It's a Wonderful Life

Time Passes Quickly

2011-03-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just realized that it has been a month since I made my resolve to blog more often. Stay tune to our cruise, Dale's graduation, our trip to Washington State to send the troops off and our little Kitten who is now a 10 pound 7 month old kitten... stay tune for more!!! promise...

Finally

2011-02-05T16:47:00.001-08:00

I think I am ready to start writing in my blog. I will try to post something starting once a week. I have a whole lot to catch up with and not sure I will get there to it all however I am going to give it the ole' cowgirl try. So until then...

Weird Dream

2010-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

I rarely dream and when I do its really vivid and strange. This dream was vivid and humerous, so I just had to share.

The dream went like this.... dale had bought a hummer from the military. Dale thought that was a great way to teach my sister Maren how to drive stick. We gathered up mar and her husband and myself and dale to go out to the desert. dale hopped into the hummer with mar and they took off for a lesson. They came back and mar was all excited because she was doing such a good job at it. dale said it was time she could take it down the road a little. mar drove off by herself and all of a sudden we saw the hummer fall off the edge of the cliff... We all ran over to see if she was ok and looked down the cliff and saw her standing there looking at the little pieces of the hummer around her. apparently when she drove off the cliff, the hummer broke into such small pieces. dale was like... you broke my hummer and now you and debbie are in timeout and told us to go stay in the hotel and not to come out for 2 hours. dale and mikey went to their own room with all the pieces of the hummer. i walked into their room and was watching them put the pieces together... it was so funny i woke up laughing.....

Happy Anniversary to the one I love!

2010-09-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

On September 11th 2003 I married my friend and love of my life. It has been a marriage with lots of battles and good times. I love my husband more today than I ever did back when I married him. I think that is what marriage and troubles do is it makes you bond closer. Dale is the most kind and caring husband. There is not a week that goes by without him calling me his angel or telling me that he is doing everything he can so that I won't have to work, because I deserve it. Our life is about to change with getting a foster daughter, however we are bonding more because of it and our life will become better.

I know this post is not something that you normally see, however I wanted put this in writing for my records. Happy Anniversary Baby! Love you PUP!

ok..i know...i need to update...

2010-06-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

update...on life...

2010-03-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! life has a way of passing by and fast. Our family has been going through a lot lately. Mary, my sister in law. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and a lot of thought and prayers has been going in her behalf. She had a mastecomy and is going to be starting chemo soon. I believe that things will be going really well and she will beat this thing. I am amazed how this cancer word sends sharp pains into every soul. Our family has been hit hard in the last few years, but our family is strong and we will make it over this.

As for Dale and I. We are getting ready to do a foster adopt little girl. We have this room ready and it just seems the thing we need to do. Call it inspiration, or craziness it is what we are doing. It will be a challenge and we are trying to figure out the child care thing. That in itself is a hard thing. It will be good and we will grow stronger as a family for sure.

I have so much to blog and am hoping to start updating my blog... my guess I will start this weekend.

hum...

2010-01-23T09:28:00.001-08:00

I am loving my new notebook. It allows me to go anywhere in the house and play on the computer. My goal is to get my blog completely updated by next week. ThenI will be updating my cooking blog. I have so many fun recipees to enter with photos!!! Stay tune...

Yippeee... a new notebook computerd

2010-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Boy, I have set that goal to update my blog and wouldn't you know my laptop pretty much blows up and so I try another used one and it just was not going to happen. So I purchased a Toshiba nbj205. It was on sale for 349 and orginally it went for over 400. I just happen to have been there at the right time since the sale ended tomorrow. So I will be learning all the ins and outs of this new windows system and see how to download pictures and so forth, then I will be updating like a mad woman....

Yikes!!! I am so behind...

2010-01-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have wrote anything. I have a summer of activities to write about include the finishing about our camping trip. I starting anew and will be adding more each week. My goal is to having 2 new things a week on my blog. We will see how life will go...stay tune for more!

Camping Trip to Jordanelle

2009-10-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Dale, Dan and I decided that we needed to do a mini camping trip. Dale rented a little trailer from the Guard and Dan slept in Dales Cabelas cot ten by the fire. The trailer was tiny however we had so much fun fishing, sitting around the camp fire talking and cooking great food. It was a fun relaxing time. We will have to do this yearly. The following pictures are of the inside of the trailer.

Like I said the trailer was really small... Dale decided that he would take naps in the little bunk above the bed. I tried however and it was just too tight. Don't understand how he slept there.

These are pictures from our campsite...it was beautiful and I was a sneezing fool.

These are of our boy Shadow, he had a great time, a little worried he would find a skunk but he didn't.

