The Fords

Giveaway WINNER!

2012-02-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

First of all, I wanted to tell everyone THANK YOU! Seriously. Thank you for going out of your way to help spread the word for Steve and I. It means the world to us that we have support from so many family and friends!

And the winner of the apron is.....

Let me know what you want the three colors to be!:) I'll get it made for you soon!

Dinosaur Museum 2.

2012-02-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

Little man and I spent the day together.

It was so fun having a buddy with me while Steve was busy studying.

Carson was so excited running up to each exhibit and telling me the names of all of his favorite dinosaurs. He is getting so dang smart. I still can't believe he's already 3.

When Steve and I took him last year, Steve took a picture of Carson and I on the dinosaur together-on this post. As soon as he saw it, he said this is the dinosaur we got our picture on, huh Keira? And then he jumped on it, for his picture.-SO cute!!

It was nice just the two of us. on our little play day together. I'm sure grateful for my little nephew.

Til we meet again Great Grandpa Joe.

2012-01-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

Great grandpa Joe passed away this week. It's been bitter-sweet. I'm so happy that he's with my sweet grandma. And also that he's reunited with many people in heaven. I know that it was a happy reunion for him and so many loved ones.

Even though I know this, death is hard. It's hard to have a loved one pass on. My heart has ached and I've done lots of grieving this week. Friday night, as I was laying in bed it really hit me. My grandpa's funeral is tomorrow! I knew the time would come, after all he was 95. But I never wanted that time to come.

I have so many awesome memories with grandpa. I want to share a few.

My grandpa was a firefighter and on one of the occasions we were at his house he wanted to teach all of us grandchildren how to be prepared if there was a fire. So in his garage he filled it with a fog machine(I think), so it was dark in the garage and "smokey". He wanted to know that we were comfortable with dropping and knowing what to do incase of a fire.-That alone shows that he cared about our well-being.

We would play a game where he would lock our fingers together and he wouldn't let go. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get my fingers loose. He would just laugh and smile.

I loved that he could have fun, and took time to play with me. No matter how old I got.

He had so much love and respect for my grandma. Growing up my grandparents always showed love and respect for one another. They showed each other how much they loved one another by action and in words. What a great example to see how a couple should treat one another.

Grandpa Joe

Grandma and Grandpa always had a treat for you. Whether it be cookies, swedish fish, peanuts etc. we never left being hungry. AND in their garage their was a fridge, just of soda pop. Grandpa would always say "make sure you grab one, even for the road"

These are only just a few. I'm sure grateful to have so many memories of my cute lil' grandpa.

My grandpa's funeral was amazing. Really. He was loved by so many people, and he's touched a lot of lives.

His funeral was honorable and I think Grandpa would of been very pleased with it.

Instead of him being taken to the graveside in a hurst he was taken by a firetruck that he helped acquire.

The flags at the fire station were at half mast.

Grantsville firefighters lined up as he was taken to his graveside.

They rang a bell

They laid their white gloves on his coffin.

They had a wall of water that was misting in front of three firefighters. One on the right, one on the left and one in the middle. The one in the middle represented my grandpa. He passed through the water, which represented him going through the veil.

That was the first time I had ever seen or heard of anything like this, and it was by far one of the neatest things I've ever witnessed.

After the firefighter went through the veil they did a last call over the radio for him.

We then said our goodbyes to grandpa. Whether it was aloud or in our hearts. I'm grateful that his funeral was so honorable. He deserved every bit of it. I'm SO grateful for him, and I look forward to the day when I see him again.

“Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley

Great Grandpa Joe

2012-01-26T21:22:00.001-08:00

Joseph Benjamin Elfors, beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Jan. 24. He was born June 9, 1916, in Grantsville to Maryann Pearson and John Joseph Elfors. He graduated from Grantsville High School and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, building dams and roads in the Cedar City area. Joe married Vera Sagers on Sept. 23, 1938, in the Salt Lake Temple. She preceded him in death March 15, 2006. He worked eight years for American Smelting & Refining, then joined the Tooele County School District as chief custodian of the Grantsville schools, retiring after 35 years of service. He was a founding member of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department, joining in 1945, and has been an active member since then. He served as assistant fire chief and fire chief. He was a Grantsville City councilman for 12 years; an organizer and official of the Grantsville Gun Club; chairman of the Old Folks Sociable committee in 1956, and many more. He was recognized for his service to the community with awards from the city, state and FFA. He and Vera won many awards for their beautiful lawns and gardens. A devoted member of the LDS Church, he served in many callings including bishop, high councilman, sunday school president and group leader. He and Vera served as ordinance workers at the Jordan River Temple for eight years. Joe is survived by his children; Byron (Joyce) Elfors, Karen Kleinlein, Raymond (Norma) Elfors, Ilene (Russ) Wood; 15 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. in the Grantsville 4th Ward Chapel, 428 S. Hale Street, Grantsville. There will be a viewing the evening before from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main Street, Tooele, and at the church prior to the services from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The family suggests that instead of flowers, please make a contribution to the Grantsville City Volunteer Fire departmentElfors

Giveaway!

2012-01-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

One of my dear friends-Whitney, was so sweet and wrote a post about Steve and I this week. It seriously made us so happy that she was willing to help spread the word for us.

Steve and I generally have never been the type of people to ask people for help, we just aren't like that. But as we've been going through the Adoption process we need help in spreading the word.

The more people who can help spread the word, we can be one step closer to finding our lil' one.

So, with that being said-I'm going to be doing a GIVEAWAY!

I'll make you, your very own cooking apron! AND you get to choose the colors!:)

Here is how you can enter!

1. Follow our blog.

2. Leave your name and e-mail address in the comments section of this post. You can also get one extra entry for each of the following:

1. Grabbing our Adoption button and putting it on yours!

2. Liking our Adoption Facebook Page

3. E-mailing friends or family

4. If you’ve done anything else to help spread the word, please feel free to give yourself an extra entry.

DEADLINE is two weeks from today: February 1,2012

Not Forgotten.

2012-01-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to know that God always seems to know exactly what I need. He has countlessly shown me that I am not forgotten and that he loves me.

Infertility can be such an ugly topic, but such a beautiful one. I've been growing so much with this trial and through this trial I get the amazing opportunity of going through the Adoption process. The process hasn't been a bed of roses, it can be really hard but so fulfilling at the same time.

I'm growing. I'm gaining a greater understanding for his purpose and his plan. His far better plan.

Within the last couple months I know that God has placed certain people in my life for a reason.

-A birth parent who made the most unselfish decision of her life when she was only 16 to place her baby through adoption because she wanted what was best for her child. Through her I have a different perspective on birth parents, and I find her to be one of the most strongest women I have ever met.

-A friend I haven't actually met, but yet I consider her one of my dearest friends. I met her through the blogging world. Through her I have gained patience and a better attitude and outlook on infertility. We write each other notes of encouragement and updates of how our Adoption journey is going.

-The Young Women-They inspire me, and touch my life daily. They all have such strong testimonies of the gospel and they are constantly reminding me of how to be Christ like.

-Three different women. I get to associate with these women regularly. They too, have gone through infertility. We can talk, laugh, hug and cry together. One who has never gone through infertility can never, truly understand what it feels like.

I'm so grateful to my Father in Heaven for always reminding me that I'm not forgotten, that he does remember me and that he loves me.

2012.

2012-01-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

We managed to already make it to the Instacare-great way to start off the new year, right?

Steve woke up Monday morning with a headache, and it soon turned into a migraine. Generally when he gets a migraine he throws up once and then he can sleep it off but this migraine wouldn't go away. I was so worried about him, I've never seen Steve this sick. Ever. I've had a migraine before and I know it makes you feel like death, but it really worried me that he kept throwing up over and over. He had a blessing from dad and Kolt and we tried getting food and medication in him but he couldn't keep anything down. I had a feeling I needed to get him into the instacare and I'm so glad I did. I am so grateful for the knowledge and medications that doctors have now. They gave him two injections above his hips and those helped him enough to be able to fall asleep and sleep the migraine off. It seriously was one of the worst days of my life. I felt so helpless I hope that never happens again. The next day he was able to go to school and had the lingering headache feeling for a couple days, but he is doing great now! Thank goodness.

Friday night Steve needed to study. School is back into full swing. So, when I got home from work I was debating what I should do. Well, I received the sweetest text from one of my dear friends. She wanted me to have a girls night with her and her daughter while her hubby and sons were having a boys night out. Super thoughtful.

We ended up making homemade manicures and they turned out sooo nice! My hands have been so dry lately with the cold weather and this was perfect. Plus, the homemade manicure is only with three ingredients-sugar, olive oil and honey. Way simple.

It was such a fun girls night! I loved painting my nails, chatting and then having hot coco to end the night.

Homemade Manicure

1/2 C. White Sugar

1/2 C. Olive Oil

Honey

Saran Wrap

-Mix together sugar and oil and scrub on hands.

Once you've scrubbed it to your hearts content rinse it off in warm water.

-Pour warm honey onto your hands (make sure it's not too hot)

-Wrap your hands individually in saran wrap for 30 minutes.

We ended up only leaving it on for 20 minutes. We were starting to get grossed out when the honey was starting to run down our arm because our hands were starting to sweat from being wrapped.

-Take off wrap and wash your hands!

My hands are seriously so much smoother.

Yesterday Steve and I went for a walk with Soph and it was so nice getting outside-even though it was REALLY cold. We have a nice walk way out in the middle of no where at the end of our neighborhood. It was really relaxing. Just being outside, enjoying each other's company while Sophie ran around like a mad dog! haha. She gets so stinkin' excited about birds she doesn't know how to contain herself. She really is such a good dog though, you tell her to "Come Sophie" and she'll come running back to you.

Soph's been my little cuddle buddy this evening. I woke up with a dang head cold and I thought I could fight it off but I'm officially feeling sick. Steve's been studying away memorizing drugs for his top 20 exam tomorrow.

I really am so lucky. I'm so grateful for Steve and his hard work. Always studying and working hard to support us and our future family. I'm also grateful for Soph cuddling me, ooh and Vicks Vapor rub.

December.

2012-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

December was a very busy but fun month for Steve and I. Steve had two full weeks off of school, which meant lots and lots of US time. We. loved. every. minute. of. it! We played multiple games together, worked on our adoption paperwork, saw MI4, cuddled, and did multiple holiday things with family and friends.

Instead of doing individual posts for all the different festivities we did, I'm just going to sum it all up onto one big post. PLUS, I have more adoption paperwork that I need to get my hands on:)

Ford Family Christmas Party-This year we played lots of MINUTE TO WIN IT games! It was a really fun party!

Thanksgiving Point Holiday Lights-Steve and I went one evening, just the two of us to see the lights together. I loved that we could be in our car and stay WARM while we looked at the lights:) After the lights, we ended up going into one of the shops and had hot cocoa and watched the reindeer.

