Starting fresh!

In this new time of my life I am starting fresh. Not like New Years Resolution time, more like life has taken on a whole new meaning for me and my heart has changed. I can't think of the quote my Aunt Ann always says, but it goes something like when you put God first in your life everything that is good will stay and everything that is not important will fall out of your life. I have noticed that happening with me.

With the t.v. shows I watch, the entertainment magazine addiction I have, even the music I listen too (I am more interested in church CD's or 91.5 rather than the regular fun music I have). Now, this isn't all the time, but maybe 50/50. I have started ordering my favorite t.v. shows on DVDs instead of watching some of the thing that are on regular t.v.

I have new scriptures that I am going to start marking in a way that is meaningful to me. I want to dive into the Book of Mormon and really learn it!! I got some ideas from a great friend of mine on how to do this. I'm going to start scripture chains, writing down all the characters in the Book of Mormon so I know exactly who they are and what they did, I have a Book of Mormon that I am marking in a very cool way by topics.

I am so grateful for new and fresh starts!

Utah or Bust!!!

GIRLS WEEKEND!!!!!

Last weekend my cousin Lanette and I went to Utah to destress and get away from our/my problems. My mom and I were supposed to go, but she couldn't leave work so she was selfless enough to want me to still go and take a GREAT friend. By the way mom, we are still taking a vacation!!!!

Lanette and I started our weekend my stopping in Logan so I could see some of my old college roommates Lisa and Alyssa and my friend Kim. It was so fun to get together with them. We had a great time catching up and remembering the "good ol' days" at USU!

After Logan, I made Lanette Drive because I am scared of heavy traffic, coming from a town that doesn't even have a stop light. She isn't posing for this picture, this is actually how she looked when she drove for the next 3 days :0) Through the drive we listened to the homemade CD's entitled "Road Trip" volumes 1, 2, and 3. Then, took a great trip down memory lane listening to a CD an old roommate made for me called "Children of the 80's." where we were entertained my Vanilla Ice, The Back Street Boys etc., and great theme song from our favorite t.v. shows. Smurfs, Rainbow Bright, Full House, Charles in Charge and about 15 others reminded us how safe t.v. used to be.

I was so excited when we got to the hotel. As we were "going up" (the elevator spoke to us) on the elevator to the 11th floor, this was the view outside our door! Unbelievable!!!

Call me crazy, but one of the things I was most excited for was the hot tub at the hotel. The thought of sitting in there every single night after a long day of walking, shopping and sightseeing. Letting the stress of life melt away in the bliss of the bubbling hot water was the most relaxing thought I'd had in months. So naturally after we put our bags in our room, we went looking for the hot tub. This is what we found.

So not fair!!!

Then we went to the Gateway Mall. It was as great as everyone said it would be, but I don't think I would ever want to go again. The best part was that I got together with a friend from high school who I hadn't seen in 13 or so years. It was so fun!! I am so mad I forgot to get a picture though. We went to a frozen yogurt shop and had a great time reminiscing of the past and catching up on the present. Thanks for a great night Morgan!!!

That night, instead of relaxing in the hot tub :( luckily I was inspired to buy back up destress/super hero masks! With our destress/super hero masks, popcorn, candy, a soft comfy bed and a great movie our night was great!!!

I don't know why I can't turn pictures anymore, but just tilt your head.
(I seriously need to learn how to pose, I felt as awkward as I look! Feel free to giggle, I am.)

Sunday morning we went to Music and the Spoken Word which was completely amazing!!! We sat front row just off to the side. Singing with the MoTab was a children's choir from China and they were and so cute!! Then throughout different times of the production Chinese adults came out in fun costumes and played some traditional Chinese music. I have always wanted to go to this and it didn't disappoint!! Plus Richard G. Scott was there and it was fun to see him.
The cute children's choir.

After Music and the Spoken Word we went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for church. That building has such an amazing spirit in it all the time, but to go there on a Sunday for Church made the spirit even stronger. It was so cool!

Then we went sightseeing on Temple Square.
This is my favorite spot!!!
It is so peaceful!

Again, just tilt your head.

Flowers are in bloom on Temple Square...it is so beautiful!!

I have wanted to see the Joseph Smith movie for so long and I was more than excited to be able to see it on that day. I absolutely love everything about Joseph Smith. I think he is one of the most fascinating people to study and I have so many books about his life and all the things he went through...anyway I love Joseph Smith. So, we got into the theater, had perfect seats and the movie started, then I woke up!!! I slept through almost the entire movie!!! I caught a glimpse here and there during my head bobs but I can't remember a single thing. I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT!!! That will be a good excuse to go back REALLY SOON!!

Monday, our last day, we decided to go to Park City and do some shopping. We found amazing deals and had a great time. How can you not have a great time when the cool stuff you want is 60-75% off!!!

Lanette, thank you so much for coming with me! It couldn't have been better!! I don't know what I would have done without you! Plus you taught me the ins and outs of bargain hunting (it may take a few extra hours, :0) but it definitely pays off!!) Next time lets go somewhere with a beach, call ahead to make sure the hot tub works and maybe we can brave it for 4 days :0)

Awesome thought

Last week a great neighbor came over and

gave us this tile.

Of course my mom and I each took our time bawling

because we loved the saying so much.

What a peaceful and joyful thought!

A lesson in modesty!

