November 1 -
For this day, I am grateful for my job. I spent the first day of this month working at MK Virtual Office. I have been there for four and a half years now. I have grown to love the Lindsey family so much! I have so much fun working there and I feel more like I am family than an employee. When I got married, I thought that we were going to move and that I would have to quit. I honestly cried. I am so grateful that things have worked out in such a way that I am able to still work for Donna.
Now we have another office assistant. Her name is Melissa. I am grateful for my friendship with her that has become so strong. I can tell that girl anything. Somehow, she has made the best job ever, even better!
November 2 -
This day, I was extreeeeeemely grateful for my husband. Michael is such a wonderful husband. I know I say that all the time. But I have a wonderful reason on this day to think so as well.
Story time. I got another UTI. My third since we have been married. So I went to the doctor on the 1st to get some antibiotics. I took them and a couple hours later, I was itchy, I had THE WORST headache, I was had blurred visino and I was nauseous. When the symptoms started showing, Michael had just left to go play basketball. When I texted him that I wasn't feeling good, he came straight home. He took care of me all night, and encouraged me to go to the doctors first thing in the morning. I HATE the doctors. I was much worse in the morning. The white part of my eyes, were completely red. My skin looked like it had a sunburn and I was extremely nauseous. So off to the doctors I went. Turns out I'm allergic to Sulfamethoxazole. Anyways... I tell you this story to make you feel bad for me. haha.. really though. I tell you this because the entire time, Mike was right there by my side. He found a garbage can at Costco for me to puke in. He had me take a warm bath and watched me for hours after I zonked out on medication to help the allergic reaction. If it weren't for him, It would have been a lot longer before I would have gone to the doctors. He was there to encourage me, to comfort me and to make me feel better. He never once questioned the extreme pain I was feeling and was very good at validating my feelings. Gosh I love him. And when I would apologize and tell him he did not have to slave over me while I was sick, he would simply say something like, "Thats why we got married, So I could keep care of you".
November 3 -
I'm going to go with something that I am semi-grateful for. But hopefully writing about it today will help me be even more grateful for it. My sunbeam class. Sooo cute, right? They are adorable and so fun to be around, but they are very challenging to keep under control. I am grateful for my calling to be their teacher. It has helped me develop my skills in planning lessons. And the wonderful thing about it is, that they don't really care if I am a good teacher or not. They will still learn. They are so innocent and make the funniest comments ever.
Like Jayden, a little black boy was watching a sing-a-long song on the Itouch. When a little black boy came on the screen he said, "Hey teacher, that's me!.... NAH just kidding". Then a younger baby came on the screen "Hey teacher, that's me when I was a baby!... Nah just kidding. Then a girl came on the screen and Jayden said "Hey teacher, that's me when I was a GIRL!... Nah just kidding!" For sure that is my favorite memory of them so far!
November 4 -
Today, I am grateful for Facebook. I love that I am able to still keep in contact with my friends. I love that my parents are on there and my grandmother. Its a wonderful tool as long as it is used correctly. I love that I can see pictures of people and how they are growing up, even though I don't see them everyday. And I'll admit it! I love that I can see all the fun things that people are doing that I don't normally talk to in real life.
November 5-
This was my brother, Skyler's birthday and my sister-in-law, Brooke's birthday. They share :] So for this day, I am grateful for my those two in my life. Skyler: my second to oldest brother. He is always wanting to spend time with me and is always so excited to tell me all the things that are going on in his life. I can really tell that underneath all his joking around, he really does love me and care about me. He is very protective over me, even if he won't admit it. I am grateful for him! Brooke married my oldest brother Jacen. She is always such a fun spirited person. I am grateful for her always being so kind and excited to hear about anything I have to tell her. She is very thoughtful and wants to be sure that we know she cares about her. I am grateful for her!
November 6 -
I am extremely grateful for our cars. Earlier this month, we had an issue with our car. We thought that it would cost a couple thousand dollars just to fix it. Fortunately, we were blessed with a bill that was only $300. I can't believe I just said "only". It was a hard bill to fork up. But hey, we have cars. They both work. And I am so grateful that we are able to have the convenience of being able to get to work, school, or anything else with out having to rely on public transportation. Although, I have taken the bus a few times this month to help with the gasoline bill :]
November 7 -
My parents. Yeah. I have the best parents in the world. They are the nicest, kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet. They are always doing things for others, especially their family. Almost everything they do is to benefit someone else. They put so much time and energy into having family events so that we can all be together. Growing up, my parents were my best friends. I still feel that way. An evening at their home is one of the best ways to spend an evening. I really appreciate everything they have ever done for me.
Mom- for being the one person I could talk my brains out to and I know that you will listen. Even if you are bored of hearing me talk. For being there anytime I wanted to cry, laugh, or scream. I am grateful for you encouraging me to be a good person and to never give up on anything.
Dad- for being that light in my life. You always know how to make me smile. Regardless of what the day has been like. You taught me to work hard and to not quite. You taught me to be kind to others and to turn the other cheek. Move on and press forward because tomorrow will be a better day. I am so grateful for you.
November 8-
I am grateful to be an American. I have enjoyed so many blessings because I live in this beautiful country. I enjoy so many freedoms. Even though times are hard for our country right now, I know that I am far better off here than most places. I have the opportunity to live the American Dream. I am lucky and extremely fortunate to have been given this.
November 9-
The earth. Isn't it beautiful? Everything on this planet is absolutely stunning. Plants, animals, mountains, oceans, etc. I am grateful to be living on such a beautiful planet. I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and ALL of his creations.
November 10-
I am so grateful for my education. In high school, I was always really worried about how I would pay for college. My parents are not blessed with a huge fortune of money, therefore, paying for college would be something that I would have to do all on my own. I knew that I wanted to go, but I wasn't sure what for. I kept my grades up, and was blessed with a scholarship that pays for all of my tuition. I've been going to school for free :] I am so grateful that I am able to get the education that I want so much, and not have to worry about where the money is going to come from.
November 11-
Roxberry Juice: my other job. This job has been one of the best things that has ever happened for me. The people that I work with are ones that I will be friends with forever. Everyone there is so good. We all have high standards and are trying to do things that are good. Everyone is so supportive and caring of one another. Our boss is wonderful too. He does everything he can to help us out with our schedules, and to make it so we can still do the things that we enjoy doing. I'm sad to say that I will be quitting. December 10th is my last day working there. I love everything about this job, but I've been getting more hours with Donna (another job I love) so its time to move on.
November 12-
I am grateful for service. Service is a wonderful opportunity where I can show others how much I love them. I do not serve as much as I should, but I know of its importance. The blessings that come to those who serve and those who receive service are real. I am grateful for all those who have served me as well. I understand how hard it can be to take time out the day to serve others. So I really appreciate when people gave that time to me.
November 13-
I am grateful for my teachers. I've had so many teachers over the years. I will mention a few great ones, but I'm sure I will miss mentioning many really great ones.
Miss Boyter (now Mrs. Miller): my sixth grade teacher. She was absolutely phenomenal. She has always stood out in my mind as to what a teacher should be.
Mrs. Wells: My English teacher in High School.
Brother Whitehead: My seminary teacher in High School.
Mrs. Gallegar: Our facilitator for our college classes
Professor Wise: aka Santa Clause. He just was called to serve in the Nauvoo mission with his wife!
November 14-
Michael's family. Today I am grateful for them. It has been wonderful for me to marry into a family that I like to much. Mike's parents and siblings are great. They have been so good to me to help me feel welcome and a part of the family. Mike's parents are such good examples of Christ-like people. They are very considerate and kind. Always to be sure that everyone feels special. I could not have asked for a better family to marry into. I just wish they would move to Utah already! We do have his brother, Chad and his wife, Kortney & little Addison living here. I am so grateful that they live so close to us. They are some of the best people that I know.