Christmas Concert and Temple Square Lights with the Anderson Family-First dad, mom and Steve and I all met up at Robintino's and had pizza for dinner. Then we met up with everyone (minus Kody, Jade, Cars and Kolt) at temple square.

We watched a Christmas concert that my cousin Jody was in and then we walked around and enjoyed the lights.

Annual Christmas Play with the Fords-This Year, a Christmas Carol at Hale Family Theatre.

I made an apron for my sister in law Shannon for Christmas :) It was SO fun to bust out the sewing machine!

Christmas Eve-Anderson's: This year we spent Christmas Eve with my family! We had a really nice dinner and then played games all night! We had a lot of fun!:)

Christmas Day-We celebrated with both families and we LOVED that Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. It made the day even more special being able to really celebrate Christ's birth, taking the sacrament and singing Christmas hymns. We really wish that Christmas could fall on Sunday every year.

A fun and busy December for sure! We LOVED Christmas!

The last few weeks...

2011-12-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

First off Steve's birthday fell on the Thanksgiving break. Since we were at the cabin we spent the day with the Ford family. Steve and I went on a long walk, played ping pong and worked on Adoption paperwork.:) He also went shot gun shooting with his dad, brother and Grandpa.

I'm so super grateful for Steve and that he's my man forever!

I didn't even take any pictures but one during Thanksgiving break. At least it's a good one of Grandma Ford beating everyone at ping-pong! haha! We love you Grandma!

Sophie's always coming to snuggle with Steve as he's busy studying for Pharmacy school! Did I mention what Steve's been doing since Thanksgiving break ended? He's STUDYING. Seriously. That's his life right now. Thanks for working so hard babe, means the world to me:)

I started my new job!!! Well it's still within the same company, but I'm now working in the Claims department and I'm super excited. I started last Monday and so far it's going great. Once training is over it has flexible hours and maybe down the road I can work from home. We feel so blessed that I found a new job since my entire department is being laid off in February.

Still loving spending time with my Beehives! I love these girls.

Lots of Birthday celebrations!

Kjersti had her birthday also in Nov. My cute daddy-o bought Kjersti a clown cake

Kris, Kolten and Jade all have their birthdays in December so my mom and dad made a big dinner for everyone. So grateful for all my family!

Peace.

2011-12-08T18:39:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving week wasn't the greatest for Steve and I. It should have been one of the most happiest weeks we could of had. We were able to spend an ENTIRE week together-no work, no homework, and spending time with the Ford family at the cabin. Yet we had a cloud hang over us. We felt a huge emotion of sadness, anger and "picked on me" feeling.

Steve and I have been really excited to share the news to everyone that we were adopting, and really dug into the adoption paperwork. All of our families have been so supportive to us, and I've never felt so much love from everyone. But, it was almost a "grieving" period that we had to go through. That we may not have a little one that has Steve's charming blue eyes, and my blonde hair, our physical features. I won't get the opportunity to see my belly grow. Get to wear maternity clothes and exclaim to everyone that "I'm Pregnant!"

This week has been different. My heart has been full this week. Full of so much gratitude and peace. I've never felt so much love from my Savior either. I know he has been wrapping his loving arms around me, and letting me know that he has a bigger and better plan for us.

Steve and I have the desire to raise children-our children. Is it really that important that our baby has our physical features? That I wasn't pregnant with the little one?

I know that we will love our baby no matter how we get our baby. Our baby must be very special. So special that they are getting to bless two different lives. The birthparent who has the miracle of getting to carry him/her for 9 months and then getting to bless ours for the eternities. God has a plan, a far better one that I can comprehend and I feel blessed that he has given Steve and I the opportunity to find our baby/babies through adoption. It's been such a humbling experience so far and I'm grateful for this. I couldn't be happier.

Good Things to Come

2011-12-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

This week has been a very humbling experience for Steve and I.

We told all of our family members and friends that we started the adoption process. I can't even describe in words how grateful we are for so many supportive people in our lives. Seriously. It's been a huge weight lifted from our shoulders just knowing that Steve and I have so many people who love us, care about us and want to help us.

We've also received so much support from other adoptive couples, that we haven't even met and it's a good feeling to know we aren't alone in the process.

Even though in life we can feel down and discouraged, this video put a good perspective on things-That Good Things are to Come. It's all in the Lords time. I'm grateful that Steve and I blessed to be able to go through this process. It's brought us even closer together as well as closer to our Savior.

Adoption.

2011-11-28T19:56:00.001-08:00

Steve and I are excited to announce that we have started the adoption process!! With lot's of prayers, we feel strongly this is how we are going to get our baby. So please start spreading the word for us!:)

Thankful Thursday.

2011-11-10T10:08:00.001-08:00

Since it is the month of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good idea to write all the things I'm Thankful for every Thursday.

-Since it's Midgey's Birthday-I'm grateful she was born today

-I'm very grateful that Steve was able to get into pharmacy school and that we didn't have to move!

-I'm grateful that I have an amazing husband who supports me in everything that I do

-Grateful for amazing family

-Grateful for awesome friends

-I'm grateful for God's plan and not my own. I always try to plan out my life, but he always has a bigger and better one

-I'm grateful for the amazing young women that surround me almost every day

-I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon

-I'm grateful I have a job!

Halloween.

2011-11-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend was fun!

We went to a costume party on SaTuRdAy and I saw a bunch of old friends from high school. It was really fun to see everyone! Bryce and Jamie know how to throw a fun party!

(Pics by Bryce and Jamie)

Pumpkin Bowling

Donuts on a String

SuNdAy, my mom and dad had their annual Halloween dinner-Homemade Chili in pumpkin bowls! It was really good! It was of course fun talking with all my fam too:) I love have Grandma brought a mask!

MoNdAy, I went to work and there were Halloween activities all day-Watched Hocus Pocus, Halloween crossword puzzles and word searches, Kids came to our desk to Trick-Or-Treat and I dressed up!:)

Then we went over to Colleen and Richard's house and had Colleen's homemade Chili and then just hung out, ate too much candy and of course, passed out candy!

ooh and then when we went home and Steve and I cuddled on the couch and talked. Loved it.

IT was a fun filled weekend! I LOVE HOLIDAYS!!!!

NERD Alert!

2011-10-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Steve and I went to a Costume Party last night and it was SO fun!!

I'll post more about it later!:)

Volleyball.

2011-10-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well Volleyball is officially over now. My Tuesday's and Thursday's will be more open and I don't know what I'll be able to do with myself! ha ha! I'm pretty excited I'll have more time to do some crafts. I've missed that.

I seriously had a blast watching these girls play, and without fail-EVERY game I was laughing hysterically. The girls say and do the FUNNIEST things.

Steve and I took the girls to Arctic Circle after the game to get some ice cream (We only took the girls we took to and from the game)

These girls are SO much fun! They always have so much energy, and help remind me that I'm never too old to have fun.

In the car they cranked up Bieber's "Baby, Baby" and sang every word and even got Steve singing along.

Love these girls.

Just the Two of Us.

2011-10-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Steve and I were able to take a drive on the Alpine Loop and it was SO nice! We held hands in the car just the two of us. Enjoying each other's company and looking at the awesome fall colors surrounding us. I just LOVE, love it when I get to spend time with Steve. I seriously cherish these moments even more now that he's so super busy with school these days.

Amazing colors huh?!

HaLlOwEeN PaRtY!

2011-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am so super proud of my Beehive class presidency! They wanted to throw a Halloween party for all of the girls, and I thought that would be a great idea-I love a good Halloween party! So, I told the girls that I would support them and get whatever they needed but they would be completley incharge of it. (I would of course be there to help, but I wanted them to be in charge)

They planned such a FUN party! They really showed me last night how reliable they each are. They set up all the decorations, and took total charge. It made me really happy. It's really neat to see the girls get out of their comfort zone.

Each girl took charge of an indiviual activity that they planned.

First activity-Ally had the girls make Frankenstein's

while the Frankenstein's were drying....

Savannah was in charge of Halloween Battle of the Balloons

Haylie then explained the rules for Donuts on a string

After the games, the girls went back to their Frankenstein's and painted on faces!

Maddi was going to be in charge of Ghost Catcher, but we ran out of time! Dang it.

(I took this picture from vintagehalloweencollector.blogspot.com) That is what we were going to make and then play a game with it!

It was such a fun night! I am SOOOO happy that I have the opportunity to spend time with so many amazing young women!! Not to mention, it's always a blast when Colleen is helping me too!:)

Good Stuff.

2011-10-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a very random post. Lot's of good things have been happening this week, and last weekend.

I had a girls night out two nights in a row. Poor Steve stayed home studying ALL day, and ALL night. I miss my hubby.

-Friday, I saw Marie and the girls! That was nice!:) I've missed them and it's been in forever since I had seen them. Then Friday night, I went and saw the play Little Women with some friends-Karly, Stephanie, Colleen and Sharlynn. It was soooo good! We first went out to Costa Vida's and then hit up the show. In all honesty, I don't remember the movie one bit, but when I saw the play it makes me want to see the movie! It was very well put together, and it was fun to have a night out.

-Saturday, I got all the normal Saturday chores done and then went to the PIE with Jessica and Jade. We seriously talked for hours. Stuffed our faces, and it was really nice.

-One of my beehives dogs just had puppies!! She invited me over to see the lil' things. They are seriously soo stinkin' cute. I wanted to put the puppy in my pocket and take it home with me!

-Steve and I went to Coldstone for FHE and got to spend a little one on one time together before it was time for him to hit the books! Plus, Coldstone didn't' cost us anything. Thanks to Pam and Bob for the gift card!

-I got a knock at my door from one of my beehives and her lil' sis. They surprised me and made me peanut butter cookies! Just for the heck of it. Totally made my night.

-I came into work and found a bag full of treats! I was "boo-ed" at work!

-I love going for a walk after I eat and enjoying the view of all the pretty fall colors at work!

So far, this has been a really happy week and I am lovin' it!

Feeling more like Fall.

2011-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely getting excited for all of the holidays coming up. I seriously love holidays!

This weekend was so fun! Made it feel even more like fall time, and I loved it. Steve and I got to spend the ENTIRE weekend together. That's three days people. That. was. perfect. He passed his super hard test again with flying colors. I'm so proud of him.

Friday night, we had our first date night in forever. And it was so nice. Just me and him. I've missed those nights. And I cherish them even more so now.

Saturday, I woke up early and went to the temple with one of my beehives. I love the temple. I LOVE it. I love the peace and guidance it brings every time I go.

After the temple, Steve and I went over to his parents house and I made homemade applesauce with Whit and Ellen and then caramel apples. If that doesn't make it feel more like fall I don't know what does?:)

Steve and I later, went home and cuddled and watched a movie. LOVED it. Oh, so nice to spend time with my hubby.

