Happy New Year!

My Earth Friendly Christmas Card to EVERYONE!

**Snowshoeing**

Nothing more is needed to be said other than:
Snowshoeing, SNOW, my dear sister Rhonda, KONA, perfect weather, SNOW, photoshoots, and lots of LAUGHS.... makes for a great day!

*Dear Friends, Family & Christmas*

It has become a Christmas tradition for DeAnna, Rhonda, our Dear Dear Friends- Diane & Ashley (new to the group this year Jeff) and I to enjoy a night together! Exchanging laughter, enjoying great food and really getting into the spirit of Christmas!

I met Diane about 5 years ago while working at JNI. She was an absolute sweetheart and was so prompt with work! Having me as a client, I'm sure was not pleasant at times! ha ha As well as meeting Diane, I was introduced to her daughter Ashley! I can't even put words to Ashley when I try to explain her. Her spirit is well.... amazing, unique and sweet. I really got to know Ashley while having the opportunity to tutor her once a week. Those nights at the library is what I looked forward to throughout the work day!

I am so blessed to have them and all the others that attended our annual Christmas Dinner! It is nights like this that really open my heart and eyes for the true blessings in life!

Thank you Sister, Ro, Jeff, Diane and Ashley for making this night so great!

Happy Holidays!

Quote of the Day

The time will come When, with elation, You will greet yourself arriving At your own door, in your own mirror, And each will smile at the other's welcome. And say, sit here, Eat You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart To itself, to the stranger who has loved you.

--Derek Wolcott

*Snow Day*

Remember when you were in grade school... and every time it snowed you wished for school to have a "snow day"? Well it has been snowing and so we (as in my friend Jeff and I) ..............

We played hooky and had SNOW DAY!!!!!!!

• Blue Skies
• Fresh Powder
• Lots of Laughs (thanks to Jeff face planting, & slipping on ice in the parking lot only to find the under care of the car above him, etc)
• No Work
• Porcupine afterwards (the all time greatest restaurant)

Sounds like we had ourselves a perfect "Snow Day" !!!!

(Jealousy is okay to have after seeing this blog! I just gave you permission!)

*Gratitude*

I am so embarrassed to say this but I sometimes forget how blessed I truly am! I sometimes overlook the simple things in life when really those are the things I need to be grateful for. I am not proud to say that sometimes i complain about the stupidest things. However the joys of being human is the process of learning & being humbled!

This past Tuesday night Denny (CeCe & their three boys) DeAnna, Rhonda and I made our yearly Christmas visit to the Utah Valley Coalition center. What an amazing experience this is. This being our third year volunteering and helping out, I thought for sure the feelings would not be so hard to digest.... boy was I wrong!

At the center we work in groups: A few of us putting food onto a tray, the others washing dishes and the others serving the trays to those that come in and sit down. For the second year in a row I was able to serve the food to those that came in. And for the second year in a row my eyes were opened and my heart was humbled.

A single dad bringing in his 4 year old daughter, Man/Wife & 5 kids, older gentleman, women... Every type of person you can imagine came in for a hot meal. I was touched by all of these individuals that were so grateful and were thanking us for bringing them food to their table. However there was one individual that stuck out and that won't leave my mind. He was a younger man- decent dressed- clean- about not couldn't be older than 28 came walking in about 20 mins before the doors were shut. He sat down smiled at me, as i took the tray to him, the words that he said to me really got me. "Thank you Thank you for the food. I just walked an hour to get here. I was worried that I wouldn't make it". I said you are so welcome. I'm glad you made it! As I was walking away, I may have felt a tear or two in my eyes but quickly wiped it away. After he was done with his meal, he got up and thanked us again. Walked to the window and thanked everyone that had dished up the tray. It wasn't until the drive home that I really started to feel gratitude. It's amazing experiences like this that I get the chance to witness that allow me to grow and really reflect on life.

There are so many things I have gratitude for. So many people in my life I need to thank and so many life experiences that have touched my heart in the most amazing ways!

I love this life and the hardships, trials and experiences it brings! I also love the opportunity to serve those people in need at Christmas time! I love this tradition Denny has started and has allowed me to partake in!

Thank you Denny & CeCe! These short few hours of service last forever in my heart!