November 15-
I am grateful for technology. Without it, I would not be able to blog, or text my husband, or watch movies, or email, or do my homework online, or find cute crafts on pinterest, or use a microwave, or have the radio in my car, or use the iPhone, or fly to Florida for our honeymoon, or turn on the lights, or watch the last session on conference a month after it happened. Pretty much everything I do is somehow linked with technology. I am grateful that the world has gotten to a place where we can communicate across countries! Its fascinating. I believe that it is all because the Lord wants to be able to spread his church worldwide. The only way to do that was through this mass force called technology.
November 16-
I am grateful for good health. Most of the time. It seems that Mike and I have been in and out of the doctors office a few times over the last few months. But overall, we have good health. We are still living and go on about life doing our daily routines and occasional spontaneous moments. I am thankful that I have made it 20 long years without any hospital stays.
November 17-
I am grateful for all my basic needs. Food, water, shelter, hygiene, clothes and shoes. I know that many people in the world are not able to have these basic needs met. I am grateful for me not having to worry about where my food will come from, or showering in cold water. I am grateful to have protection over my skin and feet.
November 18-
I am grateful for my talents. Oh boy... this is a hard one. I don't normally think of my talents. I don't dance, ski, write, sew or cook. So I always have to think hard on this one.
I love school. I am grateful for my talent and ability to go through school without any significant struggles. If I study, I almost always do well. I am grateful for that ability.
Lately, I have been into crafts (with the help of a certain website). It has been fun to explore my talents and see what I can accomplish. I never knew I could be crafty, even if it is just me copying someone else's idea.
I am also grateful for my talent of being able to love others. I don't know if others see it, but I feel that I can help other people to be comfortable. I enjoy being around others and opening up to them, as well as lending an ear for listening.
November 19-
The big one. My sister Dano, or Dannielle. I am so grateful for her. She is my best friend. I don't know how else to describe her. She is everything that a best friend is. She is loving and understanding, she will correct me if I am wrong. She is there for me when I need her. She is a wonderful example to me. I am grateful for her and for her life decisions that helped me to be where I am today. She is an incredible lady and I am extremely blessed to be her little sister.
Not to mention, she did create the most adorable baby in the WORLD.. aka Reagan!
November 20-
We thank the, Oh God, for our Prophets. I am so thankful for our prophet. I am so thankful that we have someone on the earth today, to be a messenger for our Heavenly Father. It amazes me that I can actually hear the words that He would say if He were here right now. I am grateful for all the time and energy that President Thomas S. Monson puts in for us. He is an incredible person, and I am grateful for his dedication and love for the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints.
November 21-
Hot Showers. I LOVE hot showers. I am so grateful for hot showers. There was a time when I was not able to have hot showers for a week. That was miserable.
November 22-
I am grateful for my other two brothers. I mentioned Skyler earlier. But I have two more brothers, Jacen and Taylor.
Jacen: I am grateful for Jacen. He was the first one in our family to serve a full time mission. Watching him on his mission was so fun for me. I loved reading his letters and watching his silly videos. I am grateful for his example to the family in doing this act of service. I am also grateful for his humor and life. He always makes the mood more enjoyable.
Taylor: I love this little boy. I am so grateful for him. He is such a gentleman and is so caring and sweet. He is a people pleaser. In a good way though. He wants everyone to be happy. He always expresses his appreciation and love for those around him. He is the perfect sweetheart and I am so grateful that he is my little brother.
November 23-
I am grateful for LAUGHTER. Sounds funny, right? But how often are you upset, and then something funny happens and you laugh. You always feel better.. right? I appreciate laughter and the tool that it is in helping others feel better. I am grateful specifically for Mike's laughter. corny, I know, but when he laughs, I know that he is enjoying himself. It makes me happy to see him happy.
November 24-
FOOOOOD! I already said I was grateful for this. Food is soo yummy though. I thought I would mention that I am grateful for it, again. I eat it at least three times a day, so I can be thankful twice for it. It was clumped in with the basic needs list though. So I htought I would give it its own date. Go Food!
November 25-
Grandparents. All of them. Grandma Hill and Grandpa Lewy, Grandpa and Grandma Pulley, Grandma & Grandpa Cox and Grandma & Grandpa Every. The first two sets are my parents parents. I know them the most. I am so grateful for them and for all that they have done for me. The ladder two are Mike's parents' parents. They are so great and have been so kind over the last year and a half. I love getting to know them.
November 26-
I am so grateful for the temple. Mike and I had the chance to go to the temple on this day with some of our friends. We took Tanner up to the temple before his mission to enjoy mine and his first live session. It was incredible. Afterwards, we met up in the baptistry with Jenn, Brittney and Dave. Spending the whole day there was incredible. I am so grateful for the temple. I am grateful for the blessings of peace that they bring me. I am grateful for the blessing of eternal marriage. I am so thankful to know that I can be with Michael for the rest of forever. I am grateful for the sealing that I have with my parents, and that I know I can be with them forever. There are so many blessings that come from the temple to be grateful for.
November 27-
Missionaries. This month, we've sent off two missionaries. Mike's cousin Shelby left on his mission today (november 30th). The other missionary is Tanner. He doesn't leave until the 7th of December, but he had his farewell a week and a half ago, so I thought that I would include him in this. I am grateful for not only them, but all the missionaries that go out. They are extremely dedicated people. What they are doing is the right thing to do. I am grateful to see the church spreading the way it is. I am excited and anxious to be able to go on a mission myself, with my husband as my companion.
November 28-
I am grateful for my sister in law, Cynthia. This day, was her birthday. I was not able to see her on her birthday this year, so I was bummed about this. But I am grateful for Cynthia. I am grateful for the time that she spends talking to me. I am grateful for her trust towards me and the fun that we have together when we get talking with one another. I am also grateful for her bringing in two of the most wonderful babies into this world, Paris and Lauren. I love those girls so much!
I am also grateful for my brother in law, Jared. Jared is so wonderful. He married my sister, Dannielle. I am so grateful for him. He is completely forgiving and has no contention in his heart. He is so kind and makes a special effort to be friends with everyone. I am grateful for his addition to the family.
November 29-
I am grateful for the Doctors on this day. Sunday was Shelby's mission farewell. It went really great and we all had a ginormous pot luck afterwards. Unfortunately, something at the luncheon was not as healthy as it should have been. 23 people that we have counted have gotten sick from an item there. I threw up four or five times and mike threw up probably twenty. We spent the day at the doctors office. He got an IV and later had two shots. I just had one shot. It was horrific. I am so grateful for the doctor and for them being able to give Mike some medication to make him feel a little better and to prevent him from dehydrating.
November 30-
I am grateful for my Savior. The ultimate thing that I am grateful for. There is nothing on this earth that can even compare to what my Savior has done for me. He has done everything for me. I am so grateful to be a part of a church that understands the atonement. I am grateful to know that my Savior suffered and died for me personally. I am grateful for my relationship with him and realize that I need to work on it more. But I know it is there, and he is always waiting for me to be closer to Him.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The beginning of Forever...
Endowments:.:.:.:.:.June 14, 2011
I went that day to the Timpanogos Temple to do my endowments. It was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful that I had the love and support of my family. I wanted to keep this special day small and intimate, so I only invited my siblings, parents, & grandparents, and Mike's siblings, parents and grandparents. I asked my sister, Dannielle, to be my escort. It was really neat to have her there with me. I am so grateful for her example to me over the years. I know she loves the temple with all her heart and I wanted that love with me while I went through for the first time.
Afterwards, Jacen, Brooke, Jared, Dannielle, Mike & I went to enjoy some Applebee's.
Wedding Day:.:.:.:.June 21, 2011
Holy Moly, I can't believe that it has already been 2 months since we got married! It has been the best two months ever. I thought I'd take some time today to write about our wedding day.
The morning of, I went over to my sister's house to have my hair done. She did such a great job. We just talked about how exciting this day is and all that good stuff. To my surprise, I wasn't nervous at all. I didn't have cold feet, and I wasn't worried about anything that day. I just felt calm and ready to marry Michael. I was so grateful to have that time with my sister before the chaotic day began. I love her and I couldn't have done it without her.
I went back to my house where my friend Brittany came over to help me with my make-up. It was fun to talk to her because she just recently was married in April.