Sunday, we celebrated my mom's 50th birthday! (Her birthday is Tuesday, but everyone couldn't get together on Tuesday)

She really wanted the family to get together and have dinner and carve pumpkins. ooh and have hot cocoa! Seriously. All fun fall things huh? Makes me excited.

Woot for Holidays! :)

LaDiEs NiGhT 2011

2011-10-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already been 6 months since our last Ladies Night! I seriously LOVE conference weekend. There is nothing better than listening to counsel from the Prophet and his counselors and then having a night out with my mom and sisters!:)

The weather was perfect this year, Last year it was a lot cooler, and it rained on us as we walked the streets. Jade was able to come this year with us as well with Carson. Kjersti and Jessica couldn't come, so that was disappointing, but hopefully next conference!

I love these of Carson!

This year we ate at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and even met up with The Holdaway family. We were able to listen to Hilary Weeks sing, eat free chocolates and even talk to the director and man that played "Levi" in the movie 17 Miracles. BEST movie ever.

We didn't win anything from the drawing this year, but it was still a lot of fun! It was great seeing Women EVERYWHERE just having a fun time.

I LOVED walking around the temple as well. I took some pictures, and I think they turned out pretty cool.

As we were driving home, Kartier saw an older lady walking on state street, with groceries on her walker. The lady had a limp, and Kartier thought we should turn around and help her. I thought that was a good gesture, but not very smart to go and help someone in the middle of the night (10pm-ish) on state street.

So, my mom pulls to the side of the road and Kart rolls down her window telling the lady that we want to give her money. She took the money, and we noticed how she limped and had her groceries tied onto her walker. My mom and Kart said that we should take her to her home. I quickly jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk (the way she talked and was walking, and that she most likely was homeless.) I was seriously scared. I know she was an older women, but we don't know who she is or if she had a gun etc. I guess you can call me overly paranoid.

Kart jumps into the backseat as my mom is putting the groceries and walker into the trunk, she dials on her phone 911, so all we have to do is push the send button-if we need to.

My mom helps her into the car, and she tells us her name and then asked us if we were LDS. We said we were and then she told us she was as well.

I still wasn't convinced that this was a good idea.

Well, we get to her apartment, and my mom and Kartier help her out and help her with her groceries. Jade, Carson and I stayed in the car with the doors locked. The area that she lived in wasn't too convincing that it was a safe place. 10 minutes pass, no sign of them. 15 minutest pass, still no sign of them. So, I call their cell phones-they left them in the car! So, now Jade and I are worried that something went wrong within the apartment. THANKFULLY, they finally come out and all is well.

The poor lady had cerebral palsy, and had missed her bus. That's why she was walking by herself to her home on STATE STREET in the middle of the night.

I'm grateful that everything turned out well, and my mom and Kart were able to help someone out. I can't really say I helped because I wasn't a happy camper about them picking up a random stranger on the side of the road.

But, I guess lesson learned-don't judge people. I'm glad they were able to help an older women when she really needed the help.

"You can be a Pearl of Great Price"

2011-09-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

For young women in excellence this year, we had the theme-"You can be a Pearl of Great Price." We focused around this theme because the girls could become the "Pearl" that Heavenly Father wants them to be, but it takes work on there part as well. Personal Progress can help shape you into that person and that's why it's so important to be doing the Personal Progress. It's designed especially for them, and helps them become the Daughters of God that Heavenly Father wants them to become.

On the Wednesday before we had the girls make a craft-with a shell and then they cut it out and wrote inside what they wanted to perfect for themselves-"pearl".

We used these are some of our decorations for the actual Young Women in Excellence night.

The night turned out perfect. We had two young women talk about Personal Progress and how it helped them. Marla spoke on being a Pearl of Great Price. Tammy and I spoke on our activity and how we've seen the girls grow from when the first came into young women's. Brother Spraktes also spoke and the girls sang "We Believe."

It was a really neat night, I"m so happy that it turned out the way it did. The spirit was there and I'm hoping the girls felt that.

Here's some of the decorations:

Tissue paper pom-pom's hanging from the ceiling (looked like White Pearls floating)

The front of the room we had Pearl of Great price things, such as a picture of Christ, Candles-"his light", The Pearl of Great Price, Pearls, A mirror-"You are a Pearl of Great Price in God's eyes." etc.

As they walked out, we handed them chocolate "pearls"

and sugar cookies-We decorated them with sparkly sprinkles and pearl designs

I sure love the young women with all my heart! I love the Ladies I get to work with as well! So grateful for them.

Just Lovely.

2011-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend was sooo nice!! I was able to have my husband back :) Steve passed his test on Friday. It wasn't an easy test either-organic chemistry and pharmacy law-he got 100%! So, he was able to somewhat relax this weekend-with me!:)

I can't even describe what a nice break it was to be able to have some quality time again with my hubby. Steve surprised me with a couples massage on our anniversary, so we went and had massages on Saturday. SOO great. We had so many knots in our back it was crazy. I always have a funny experience anytime we go and get a massage. Don't get me wrong, it was very relaxing but the funniest thing is when I hears Steve say "What is that?" In a uncomfortable voice. The lady then just kept telling him he needs to take deep breaths. He had HUGE knots in his shoulder blade and neck region. So as she was working the knots out he said it hurt sooo bad. It's not funny he was in pain, it was just funny how his tone of voice was, and how she's just like well take deep breaths! Okay, maybe you just had to be there.

Steve and I also watched Thor. We rented it from redbox. It was a pretty cool movie.

Oh and he even helped me finish deep cleaning the house!! SOOO happy about that. :) All my fall decorations are up now too. I'm getting excited for the fall.

Saturday morning I went to the temple with one of my Beehives-Katie. She's turning 14 in October and will no longer be one of my beehives. I'm so sad about that! She's a little sweetheart, and has turned into a beautiful young woman. We were planning on going with a lot more girls, but one was sick that morning, and the others ended up not being able to go because of dance, and family stuff.

I was a little disappointed I couldn't have more go with us, but at the end Im actually really happy I was able to spend one on one time with her. The temple experience was amazing. Words can't describe it, and I don't really need to share everything on the blog.

After we went to the temple we went to IN&OUT burger. IT was such a great way to start my day.

Sunday, more time with Steve!!:) We were able to play 3 thirteen with one another and also enjoy church. Ahh. so nice. I love spending anytime I can with Steve!

And then this evening I've been making tissue paper pom-pom's for decorations for Young Women and Excellence on Wednesday. I think they turned out pretty nice.

What a great weekend! Seriously. So happy to spend time with Steve. I really needed that.

5 Year Anniversary.

2011-09-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrate good times c'mon... Steve and I just celebrated our 5 year Anniversary! How neat is that? 5 years-that's a milestone. :)

This year for our anniversary, life really hit is. We are definitely turning more and more into adults. Life keeps going whether it's your anniversary or not. We both kept busy on our special day at work and of course school. You know the last 3 weeks have definitley been a huge adjustment for us. Steve is ALWAYS studying. Seriously. I didn't comprehend how busy he really would be. We are both super happy though that he was accepted into pharmacy school and know that it will all be worth the sacrifices for the next 3 years.

Even though we didn't get to spend the whole day together we still had a nice day. In the morning, I was surprised with roses on the counter with the cutest poem that Steve wrote.

Here's what the poem said:

5 Year Anniversary

5 years have come and gone,

It's hard to believe it's been so long

It's true, time flies when you're have-in fun

Especially when you're my world's sun

You're my everything, you're my all,

I swear it's from heaven, you did fall

I love you more each passing day

For your kindness in action & all that you say

I love you more each passing week

For you laughter is like a happy, bubbling creek

I love you more each passing month

For ever time you kiss me, I feel like a love-sick drunk.

I love you more each passing year

Our love and marriage, I sure hold dear

Our past has been great as you can see

But our future together runs through eternity

I want to thank you for being such a sweet wife

You're my everything, you're my whole life

I love you now, I love you forever,

For you I will do whatsoever

Sweetest thing ever. Seriously. Last time he wrote me a poem was on our first Valentines day together and it melted my heart. This one melted my heart even more. He's seriously so good at poetry. I'm a lucky woman.

After work and school, we went to Tepanyaki and had a nice dinner with one another.

And then when we got home, he got his surprise from me.:) I gave him a homemade card-of course. And then I had him close his eyes and go into our room- I put glow in the dark stars all over our room. Where we talked under the stars and then watched our wedding video.

Steve is my sweetheart.my best friend.my better half. This year is definitely a huge change and adjustment for us but I know it's all worth it in the end. We are in everything together. I sure love you Steve! So happy I get to spend not only my time on earth with you but for all the eternities.

Life right now.

2011-09-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

You know summer is over when life is super busy again.

Steve is studying all the time, and I'm pretty sure I understand now why the professors told the pharmacy students to wave goodbye to their family for the next couple years.

I still get to see him, but he is always studying..which is good...I just miss him..BUT He got a 100% on his test on Friday and I am SOOOO super proud of him.

Volleyball started up again, so Tuesday's and Thursday's I have volleyball and then Wednesdays mutual. It's pretty awesome how everything worked out. Life is dang busy right now, but it's good. Heavenly father knew that I needed to keep busy.

Colleen and I also finished the Trek video on Saturday, which I'm soo super excited about! It turned out really nice. And it's been good having Colleen keep me company.

I found out that my job is closing down the end of February. So, I'm back at job hunting. I'm really grateful that I have until February. But still..stressful.

Yesterday was nice. Steve only had to study a little bit, since he studied so much on Friday and Saturday. So, after church and dinner we went to the Sandy memorial and walked through the flags. It's really humbling to walk through that.

It was also nice to remember my sweet Great Grandma Lilenquist and her birthday yesterday. I sure miss her.

Well, that's a sum up of what's going on. Busy. But it's alright :) I know we can get through anything together. We are happy, and that's what matters.

Night.:)

P.s. Instagram is now my favorite app. It turns pictures into WAY cool pictures.

Midgey's a married woman.

2011-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Kjersti and Tyler are married now!! Woot!! I haven't had time to do much blogging lately, but I had to document Kjersti's most important day of her life!:)

Kjersti and Tyler were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple on Sept 1. She looked absolutely gorgeous! I'm so grateful that Kjersti found Tyler and that they are sealed together forever.

They had a really nice luncheon at the Joseph Smith memorial and a reception at This is the Place. My mom did all the decorating and food and it turned out perfect. They even had a train ride, so you could go for a ride and see This is the Place. It was awesome!

I'm super happy for you Midgey..You'll always be my little sis. So grateful for you and proud of you! AND welcome to the fam Ty!!:)

White Coat Ceremony

2011-08-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Steve had his WHITE COAT CEREMONY today. I am SO dang proud of him!! This is a HUGE step in our lives. He officially starts school on Monday and we both are a little nervous, but yet so super excited!!

At white coat ceremony they of course got there white coats :) And might I add, Steve looked so lag-it. He is definitely a stud in a white coat.