**December Birthdays**

December 17: Dad

December 20: Caleb
December 26: Avery
December 26: Crystal


Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday to you.. Happy Birthday dear Dad, Caleb, Aver aaaaaaaand Crystal.. Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

*Hugs*

The Nutcracker Ballet

This past Friday DeAnna, Rhonda, Jeff & I had the opportunity to attend a classic performance of "The Nutcracker Ballet".

The night was so much fun! We started it off a little late (surprise surprise), rushing out to the car we noticed the hallways of De's apartments were full of smoke. De and Ro deserve the good citizen award, they stopped to knock on doors, ask about the smoke, etc. Where as I was outside waiting in the cold weather more concerned about sitting in the theatre smelling like smoke!

We made it Capitol Theatre and with time to spare! One flight of stairs, after another after another... yes and one more... We found our seats! In amazement the seats were actually really good (beside the man that sat in front of De, with the size of Texas as his cranium). The ballet started and all eyes were on the stage. Watching the dancing, the large rats, adorable little kids and yes still trying to figure out how those men got into those TIGHT tights! :)

After the play we congregated around the large nutcracker and the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby. I think this is when Sister De gets annoyed with me! What can I say, I love my camera and I love photoshoots! Unfortunately about 95% of the pictures came out fuzzy... still I have the memories of a great night!

We ended the night at Faustina's for a bite to eat... I walked away with a sore face, tummy and a headache! Not from the play or ballet but from laughing so hard! The company was great, the ballet was amazing, the food was so yummy! What a great night!

ELMO

Bean Bag

Cozy Blanket

The scent of a freshly cut Christmas Tree

All eyes watching Elmo

Kona just as interested as Kelan

Me sitting back smiling

Taking pictures of a most excellent night with my nephew Kelan

No more words needed

All I Want For This Season.......

****************

is SNOW !!

****************

& Lots of it.

****************

Lessons Learned.... & still Learning

As I was getting ready for church this morning, my thoughts overflowed from the past (from when I was going through my divorce - up until moments from last night. I have a deep sigh thinking about all that has come up and all that I have experienced emotionally/mentally. I've never really expressed my feelings about how I truly felt during my marriage or while I was going through my divorce. I'm not going to bare all details or feelings due to the fact of walls that have been built around my heart. However I would like to share a few details for today's blog.

Being married was exciting, foreign, new, frustrating, scary, amazing at times, and yet some how this is where I began to build such high walls around the inner me / my heart. Coming back to Utah with my belongs in a trailer, and no husband- Emptiness was all I could feel. Certain family members thought it was necessary to express how I was feeling. Which is funny- did they really now how I was feeling? I was very cautious as to who I shed my tears in front of. My feelings and thoughts were all I had left. I felt alone, like a failure, and helpless for my husbands addiction that I could not fix. There were things and feelings I would not wish upon anyone on the flip side these circumstances some how prepared me to deal with my next challenge in my life.

I opened my door to someone in need of help. Once again addiction was in my home. Once again I put my life and well being on hold, putting all effort into getting the addiction out of his life. I feel complete when I helping others. How much help am I able to give? I should have asked this question long ago. Having an addiction back into my home/life- sacrificed a lot friendships, relationships, dating was ultimately impossible at times. However the moments that the addiction seemed to be at rest and not in site, I felt like my sacrifice and efforts were paying off. It was a short time after my feeling of, somewhat of, a victory faded fast. Satan works hard with his evil. He gets to the best of people.

I came to a point in my life where I could not do it anymore. I could not have someone elses' addiction causing me pain. I have worked to hard for my happiness and my life. I have learned that I am HUMAN and I can only do so much and give so much. My home is now free of addiction. It feels like a 1000lb weight has been taken off of my shoulders. I wish the best for these addicts and send them my love but I have to worry about me.

What a journey this is! Approaching the age of 29, come January, I never thought I would have to be "finding who I really am"! Looking back I will say God has blessed me in these times of hardship. I was prepared in my marriage to take on a family member and their addiction. During these times, there was always food on the table. I had a job. My testimony has definitely grown when it comes to prayer.

The past few months, I have had met some amazing people. Some have remained in my life and some have vanished as fast as they came in. There is a reason for meeting the people when you do. Some relationships that are no longer- I have looked back and have really tried to pinpoint my part in the failure of the relationship. What I could have and should have done differently or not done at all. It's like sometimes I do things that I know I should have made a better decision on, only to fill a void or emptiness that I have.