Oh My!!!

2009-10-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how long it has been since I have posted anything on my blog. I have so much to tell you and pictures to post. I have this yummy soup recipee that I will be posting also. I just got a new lap top, faster and so I will be working my fingers to the bone this weekend to get everything entered...

Scary Dream

2009-09-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's so unusual for me to dream and when I have dreams they are so vivid. Well last night I had another dream. Here is the setting....

Dale, Dan, I and another person which I could not identify went to a beach to boogy board or surf. It was an different type of beach, but it was fun. All of a sudden I look back at Dale standing on the beach and he is in full combat gear, including his armor. He was motioning me, with some urgency, to come in. I looked around for Dan and the other person and could not find them. I took a huge wave and came flying in to the beach. I began to run to Dale and he grabbed my hand and started running. I looked out to the beach one more time to check for Dan. I saw an island and a bunch of guys with 50 cals. They started shooting at us as we were running. Bullets were hitting Dales armor but they weren't hurting him... I woke up in a panic, checked to see if Dale was ok and looked at my cell phone and it said 3:30. I went and got a drink of water and tried to fall back to sleep... I was so scared. I am glad it was not real life.

My husband at work

2009-09-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is a clip talking about soldier suicide... They are working hard at this subject, during this clip however, it shows dale and his buddies playing volleyball...enjoy
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=7790081

Temple Usher Experience

2009-07-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

I had the most awesome experience yesterday. I was able to be an usher at the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple. I arrived at the stake center behind the temple at 2pm. I had to take some leave for work, however we were told that we would be blessed for doing so. I walked into the chapel at the Stake center and I was greeted by the happiest group of people I have ever met. They gave me my number and a usher badge and told me to go find my number on these maps in the wall. I went to the map and was looking at this huge space and my number right in the center of it. One of the sisters told me I must have done something right because I was going to be in the celestial room. My heart soared and my eyes got teary. I have heard so much about the chandelier in there and I thought, oh good I have 4 or 5 hours of piece and looking at every inch of the room. I was not prepared for the intensive spiritual experience I had however. I started walking to the temple, not sure how to get to my station, I climbed stairs, went down stairs and looking at everything i could possibly do. It was beautiful. I finally arrived at the celestial room and my jaw dropped, air escaped me and I thought I was going to pass out. For some reason the spirit was just pounding in me (even though the temple has not been dedicated, I believe that heavenly father was there). I asked the current usher if there was anything I needed to do, received my instruction and was beaming from ear to ear. For about the first 1/2 hour, I am not sure if I saw one person, my head was cocked upward toward the star chandelier and the stars on the windows. (side thought: it cost over 250 thousand dollars, the chairs are back so when you sit you stare up) Then it happened... tears flowed... and flowed... Most of the night I had tears in my eyes. Not just me however... i had a little girl in a wheelchair, the minute she was rolled into the room, she told her mom that this is what heaven will be like when she gets there, she got the chills... tears again... I had non members ask me to bear my testimony on the celestial room and the temple, members that had not been through the temple ask what I do in there.. again tears...watery eyes... It was interesting that you could feel the spirit leave when people who didn't believe and didn't care or feel what most people felt walking into the room. It was lost and then once they left it was back again. All the little kids had to feel the carpet, I thought it was cute, the adults just asked me questions, not all I could answer. I remember a few people coming in and just wanted to stay there because they could feel something and they weren't members. I was asked several times what I did to get the celestial room to usher, my answer was .... I am feeling very blessed. Several times I had this intense smell of strong rosees. I asked if anyone could smell the roses and they told me they could not smell anything. I believe my mom was there (I always smell roses when she is near). I was happy to have her there for those moments she could. We were suppose to be quiet sentinels, however in this room it was hard to not share how I believed and I think that was why I was there. I just am so thankful I had this opportunity to share in this open house. My testimony of temples has been strengthened more than I can share. I love my heavenly father and am sure that this was an experience I needed to have. All I can say is...WOW!!!

P.S. My cheeks are so sore from smiling. I could not keep from smiling, again it believe it was the spirit.

update

2009-07-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how much time has gone by without me blogging. I will be updating with our fishing trip to Jordenell, watermelon, and so forth.

The Kiss

2009-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Dale has been gone for 2 weeks. Thursday I went to work and around 8 ish I began to get really sick, I got home around 9. I changed into jamies and went sound to sleep. I don't know how long I was asleep but in my sleep I heard shadow get all excite like someone was there in the room.... I didn't really worry about it because I felt safe. I was still asleep when someone gave me a kiss on my forhead. It was like someone was watching over me. It took me a about 10 mins to wake up enough to realize someone was there. I woke up and no one was in the house, and all the doors were locked with the deadbolts. No way no one could come in. I prayed for a while and felt very safe. Got back into bed and slept until 7 the next morning. My body must have needed the rest.