They also had a nice program with the dean and other speakers. Steve did the Pledge of Professionalism as well as The Oath of Pharmacist. It was really neat to see Steve stand, having his right arm to the square and saying the oath with all the pharmacists. It was really touching to see him be there. He has worked SO hard to get this far and I am super proud of him.

At the end of the program they had all of the students wave goodbye to their family for the next 3 years. I got a little choked up. I know I'm going to see Steve, but things are definitely going to change for the next three years. I've been mentally preparing for this day to come..so that helps. AND we have such amazing family and friends to support us.

I'm SO excited for him!! And I'm super grateful for the family who came to support us on such a big day!

LoVe from my BeEhIvEs!

2011-08-20T15:10:00.001-07:00

I love my calling so much. I'm extremely blessed to be able to spend so much time with such amazing girls!

The other night I got a knock on my door from two of my Beehives-Savannah (Anna) and Paige (Paigey).

They had huge grins on there faces and handed me cupcakes and a temple recommend holder that they had crocheted. They told me that they were working on a service project for Personal Progress and wanted to make me something for there project.

Seriously melt my heart. I am so dang proud of these girls. There mom's both told me they spent many hours working on this for me.

These girls are always teaching me so much and making me want to be better.

This is Paigey...

and this is SavAnna..Cutest girls ever huh?

Morning with the Woodbury's.

2011-08-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

Erin and I have known each other since we were 5 years old. We grew up in the same neighborhood and then when our parents moved to different cities we always remained close friends!

She now lives in Washington, Utah (St. George) so we don't get to see each other too much, but the great thing about our friendship is that we can always pick up where we left off.

Erin' s brother is going through the temple today, so they came for the weekend. We invited them to come and have breakfast with us and then spend the morning with us.

So grateful for Erin and for the friendship we have.

Lil' man E with Steve. Dang it! We didn't get a picture of Chet.

Lake Powell 2011

2011-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

This year was just as great as last year..maybe even a little better because EVERYONE got to go- and we have a new addition to the family-Mikenzie:)

Oh how I love Lake Powell. I seriously do. It's probably one of my very favorite trips. Getting to play in the water every single day for a week, you really can't beat that.

This year's trip we...

-Water skied every single day

-Late night talks

-Spiritual thought every night

-Games, games, games!!!

-Went down the slide-oh so fun! And played the game again where you need to try and stand on the tube the longest

-Tubed until my arms about fell off

-LOTS of reading time on the top deck. Oh so nice. See the gorgeous view and just read and listen to the peace and quiet.

AND read my great, great grandparents life story. AMAZING. This is in the late 1800's early 1900's. I have so much respect and gratitude for my ancestors.

-Annual Ladies shampoo party

-Synchronized Diaper Dancing-SO dang fun!!!

-Hiked and saw Indian ruins

-Rode the Knee board. I Learned how to knee board- baby! And I did a 360!

-Ate so much good food and snacks

-Slept under the stars

-Fell in love with the song "I DO." By Colbie Caillat

-Late nights and Laughter

-Jumped off the houseboat..Which I gladly passed on that one...(I HATE heights!!)

-Squeezed in some power naps

-Steve and Jason acted like kids :)

Lake Powell I love you, I really do. Steve and I can't wait until next year's trip!!!

UP!

2011-08-14T19:37:00.001-07:00

Steve and I decided to go for a drive and check out the new UP house. It was soooo super cute!! I loved how realistic it looked to the actual movie.

Not only was it realistic, but it was livable. It had pictures all through the house that were from the movie. They also had the movie playing in the theatre room downstairs for everyone to watch as you go through the house.

To add to the fun atmosphere they had music playing throughout the house from the movie. And a guy dressed up as Carl.

Here's some pics:

So super cute!

It will be fun for when Steve and I have our own house someday. We want a house that we will grow old together in too.

Surprise Date.

2011-08-07T09:28:00.001-07:00

Steve is such a sweetheart. I can't even describe in words how grateful I am for him. We've been married for almost 5 years and he still makes my heart flutter.

I love that we can do everything and anything together and we always have a great time. We are always there for one another and he's my best friend.

Friday, Steve told me he wanted to drop me off at work because he wanted to get my car's oil changed before we headed to Lake Powell that weekend. I told him that would be really nice of him. So after work Steve picks me up an hands me a pair of my pants and tells me to change because we will want to be warm. He then told me he made reservations to go to Foundry Grill at Sundance.

What a sweetheart huh?

It was such a nice little change and get away. Sundance is SO pretty. We generally only go to Sundance to go snow skiing, so everything of course looks a lot different under the snow.

Our dinner was SO nice, and he reserved a spot out on the patio so there was a cute little water fall by us.

We were able to eat the delicious food, enjoy each other's company and the view all around us.

After our nice dinner, and walking around the resort we went home and watched Soul Surfer. Which by the way is an AWESOME movie.

I'm soo extremely grateful for my sweetheart. I always am asking myself how did I get so lucky?

Marie's Craft Blog

2011-08-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends has the CUTEST craft site! If you love making things, check out her cute blog!

http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/

Woot.

2011-07-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Seven Peaks with my best friend, and also with Shannon and Jason. It was seriously such a nice day. Nothing to worry about, just enjoying the water and the sun. I seriously LOVE summer days!

Beehive Camp-Day 3

2011-07-20T16:06:00.001-07:00

Bummer..it's over. Camp was SO much fun! There is nothing better than being able to feel up lifted, rejuvenated and be plain goofy!

I loved girls camp and I'm so grateful that I was able to go this year!!

The girls LOVED singing all the Tangled songs

Here's some fun pictures of girls camp that I didn't want to forget!:)

Beehive Camp-Day 2

2011-07-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Day numb-a two was just as great! Brother Lilenquist woke everyone up with the smell of pancakes! How nice is that? He got up early just to make all of us ladies some breakfast!:)

After breakfast we played Big-Booty, Big-Booty! This time, everyone played-including the priesthood leaders! It was soo much fun, and so dang funny!

We had our morning devotional and then had 30 minutes of personal study. It was so nice to just have 30 minutes of just writing in my journal and reading my scriptures. It was so peaceful too.

We then made crafts! one of my VERY favorite things to do!

Our first craft that we did was we had picture frames, and vinyl lettering that said "I believe" with a scripture reference. Each girl got a picture frame and put the lettering on the glass, then they didn't add the backing of the frame. Instead we had them get different color ribbons (bright ones, looked the cutest for the girls) and hot glue it to the top of the frame, so that they could tie a big ribbon, for it to hang. We also had the girls hot glue gun the glass sides to the frame.

The next craft they did was we had them make necklaces out of scrabble pieces! It turned out so cute! That was a simple craft too. All they had to do was get the We Believe square that we printed out, then they cut it to the shape of the scrabble piece. Once they cut it then the glued the paper onto the scrabble piece. Once that was dry, then they sanded the square piece. After that they modge pogde it and let it dry. Once dry, we super glued bales on the back, and added a chain! The girls LOVED this one!

We then had some lunch, and then did some UNITY games!

For the first unity game, we had the girls all stand on a log and had them alphabetically get in order. They had to work together by helping each other get in the right spot. If someone fell off the log, or if any part of there body touched the ground, they had to start over again.

even the priesthood leaders tried it out...

The girls wanted to try this a couple times, so we let them keep doing it! This turned out to be a really fun activity and all we needed was a log!

After the girls got tired of that, we played friendship tag! This was really fun, because I remember playing this when I was younger. Friendship tag is where you link arms with someone, and the person who is it is chasing someone. For the person being chased, they have to link arms with someone within the circle.

Brother Fisher always seemed to be the one in the middle! ha ha!!

It's pretty amazing how much energy these girls have! After we were done playing the unity games they had free time. They didn't want to rest, they wanted to play more games! So, we played more Big Booty, Little Sally Walker and Bust a Move.

We then had the girls come up with skits. I had them get into groups and draw out of a bowl a fairytale. They had 15 minutes to come up with a skit and to make props. (They could use tinfoil, straws, tape, pom pom's etc)

The first group had Tangled-They changed it to "Redneck Rapunzel"

The second group had Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs-They changed it to "Maddie Moo-Who and the one Midget".

and the last group had Cinderella. They kept it as Cinderella!

After skits, it was time to learn how to build a fire and then roast hotdogs for dinner!

We had our devotional after dinner, and we we watched the movie "New Testament" before we had our testimony meeting. It really helped set the mood.

I absolutely love testimony meeting at girls camp. The spirit is always so super strong, and everyone feels so unified with one another. I seriously can't describe in words what a neat experience it is to listen to the girls stand and bare testimony of what they know is true. It's so amazing.

Even though it was midnight by the time testimony meeting ended, we didn't want to go to bed! So, the leaders all went into the basement and played the card game-Wizard until 3:00 am. I don't think I've stayed up that late since I was in high school..maybe college? I can't even remember the last time I stayed up that late! It was a lot of fun! I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time!

I always talk about how amazing the Beehives are, because they really are but I don't talk about how awesome the women are that I get to serve with.

They are such awesome women. I feel so blessed to be able to spend so much time with them too! Colleen, has become one of my really good friends. She is a lot like me in quite a bit of ways. I know that certain people come into our lives for a reason and I know Colleen is one of those people. This has been a hard year for me, and she completely understands me and always seems to know when I need to talk. She also knows how to have a good time, and be just as goofy as me!

Me, Colleen and Paigey (Paige is Colleen's daughter)

Beehive Camp-Day 1

2011-07-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have so many good memories of going to girls camp when I was a young women. I seriously couldn't wait until Beehive Camp!

This year's theme was We Believe-the thirteenth article of faith. This year was just Beehive Camp because all of the older youth go to trek. I honestly can say, it couldn't of been any better. Because I was able to spend more one on one time with each of the girls.

We had such awesome camp directors and girls camp couldn't have gone any better. We really wanted the girls to come closer to Christ as well as be more unified with one another.

Before girls camp we had a fourteen day walk with Christ. Where we would give the girls questions as well as a story that they needed to read every day. All of the leaders did this as well, so by the end of girls camp it would be our fourteenth day. After reading and really pondering the questions, I can honestly say that I became closer to Christ. I seriously love this about young women's.

So, for day one-on Wednesday, we met up at the Lilenquist's home where we had our morning devotional as well as muffins and juice.

We then loaded up the cars and headed to our destination. The Lilenquist family were soooo generous and let us have our girls camp at their family cabin. The cabin was only an hour and a half away from home, so it really wasn't too far at all!

When we got there we showed the girls where they would sleep and let them explore the cabin. Then we went on a five mile hike as a group. The hike was super pretty, and we all ate our packed lunches.

While we were eating our lunches, one of my beehives-Lindsay, was so tired from the hike she couldn't wait to sit down on a nice rock. Unfortunately, when she sat down it ended up not being a rock but a dry cow pie. So, when she sat down, the poop ooozed all over her. It was so sad, but really funny at the same time! Everyone had a good laugh!