My mom drove me up to the Draper temple to meet Michael there. The car ride up is when I got slightly nervous, but mostly just anxious. I couldn't wait to be there with him! My sweet mother helped me to stay calm with her light humor (she was teasing me, telling me I couldn't pass out) and her great advice. She is so strong and I admire her so much. I'm also grateful for her reassurance that I was doing the right thing and that she was proud.
When we got there, it took all I had not to just run in the temple, find Mike and get that show on the road! I was so relieved when I found Mike inside, and not a run-away groom.
The ceremony was beautiful, spiritual, peaceful, humbling, heavenly. I can't even describe to you the way I was feeling. I admit, I was a crybaby. I couldn't contain my tears, not even for a minute. From the second I walked into the sealing room, the tears began. The room was full of many of those that I love and care for. And the one person that I love the most, Michael.
After the ceremony, I went to change and then went to find Mike. One of the temple workers said to me something like "lookin for your husband?" I remember feeling so caught off gaurd. HUSBAND? I have one of those? lol. Mike and I met up again and headed on out the front doors. Let me tell you, it is quite the experience to see everyone outside of the temple, cheering for you and congratulating us. I was so anxious to see my Dad. It was really hard for me to not have him at the sealing with me. However, my dad was extremely supportive of me achieving our goal of being married in the Temple. Anyways, as soon as I got there, I went straight to my dad. I am really close to him, so I'm glad I got to have my first moments outside of the temple with him.
We did pictures for a while and headed on over to the church for our luncheon. Mike's family put it on for us. Mike's parents and aunts and uncles all helped to provide a delicious lunch for us. The place looked amazing! It was fun to be there with all the family and to spend some time with everyone.
We did a ring ceremony after the luncheon. It was simple. We had the bishop talk about marriage and the importance of loving each other and serving each other. Afterwards, our fathers said some things about us. My dad's speech was so special. He just talked about how much he loves me and how he and I always had such a special connection. Both my father and Mike's were really loving and I am so glad that they were able to speak.
Our reception started that night at 6. It looked amazing, thanks to my mom. She spend so much time and money into the reception. I was so pleased with the way that everything turned out. A little side note, I really wanted a photobooth at our wedding reception, but we didn't have the money for it. So Matt, the photographer, found out about this and decided to set one up right before the reception started. HOW COOL!
We left the reception about 8:45. Mike's friends decorated our car full of sticky notes and wrote all over the window. It was done so well, and not skanky, not one bit! We walked through all our friends and family, through an outpour of bubbles, waved our goodbyes jumped in the car and drove off into the sunset...
Kinda. We actually went to the car wash, grabbed some Panda, Mike dropped me off at my parents house so I could pack for the honeymoon, then he went to our apartment to pack, THEN we met up and drove off into the sunset...
I will have to say, being married in the temple is incredible. After being sealed, we had a ring ceremony for those family members who were not able to be in the temple with us. The ring ceremony was wonderful, don't get me wrong. But we did get the chance to have an idea of what it would be like if we had a civil ceremony. For any of you reading whom have not had the opportunity to be sealed in the temple, do NOT settle for anything less. The experience that I had there, I would never trade. Not for anything in the world. Knowing that no matter what happens, as long as I am faithful and worthy, I can be with Michael for all eternity is such a wonderful blessing. I don't know what I would do if it were only "till death do us part."
I am so grateful to be a member of this church. To have the knowledge that my family can be together forever. I am so grateful for Mike, for his testimony, example and the dedication that he has. I couldn't have done it without him. He is my everything. Mike --Thanks for taking me to the temple, for being the wonderful husband that you are to me and I know that you are going to be a wonderful father to our children (one day in the far future).
I went that day to the Timpanogos Temple to do my endowments. It was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful that I had the love and support of my family. I wanted to keep this special day small and intimate, so I only invited my siblings, parents, & grandparents, and Mike's siblings, parents and grandparents. I asked my sister, Dannielle, to be my escort. It was really neat to have her there with me. I am so grateful for her example to me over the years. I know she loves the temple with all her heart and I wanted that love with me while I went through for the first time.
Afterwards, Jacen, Brooke, Jared, Dannielle, Mike & I went to enjoy some Applebee's.
Wedding Day:.:.:.:.June 21, 2011
Holy Moly, I can't believe that it has already been 2 months since we got married! It has been the best two months ever. I thought I'd take some time today to write about our wedding day.
The morning of, I went over to my sister's house to have my hair done. She did such a great job. We just talked about how exciting this day is and all that good stuff. To my surprise, I wasn't nervous at all. I didn't have cold feet, and I wasn't worried about anything that day. I just felt calm and ready to marry Michael. I was so grateful to have that time with my sister before the chaotic day began. I love her and I couldn't have done it without her.
I went back to my house where my friend Brittany came over to help me with my make-up. It was fun to talk to her because she just recently was married in April.
My mom drove me up to the Draper temple to meet Michael there. The car ride up is when I got slightly nervous, but mostly just anxious. I couldn't wait to be there with him! My sweet mother helped me to stay calm with her light humor (she was teasing me, telling me I couldn't pass out) and her great advice. She is so strong and I admire her so much. I'm also grateful for her reassurance that I was doing the right thing and that she was proud.
When we got there, it took all I had not to just run in the temple, find Mike and get that show on the road! I was so relieved when I found Mike inside, and not a run-away groom.
The ceremony was beautiful, spiritual, peaceful, humbling, heavenly. I can't even describe to you the way I was feeling. I admit, I was a crybaby. I couldn't contain my tears, not even for a minute. From the second I walked into the sealing room, the tears began. The room was full of many of those that I love and care for. And the one person that I love the most, Michael.
After the ceremony, I went to change and then went to find Mike. One of the temple workers said to me something like "lookin for your husband?" I remember feeling so caught off gaurd. HUSBAND? I have one of those? lol. Mike and I met up again and headed on out the front doors. Let me tell you, it is quite the experience to see everyone outside of the temple, cheering for you and congratulating us. I was so anxious to see my Dad. It was really hard for me to not have him at the sealing with me. However, my dad was extremely supportive of me achieving our goal of being married in the Temple. Anyways, as soon as I got there, I went straight to my dad. I am really close to him, so I'm glad I got to have my first moments outside of the temple with him.
We did pictures for a while and headed on over to the church for our luncheon. Mike's family put it on for us. Mike's parents and aunts and uncles all helped to provide a delicious lunch for us. The place looked amazing! It was fun to be there with all the family and to spend some time with everyone.
We did a ring ceremony after the luncheon. It was simple. We had the bishop talk about marriage and the importance of loving each other and serving each other. Afterwards, our fathers said some things about us. My dad's speech was so special. He just talked about how much he loves me and how he and I always had such a special connection. Both my father and Mike's were really loving and I am so glad that they were able to speak.
Our reception started that night at 6. It looked amazing, thanks to my mom. She spend so much time and money into the reception. I was so pleased with the way that everything turned out. A little side note, I really wanted a photobooth at our wedding reception, but we didn't have the money for it. So Matt, the photographer, found out about this and decided to set one up right before the reception started. HOW COOL!
We left the reception about 8:45. Mike's friends decorated our car full of sticky notes and wrote all over the window. It was done so well, and not skanky, not one bit! We walked through all our friends and family, through an outpour of bubbles, waved our goodbyes jumped in the car and drove off into the sunset...
Kinda. We actually went to the car wash, grabbed some Panda, Mike dropped me off at my parents house so I could pack for the honeymoon, then he went to our apartment to pack, THEN we met up and drove off into the sunset...
I will have to say, being married in the temple is incredible. After being sealed, we had a ring ceremony for those family members who were not able to be in the temple with us. The ring ceremony was wonderful, don't get me wrong. But we did get the chance to have an idea of what it would be like if we had a civil ceremony. For any of you reading whom have not had the opportunity to be sealed in the temple, do NOT settle for anything less. The experience that I had there, I would never trade. Not for anything in the world. Knowing that no matter what happens, as long as I am faithful and worthy, I can be with Michael for all eternity is such a wonderful blessing. I don't know what I would do if it were only "till death do us part."