Bride and Groom Photos

2009-06-22T19:33:00.001-07:00

So finally we get to the pictures of the bride and groom. Here are a few, I really don't have time to get them all on there and will add more when I have more time.

Great shots of my sister and the veil. They really make a great couple.

Random Wedding Day Photos

2009-06-22T19:02:00.001-07:00

The one with the shoes I am going to blow up and put on my wall, a circle of family. Awesome!

Melissa was married in the St. George Temple, it was a great sealing and grateful to be there to see her and Carter get sealed. I gave my bro Mike my camera while I was in the temple. I told him to just have fun taking pictures. My how creative he was. The pictures above are of those pictures he took during the sealing. There are some great ones.

So the picture of me was coming out to rescue my camera, I then took some fun pictures of my nephew up high in the tree. Great Pictures.

The Wedding Morning

2009-06-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! The veil is done and its time to prepare for the wedding day. Melissa started with a friend coming over to do her hair (extensions included) and professional makeup done. I have a few pictures of that morning.

so the picture below of Maren, she told me not to put it in my blog, but this is like my journal and I just had to have a picture of her for all posterity, she will thank me later.

The Veil

2009-06-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Melissa asked Maren and I to make her veil for her wedding. I have a lot of pictures to show the making of this veil, so this will be a long entry.

So this is what we started with. Plenty of veil material but not enough lace. Hum what should we do? Well Mar and I started experimenting and the following pictures are of those.

Mar and I tried to figure out which would make the prettiest veil without too much work. These are the pictures with our ideas.

We are not done yet, we decided how we wanted to build the thing, the following pictures are of that process...hum...

We are were now on our way, it was pinned and ready to be tried on. We are asking ourselves... Is this the ugliest veil ever, will I feel bad after all the time I spent on this thing if Melissa didn't wear it (the answer to that was a YEA!), and what was I thinking letting Mar talk me into doing this!!!

The following pictures are the pinned up veil.

If all else fails she can use it as a table cloth.

Sanjaya Dream

2009-06-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

You know its really interesting when through the last 3 years of my life I had not dreamed once and now I am dreaming more and more. I had the craziest dream while I was in St. George. I dreamed that my sisters Maren, Melissa and I were on stage line dancing. Who comes up on stage with us but Sanjaya (will get proper spelling) and starts line dancing. Maren in my dream was in love with him and would hook her whole arm around him and he danced with us. People were in the audience and loving it. Melissa and I just sat and laughed at Maren with Sanjaya because he was soooo skinny. Hum... maybe I have watched too much of I am a celebrity, get me out.

Wedding Veil... a piece of work...or will be...

2009-06-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

So, my sister Melissa is getting married. I am so happy for her and excited. I am flying down on Wednesday to St. George so that we can do nails and a pedicure. It will be a fun weekend and I will take lots of pictures. I volunteered to make her a veil. Wow! I must have lost my mind because I have never made a veil before. I finally have the fabric, but the lace...well... Melis has her very specific taste and she told me that if she didn't like it she would not wear it... so I didn't want to spend all this money and time and then have her not wear it. I called Maren my sister that also volunteered to help me in this endeavor. We decided that we will pick out the lace in st George on Wednesday and sew the day before the wedding. ARE WE CRAZY!!!! Yes. Thankfully, I am staying at my in-laws winter bungalow and we will have some quite time to do the best we can on the veil. I will be posting what the final product and the picture of mar and I crying if Melis does not like it. Lol!!!!!

hum... Rain...Rain...Rain

2009-06-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well I was so excited for June, why you may ask. To ride my motorcycle what else. I have been able to ride it 2 days this spring. Not in June, Not in April, in March! I think this global warming is freezing me out! I love the rain, however I choose not to live inWashington for a reason. I didn't want to live with rain 24/7. Well that felt good to get it all out! Sorry guys but it just had to be said. I promise to catch up and let you know what life has been like for a while. Things are good, and I am excited for plans that we have coming up. I just had a moment to talk about this great rain.

Dream...

2009-05-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of years I have dreamed very little. Now in the last several months. In this dream I saw my niece who has passed. She was playing with the most beautiful butterflies I have ever seen. Alissa, called for me and asked if I could come play with her. I told her I would love to and she ran too fast and I couldn't find her. I woke up screaming her name. I am just happy to have seen her even for just a minute.

Whoa!!