After lunch, all of leaders did our welcome skit! Where we did a rap to get all the girls excited for camp!

This is how it went: (My creative friend Colleen came up with it!)

Chorus:(All) Yo Beehives, Listen up, we got somethin' to tell you. We're all here at camp learnin' values and virtue!

Shari: We got Becky & Keira, Denise, Ang, Colleen. There's Tammy, the priesthood & don't forget me!

Chorus

Denise:We're sisters and daughters, united we stand, helping all the people here in Zion's land!

Chorus

Keira: We will work so hard on our Personal Progress, once you get started you know you can't stop this!

Chorus

Becky & Priesthood: You know with every trial and lesson, Heav-en-ly Father's always there with a blessin'!

Chorus

Angie: Now when we fall down, we just need to work harder to be happy and live with our Heavenly Father

Chorus

Colleen: Because much is given, so much is required. No problem, B-dogs' cuz you are inspired!

Tammy: We'll all work together-make the best of each day. Our Father will help us' cuz we'll pray every day!

All: That's why we pray clap, stomp, stomp, clap We pray!

stmp stmp stmp mrch stmp clap clap

We got to pray just to make it to-day!

stmp stmp stmp stmp clap clap stmp stmp mrch stmp

The skit got all the girls excited! And they started acting more goofy like the leaders;)

I loved going on the hike though, because it was great being able to walk along the side of each girl and just to talk them, or joke around with them! I love just having fun with them.

Here's some other cute pics from the hike:

After the hike, we went back to the cabin and went over the 10 commandments of camp. So they knew what the rules were while we were up there.

We then played some games-Big Booty, Little Sally Walker and Ride that Pony! These girls sure know how to have fun! I completely forgot about these games. I haven't played them since I was a young women! I LOVED it! It's so nice to remember what good fun is.

Not long after, we all got in a circle to make our friendship necklaces. This was one of the neatest activities we did at camp. We had all the girls, including the leaders bring 20 pieces of one thing that they loved to do, or something that was there favorite. We went around the circle explaining what we brought and why we brought it. And then each of us put it on our necklaces and we wore the necklaces all throughout camp. I really think this also helped the girls be unified with one another.

We then made our secret sister buckets, so that we could put all of our secret sister stuff in them for the time we were at camp. For secret sister, we had the girls bring something that they liked, so by the end of camp you were to try and guess who your secret sister is. That way, they can get to know each other more. The girls at first were worried that who ever they had might not like what they brought, but at the end they loved having someone guess who they were.

Some girls had dinner prep while the rest played more games (for each meal, Denise would draw names out of a bowl, so the girls couldn't choose who they wanted to do meals with. That way they all had a turn helping with different people and again, being more unified).

After dinner, we had our evening devotional. We had the girls draw a picture of someone they didn't like or of someone who had offended them. I was a little shocked and saddened at how quickly and excited they were to draw someone. Because after we told them to draw that person, they would each get a turn to throw darts at their drawing. They didn't have to if they didn't want to, but they had the opportunity to do that if they wanted to.

Only two girls out of the ten decided they didn't feel comfortable doing that. We had the girls go outside and on the deck we had a bulls eye where they could place their picture. Each girl eagerly got in line and hung up there drawing. Some of the girls missed their picture, so with their last dart that they had they would run up to the picture and start poking holes through it. It really made me feel so sad inside to see so much anger come out of these girls. It made me wonder what really offended them or hurt them so much.

After each of the girls did this, we sat around the camp fire and asked the girls how did it make you feel to be able to draw that person and throw darts at them? The girls answers were this "It felt good" "I loved poking a dart in that person's eye"... After we let them tell us how they felt, we got the bull's eye target, and underneath it was a picture of Christ.

I knew Christ was behind the target, but still seeing holes all through him was so hard to see. The girls faces quickly turned from smiling to being sad, some even cried. Most of them quickly said to us "Well, if we knew he was under there, we wouldn't have done that." We then reminded them that when they are hurting others, or gossiping, or being mean to one another, we are still hurting Christ.

We then let the girls let out there feelings. I can't explain in detail what a neat experience that was for me. They asked for forgiveness with one another, and this alone helped the girls become one with one another. After this, all through out camp they watched out for one another, and made sure everyone was feeling included.

Don't get me wrong, all the girls generally all get a long, but I really think because they are still young and getting used to changes sometimes they just need a gentle reminder to include everyone and to not get in little groups.

After our devotional, we grabbed our can lanterns and went on a night hike. We gathered around one another in a circle and sang Walk Tall Your a Daughter. This is one of my very favorite songs. I love the meaning and the words of the song.

The spirit was so strong, listening to all the girls sing brought tears to my eyes. I am so extremely blessed to be able to be with them.

The girls spirits are all so strong to. Their testimony and the light of Christ shines through each of their eyes. They are all such beautiful girls, and they make me want to be better.

Once we hiked and sang songs, we went back to the cabin and got ready for bed. We then watched Tangled.:)

I sure love my BEEHIVES!

Kjersti's Engaged!

2011-07-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally OFFICIAL. Kjersti and Tyler are engaged and getting married on September 1st! I'm soo super excited for my baby sis. Tyler and Kjersti make a perfect couple!

Mini Getaway

2011-06-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a mini getaway with Jason, Shannon, J.R. and Kosha. It was seriously so much fun! It was so nice to have a mini get away-even if it was just for a short little trip.

We stayed at Shannon's cabin in Scofield. It was way nice! Right when you walk outside of the cabin, in the backyard is a beautiful lake. PERFECT for any fun water sport. We were seriously wishing we had a boat because the water was glass.

Oh how I miss water skiing. I can't wait to take my first ski run.. Anyway, we did so much! We went on a walk around Scofield. It's a super cute little town. We rode the wave runner, used the paddle boat, watched movies, played games, roasted S'mores and even road in a six wheeler that you can ride in the water. Coolest thing ever.

First on land...

Now on water!

Such a nice weekend. Can't wait until we have another one!

Lil' Black Beauty

2011-06-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Steve's parents neighbors had some baby horses!! One of which was a baby from a full size horse. The other baby was from a miniature pony. MINIATURE! How cute is that?? Aw. I loved it! I love horses! And I loved it even more seeing the babies.

The baby of the full size mare was so super tiny and cute, but when we saw the miniature baby it was adorable. Size of a small dog! I kept asking Steve if he would let me take it home with me ;)

Here's a video of the mini. Look how small this lil' guy is! Don't mind me giving a disgusted face..a dang bug was coming at my face..

Oh and something else that's cute. Blake and Sherrie bought some pigeons to teach Soph had to retrieve birds. She Loved it! She's seriously so obsessed with birds. You say "bird" and she is ready to track it down and point it out.

Daddy-o's Birthday!

2011-06-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

My cute dad also had his birthday this week. Before Steve became the #1 man in my life, my dad was. My dad is seriously such an amazing man. I look up to him, and he's taught me so much.

I'm sure lucky that I have such an amazing daddy-o.

Grand Pappy's Bday!

2011-06-20T17:59:00.001-07:00

My sweet Great Grandpa Joe turned 95!

We had a fun birthday bash at his house.

I sure love him to pieces. I have so many fun memories with him. My most favorite one, is when I was younger he would have me put my fingers between his and he would lock them and ask me to try and take them out. It was super hard!! And he would just laugh. I also love that when I give him a kiss on his cheek. Instead of kissing my cheek back, he does a cute little clicking noise in my ear back to me-which means he's "kissing" me back.

Sleepover!

2011-06-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

Thursday night we slept over at Grandpa and Grandma Ford's house. We are so super lucky to have such amazing grandparents.

Right after we got off work, we went met up with Grandma and Grandpa at Robintino's. The first thing that grandma said was "We've been waiting all day to see you two." What a sweetheart. They are seriously so thoughtful. They wanted to treat us to dinner, and it was super nice of them. We definitely enjoyed the food and the company!

When we got to their house, we played a card game of canasta, and grandma made some homemade shakes!

We had to get up early on Friday, and grandma was such a sweetheart. She woke up early just to make sure we had a good breakfast. (Keep in mind, she just had two knee replacements not too long ago. SO she doesn't feel the greatest herself, but is always thinking of others.) She's a perfect example of how I need to be.

We had such a fun little sleepover with these two. I can't wait until we have another!

And so it begins...

2011-06-13T14:25:00.001-07:00

New Family Pics 2011.

2011-06-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Petey's getting married!

2011-06-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Preston is getting married to Mckenzie! We are all so super excited for them. They seriously are so perfect for one another. I haven't seen Preston like this-ever. He never can stop smiling. He loves her so much, and Kenzie too.

Kenzie fits in the family really well. Even though I've only know her for a month it seems like I've known her longer.

Steve and I are excited to have another sister in law in the fam! Can't wait for there big day on July 30th!:)

Leaving on a jet plane.

2011-06-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

Kody has been living in Nebraska since June and Jade and Carson just left on Friday. I'm definitely missing them already but I'm happy that there little fam can be together. Thank the heavens that they aren't living there permanently-it's just for the summer. Kody is selling satellite.

The night before they left, we ate at Gecko's as a fam for my bday and then went and watched Kris play basketball. We also had some fun on my ipad :)

We sure miss you guys already, but I'm glad you get to have your own little adventure away. Can't wait to see you in August!

Girls Night!

2011-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Steve left for the cabin this week with his dad, brothers and mom to lay astro turf down. So, what a perfect excuse to have a girls night! Woot!

Friday night Whitney, Shannon, Kenzie and I all met up to have a girls night and sleepover! How fun is that?

We painted our nails, watched princess and the frog,ate lots of food and then even did homemade facials. Which didn't exactly turn out how we planned. The smell of it made us all gag and we could only handle the facial for a few minutes.

There is something so disturbing when it comes to the smell of puree cucumber and yogurt!

In the morning, we woke up and all went to the temple together. It was really awesome.

I had such a fun time with you girls!

I'm 26!

2011-06-04T17:37:00.001-07:00

SAY WHAT? yep. I'm the big 2-6! ha ha. I generally make a big deal about my birthday's.

This year was a tad bit different.

In all honesty, I was a little..what's the word? Upset is a good word. I was a little upset that I turned 26 this year. Because I like to so call plan out what's going on in my life. And yea, that doesn't always go so well. Heavenly Father is in charge, I know it. But, yet I always like to plan my own life. (I"M WORKING ON IT!) I had planned out that by the time i'm 25 I would have at least one little bambino. Well my 25th birthday came, and gone. So I was thinking, okay, okay when I'm 26 I'll have my little one. And ahem, obviously-no baby. So I was getting super bitter and upset. One of my best friends Colleen dropped a little birthday treat off to me with a two page letter. She said she felt inspired to let me know a few things, and I'm sooooo extremely grateful to her for that. I'm so super blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. I SO needed to hear/read that.