I am so grateful to be a member of this church. To have the knowledge that my family can be together forever. I am so grateful for Mike, for his testimony, example and the dedication that he has. I couldn't have done it without him. He is my everything. Mike --Thanks for taking me to the temple, for being the wonderful husband that you are to me and I know that you are going to be a wonderful father to our children (one day in the far future).
The Proposal!
12.7.10
One of the most important days of my life. The day Mike asked me to marry him.
A little background information:
-Mike and I go on ABC dates. For instance, on A day, we might go to Applebees and make paper airplanes. B day we could go to the BYU game and do baptisms.. So on and so on.
-A month and a half ago, I had made a comment to Mike that it would be really nice to have something that would show people I wasn't single anymore. Like a shirt that said "Taken" or a penguin ornament. I'm not sure how we came up with the penguin one..
-Because of that comment, about three weeks ago, Mike got me a promise ring. It was too big, so we had to have it resized. They said it would take two weeks, but they "took longer than we thought".
-On a couple occasions, Mike threw a blanket over my head and when I took off the blanket, he was down on his knee. It appeared that he could be proposing, but he just said "Oh, my shoe was untied!" LOL.
-Previous to the engagement, Mike and I would always say "Could we just get married already?" He would not say "Will you marry me?" He wanted to save that for when he really asked!
Anyway! It was Mike's day to play D day. You guessed it. D for Diamonds!
Mike came over to my place after work to go out on our date. He took me to Chili's. This is where, three months ago, we went on our first date. He asked the host if we could sit in the same spot that we did our first time. There, we had a wonderful dinner together. He asked if I wanted to go on a walk to the park later and told me we should try to get there by sunset.
So we left Chili's and headed to the park by my house. I kind of thought he might be doing it that night.. However, Mike knew that I was suspicious. I knew that he knew I was suspicious. So I thought because of that, he would wait for another night.
Anyhow! We got to the park, got out of the car and started walking over to the tables. When we got to the tables, he threw a blanket over my head. My first thought was, "Oh he's doing it!" But when he pulled the blanket off my head, he was still standing. So we sat down at the table. He pulled out a box and said, "So, your promise ring is done!" When I opened the box up, it wasn't my promise ring at all. It was my engagement ring!!! He got down on his knee and said, "The question is no longer 'Could you marry me, but Will you marry me?" I said yes! He said some sweet things about how he loves me and some other things that I don't remember all too well. I was so excited that I just started kissing him! Later he told me that he was trying to tell me some more sweet things, but he couldn't get it all out because I wouldn't stop kissing him!
Afterwards, Mike told me that was not all. He walked me over to the playground where I saw a rose at the top of the slide. I had to climb up the slide, all through the playground, across the monkey bars and up some stairs. There was 24 roses all along the way. At the top of the stairs was a penguin cookie jar. Inside was my promise ring. Yeah, I got TWO rings when he proposed! :]
Inside the slide cover that was at the top, he had written K + M in a heart. We are going to head back over and write the date in there.
12.7.10
Monday, August 22, 2011
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Gandhi
{I wrote the following last summer. I wrote a lot of the daily items while I was in Mexico, and filled in the rest shortly after I got home}
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to spend a week in La Mission, Mexico located on the Baja Peninsula. While there, we volunteered in 3 different orphanages, visited Ensanada, ate some amazing food, went to the beach and took the kids from Buena Vida to the swimming pool. I have never experienced anything like it. I LOVED the orphans at Buena Vida and I would do anything for them. I made friendships that I will always remember.
You find yourself when you are doing service for others. Thats just what happened to me. I grew so much from this experience. I think I finally found who I was meant to be. I came home from this trip realizing that my focus on boys needed to change. I needed to focus and prepare myself for a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will get myself ready to serve the Lord and His children. If a mission isn't in the cards for me, than at least I will be prepared. Which would only better prepare me for life. This trip also confirmed my desire to major in Psychology and Anthropology. It has encouraged me to go to grad school, which I was never sure I'd make it to. I will be studying International/Public Development. Everything just clicked.
I am SOO grateful for the financial situation I was in at the time that allowed me to do this. I am grateful for the blessings and confirmations I had along the way. I was looking at having to pay around $500 for shots and my insurance said they would not cover me unless it was medically necessary. Since it was more or less a "vacation" they said probably not. It turns out that when the bill came, they had paid everything. So the only thing I paid for was my Typhoid pills ($45) and at $20 co-pay to see the doctor. I also found someone I could drive with, which meant I paid $120 for gas instead of almost $400 for a plane. PLUS, we drove ourselves into Mexico, instead of taking the foundation's vans. That meant I was refunded for $100 off my program fee (I originally paid $375) What a blessing!
My parents, grandparents, siblings and friends were all worried about me going. We stayed in an orphanage about 30 minutes from the border town, Tijuana. Over the last decade, these border towns have been EXTREMELY dangerous because of the drug trade. We were in a pretty small town/village a ways outside of them so I wasn't too worried. Plus, the news always covers the most horrid stories. The peak of violence was in November of 2008 and has steadily decreased since. So I wasn't too worried. But people continued to warn me, to tell me to be cautious and to not make any rash decisions. I am thankful for their concern and it showed how much they all truely care about me.
A couple weeks before I actually went, I was talking with my mom about driving down there with a couple people and that I was glad I wouldn't have to pay for airfare. While we were talking, mom had one of her "De'Ja Vu"s. She told me that this conversation seemed really familiar and she thinks that going to Mexico was something I was supposed to do. What a neat experience to know I was on the right path!
You find yourself when you are doing service for others. Thats just what happened to me. I grew so much from this experience. I think I finally found who I was meant to be. I came home from this trip realizing that my focus on boys needed to change. I needed to focus and prepare myself for a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will get myself ready to serve the Lord and His children. If a mission isn't in the cards for me, than at least I will be prepared. Which would only better prepare me for life. This trip also confirmed my desire to major in Psychology and Anthropology. It has encouraged me to go to grad school, which I was never sure I'd make it to. I will be studying International/Public Development. Everything just clicked.
I am SOO grateful for the financial situation I was in at the time that allowed me to do this. I am grateful for the blessings and confirmations I had along the way. I was looking at having to pay around $500 for shots and my insurance said they would not cover me unless it was medically necessary. Since it was more or less a "vacation" they said probably not. It turns out that when the bill came, they had paid everything. So the only thing I paid for was my Typhoid pills ($45) and at $20 co-pay to see the doctor. I also found someone I could drive with, which meant I paid $120 for gas instead of almost $400 for a plane. PLUS, we drove ourselves into Mexico, instead of taking the foundation's vans. That meant I was refunded for $100 off my program fee (I originally paid $375) What a blessing!
My parents, grandparents, siblings and friends were all worried about me going. We stayed in an orphanage about 30 minutes from the border town, Tijuana. Over the last decade, these border towns have been EXTREMELY dangerous because of the drug trade. We were in a pretty small town/village a ways outside of them so I wasn't too worried. Plus, the news always covers the most horrid stories. The peak of violence was in November of 2008 and has steadily decreased since. So I wasn't too worried. But people continued to warn me, to tell me to be cautious and to not make any rash decisions. I am thankful for their concern and it showed how much they all truely care about me.
A couple weeks before I actually went, I was talking with my mom about driving down there with a couple people and that I was glad I wouldn't have to pay for airfare. While we were talking, mom had one of her "De'Ja Vu"s. She told me that this conversation seemed really familiar and she thinks that going to Mexico was something I was supposed to do. What a neat experience to know I was on the right path!