2009-05-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

What a day. I sat up all night, no sleep! I went to work a little late but I got there. I had a full day of customers and of getting texts from Sue to see how dad is doing. He is able to move his toes and pick up his legs. It's pretty good for how massive of stroke he had. Dad is sad that he can't move his right side. Dale and I are going down this weekend, the rest of the family is going down in intervals. One day at a time. I am still very emotional about it, however deep in my soul I know everything is going to be ok or the best it can be.

Early morning phone calls

2009-05-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

I really hate hearing my phone ringing early in the morning. I always know it is something bad. Today my melissa (sister) called me saying that dad had a stroke. He was being taken my ambulance to the hospital. He had a blood clot somewhere and that is why the stroke. It must have happened sometime last night and he didn't know. I called and was able to talk to Sue and to dad. He is paralyzed on his right side and is aware of who everyone is. I am so grateful for blessings. He was blessed to regain enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life. I am grateful to have him at least be able to speak and know everyone. If he is going to be in a wheelchair, its ok. I just don't want him to suffer. I will blog when I know more.

Swine Flu

2009-05-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

I came home from work on Monday and felt like I was getting a cold. No problem, take some meds and go to bed early. I went to bed at 6pm. Zonked out cold. I woke up on Tuesday morning and wham.... I was dying and I had the flu not the cold. Dale asked for me to help him in the morning do somethings. I could barely function. I called in sick, not sure exactly what I said and told dale I was really sick. Around 11am I had thrown up three times and had a pretty high temp. I text dale and told him that I needed him to take me to the doctor. I called the doc and got a 5:45 appt. By the time Dale had gotten here, I turned really bad. I actually thought I had the swine flu. At the doctors office they all wore masks, I don't really remember much except for a few shots. They tested me for the swine flu. I don't have it, however I have similar to it. Whatever that means. I guess there is a side flu going on. Anyway, Dale tells me know he was so worried because my lips were black and bleeding (not sure what that is all about) and he freaked out. He stayed home with me the next day to make sure I did not get worse. You know through out my life I have gotten sick quite a bit. It is a gift, well something I was sent here to earth to endure I guess. There could have been worse things. However, there are times I would love to go through 5 years with out getting sick at all. I pray for 3 years sometimes. The doc told me I could not go back to work at all the whole week, so I have been recovering. It's Saturday and I am not fully recovered, I am week, tired and exhausted. I have been trying to go to sleep but the neighbors dog is barking like crazy and if I knew which dog it was, I would march over to their house. OK, enough of laboring on...

Cooking Blog... What was I thinking?

2009-05-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

So for months now I have felt there was something that I could share out there. Finally it hit me. I should do a cooking blog. Wow! Now I warn you, I don't bake a lot of desserts, however I am going to start so that I can share with you. I love food you make that just hits the spot, good for the soul and that is really what I want to share through this blog. Cooking for the soul! I am going to have to make all of these recipes to just get pictures taken, so it may be some time there getting pictures, yet there are already some yummy recipes to amp up your day! I really love experimenting with food, so these reciepees are tried and true. I will give you the basics and then you can make the choices you want to make to add or change to this recipe.

Strange and Scarey

2009-04-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

I looked through my blog and I have noticed I have written on some weird dreams. Well I didn't have a dream but a weird thing happen. Dale was out of town. It was shadow and I in bed. I heard Dan (brother in law who is living with us) come in around 11pm. I fell back to sleep. Around 2 ish I heard Shadow barking like he was really upset. I then realized he was standing over me just barking like crazy. I was laying on my side (when Dale leaves I always sleep on his side, weird I know) and as I turned over to my back I saw a black shadow, tall and with a hat on. I was startled and yet not that scared. As soon as I woke up Shadow jumped down and he was happy. I still looked outside, just to be careful and there was nothing. Now, I am not sure if it was someone visiting me or what, however, I don't want to have that happen again. I told my husband to hurry and come home. He showed up at 5am the next morning. Boy I love him!

Hault! The World is Spinning!!!

2009-04-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

The one thing I am grateful for is my ears to hear... my husbands words... birds chirping... my dog barking! So why am I complaining about them. Wait... I know why.. because when my vertigo comes full force, I want to crawl away and sleep. I hate missing days at work due to illness.... however when it comes to the world in a continual spin, I cannot even drive. I feel so mad, yet what can I do. So today I have stayed at home, medicated myself and slept all day. I still feel a little weird because my ears are hurting however it is not going to stop me from going to work tomorrow. Too much to do... too little time to do it.