Here's a quick little sum up of what I did for my day..oh and weekend! :)

We had a family dinner at Geckos with all my fam. Had an Anderson birthday bbq to celebrate grandma's, mine and josh's birthday. Went shopping with the ford gals. Came into work to find my desk decorated with lots of treats and my friend even made me a birthday cake! So many nice texts, phone calls and visits. Steve surprised me with multiple things. Wow, am I a very lucky lady! Steve is seriously so good to me. Steve and I went out to eat at Archibalds after work..MMM...and on your birthday they give you a free meal! Totally up for that.

I had an amazing day!

Here's a few pics of my birthday...

So happy birthday to me!:)

Grandma turned 87!

2011-06-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

How I love my sweet little Grandma Anderson. I seriously just love her to pieces. Grandma and I have always shared our birthday's together, and I'm so grateful for that. This year we were able to have a birthday party for me, grandma and Josh (my cousins son)-again! :) I love it! It's always so much fun getting together with the Anderson side.

Grandma, is such a sweet and loving person. Anyone who has ever met her -she gives them a big hug and kiss on the cheek. She makes sure everyone knows that they are loved by her. Whether that's the first time knowing her or not.

I sure love you grandma! Happy Birthday! Many more to share. :)

Midgey.

2011-06-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Midgey is my baby sis. I've called her Midgey for years, and to be honest I don't think I've called her, her real name in forever (when I talk to her).:)

Kjersti is in France for a month, and to be honest I'm so completely envious! How awesome is that? She went with her best friend for a study abroad program and I'm super thrilled for her.

I definitely miss my little Midgey, but I'm glad she has such an awesome opportunity!

OH and something so awesome-She's getting married on Sept 1! Not to a french man-thank the heavens for that. Nothing against french men, but yea..anywho, she is marrying Tyler Conrad. They met 2 months ago at Tyler's homecoming. They really are so perfect for each other. At first I thought-NO WAY! She's just a baby! She's not old enough. But, my attitude changed quickly when I met him, and seen how right they are one another.

Plus, I'm gaining another awesome brother in law!

p.s. Tyler hasn't proposed yet! So no one start giving the congrats-quite yet!

Beautiful Inside and Out.

2011-05-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night, we had a spa night for all the Beehives. I had my friend Melissa come and talk to the girls about the importance of being beautiful on the inside, and also how important it is for them to take care of the skin and body (on the outside) It turned out PERFECT. Then the girls had facials. The spirit was super strong, and I really hope that the girls remember and know how beautiful they are-for who they are.

Lately...

2011-05-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

For the last two weeks...

We were able to go to the REAL soccer game for the first time. It was super fun, and FINALLY the weather was warm enough so that we didn't have to even wear jackets! Thank the heavens for that. :)

For FHE we went to the dollar theatre and took Whit to the Justin Bieber movie in 3d. Steve wasn't really up for seeing the movie (ha, I don't blame him) but since it was 2 out of three votes.. he got voted out! ha ha! No, but Steve was a good sport. He actually said he didn't mind the movie at the end. Plus, nothing better than singing all the bieber songs in theatre and swaying my arms back and forth :)

We also had a bbq with Preston and Mckenzie. Mckenzie is a really nice girl and perfect fit for Petey. After our bbq we went to Thursday night, dollar night at Classic Skating. Totally ghetto..but Oh so much fun! I'm still pretty shocked at all the little romances..seriously-I saw 10 year olds macking on each other. So gross! Plus where are the parents? Besides that, we had a lot of fun! It totally made me feel like a kid again. And it's so awesome skating holding hands and skating with my best friend.

We've been babysitting Sophie for a couple days. It's been a lot of fun having a dog but also a ton of work! She wakes us up every morning and jumps right on our bed to wake us up...she is definitely like a little kid sometimes. We've loved taking her for walks and playing hide and seek with her. She's a really, really good dog.

If that isn't proof enough that Steve is starting to LOVE dogs..I don't know what is!

And last but not least, we got another set of family pictures! (Just the two of us) Not that the ones Dan and Carrie just did last year wasn't good enough, but one of our friends is just starting his business and asked to take our pics-for free! woot! :) So that was fun! Here is just a couple that he sent us last night...

Count. Your. Blessings.

2011-05-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

This last week was a SUPER hard week for me. I wasn't ready for change, and it of course came. It was soooo hard to get over the fact that so many of my friends were layed off. It was so hard for me to get past the fact that my friends were seriously working just as hard as me and I managed to be able to keep my job.

It didn't help that mother's day fell this week either. I really thought I was doing fine, but during sacrament meeting that's all the speakers talked about. (Of course, it WAS mother's day) and I felt that triggering feeling inside me where I feel a sense of sadness and helplessness. I can't control the fact that I'm not a mom, and I hate that.

Last night, Steve and I were talking and he even gave me a blessing. The blessing helped me sooo much! I've felt at peace again, and i've been thinking a lot lately.

Holy toledo, I so need to count my blessings!! Steve and I are so blessed!

Count my blessings #1

How grateful I am that I still have my job, heavenly father blessed us with that little miracle-that I didn't get layed off. Yes, it is super hard to not have my friends there, and to see them struggle but I still have a job! I still have a job to help support Steve and I, and especially help Steve go through Pharmacy school.

Count my blessings#2

I have an AMAZING relationship with Steve. Steve is my best friend, and I'm his. We love to do everything together. There is seriously nothing better than holding hands with Steve and knowing that we are here for each other no matter what.

Count my blessings#3

Being a mother figure isn't just delivering a child-it's also by example and being a mothering figure. I consider the beehives my girls. I teach them things, they teach me things and they always make me want to be a better person. I'm some what being a mother figure for them.

Count my blessings#4

We have such an amazing family! We are so blessed to have so many awesome brothers and sisters and parents. Not to mention all the extended family! Our Family is ALWAYS here for us, and willing to step in and help out, or to give advice.

Count my blessing#5

We have so many good friends. I love that we have so many friends who would step up and help us if we need them, or to give some advice or even just hanging out and making us laugh!

I have so much to be grateful for. There is no need for me to worry.

Shocked 2.

2011-05-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

This week has definitely been a hard one. On Tuesday, within just a couple of minutes I found out that 25 people were laid off from my company. 11 them being people in my training class-we all became super close. I consider them my work family. I'm super grateful that I still have my job, but lets be honest. It's not the same-AT ALL. It seriously feels like a grave yard at work now. Everyone is way quiet and there are empty desks-everywhere! My friends came in today to pick up there boxes and it was really hard. It's hard to say goodbye, and I definitely don't like big changes. This is a HUGE change in my life.

I know we will keep in touch, but it's not the same.

I hate having to go through this whole lay off thing-twice and really not to far apart. It was hard saying goodbye to my friends at Principal, and now I have to say goodbye to my friends again.

I know a lot of change is going to take place this year. A couple weeks ago I kept getting promptings that change is going to take place. I kept wanting to brush it off, because I really don't like change. But, whether it be good or bad change it's probably best in the long run-because it's all in God's hands.

SAD DAY.

2011-05-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

25 of my friends were laid off yesterday.

Decorating Eggs.

2011-04-30T17:50:00.001-07:00

Every year, for the past 4 years we have decorated eggs with The Rappleye's! It's a fun tradition that we do and we love spending time with them!

Touched.

2011-04-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a really humbling and touching experience for me. For our young women activity we had the opportunity of going to the homeless shelter and doing activities with all the kids there. To be honest, I don't think I've ever been to the homeless shelter before, and I never really realized how many homeless people there are not to far from home.

It was such a neat experience for me, words can't describe how full my heart feels. Steve and I are seriously SO blessed. Sometimes it's so easy to complain about little things- When really, I should be getting down on my knees and just thanking heavenly father for ALL the things we have.

What really hit me was as we were leaving, the families and little kids pulled out cots to sleep on, in the middle of the lobby. You know, I always picture putting kids in there jammies, giving them a nice bath and reading them a story before they go to bed. But these little kids had their same dirty clothes on and I don't think they have had a bath in days.

But as we were leaving the kids waved goodbye with smiles on their faces...

I seriously need to be doing more things like this. And I know it sure touched the young women too.

Who Says.

2011-04-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

So, I LOVE the song-Who Says. By Selena Gomez. What an awesome song!! I love the message and what it stands for. It's so easy, especially for women to not be happy for who they are, or by what they look like. Because we aren't always "perfect" in the world's eyes. When really we are perfect in God's eyes-just the way we are.

[Verse 1]

I wouldn't want to be anybody else

( Hey! )

You made me insecure
Told me I wasn't good enough
But who are you to judge
When you're a diamond in the rough
I'm sure you got some things
You'd like to change about yourself
But when it comes to me
I wouldn't want to be anybody else

Na na na na na
Na na na na na na
I'm no beauty queen
I'm just beautiful me

La na na na na na na na na!
La na na na na na na na na!

You've got every right
To a beautiful life
( C'mon! )

Who says
Who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting
Trust me
That's the price of beauty
Who says you're not pretty
Who says you're not beautiful
Who says

[Selena Gomez - Verse 2]

It's such a funny thing
How nothing's funny when it's you
You tell 'em what you mean
But they keep whiting out the truth

It's like a work of art
That never gets to see the light
Keep you beneath the stars
Won't let you touch the sky

La na na na na na na na na!
La na na na na na na na na!

I'm no beauty queen
I'm just beautiful me

La na na na na na na na na!
La na na na na na na na na!

You've got every right
To a beautiful life
C'mon

[Chorus]

Who says
Who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting
Trust me
That's the price of beauty
Who says you're not pretty
Who says you're not beautiful

Who says
Who says you're not star potential
Who says you're not presidential
Who says you can't be in movies
Listen to me, listen to me
Who says you don't pass the test
Who says you can't be the best
Who said, who said
Won't you tell me who said that
( Yeah, WHO SAID!? )

Who says
Who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting
Trust me
That's the price of beauty
Who says you're not pretty
Who says you're not beautiful
Who says(x2)

I've been trying to think of good activities for my beehives, so that they know how important it is for them to know how beautiful they are. Both inside and out. How they are, and that they don't need to change for anyone.

Anyone have any good ideas??

Kris and Jess wedding

2011-04-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Kris and Jess finally got married! :) Everyone's been super excited for the day to finally come-especially them...big surprise? no.

The day turned out perfect and I'm so happy that it didn't rain on there special day. The temple was my all time favorite part of the whole day. The spirit was super strong, and it was nice having my family together. Kris and Jess make such a perfect couple.

The day was perfect, and i'm so grateful that we were able to spend such a special day with them. Love you Kris and Jessie!

P.s. We missed you-Sean and Kristan! :)

Weekend with my long lost Sister.

2011-04-17T18:39:00.001-07:00

Yep, you read the title right. This weekend I spent time with my older sister, Kristan. Kristan lives in Dallas, and we never-ever get to see each other.