Monday, August 2nd 2010
We began our journey in Utah. I met up with Jenn in Springville at the A Child's Hope Foundation (ACHF). We loaded up the car and drove 12 hours straight to San Diego. Not a very exciting day, but it was a lot of fun getting to know Jenn. She was an English major. She is in her 30's and got accepted to Stanford Law and starts at the end of August. She didn't always want to go to Law School, but something told her she needed to. So she made a bet with God. She said "If i get a 170 on this test.." (I don't remember the name of the test, but a 170 in INSANELY GOOD) "then I will go to law school." with no studying, she took a practice test and got past that. So on the day of the test she was a little sick. Her score you ask? 170 exactly. So she decided to take it one more time. Again, 170. She said that was quite the confirmation that told her she needed to go to Law School. It was so good to talk to her and get to know her. She is an amazing lady. and boys, SHE IS SINGLE! But she'll be in a lot of debt. She is going to spend 3/4 of a million on school and housing and junk. Crazy. However, she'll be making bank.
On our drive, we stopped in Beaver, a city 3 hours south of Lehi, we ran into my 6th grade boyfriend's Dad, Darrin Hunt. I will have to fill you in on what a great family Brennon (the ex bf of mine) has some other time. What a surprise to see him!
Anyway, In San Diego, we spent the night at a couple's house that Ken, the director of ACHF, knows. We stayed with this sweet lady who has a brain tumor. I think because of it, she lost a lot of her social skills. For example, in the middle of talking with me she says "oh crap, i think my period is starting!" Funny, but I felt bad for her. She was very nice though and has an incredible story. Her last baby (she has 3 total), the doctors said she and the baby wouldn't make it. but both of them lived and the baby is healthy! If i remember right, the kid is 5 now. I wish I remembered their story better.
Tuesday, August 3rd
Anyhow! Jenn left around 1 AM in the morning to go pick up another volunteer from the airport and brought him to the house. I stayed home and slept. In the morning, I went down to put away my glass of water and up pops a head from the couch! His name was Aaron. He was around 6 feet 10 and a fun goofy kid from Iowa.
Tuesday, August 3rd
Anyhow! Jenn left around 1 AM in the morning to go pick up another volunteer from the airport and brought him to the house. I stayed home and slept. In the morning, I went down to put away my glass of water and up pops a head from the couch! His name was Aaron. He was around 6 feet 10 and a fun goofy kid from Iowa.
After we were all ready, and after we played tetris and re-packed the car. We had to stop at Kinko's and while we waited, we went to starbucks. No worries. I didn't get coffee.
Then we headed to the BEACH! My first time ever, unless you count time when I was six in Seattle. I don't really count it. I found a sand dollar that wasn't broken and some shells. The feeling of sand between my toes was the best. I didn't swim or anything because we didn't have much time.
At 2 we had to meet up with the rest of the volunteers at Wal*Mart.
When we got there, I was introduced to the other volunteers I had not met yet. We ate at a Carl's Jr. and caravaned into Mexico.
Me, being the smartest person I know, didn't use the restroom before we went and had roughly a liter to drink. By the time we got there I was about to lose it all. The very first thing I did was jump out of the car and run to the bathroom. I sat down and realized that there was no toilet paper. So, I made do and used the sink for clean up! Later I learned that normally there is toilet paper in the stalls, but you can't flush it down the toilet like in the U.S. They don't have decent plumbing or something..
Anyway! Jenn had kept driving up the road to our camp, about five minutes up the hill and left me behind. Fortunately, Kent found me and we rode up in the van with some other volunteers. We got there and picked our rooms. I was in the yellow cabin with Tanner, Parker, Christiann, Kirra, Bri, Marisol and Bethany. Then we had orientation and went down the orphanage and had a tour of Door of Faith. We got to go into the girls dorm, boys dorm and see their living space. It was a lot nicer than I had expected. They each had a bed and their own possessions. They all had chores to do and went to school. Each "home" had 6-8 girls in the same age group living together with "parents" - usually a married couple, but sometimes just one person. As they get older they advance to different dorms, gain later curfews and more responsibilities. They told us that these kids are fortunate enough to each get their own cake for their birthdays, and with many donations, they receive a present or two as well. We're talking around 100 kids that live there! That is pretty incredible that they can do that for each of them .
After all this, we headed over to the famous taco stand of La Mission. The best, and cheapest, tacos I have ever eaten. I think I ate there every day I was there. Yum. Across the street from the taco stand was another orphanage we visited. Little did I know then, but the kids at Casa Hogar Buena Vida (House of Good Life) would change my life. Within seconds of getting there, the kids rushed up to everyone and wanted us to play with them. Their love for us strangers was so strong and so apparent. The kids range from 2 or 3 up to 17. I bonded most with the girls around ten to thirteen years old. Two girls I won't ever forget are Ruby and Lizbeth. I wish I knew more about them, all I know is that I love and adore them through actions and the very little of what they said that I understood. I don't speak a whole lot of Spanish, but somehow still managed to feel closer than ever to the children there.
We headed back to camp and had a devotional. We talked of what the next day would entail and went to bed. But, of coarse, me being in a room with 7 other teenagers means sleep didn't come fast. They were all so giggly. It was funny, but I was so tired that I didn't join in.
Wednesday, August 4th
On this morning, I woke up and had breakfast duty. I cut tomatoes and heated up potatoes. After we ate, we went to our assigned projects. Many stayed at Door of Faith to work, while a group of about 10, including me, went over to Buena Vida. We got to play with the kids a little before the work began. There was an large room with cement walls that stored wood and bags of beans. We had to carry all of that out because in the days to follow, we would plaster the inside and paint. This room was in a building that connected to the girls dorms. In that building was the large room we emptied, a smaller room and a room that would be used for a bathroom. The kids jumped in and helped with anything they could. We swept out the room, which was incredibly dusty. After that was done, we worked on making cement and putting shovel fulls into a fence that was built on a previous expedition. We were done around 1:30 and of coarse, we had to cross the street and eat at the taco stand. Afterwards, we went to the beach! There, for my first time, we played ultimate frisbee (soccer with a frisbee) and boogie boarded. Our team put up a fight in ultimate, and i tried with all my might and still was the worst player on our team :) I guess my little brother, Taylor, stole all the athletic genes from me. The ending score was 6 to 7, us BARELY losing. We purchased some cool friendship bracelets from there. I got 5 for $13 and someone else bargained them to 4 for $5. Little did we know, we both got ripped off. Later in the week I got 5 bracelets for $5. I did get a cool one though, a man made it right in front of me. It was purple, green and pink with my name on it.
When we got back to camp, we all showered and got ready for dinner. It was the coldest shower ever. We doubled and tripled up in the community showers (we all had swimsuits on). I could not stop shaking! Funny thing is if we had gone into the other showers, we would have enjoyed the nice, warm water. Don't worry, we learned our lesson and the next day took advantage of the warm showers. We went to dinner again at the taco stand. The ride back to Door of Faith was the most crazy ride I've ever been on. There was about 10 of us in the van, Kent driving and all dancing to "Beat it like a hammer".
That night, we had a devotional and talked about families and what it meant to be one and what its like to have one. It made me realized how blessed I am to have a family that loves me. These kids have families that they created with what they were given. But even with their own adaptation, they still don't have parents of their own, to be there for them and to love and teach them. I am forever grateful for my family and for the blessings I have been given. I am so grateful to know that these kids will one day have families of their own that they can live with for eternity. This life is a test, a hard one at that. We are all dealt different cards and we have to play with what we got. These kids are missing the family card. Yet they can still be so positive, up beat and cheerful. I was, and still am, amazed at their faith and strength and I cannot wait until they can have a family of their own and are able to be with them forever.
Thursday, August 5th
We woke up around 5:30 to set out on a hike. There was 7 of us who went. The hike began with a trail up to the hillside where there was a big white cross. Under were a couple of benches. At night, the cross is lite up for the whole village to see. At the beginning of the trail, there are scriptures that say "He that endure to the end shall have eternal life" and a few others. I love how religious these people are and how much they remember Christ. After the cross was there was not a trail. We had to cut through brush and stay clear of cacti. We even had to jump a barbed wire fence. Most of the trail after that was up a dirt road. I am so out of shape! I was super tired and wasn't sure if I could make it. After the dirt road came mountain climbing. No trail, almost straight up to the top of a mountain. But oh how sweet was the reward at the end! It was beautiful. The morning sky was covered in fog, but you could still see quite a distance. I loved how every morning in Mexico the clouds hung over and later in the day they cleared. It made perfect weather for working, and it was marvelous.