I get so frustrated with the fact that I have a huge wall built around me, but I have to remind myself daily that Things happen for a reason. I have had amazing people come in and out of my life for a reason. Something they did or said, has helped me for the better. I have great family and friends that are always there when I need them. Thank you! I have learned many things! I have witnessed and experienced a lot (some of which I never want to experience or witness again!) I have met some amazing people. I have grown and am learning with every trial and situation.

So my journey continues... I have a marathon I'm getting ready for. (I'm noticing a trend here! Something huge and traumatic happens in my life I run and put myself through complete pain as a form of therapy! Who needs Dr. Phil! I have 26 miles to run and think things through!) I am working on getting these 15lbs that so lovely came as a companion to my stress that I have had, that I am getting rid of. I have my spirit to feed. I have the love for the Gospel where I do want to work on going through the temple. I want to find someone that will love me for me and for what I have to offer. So many times I sell myself short and do things that I feel they will accept me for. I want to get back the friendships that I lost or endangered.

I have to remind myself that: We're the worst but yet most important critic of ourselves!! What others may think or say should not matter.

Thank you to all that have stuck by me through all of this! I'm so blessed in every aspect of my life.

Many Happy Wishes for the Thanksgiving Season!

A Dr. in the family?

I am a week or so behind with this blog.. but better late than never!

Congratulations Bart with the ACCEPTANCE into:

Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM)

A.T. Still University (ATSU)

All of your hard work and dedication has paid off!

Definitely a change of pace living in Missouri on "Normal Street" compared to the streets of New York City.... But a new chapter has just opened!

I'm so grateful for all that you have done for me and the support you have always given me!

I'm behind you 100%!

BIG CITY BOY IN A small TOWN

I realize all of us at times make adjustments to life... but after recently being reconnected (in a round about way!!) with a dear person... I apologize for saying this but kind of giggle when I think of the adjustments he is having to make!

I had my fair share of adjustments when I made to Arizona. Like Temperature, Temperature , an average of 113degree temperature, Temperature oh and did I mention HOT Temperature? But really nothing like his adjustment! (giggle)

Picture this: You go from this

to this:

New York City:

Gourmet Food

Broadway

Fancy Shops (Fifth Avenue)

Diversity

Taxis

Street filled with people

Small Town:

Walmart

Walmart

Walmart

oh and Walmart

So to lighten the spirits of those that are making this change (Bart/April & kids, Jake H.)

I found this especially for you!

J.H. welcome to Utah!! I'm glad you're here!

UpDo's R' US

So this past weekend I was able to spend time with the lil' ones! Yes and once again we had a photoshoot! This time we thought it would be fun to have a "Crazy Hair" night!!! And that is exactly what we did! Poor Jackson being the only boy there! He was a good sport, in fact he was the one that kept getting his hair wet and saying "Hey Hey look at me hair... crazy!" hahaha.

I can't even tell you how much I love these kids! They bring the biggest smile to my face! There is nothing better than ending the night snuggling with them while watching Three Amigos. Which by the way... they quote that movie just as much as I!! haha!

Here are a few of our nights "UP DOS"!!!

Jackson & I

Sydney

Avery

Addison

Last but not least... Paige!

Tis' the OTHER SEASON

If you know our family- you know the word "brainwashed"! Yes it is true, as children we were all brainwashed to the sounds of "Popcorn Popping", "Rise & Shout", "Ra Ra Ra Ra.. Gooooo Cougars", etc.. yes the list goes on and on! This "brainwashing" I'm talking about is nothing else than ............................. to bleed Cougar BLUE! (I have kindergarten pictures to prove this! Me and my BYU Cougar t-shirt and pigtails!)

Every Christmas we would get keychains that sang the Cougar fight song (something about his sons and daughters! haha - You know you just sang the fight song!!) BYU hair ribbons, t-shirts, pom pom's, and once again the list goes on and on!

However looking back at my childhood I can't help but smile! Every Saturday loading into the car to tailgate. Our tailgating, I think, was much different than most! We didn't have the beer, we didn't have the loud music, 3-4 hours PRE-game, and well we did our tailgating in the LDS church parking lot across the street from the Stadium, hoagies. A typical Mormon tailgate! :)
What can I say.... I love and miss those times! Every Saturday the same Tailgate party in the parking lot!