It was seriously one of the best weekends that we've had in a long time. Not only did I get to know my older sister a little more, but I was also able to meet her hubby. Who, is also super awesome.

To be honest, I've always wanted to have an older sibling to talk to, and give me advice in regards to things. Don't get me wrong-I love giving advice to my younger siblings, but growing up I always wanted someone older (besides my parentals ;) )to talk to.

This weekend was awesome. We definitely over packed the weekend with things, but it was great getting to know her more and to meet her guy.

Friday night everyone met up at Gecko's and had dinner and then at 10:30 pm we all decided to go cosmic bowling! How awesome is that? Or crazy should I say? ha ha. Steve and I are such party-poops at night it was amazing that we had enough energy to do that! It was super fun though-all the guys had a lane and then all the girls-(minus Jade:we missed you!)

Saturday morning we had our family pictures taken, and then in the afternoon we had Kristan's baby shower with all the Anderson Ladies. Kristan got a lot of really cute stuff, and I'm pretty sure she enjoyed the party.

After the party we all went to Park City and went to the Olympic Park Museum. We were all getting super hungry, so we hit up a cute pizza and noodle shop-mmm! I love pizza. The food was delish, and the company was even better.

Everyone was pretty tired, so in the evening we just bummed around the house in our jammies talking and enjoying each other's company.

Sunday morning (today), we woke up and had breakfast at mom and dad's and then we went to the conference center to show Kristan and Sean. Unfortunately, time came quickly and around 1:30 they had to head to the airport. It was definitely sad saying our goodbye's-but our goodbye's are only for a short while-I can't wait to see them again! Not only did I gain a big sister this weekend, but I also gained an older brother too. I'm really so glad Kristan married such a nice guy like Sean-they make a perfect pair!

Ellen's Surprise Party!

2011-04-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Ellen's 50th! Bob wanted to make it a birthday to remember-so he invited all the family to come and celebrate on Sunday night. Oh, and to make it even more awesome-it was a surprise party!

So glad that I have you as my mom in law! Happy Birthday!!

Dinosaurs.

2011-04-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, little man Carson (our one and only nephew-so far) LOVES Dinosaurs. He always pretends to be a dinosaur too. It's super cute!

I called Kody and Jade to see if Steve and I could take him to the Dinosaur Museum.

So that's what we did.

When we got there he seemed a little nervous around them because they were sooo big. I really don't think he knew what to expect. Jade told me after that he thought we were taking him to the mall (the Dino play place)! Little did he know. ha ha. Cute lil' guy.

Steve and I had so much fun with him! Even though it was for a couple hours, we we're seriously exhausted! Running around all the exhibits and playing in the sand is hard work! ;)

So grateful Carson is in our lives. He's such a happy little guy! Thanks Kody and Jade for letting us spend a couple hours with you're little man.

Take me out to the ball game...

2011-04-05T22:16:00.001-07:00

Steve is playing softball this year in a city league! I have never been much of a softball/baseball fan, but it was really fun (besides freezing..oh and raining!) Tonight was his first game and he did great! He was a bit nervous about playing-since he hasn't played in a long time.

The game was super close-14 to 15 (we being 14..unfortunately-but they did great for their first game!)

I'm really excited for the next games! Steve has a great time, I have a great time watching and I also enjoy spending time with the other wives. I think this will be a fun season!

I made Steve pose for me with his glove!;)

Caught. But it continues...

2011-04-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

So the pranking continues...

I LOVE my job!! I get an email today from Regence Pranksters..(anonymously)

The "Regence Pranksters" sent an email out to all us saying in the heading-" I know what you did last Friday.... and then at the end they said- Gotcha!

I was laughing sooo hard!! OH MY GOSH!! I'm in practically all the pictures and I really was only there for probably 3 minutes!

My sup is such a good sport though! She sent us all an instant message that said:

So, I got an anonymous e-mail from a cell phone with proof of who put the glitter on my desk.... I have only gotten revenge on 3 of the culprits... Those of you who I haven't gotten yet, you know who you are.

Stay on your toes my friends.

and then..

See, the best part of this is April Fools day is over, but revenge doesn't have to occur on that day.... so you'll never see it coming. Muaaaaaa haaaaa haaaa aaaaahhhh

Oooh it's LADIES NIGHT!

2011-04-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend was AWESOME, besides that fact that Steve was gone.... He was working for his dad. Which was of course, very appreciated! We love that Bob always gives Steve job opportunities for us.

Since the cabin was being remodeled, we couldn't go to the cabin for conference. So, I was able to have ladies night with my mamasita and sista's! :) We we're able to go downtown to Desert Book and have ladies night! It's always so crazy busy there, but it's awesome. It's only women-since all the men are at priesthood session. Different authors and singers come and sign books and perform. They even do a drawing-and guess what? I WON! I won a really awesome book too. I've already read half of it. It's a book that talks about the importance of being a woman and how you make a difference in different aspects of life. Whether you're a leader, grandmother, sister and of course being a mother.

Eating at a sandwich shop

I was super excited that I won-holy toledo-I look like a pasty next to Kjersti!

This is the Ochiwa family-We've known them for 10years! We met them at one of our first ladies nights and we never plan on going with them, but we always run into them-which is always awesome.

Thanks Mom, Kart and Midgey for such a fun night! Love you!

P.s. We missed you Jade and Jess!

April Fool's!

2011-04-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

My work is AWESOME!!! My team is all about doing practical jokes on everyone-especially on April Fool's day. I've always loved playing a little joke on someone-I get that from my cute daddy-o.

My sup-Jen went to New Orleans for business this week, and didn't come back until today. My team that I work with wanted to welcome her back with putting stuff all of her desk! Don't worry she didn't think it was mean-she is a really good sport about it and got all of us back through out the day.

My friend Elizabeth wanted to toilet paper our manager Connie's office- who is over the entire office. I didn't dare to do that. Connie is super nice, but I just started working here not too long ago! I didn't want to step on any one's toes. (Connie was a good sport about it too! :))

Well when I got into the office, I was setting up my computer and my mouse wasn't working. So I unplug it and it still wouldn't work-so then I ask for batteries. I turn the mouse over and someone put tape over my mouse. The tape over mouse trick! ha! Tape kept reappearing on my mouse throughout the day! (Not too bad. huh?)

My other team mates received all the stuff on her desk-on there desk! ha ha! And Elizabeth-well, she kept getting phone calls and texts about an ad that she put up on KSL-(she never really put up an ad). Ha ha! She thinks it was Jen and Connie really getting her back!

What a fun day! I'm glad my co-workers like to have a laugh and have a good time!

P.s. Lunch was SOOOO nice! I loved eating outside in the warm weather and feeling like it's actually spring!

Best Day Ever!

2011-03-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

We found out this morning that Steve is accepted to the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN NEVADA! We are THRILLED!!! I'm so super proud of him! He start's the end of August! :)

We celebrated by going to Tepanyaki Japanese Grill and spending time together!

We seriously feel so grateful to Heavenly Father for helping us get this far, and that we don't have to move away from home!

Knitting.

2011-03-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

So I may have started a new hobby. Knitting.

One of the ladies I visit teach is always making a scarf. Really cute scarves too. So, I asked her if she could show me how to knit. It should be easy right?

Holy toledo. It's so hard for me right now! My fingers just can't seem to hold the needles right! It just seems sooo akward. Terry showed me how to do it, with quick easy steps and she makes it look sooo easy. She said it takes lots of practice.

I'm excited to see my scarf when it's finished. If I finish...sheesh.

If any of you knit-What's the easiest way you hold you're needles?

Night with Little Man.

2011-03-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Gosh. I love this kid.

P.s. I promise I got ready today..but that's what you look like after getting only a couple of hours of sleep the night before. (My cyst joyfully burst last night! Good news is-it's gone!!)

Lightbulb.

2011-03-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

You know. I've been thinking. I'm always thinking....

Why didn't I realize this sooner?

I've been battling the fact that I don't have a little bambino in my life for quite awhile now. Where I've really felt down and discouraged. When really it all makes sense in the scheme of things. Steve is going to be in school for 3 years. 3 years!! Pharmacy school is super intense and I've heard nothing but the fact that it completely keeps him busy. Busy time means-not as much me and him time.

Steve hasn't been excepted yet in pharmacy school, but I just keep getting these feelings that we are going to have change in our life.

You know, generally I don't do well with change. But, I've felt at peace.

Last night Steve and I had FHE and I read in the Ensign-The Savior's Compassion by S. Kent Brown. The story is about the miracle of the apostles catching multiple fish. When I've heard that story before that's all I've really thought about it, it was a great miracle. But, the story goes into deeper meaning eventually getting to the point that the Savior was really looking out for the apostles and for all of their families while they were going to dedicate their lives to the gospel. In that location it was common for fish to be pickled, allowing them to be good for a long time. So, that amount of fish in those size of boats helped the apostles families be financially stable while the apostles did the Lords work.

This story really opened my eyes. It's so easy to look at what's going on now and not really see the whole picture for things. Why are things happening the way they are or not for that matter? The way that I want them to? It's easy. It's all in the Lord's time. I really know that Steve and I haven't had a baby yet because this time is me and him time. 3 years in school really isn't that long. But, we've been able to build a strong relationship with the years that we've had just me and him time. No babies. Makes complete sense. The Lord does have compassion over me, and us. I just needed to soften my heart to get that answer.

Happy Birthday!

2011-03-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Grandma Ford!!

We are so grateful to have you as our grandma!! Grandma is seriously so caring, she is always thinking of others and making sure you have your pockets filled with sweets. :) Not to mention she is the BEST party planner! She always comes up with the best themes and games! Dang are we lucky to know such a lady!

We sure love her so much!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

2011-03-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Steve and I had the opportunity to go bowling with Regence today. My job seriously amazes me all the time at all the great things they do.

Steve and I watched the show-Secret Millionaire last Sunday and it seriously touched us. If you haven't seen the show, you need to. It made us really want to do more service and help those in need. We obviously can't go and start giving out money, but we can help in other ways.

Luckily for us, my job said they needed volunteers to go bowling for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. How it worked was you get a team of five people and everyone bowls as best as you can because the score you get is the amount that the company will donate.

It was so much fun!! We were able to bowl for 2 and a half games. They gave us food and even did a raffle drawing! I won tickets to a Real soccer game in May. We are pretty excited about that! We've never gone before! :)

We had a great time, and it was good to know we were helping out our community. We want to keep doing stuff like this. Plus, when your doing service-you forget about yourself. Which I definitely need. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what's going on in our life.

Steve's Interview.

2011-03-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Steve's interview went really, really well. As well as he could of hoped for! So we feel super excited and blessed.

He had an orientation meeting to start off the interview process, which went a couple of hours. The orientation talked about the program, and the admittance process. To be honest, we are a little stressed over the cost-okay, mostly me. But, I know that if he does get in heavenly father will watch over us and help us.