We came back to camp just in time for some pancakes and fruit galore. Then we began our work. I was sent to Buena Vida again. This time to do plastering and such on the room we emptied. They did not have enough work to do, so they sent me back to Door of Faith where I painted the room they added onto the back of the kitchen. When we were done, the McGarrs took went out to eat and took me with them. They ate at a little restaurant next to the taco stand and I ate, of coarse, at the taco stand. haha. I went to visit with them for a bit after I was finished eating, and then crossed the street to Buena Vida. I went to spend time with the kids, but ended up doing some plastering to the soon-to-be bathroom. I didn't mind at all. When I was working at Buena Vida, it wasn't a burden. It was hard, and I got tired, but I didn't resent that I had to work. I did not feel completely that way when I was at Door of Faith. I still did not resent it, but I didn't actually take pleasure in working the way I did at Buena Vida. I think it had to do with the relationships that I had with the kids. There is just something so special about the children there. I wish I could describe it, but its best understood when it is lived.
We got to take the kids swimming with us that afternoon at a local pool. The kids did not have swimming suits, so they just jumped in with their clothes on. I tried teaching a few of them to swim. Some of them knew how, but a good portion of them couldn't make it in the deep end on their own for very long. The water was cold, so I didn't stay in long, but we played frisbee and had races while we were in there.
In the pool, a boy whose name I don't remember, was in the deep end with a boogie board. The cord that attached your arm to the board was wrapped around his neck and it looked like he was trying to stay afloat. Scariest thing in my life! So I tried to help him unwrap himself, he wasn't choking or anything, but I could see the potential hazard. While untangling him, I think he lost the support of the board and really started struggling staying above the water. Unfortunately I am short, and the water was deeper than I am tall. I had a really hard time but somehow got both of us to a part of the pool where we could stand. He seemed nervous and didn't go to the deep end the rest of the time, but I made sure to help him with learning how to swim after that. I think that it would be a good idea to take some lifeguard classes so I can be better prepared in a situation like that. I was not prepared the way I should have been and something devastating could have happened. Thank goodness that was all that did happen.
We all went back to camp, got ready and went out for the evening. We went to a bakery, to some restaurant where I had a taco that was no where near as good as the taco stand, and we went to a grocery store. This grocery store was built around a big rock. Instead of moving the rock out of it, they just left it there and there are shelves of food all around. This rock about as tall as I am and about that long too.
Devotional again and bed time. (I don't remember if it was this night or the next, but Kent came in and told us bedtime stories. He has to be the most random, crazy, but still a great guy that I have ever met)
Friday, August 6th
French toast for breakfast. We all set out on our own ways to work. This day, I stayed at Door of Faith and we planted two big garden areas. They turned out fantastic. Perry, the guy who funds a lot of the trip, is a landscaper and knew exactly what to do to make the place look perfect. We planted palm trees, and a whole bunch of plants that I do not know. I do remember planting a Jade tree. Reminded me of my sweet Dad at home. After the days work we went to Ensanada to do some touristy shopping. I got a couple blankets, more bracelets, a backpack and a side purse. We had so much fun bargaining with the people and even sat and talked with a guy about smoking pot and bongs.
We ate at a place called Guadalajara's. We watched a mariachi band, did bean shots and had a grand ol' time.
After dinner we went to another orphanage. This was Casa de Paz, which means House of Peace. There, the boys played a game of soccer, and the orphans won! and the girls painted nails and colored and such. A girl I met names Stefanie painted mine for me.
We also danced the thriller dance with Erin! how fun! This was the night that we rode with Brody and Janessa. What an amazing couple they are. They have been married for a year and for their one year anniversary they came down to Mexico to volunteer. I just think it's amazing. They could have done anything and they chose to serve God's children. I hope to grow up like them one day!!
Saturday, August 7th
We woke up around seven and got everything ready to leave home. This meant cleaning up camp and packing the vans. We stopped by at the nursery at Door of Faith to see the mural that Gramma and her crew of volunteers painted. There, we took a group photo and said goodbye to the children. Afterwards, we drove to Buena Vida, about 5 minutes away, and said our goodbye's to the kids there. It was hard saying goodbye. But I'm glad to know that it doesn't have to be forever. I can go back and see them. We took pictures, I got my hair done one final time by Lizbeth, played with bubbles and then we were on our way. I miss those kids so much! I am hoping to be able to go again within the next year.
For breakfast, we went to La Fonda's. A beautiful restaurant on the beach front. It was chilly and they provided blankets for the guests. Great food! And there, we all went our separate ways. We said goodbye to our fellow volunteers and went our way to the border. Crossing the border took roughly two hours. There was constantly people coming up trying to sell stuff to us. I actually bought another blanket for someone. It was $10 and I got 2 in Ensanada for that price.. Oh well. Thats what I get for waiting to cross. Jenn and I drove straight to St. G and got there around 11. We stayed with some family of mine over night. It was nice for me because I got to spend some time with my cousins and aunt and uncle. Brooklynn and I stayed up talking for an hour or so. It wasn't much time with them, but any is better than none.
Sunday, August 8th
We woke up early and drove straight home. We met my parents at the Utah Valley University parking lot. And thus ended the journey of mine to Mexico.
Then we headed to the BEACH! My first time ever, unless you count time when I was six in Seattle. I don't really count it. I found a sand dollar that wasn't broken and some shells. The feeling of sand between my toes was the best. I didn't swim or anything because we didn't have much time.
At 2 we had to meet up with the rest of the volunteers at Wal*Mart.
When we got there, I was introduced to the other volunteers I had not met yet. We ate at a Carl's Jr. and caravaned into Mexico.
Me, being the smartest person I know, didn't use the restroom before we went and had roughly a liter to drink. By the time we got there I was about to lose it all. The very first thing I did was jump out of the car and run to the bathroom. I sat down and realized that there was no toilet paper. So, I made do and used the sink for clean up! Later I learned that normally there is toilet paper in the stalls, but you can't flush it down the toilet like in the U.S. They don't have decent plumbing or something..
Anyway! Jenn had kept driving up the road to our camp, about five minutes up the hill and left me behind. Fortunately, Kent found me and we rode up in the van with some other volunteers. We got there and picked our rooms. I was in the yellow cabin with Tanner, Parker, Christiann, Kirra, Bri, Marisol and Bethany. Then we had orientation and went down the orphanage and had a tour of Door of Faith. We got to go into the girls dorm, boys dorm and see their living space. It was a lot nicer than I had expected. They each had a bed and their own possessions. They all had chores to do and went to school. Each "home" had 6-8 girls in the same age group living together with "parents" - usually a married couple, but sometimes just one person. As they get older they advance to different dorms, gain later curfews and more responsibilities. They told us that these kids are fortunate enough to each get their own cake for their birthdays, and with many donations, they receive a present or two as well. We're talking around 100 kids that live there! That is pretty incredible that they can do that for each of them .
After all this, we headed over to the famous taco stand of La Mission. The best, and cheapest, tacos I have ever eaten. I think I ate there every day I was there. Yum. Across the street from the taco stand was another orphanage we visited. Little did I know then, but the kids at Casa Hogar Buena Vida (House of Good Life) would change my life. Within seconds of getting there, the kids rushed up to everyone and wanted us to play with them. Their love for us strangers was so strong and so apparent. The kids range from 2 or 3 up to 17. I bonded most with the girls around ten to thirteen years old. Two girls I won't ever forget are Ruby and Lizbeth. I wish I knew more about them, all I know is that I love and adore them through actions and the very little of what they said that I understood. I don't speak a whole lot of Spanish, but somehow still managed to feel closer than ever to the children there.
We headed back to camp and had a devotional. We talked of what the next day would entail and went to bed. But, of coarse, me being in a room with 7 other teenagers means sleep didn't come fast. They were all so giggly. It was funny, but I was so tired that I didn't join in.
