Jerusalem and faint under its load. He saw that Son finally upon Calvary; he saw his body stretched out upon the wooden cross; he saw the cruel nails driven through hands and feet, and the blows that broke the skin, tore the flesh, and let out the life’s blood of his Son. He looked upon that.

In the case of our Father, the knife was not stayed, but it fell, and the life’s blood of his Beloved Son went out. His Father looked on with great grief and agony over his Beloved Son, until there seems to have come a moment when even our Savior cried out in despair: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

In that hour I think I can see our dear Father behind the veil looking upon these dying struggles until even he could not endure it any longer; and, like the mother who bids farewell to her dying child, has to be taken out of the room, so as not to look upon the last struggles, so he bowed his head, and hid in some part of his universe, his great heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he also had love for us. I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer."

I add my thanks to Elder Ballard. What a blessing this part of the plan of happiness is in my life. I can't help but stand all amazed, to think that Our Loving Father would send His Son to die for us. And to know that even if it had been just for me, My Saviour still would have come and suffered and died. Just For Me. I know that he didn't come just for me, but for you as well.

I know that My Saviour, My Brother, My Friend suffered not only for my sins, but also for my pains, my sicknesses and my sorrows; I know he has "Takin my lickings for me" (Thank you Hancock Family for the sweet memory of your Dad).

I know he lives, and that he loves us, that he rose from the tomb. I am not sure what kind of mansion my actions are building me, but I know that I can't wait to kneel before my Savior to thank him for all that he has done and all that he continues to do.

I hope you enjoy this little clip. It is long, but well worth the watch. I hope that you feel the peace that comes from knowing that we are not alone in this life, and that our brother, Jesus Christ lived a perfect live, suffered, died and was resurrected all for us.

Happy Easter!

If you don't laugh you're gonna cry...

My Day:

Left at 5am to take a friend to the Airport so she could go to Phoenix - She is going on a trip that I was supposed to go on, but "I am too valuable to be out of the office for 2 days". (I am not bitter).

Drove to the airport in a mini blizzard

Took the "Short-cut" backroads home. - Took me an extra 40 minutes to get home - Thanks Josh!

Decided to lay down for 5 minutes when I got home from the airport - Woke up An hour and a half later. Didn't make it to work until 11.

Got in a serious argument with the boss lady - Never good, but had been a long time coming

Shredded a document that I have been working on getting completed for months - it had signatures from My contractor in Massachusetts. It took me forever to get him to sign it.

Working until 10pm - just ran around in circles today, too much to do, not enough time (Especially when I don't come to work at a decent hour)

Managed to spill a cup of avocado ranch dressing ALL OVER - it made a huge mess, made my office stink, made me want to vomit



This was after I had most of the mess cleaned up. - But notice the bend in the knee, I haven't been able to do that for a while! :)

It could be worse, I could have to do it all again tomorrow. But still I am wondering...Why exactly did I get out of bed this morning?

For Good

I absolutely love the musical Wicked. I have wanted to see it on for the last two years, but I haven't made it there yet. This morning while I was getting ready for work (Very Late I might add) one of the songs came on my Ipod. I decided that I was going to look and see if I could find any reasonable priced tickets to the show. Tonight I logged onto KSL - the cheapest tickets that would work for my over-booked schedule were $200 a piece!!! So I freaked out a little bit, and went to the wicked web sight to see if there was another place close that I could catch the show at. Of course it is showing in Tempe in July (tickets go on sale 4/1/09), but my July is already completely packed with a trip already to AZ, but I don't think I could make it work and even if I could that means I would have to fly instead of drive - the plane ticket would be over $200. (Six in one hand, 1/2 dozen in the other).

Anyway....

I was really frustrated thinking I am going to miss it again this tour. I was checking out the Wicked the musical web sight and looked at some of the video's which really got me exited to see it. I am not sure how I made it there, but I got to a page that had a video of the composer Stephen Schwartz discussing the theme song - For Good. http://www.wickedday.com/videos-SS-pt4-web.html

When writing the song Stephen asked his daughter what she would say to her life long friend if she knew she was never going to see her again. The first verse was her response.

For Good has been a special song in my heart. Watching this video made me think of all of the the special people who have changed my life for good. There have been people who have quoted it to me, and times that I have used it to say goodbye to people and used it. I am sitting here crying just thinking about all of you wonderful people.

I love the words of the song:

(Glinda):
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda):
Because I knew you

(Both):
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

(Glinda):
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

(Both):
And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda):
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba):
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both):
Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

(Glinda):
And because I knew you...

(Elphaba):
Because I knew you...

(Both):
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...


I know that I have been so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Some have stayed for only a short time, and some of you are there for forever. My thanks goes to all of you tonight, thank you for leaving your handprints on my heart. I know that I am not the easist person to deal with sometimes, but because I know you... I have been changed for good.


A little background on this post:

First - I am not sure if it is the long hours at work lately, the changes that I know that are shortly coming (YW) or whatever else it could possibly be, but I have felt a little emotional lately.

Second - My friends at work call me a walking gieco commercial. They laugh because there is usually a song that I can sing that relates to our conversation. Call me crazy, but that is me.