Well my love for Football hasn't stopped! In fact I HEART Football! Till this day I still bleed Blue!

So here's to Dad and Brothers! Thank you for letting me tag along to all of the games! Whether it be the Provo games or driving to California to watch BYU in the Holiday bowl (only to forget where dad parked the car... walking around forever - in fact the BYU football team came walking out and we were still looking for the car!) hahaha. Thanks for teaching me the ins and outs of the game! I am not stoopid when it comes to football!



So beyond the memories and history of my love for football... this weekend is the BIG GAME!!! Saturday 4pm!! Her'e's to the game... (we may need all the luck we can get!) I have a few bets riding on this game....

* Tis the Season.... *

Tis the Season for the resorts to open up!!

Can I get a Woot Woot!?!

I realize there are grumpy attitudes and bad things said by many of the Utards that live in this glorious 4 season state... so this is dedicated to those that appreciate the mountains, the frost on your car in the morning, the frozen fingers after shoveling a few feet of snow from the driveway, the slush that you step in when walking from your car to the store, the winter wonderland, the "wuzup bro" boarders at your local 7-11! This is dedicated to those that appreciate the true beauty of Utah Resorts/Mountains!


November 7th... Snowbird opened up. November 12th... Brighton opened.. People.. the RESORTS ARE OPENING!!!! Could there be any better news right now?


Get your snowpants, coat, gloves, beanie and whatever you desire on... it's time to play in the snow!!!!!

Missouri Trip 2008

Thanks to Cheryse and her business trip to Missouri, she was able to spend a few days with April, Bart & kids! I definitely benefit from her going out...... access to her pictures! All of them turned out absolutely amazing, however I picked a few of my favorites!

(Disclaimer: Pictures for this post were not approved by owners. Written permission was not given to edit the pictures or use them on this blog. Any complaints please keep them to yourself- Because I think they pictures turned out amazing! I love them! However I will give credit to Cheryse, April & Bart for these images! Thanks, Hugs!)

Happy Birthday

I just want to wish my dear friend Anita a very VERY Happy Birthday! It's friends like Anita that keep me going and that keep me on my toes! You have always been there when I needed an ear to talk to, a shoulder to cry on and advise on how to deal with everyday life & relationships! It's not every day you come across such a dear friend!

Happy Birthday Neeters!

Guardian Angels

Have you ever been in a situation that has not ended in your favor but some how you have come out alright? Or said those famous words "wow that was close" or "I'm lucky". The older I get the more I believe in Guardian Angels!

The office that I work at is located downtown approx 600 South and 200 East. I've been here over a year and have witnessed accidents that a lot of people can't say they have ever witnessed.

For example last November a Suburban packed with 8 individuals (3 adults 5 children) ran a red light hit a pizza car. The impact forced the pizza car to smash into the telephone poll. As for the suburban it rolled and slid ending about 6 feet away from my car in the parking lot. From my desk I face the busy intersection and witnessed this entire accident. I went out running and heard children and women screaming. I ran back in and yelled for help! My co-workers and I went out and brought all of the children and the adults that we could into our office. Got them warm with blankets that we gathered from our cars. Fire trucks, police and emergency crews got the remaining child and mother that were pinned under the car out and brought them into our office. The family was Hispanic and could not speak English however the fear, crying, tears and anxiety of the unknown was understood by all. As I held one of the girls on my lap, she was bleeding from her head and had a broken arm. I remember thinking someone watched over this car.

Today was another experience that I never thought I would ever witness. Around 2:30 we heard a big BOOM. The radiator shop next door to our office had a huge explosion. Myself and one other ran out to see what had happened. I witnessed a man on fire! I could not believe my eyes. A fire marshal "happen" to be driving by and saw the man on fire. He got out of his truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher and put the fire out. He looked at me and said "Find a blanket and get it wet". I ran to my car thinking "Oh I always have a blanket" No... So i panicked a little bit thinking "How could I not be prepared. I always have a blanket in here" I ran into my office and yelled "Blanket I need a blanket" My boss came running and got one out of his car. I ran back inside directly to the bathroom and soaked the blanket with cold water. I took it out to the fire marshal- he looked at me and said "help me put this around him". As I helped put the blanket around this burnt man, I couldn't help but notice the fear and pain he had in his face. He had no more hair on top of his head. The skin on his back, chest, arms, head and face was burnt and hanging off. He was holding himself up against the dumpster in our parking lot vocally giving groans and telling us he needed to sit down. I looked up and noticed his finger tips - Some of them were missing. His left thumb- half of it was gone. Skin was hanging off of his hand. My heart hurt for his pain and suffering. I walked away shaking and sick to my stomach from a mixture of Fumes and burnt flesh. As emergency vehicles came and took over, they put him on a stretcher and in the ambulance. His face with no emotion but pain and shock.