Wednesday, August 4th
On this morning, I woke up and had breakfast duty. I cut tomatoes and heated up potatoes. After we ate, we went to our assigned projects. Many stayed at Door of Faith to work, while a group of about 10, including me, went over to Buena Vida. We got to play with the kids a little before the work began. There was an large room with cement walls that stored wood and bags of beans. We had to carry all of that out because in the days to follow, we would plaster the inside and paint. This room was in a building that connected to the girls dorms. In that building was the large room we emptied, a smaller room and a room that would be used for a bathroom. The kids jumped in and helped with anything they could. We swept out the room, which was incredibly dusty. After that was done, we worked on making cement and putting shovel fulls into a fence that was built on a previous expedition. We were done around 1:30 and of coarse, we had to cross the street and eat at the taco stand. Afterwards, we went to the beach! There, for my first time, we played ultimate frisbee (soccer with a frisbee) and boogie boarded. Our team put up a fight in ultimate, and i tried with all my might and still was the worst player on our team :) I guess my little brother, Taylor, stole all the athletic genes from me. The ending score was 6 to 7, us BARELY losing. We purchased some cool friendship bracelets from there. I got 5 for $13 and someone else bargained them to 4 for $5. Little did we know, we both got ripped off. Later in the week I got 5 bracelets for $5. I did get a cool one though, a man made it right in front of me. It was purple, green and pink with my name on it.
When we got back to camp, we all showered and got ready for dinner. It was the coldest shower ever. We doubled and tripled up in the community showers (we all had swimsuits on). I could not stop shaking! Funny thing is if we had gone into the other showers, we would have enjoyed the nice, warm water. Don't worry, we learned our lesson and the next day took advantage of the warm showers. We went to dinner again at the taco stand. The ride back to Door of Faith was the most crazy ride I've ever been on. There was about 10 of us in the van, Kent driving and all dancing to "Beat it like a hammer".
That night, we had a devotional and talked about families and what it meant to be one and what its like to have one. It made me realized how blessed I am to have a family that loves me. These kids have families that they created with what they were given. But even with their own adaptation, they still don't have parents of their own, to be there for them and to love and teach them. I am forever grateful for my family and for the blessings I have been given. I am so grateful to know that these kids will one day have families of their own that they can live with for eternity. This life is a test, a hard one at that. We are all dealt different cards and we have to play with what we got. These kids are missing the family card. Yet they can still be so positive, up beat and cheerful. I was, and still am, amazed at their faith and strength and I cannot wait until they can have a family of their own and are able to be with them forever.
Thursday, August 5th
We woke up around 5:30 to set out on a hike. There was 7 of us who went. The hike began with a trail up to the hillside where there was a big white cross. Under were a couple of benches. At night, the cross is lite up for the whole village to see. At the beginning of the trail, there are scriptures that say "He that endure to the end shall have eternal life" and a few others. I love how religious these people are and how much they remember Christ. After the cross was there was not a trail. We had to cut through brush and stay clear of cacti. We even had to jump a barbed wire fence. Most of the trail after that was up a dirt road. I am so out of shape! I was super tired and wasn't sure if I could make it. After the dirt road came mountain climbing. No trail, almost straight up to the top of a mountain. But oh how sweet was the reward at the end! It was beautiful. The morning sky was covered in fog, but you could still see quite a distance. I loved how every morning in Mexico the clouds hung over and later in the day they cleared. It made perfect weather for working, and it was marvelous.
We came back to camp just in time for some pancakes and fruit galore. Then we began our work. I was sent to Buena Vida again. This time to do plastering and such on the room we emptied. They did not have enough work to do, so they sent me back to Door of Faith where I painted the room they added onto the back of the kitchen. When we were done, the McGarrs took went out to eat and took me with them. They ate at a little restaurant next to the taco stand and I ate, of coarse, at the taco stand. haha. I went to visit with them for a bit after I was finished eating, and then crossed the street to Buena Vida. I went to spend time with the kids, but ended up doing some plastering to the soon-to-be bathroom. I didn't mind at all. When I was working at Buena Vida, it wasn't a burden. It was hard, and I got tired, but I didn't resent that I had to work. I did not feel completely that way when I was at Door of Faith. I still did not resent it, but I didn't actually take pleasure in working the way I did at Buena Vida. I think it had to do with the relationships that I had with the kids. There is just something so special about the children there. I wish I could describe it, but its best understood when it is lived.
We got to take the kids swimming with us that afternoon at a local pool. The kids did not have swimming suits, so they just jumped in with their clothes on. I tried teaching a few of them to swim. Some of them knew how, but a good portion of them couldn't make it in the deep end on their own for very long. The water was cold, so I didn't stay in long, but we played frisbee and had races while we were in there.
In the pool, a boy whose name I don't remember, was in the deep end with a boogie board. The cord that attached your arm to the board was wrapped around his neck and it looked like he was trying to stay afloat. Scariest thing in my life! So I tried to help him unwrap himself, he wasn't choking or anything, but I could see the potential hazard. While untangling him, I think he lost the support of the board and really started struggling staying above the water. Unfortunately I am short, and the water was deeper than I am tall. I had a really hard time but somehow got both of us to a part of the pool where we could stand. He seemed nervous and didn't go to the deep end the rest of the time, but I made sure to help him with learning how to swim after that. I think that it would be a good idea to take some lifeguard classes so I can be better prepared in a situation like that. I was not prepared the way I should have been and something devastating could have happened. Thank goodness that was all that did happen.
We all went back to camp, got ready and went out for the evening. We went to a bakery, to some restaurant where I had a taco that was no where near as good as the taco stand, and we went to a grocery store. This grocery store was built around a big rock. Instead of moving the rock out of it, they just left it there and there are shelves of food all around. This rock about as tall as I am and about that long too.
Devotional again and bed time. (I don't remember if it was this night or the next, but Kent came in and told us bedtime stories. He has to be the most random, crazy, but still a great guy that I have ever met)
Friday, August 6th
French toast for breakfast. We all set out on our own ways to work. This day, I stayed at Door of Faith and we planted two big garden areas. They turned out fantastic. Perry, the guy who funds a lot of the trip, is a landscaper and knew exactly what to do to make the place look perfect. We planted palm trees, and a whole bunch of plants that I do not know. I do remember planting a Jade tree. Reminded me of my sweet Dad at home. After the days work we went to Ensanada to do some touristy shopping. I got a couple blankets, more bracelets, a backpack and a side purse. We had so much fun bargaining with the people and even sat and talked with a guy about smoking pot and bongs.
We ate at a place called Guadalajara's. We watched a mariachi band, did bean shots and had a grand ol' time.
After dinner we went to another orphanage. This was Casa de Paz, which means House of Peace. There, the boys played a game of soccer, and the orphans won! and the girls painted nails and colored and such. A girl I met names Stefanie painted mine for me.
We also danced the thriller dance with Erin! how fun! This was the night that we rode with Brody and Janessa. What an amazing couple they are. They have been married for a year and for their one year anniversary they came down to Mexico to volunteer. I just think it's amazing. They could have done anything and they chose to serve God's children. I hope to grow up like them one day!!
Saturday, August 7th
We woke up around seven and got everything ready to leave home. This meant cleaning up camp and packing the vans. We stopped by at the nursery at Door of Faith to see the mural that Gramma and her crew of volunteers painted. There, we took a group photo and said goodbye to the children. Afterwards, we drove to Buena Vida, about 5 minutes away, and said our goodbye's to the kids there. It was hard saying goodbye. But I'm glad to know that it doesn't have to be forever. I can go back and see them. We took pictures, I got my hair done one final time by Lizbeth, played with bubbles and then we were on our way. I miss those kids so much! I am hoping to be able to go again within the next year.
For breakfast, we went to La Fonda's. A beautiful restaurant on the beach front. It was chilly and they provided blankets for the guests. Great food! And there, we all went our separate ways. We said goodbye to our fellow volunteers and went our way to the border. Crossing the border took roughly two hours. There was constantly people coming up trying to sell stuff to us. I actually bought another blanket for someone. It was $10 and I got 2 in Ensanada for that price.. Oh well. Thats what I get for waiting to cross. Jenn and I drove straight to St. G and got there around 11. We stayed with some family of mine over night. It was nice for me because I got to spend some time with my cousins and aunt and uncle. Brooklynn and I stayed up talking for an hour or so. It wasn't much time with them, but any is better than none.