Zoe has some major problems when it comes

to modesty. Her favorite relaxed/sleeping position

is laying on her back with her

arms and legs wide open.

Zoe and I have talked about this and it just doesn't

sink into her cute little head.

As she was laying here I called her name and

she actually looked up.

I think this behavior is going to warrant

Zoe having to wear cute kitty clothing...

...or maybe not.

Bong

A few weeks ago my sister went to the Philippines.

Her in-laws are serving as mission

presidents there.

When they heard of my dads death LeAnn went to a

man named Bong

that makes a living carving wood

and she asked him to make this for

our family. An amazing thing about Bong is that he lives in

a mud hut that is super tiny with 8 other people.

I don't know if he is a member or not, but I

do know that he is an amazing man.

(Diana, I hope I got the story right)

December - February with pictures...

It has been such a long time since I added any pictures

or that I have felt like adding anything fun. But, things are

starting to get better!

CHRISTMAS!!!

For Christmas I made some cute aprons for some friends.

I did have some help, but didn't they turn out

totally adorable!! I had already mailed, or wrapped the others

but they all looked like this.

Now, I had this picture turned the right way and I have no idea

what happened to it. But I love our red and silver Christmas tree.

RETURNED WITH HONOR!!!

January 8, 2010 at 6:04 in the morning, my dad passed away.

I feel like I am doing better now,

spoke too soon,I just started crying.

I have to keep reminding myself that he

is so much happier now.

He has full use of his mind and body and his

spirit is no longer trapped.

But, truth be told, I have always been a little selfish,

and I REALLY miss him!!!

This picture was taken at my cousins wedding years ago when he was healthy.
Doesn't he look so darn cute!!!

This picture was taken at my little brothers wedding in

September of 2007. Could anyone ask for better parents, and

examples in the gospel? My parents have always been such ROCKS

in being steadfast throughout life, and my AMAZING mom is

continuing to be that EXAMPLE for all her children.

I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!!


VALENTINES DAY

I have the best nieces and nephews in the world!

They all know that I have had the lap band surgery and

are always amazing at the small amounts of food I

eat, and that they fill me up! Being so cautious and aware of this

situation, they made a special heart shaped cookie for me!

Isn't that AWESOME!!!!!

This makes me feel a little better...

Neal A. Maxwell said:

"On the other side of the veil, there are perhaps seventy billion people. They need the same gospel, and releases occur here to aid the Lords work there. Each release of a righteous individual from this life is also a call to new labors. Those who have true hope understand this. Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here, hundreds feel their reach there. One day, those hundreds will thank the bereaved for gracefully forgoing the extended association with choice individuals here, in order that they could help hundreds there. In God’s ecology, talent and love are never wasted. The hopeful understand this too."

Why is it still so hard...

Memory #1

Two years ago when my dad was still driving
he decided he wanted to have McDonald's for lunch.

No one thought anything of it until he went to to get the mail a few

days later and brought it

in the house on a McDonald's tray. For the

life of me I couldn't figure out what in the world it was

or where it had come from.

UNTIL...I saw the golden arches and then I knew!

A few day's before when he went to get his lunch he must have gone

inside and then put the food on a tray and walked out.

It was so funny and we were laughing so hard!!

I made him be serious so I could take a picture and

it turned out to look like a mug shot!!

HUMmmmm

***If your not feeling supportive of me

today don't bother reading any further***

There is a lot to think about when you have been awake since 3am. There are so many thoughts going through my head about my dad. Lots of I should haves, wish I would haves, why didn't I do more of this, why did I do that, and why did I get so impatient when he would ask the same question over and over and over and over again. I guess the big question is why do I allow Satan to put these thoughts in my head? Of course I could have done things better, there is always room for improvement in most aspects of all of our lives. But, how do other people go day by day and just handle it, and why does it feel like it is destroying me. Intellectually I know I was here for my dad and I did everything humanly possible to take care of him...I did my best. But, why do I feel my best is never good enough?

My health is also taking a nose dive!!! I was talking to my doctor and he said that when you are a primary caregiver most of your physical problems are lessened because you just can't deal with it and then when the person is gone you are hit full force with whatever you was going on physically. So I feel completely horrible and it is a bunch of random things. I have had SEVERAL migraines, a consistent headache for about 4 weeks now (not counting the migraines), I have a swollen gland, and ear ache, I'm dizzy and I feel like I am going to pass out all the time, my stomach is always upset and I keep throwing up (but I did lose 6 lbs in 3 days...I am still weighing the pros and cons to that one) and I am not sleeping...well does 3-4 hours a night for 2 weeks count? Plus my fibromyalgia is killing me, this morning I am having a hard time letting my clothes touch me because I hurt so bad. I know a lot of it is related to stress, we just can't make it go away.

As I have been writing this Heavenly Father blessed me with a memory. I think everyday my dad came to me and gave me one of those hugs that just make you feel safe. Each time he would get teary and say "I don't know what I would do without you. We couldn't make it if you weren't here" Wow, that's enough to make me cry. And every night after family prayer he would say "I love you Sherry" (most of the time he got it right but it was hilarious when he didn't). Then I would say something about it and he would cover his mouth and laugh until we all ended up crying.

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

YEAH!!!!!

Good News!!! I was contacted by the genealogy society (where my aunt works) to type journals from the pioneers while they were crossing the plains. I get to do this from home and I am so excited that I am available to preform this great service.