The Fire Department, Police and Paramedics were outstanding! I have to thank those individuals that put themselves out there to help. Not knowing their names, background etc. These individuals do what is needed to help save the human body. I take my hat off to these men and women. Thank you!

As things settled down and as the "Breaking News" showed up on various websites and news stations. I started to think about what I had just witnessed. A fire Marshal just "happen" to be driving by saw a man on fire! Gives me goose bumps really. I have seen this man on a daily basis working in the garage at the radiator shop.. never once thinking something bad could happen. I guess that is life though- The unexpected!

I'm not trying to blog about horrible stories that I have witnessed. Although that is what I did. More so about the fact that all of us have guardian angels watching over us. The phrases, "wow that was close" or "I'm lucky" definitely has a new meaning in my life! There are angels watching out for me. This life is so amazing! It has its ups and downs. Good times and bad times. Scary moments and Happy moments. But do we live life and experience life by ourselves? Whether you believe in a higher being, a specific church, or nothing at all- I think it's pretty safe to say that there are guardian angels watching out for us all the time.

The rich, the famous, the common man, the homeless. We are all watched over.

We've all heard that famous quote "Live life to your fullest". Seeing things happen in the split of second and thinking about that quote, definitely opens your eyes to what is important in life!

I love my family and friends. As well as each person that has come in and out of my life for the good and bad!

Life is definitely a sacred thing!

Video:
http://www.kutv.com/default.aspx?articleID=65465

Another source to story:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4646088

*26.2*

Those that know me.. know I go on split second ideas!! Today I got the urge and yep have done it! I have registered! Registered for what you ask?!? Well I haven't registered at Bed Bath & Beyond-so no I'm not getting married. I haven't registered to Vote- Cause that would mean I support one of the foolish parties that are running. I haven't registered at Baby Gap- I'm not pregnant. Yes I have register the car but that's not it! I know your anticipation is growing!

If you all recall I partook in my first ever 1/2 marathon the summer of 2007! Training for the full marathon and with foot complications- I couldn't run the marathon that I had been training for! However the missing toe nails, bleeding blisters, almost having a #2 accident at the finish line and crying when I would run past the support of family and friends holding homemade signs.. I will say the 13.1 miles was well worth it!

So ladies and gentlemen I would like to introduce to you my running shoes, sweat, blisters, swass, missing toenails and emotional "i can't do this" phone calls! They are returning! For today my family and friends I have registered for my FIRST FULL 26.2 mile Marathon! Yes yes yes I know you all are thinking why would anyone put themselves through such pain?!?!

Let me explain why....... I have no idea!!! I don't have a good explanation for it!!! hahaha. Actually I do know why people put themselves into such a situation! Running for some, okay most people is not enjoyable. (the pain, blisters, etc. please refer to the above list) I guess for me it's more of a mental challenge, the physical challenge is there but the mental challenges that come with the training you will never understand until you experience it. The doubt that runs through you mind, the everyday stresses of life, the constant "thinking" during the runs. I found that while training last time it was actually therapy for me just after my divorce. It's my will that keeps me going, it's my words of encouragement that keeps me pushing towards the next mile, it's me that wakes up and puts fresh band aids on my toes that are missing toenails! More so a great time for self-discovery.

So I guess today, since I registered, is officially my first day back on training! I can't believe how excited I am!

WHAT: 26.2 miles

WHEN: Saturday, February 7@ 8am.

WHERE: Sedona, Arizona

HOW: With my two lil' feet

WHY: Personal Challenge!

For those of you that don't know where Sedona is. It's just Southwest of Flagstaff. I have been blessed and have had the chance to go be a tourist and bike Sedona when I lived in AZ. It's absolutely beautiful! Sedona actually has similarities like Moab!

Grateful