Sunday, August 8th
We woke up early and drove straight home. We met my parents at the Utah Valley University parking lot. And thus ended the journey of mine to Mexico.
Tucker Bradley Nielson
{I wrote the following about a month after he died}
Tucker was my next door neighbor growing up. I've known him for about 17 years. He was always such a big guy and so fun to be around. He was quite a little troublemaker, but as he grew up, his heart grew bigger. I never met someone who loved as many people as he did. He was kind to everyone and would stand up for anyone who was being picked on. People loved Tucker. He drew people in and made them feel important. He cared about those around him and after just meeting someone, he would do anything for them.
Whenever I saw Tuck, he was always there with open arms and a warm smile. I don't know a single person on the earth who could give better hugs than Tucker could. He could always make me feel better too. There's just something about him that just wipes away any of my daily troubles.
On Friday mornning, May 28th 2010, Tucker took his own life. I don't know why, but I think a lot of it had to do with his addiction.
I feel horrible because a week previous to this, I had heard Tucker calling after his dog in the backyard and I thought about going to say hey and talk with him, but I didn't. I just kept walking inside. That was the last time I heard him. It is something I will always regret. I always think "what if"? What if I had been a better friend for him? What if I had gone to talk to him that day? Would I have been able to make him feel wanted and needed? I can ask all these questions and I can hurt myself thinking about them. The truth is, no one could have done anything. Tucker made up his mind.
I don't want to remember Tucker as the person I described in the last couple paragraphs. He was not that person to me. He was much more than that. A man with a heart the size of Jupiter and an appetite almost as big. A man who brightened everyone's day. A man who knew God lived and Jesus suffered for him, but did not understand everything. Then again, no one does. He was someone who looked after his friends, and his family. He stood up for others and let everyone into his heart.
I love you Tuck. I'll miss you. 'Till we meet again....
Sunday, August 21, 2011
How'd you meet this guy!?!
DOUBLE DATE!
Brelynn has this cousin. His name is Michael Every. She has been trying to get us together for like 6 months now, but things never work out and we never planned anything. UNTIL last Thursday (Sept. 9th 2010). Mike got my number from Brelynn and we planned to go out.
Mike took me to Chili's and we had a fun time eating and coloring a chili that we got to help fund St. Jude's Hospital.
Afterwards, we went back to Brelynn's place and played Phase 10 with her and Monty. We cheated the whole time and won like crazy! Yey for us! I still feel bad about cheating, so next time I see Brelynn, I think I'm going to tell her. HAHA. I know that they know we were cheating a little bit. But that is the whole fun of the game!
Brelynn has this cousin. His name is Michael Every. She has been trying to get us together for like 6 months now, but things never work out and we never planned anything. UNTIL last Thursday (Sept. 9th 2010). Mike got my number from Brelynn and we planned to go out.
Mike took me to Chili's and we had a fun time eating and coloring a chili that we got to help fund St. Jude's Hospital.
Afterwards, we went back to Brelynn's place and played Phase 10 with her and Monty. We cheated the whole time and won like crazy! Yey for us! I still feel bad about cheating, so next time I see Brelynn, I think I'm going to tell her. HAHA. I know that they know we were cheating a little bit. But that is the whole fun of the game!
{i posted the above on September 13th 2010}
--before we were engaged, I wrote the following--
Okay, slow down. There is no ring. But when you know, you know. Let me tell you the story...
After the first date, I was honestly not too interested in Mike. I thought that he was a wonderful guy, and I had SO much fun with him. But I remembered that I fall in love far too fast and it never works out. I also tend to fall for guys who I know I shouldn't be with. I always know that I shouldn't be dating them, but I continue doing so anyway.
So with Mike, I didn't want to fall in love fast. And I sure wasn't ready for anything serious.
Mike and I planned to go out on another date the following Wednesday (September 15th). We went to the mall and shopped around a bit, hung out at the D.I., went to his friends house where he held my hand, and then went to Applebees where he held it again.
I came home after the date thinking, goodness that was a wonderful night. I also was thinking, I better not lead this guy on if he is not the right one. (I did that too often). So I decided to pray. I prayed and told Heavenly Father that if this was not the man I was going to marry, that I would not go out with him. I would end it right there and not pick it up any further. I asked Him if it was okay for me to continue dating Mike.
After I was done praying, an overwhelming, joyous feeling came over me. I felt so good about going out with Mike again. I didn't know why. I hoped it was because I was going to marry him. But other possibilites ran through my head. Like maybe he was going to introduce me to someone or maybe he and I would have a relationship that I would need to learn something from. I didn't know, but I was excited to find out.
That saturday, I brought him over to a family movie night. My family all could tell that there was something different about Mike compared to all the other boys I brought home. He wasn't just another boyfriend.
On September 20th, we decided that we wanted to take our friendship further and become boyfriend and girlfriend. This was when we had our first kiss. We were sitting on a bridge at a park and had just talked about our relationship and where we stand. We were getting up to leave, and he helped me up a big step. After helping me up, he grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a kiss. He had a rule that he never kissed a girl unless he was in a relationship with them, and after the kiss he told me it would have been wrong if he hadn't "sealed the deal" with a kiss.
On Friday, September 24th, we had a really good, serious talk. I told him about my past, and how I was overcoming many things. But that I was repenting, and getting things resolved. We read scriptures together and prayed. I remember feeling so good with him. He told me that he will think of me as if none of those things happened. He forgave me because the Lord forgave me. This talk brought us so close. This is when I really felt that this could be the one. Before, it was hopeful, but this was becoming a for sure.
Mike says that on the drive home from my house, he had an experience that gave him the answer that I was "the one". Its a personal story, so I won't share. But when he later told me about it, I remember just wanting to cry because I felt the same way.
September 28th, we were at his brother's house. We were napping, but I wasn't doing much sleeping. All I could think about was my feelings for him and how I wanted to tell him that I loved him. I just barely met him, but my feelings for him were so intense at that time. After a little talk, he finally said that he loved me. I of course told him that I love him too. There was a picture of Christ on the wall. I kept looking at it and just thanking him for the wonderful man that was brought into my life. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for bringing him to me. For him being just the man that I always dreamed of. When I was thanking my Heavenly Father that day, the thought came to me that I was going to marry Michael Every. After leaving him, I called my mom, my dad, my sister and Brelynn to tell them that I knew I was going to marry him. Sure enough, they thought I was crazy, but my family was all in agreeance that this was the right thing. I knew with out a doubt in my mind that he was my other half.
Cheers!
Cheers! To a new blog/journal/updates for stalkers!
I keep telling myself that I need to start a blog, to write down my history somehow, and I never get around to it. So with the Relief Society lesson talking about Genealogy and Journaling (thanks Faith Jennings) & my dear sister-in-law, Brooke, starting her own blog, I decided it was time for me to jump on the blogger bandwagon.
I will admit, I have tried blogging before. I kept it secret. I've only posted a handful of posts, and stopped. I'm going to pull a couple of posts from that old blog to this one, to mark some important historical moments in my life... like meeting my hubby and traveling to Mexico.
WARNING: This could get a little personal here, since I'm also counting this as my "journal" writing..
So lets keep this a judge free zone. kkthanks!
Enjoy!!
I keep telling myself that I need to start a blog, to write down my history somehow, and I never get around to it. So with the Relief Society lesson talking about Genealogy and Journaling (thanks Faith Jennings) & my dear sister-in-law, Brooke, starting her own blog, I decided it was time for me to jump on the blogger bandwagon.
I will admit, I have tried blogging before. I kept it secret. I've only posted a handful of posts, and stopped. I'm going to pull a couple of posts from that old blog to this one, to mark some important historical moments in my life... like meeting my hubby and traveling to Mexico.
WARNING: This could get a little personal here, since I'm also counting this as my "journal" writing..
So lets keep this a judge free zone. kkthanks!
Enjoy!!
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