After the orientation Steve had a little bit of time before his actual interview, so he took a tour of the campus. The tour was given by students that are currently in the program. While on the tour he was able to question some of the students about how there interview was and what questions might be asked. :)

After the tour, it was time for the interview. In the interview room there was a professor of the program and a first year student. Steve was able to connect with both, and even got them laughing a couple times! (Way to go babe! ;) ) Steve said he felt confident and was at ease the whole time.

We find out anytime from now until May 13th! We are so excited!

Bieber Fever?

2011-03-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Baby..Baby..Baby...OOOH!!

I think me and my sisters have Bieber Fever! ha ha! :)

On Tuesday, me, my mom and sisters all had a girls night out and we went and saw the Justin Beiber movie. It was SO good. Seriously. After you see the movie, it makes you want to go and listen to all the songs! If only we could all go to the actual concert!

We all loved the movie, and me and Jess were singing the songs through out the movie! No, I'm not ashamed. ha ha!

Loved the movie and Loved spending time with my fam! Love all of you!

P.s. Kris and Jess are getting married on April 21st! We are thrilled to have Jess apart of the fam!

Today's the Day!!

2011-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Steve has his first Pharmacy interview today!! We are stoked!

Wish us LUCK!!! :)

Girls Night!

2011-02-26T13:26:00.001-08:00

Had a well over due girls night with one of my besties-Marie! It was so NICE just having the two of us be able to catch up, watch a chick flick and work on a craft together! :)

Nothing better than girl chat, a cute romantic and making something.

Play day and some.....randoms.

2011-02-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

1. Had a play day with Carson!

We went to Dino Land at the mall. Painted Dinosaurs. Played Dinosaurs. Played trucks. Played with Sophie. Steve bought his first ever McDonald's happy meal-for Carson. Played hide and seek. Helped me cook sloppy joe's and "made cookies" with bread and cookie cutters.

We had so much fun with Carson! I can't believe how much he talks now. Wowzer. I SERIOUSLY can't believe how much energy a 2 year old can have. He kept us entertained and moving all day.

OKAY-To my friends and family who have a kid. Heck more than one kid. PROPS to you!!! I really haven't spent all day entertaining a little one for a long time, and they completely drain you! BUT Steve and I had a blast! We are still crossing our fingers for the day we have our own.

2. Watched Pirates of the Caribbean with Preston, Jason and Whit. We loved having Preston and Jason come visit from school. We missed Shannon though!

3. Finally got my IPHONE!! I'm sooo lovin' it!!

4. Figured out what was causing my sharp pains in my lower abdomen/back. - FINALLY!!! After three doctor visits!-I have an hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Which is actually pretty dang common for women. So, nothing to worry about. Just hurts... I'm glad to finally know what was going on with my body!

5. Luncheon at Olive Garden with all my favorite people! All the Anderson side got together for auntie Pam's birthday! Great company and of course DELISH food! Nothing better than that.

P.s. Last night I had my beehives come over to make individual fondant cakes...the girls loved it! My kitchen looks like a bomb hit it. I'm so not in the mood to clean it.......Fondant is EVERYWHERE!!

Valentines Day!

2011-02-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines fell on Monday this year. SO, we both had work and all the other busy-ness that happens during the week. Steve was a sweetie, and surprised me MULT. times! While I was at work, he came and delivered roses and balloons to me. Seriously. What a sweetheart!

When I came home, he had me close my eyes...as I opened my eyes I saw this way awesome V-day decoration. I've always wanted one these before. So I thought it was super thoughtful of him to buy me these. Boy, was I wrong. He actually MADE these! ALL by himself!! He said that every year I make him things, and this year he wanted to surprise me by making me something this year. Totally SHOCKED. It wasn't the fact that he gave me all these things, but that he really took the time to think of what he could do for me, and spend time making me this gift was really awesome.

I made us a pot roast and potato dinner, and then we watched CHUCK! :) We also went and the cleaned the temple for the first time together.

Even though this Vday was super busy, and we didn't get to spend as much time together. I'm just grateful that we spent the time we had with one another. I sure love Steve. He amazes me everyday. I love him more and more everyday.

Paradise Day#7

2011-02-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Friday was our official last full day in Hawaii. So like all the other days, we didn't want to waste any time. We went to Kailua, on the east coast and went ocean kayaking . We kayaked to the two bird refuge islands off the coast. It took 45-50min to kayak there. When we got there Steve and I started looking for seashells. We actually found a lot of really cool shells, but unfortunately all of them had a horrible smell to them. (the smell of poo-I know, gross right?) So, we quickly threw the shells back into the water. We first thought it was just in a certain area, but they all smelled around the entire island. When you were on the island it didn't smell bad, just the shells.

Okay, enough about the poo shells...

The island was really pretty. We all just laid out on the beach and enjoyed watching the other kayak's coming in.

This is the view from us standing on the Bird Sanctuary Island

I love this one of Bob just chillin' in the water

Our last official day in Hawaii we wanted to make sure we had plenty of beach time! So our next stop was going to Bello's Beach. This beach had perfect waves for Boogie Boarding. This was also a first for me. I LOVED it!!! I loved riding the waves.

We stayed here until it was starting to get dark. I don't think any of us wanted the day to end. I know I didn't want it to.

We brought our clothes to change into so we could just go to dinner right after we left the beach. I had sand in places that you wouldn't think could get there!

On our way to Waikiki, we stopped at the Pali Lookout. Soooo pretty.

Hawaii is so pretty. I still can't get over how gorgeous everything is.

To end our evening we ate at Cheesecake Factory and then Steve and I walked around the resort in the moonlight. So dang romantic. he he.

Steve and I didn't want to go to bed because we knew the morning would come oh so quick and we would be on a plane back home.-to the cold. :(

But like every other night, as soon as we got into bed we were out....still dreaming we were on the beach.

Thanks again Bob and Ellen for such an AMAZING trip! We loved it!!!! We seriously can't thank you enough.

Paradise Day#6

2011-02-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

Thursday was probably one of our very favorite days. We LOVED everyday, of course. But this day was pretty dang awesome. In the morning we went on a catamaran. We found the perfect spot on the front of the boat. :) We saw humpback whales breaching in the water with their calfs. SO awesome!! The last time we did something like this was when we were living in Seattle.

We also just enjoyed the warm sun and the wind as we sailed in the ocean. We also went snorkeling at Electric Beach. I was a little nervous to go snorkeling in the middle of the ocean. But guess what?? I snorkeled just fine! I wouldn't of traded it for anything either. You know on animal planet and nature shows where the fish just swarm around you? That's what they did on this snorkel trip. This was SOO awesome!!! I couldn't believe all of the fish and the different kinds that there were.

After our awesome boat trip we found a secluded beach not to far from the resort. This secluded beach had turtles swimming everywhere!! I was SO happy. I love, love, LOVE sea turtles. A local there gave us handfuls of seaweed to feed the turtles. We didn't really feed them though, just threw the seaweed into the water so they would swim up by us.

Steve and I went snorkeling with the turtles too. Funny story. While we were snorkeling we saw one of the turtles and it was really close to us. So I squeezed Steve's hand letting him know we need to back up, well while he was backing up another turtle was right behind us and Steve practically sat on it's shell. I started laughing/choking in the water. It was super funny to see.

We also just laid around on the beach and Steve and I went searching for some seashells. :)

We had such a fun time at this beach! I was seriously so amazed at all the turtles just swimming around.

After our fun day in the sun we decided we would go to Waikiki and eat at Chuck's Cellar. Chuck's is an underground restaurant that was built in 1959. The food was all so delish. They serve steak, potatoes, veggies, salad bar etc... They even had a live band playing and the atmosphere was really nice.

After we ate we walked around the streets of Waikiki and had ice-cream and watched a one man band on the street. This guy is seriously so talented.

I don't really remember the drive home....I zonked out, and before I knew it I was passed out in bed. All of us were so tired from our fun filled day.

Paradise Day#5

2011-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we headed to Pearl Harbor. This was definitely an all day event. We first got on a bus to take us to the USS Missouri Battleship. The bus driver was hilarious. He was this hawaiian guy and he had a walkie talkie radio that he talked into. He was supposed to say "And to the right is the tower..etc.etc.." like a tour guide, but instead he gives this long dreaded sound and then spits out his lines very quickly. Steve and I thought he was hilarious! we were laughing so hard. I so wish I had taken a picture of him. He made the ride really entertaining.

Anyway, the drive was only 10 min long and we got onto the USS Missouri. The Battleship was SO big. The tour guide on the ship reminded us a lot of Grandpa Ford. The tour guide was super knowledgeable and he told us history of the ship as we looked through it.

After the tour we went back onto the bus and it took us to the Airfield Museum. The museum was really awesome. It actually just barely opened a couple days prior to us getting there. We were able to see full size airplanes,read stories about true events,watch a documentary on Pearl Harbor and even go inside the airplane hanger that still had bullet holes in the glass windows from the attack of Pearl Harbor.

It was really awesome to see history in real life. All this made us really appreciate what our service men and women do for us.

In the museum we ate lunch at a cute airplane diner.

Before we knew it, it was already 2:00pm and we still wanted to go to Aloha Stadium before the swap meet closed. So we headed over there. Luckily, it's just across the street.

We got some really good deals there! I scored me some board shorts for only 10 bucks and then I got me some cute jewelry.:)

The swap meet closed an hour later, so we decided we would go back to the resort and switch into our swim gear so we could go to the beach!

We wanted to try and explore all the different beaches on the island, so we drove around looking for a good beach. As we were driving, Steve spotted some whales breaching in the ocean. Unfortunately, I missed it-but I'm glad Steve got to see it!

We found a park on the west coast, and I can't remember the real name of it. We all just called it Paradise Park. So that's what I'll call it. So we went to Paradise Park and we thought we would try boogie boarding there. The waves were 8-10ft high! There was NO WAY I was going to try boogie boarding my first time on waves that high. So we laid out our towels and watched the surfers and the young kids boogie board. It's pretty awesome how great of swimmers the natives are there. They would swim in those huge waves as if they were nothing. The ocean is seriously there playground. Steve thought it looked really fun, so he couldn't help himself and jumped right in! He was pounded into the sand a couple times, so he quickly came back in. :) He looked so cute though. He jumped right into the water just like a little kid and he was so excited!

We sat on the beach for a couple hours, just talking and laughing. Also watching the kids and the surfers. Before we knew it the sun was starting to slowly go down.

It was SO pretty. I just kept thinking, how lucky are we to be able to experience this right now. Heavenly Father created such a pretty place.

We jumped back into the car and made our way to Chili's for dinner. After we ate and went back to the resort Steve and I took a walk around the resort. Looking up at the night sky and hearing the ocean waves pounding. It was really nice. Holding hands with my best friend.