Missionary Home

2009-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

My sister returned from her mission for the LDS Church last week. It is great to hear her stories and see her pictures. She serve in the Peoria, Illinois Mission. Her last month I believe was spent in Carthage and Nauvoo area. I so hope that someday I can go back there with her for her to give me the tour. I am so proud of Melissa and love her so much.

Are you kiddding...2 months???

2009-04-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that 2 months have gone by and I have not updated my blog. So much has gone on that it will take me a while to catch up. Some of the things that have happened was surgery, birthdays, my sister coming home from her mission, Garretson Bed and Breakfast and tons more. I will try and catch up when I can. I am so excited to share with all of you the exciting things that have happened in our life. I can only say I am so grateful for my many blessings that I have recieved and happy to have my heavenly father carrying me over those rough times.

Happy Birthday Ty!

2009-02-14T20:52:00.001-08:00

Today would have been my nephew's 16th birthday. We celebrated his birthday by going to the cemetery and having people talk about him and then we wrote on balloons and let them loose. It was freezing and snowy, however it was a great memorial for him. He was the cutest and smartest little boy. He was always happy and never seemed to be down. I would say a animal and he would tell me where it lives, how fast and if it was poisoness right off the bat. He had a great life ahead of him however Heavenly Father choose to have him and Alissa with him during this time. I have never been more grateful for the gospel than I am now. It is so nice that I know he is up in heaven and I look forward to greeting him when it comes my time.

Thumbkin

2009-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

I have never realized how important my thumb it. I started a list of what you use your thumb for. These are just a few: typing, opening a jar, opening makeup cases, holding a cell phone, moving your mouse on the computer, carrying your grocery bags, etc. I could go on and on and you would probably think...hum.. has Debbie gone crazy? Is she infatuated with thumbs? The answer is no!!! I happen to have a cyst that is on my thumb joint. Strangest thing I have ever had. For the last 3 months I have dealt with it and thought I could live with it for a while, however this last week it has actually dislocated my thumb and now it feels like I have broke my thumb and have shooting pains up my arm. I called the doctor and asked about the intense pain and they told me that of course you are going to have that intense paid. It is attached to your nerve and tendon. Oh ok! The nerve....hum... interesting fact! The thumb actually has the nerve that affects your whole arm. No wonder it hurts this bad. I actually am having surgery to remove it on March 11th. I won't be put under, however I am hoping that I am not awake for it also. I will be giving little updates to let you know the process. Like you would be waiting with baited breath. LOL!!

Smile.... your eyes are closed...and closed... hum

2009-02-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

So during Christmas day I tried to take a picture of my cute husband, however no matter what happened, his eyes were closed. I laughed so hard looking at these, I just wanted to share them.

So these are looking really horrible. Not his best, however because of his poor sensitive eyes, he just can't keep them open when the flash went off. LOL!

Snow for Christmas in St. George

2009-02-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Mower, Garretson and Stevens family in St. George!

Dale and I like to go to St. George for Christmas for 2 reasons. Main reason is family Dad & Sue, however we also were hoping to be able to enjoy warmer weather. Here in Salt Lake we were freezing and excited for a warmer climate to hopefully ride our motorcycles. Well, neither happened. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with family. Maren and Mikey came down to spend Christmas with us. Dad and Sue had the house decorate beautifully and the Christmas spirit was abound.

Christmas Day Photos of Dad, Sue, Maren, Mikey, Dale and I. December 25, 2008

It was a chance of a lifetime that it actually snows on Christmas Day in St. George. Dale and I decided to go for a drive and take some pictures of the snow on the beautiful red rock. Our tradition is that we go climb on the red rock and take our family pictures and have a great afternoon, however it was freezing and snowing, so it didn't happen this year. The first 2 pictures are where we usually climb and take pictures. It's the first time in almost 18 years I have ever seen snow on these rocks.

This was amazing because I love Snow Canyon, I had to take a few pictures.

Las Vegas Trip

2009-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Dale and I received an opportunity to fly to Vegas and have a little 4 day holiday. I called and got us a great day at the Venetian Hotel. Military Discount is great sometimes. We then stayed in a free hotel. Quite a difference, however sitting for an hour presentation is worth a free vacation. We flew down early in the morning. We got our rental car and drove to the venetian hotel. It had been over 14 years since either one of us had been to Vegas. I will say this... a lot has changed. We parked in what we thought was the Venetian hotel parking lot. Well, we were in a different hotel all together and ended up walking about 1/2 to just our hotel. We were both exhausted by this time and very overwhelmed with the beauty of the hotels. I knew that it would be OK once we got into our room. WOW! Our room was a 450.00 room that I paid 79.00 for. Once again thanks to that military discount.

These are some pictures of our beautiful room at the Venetian, including one of Dale chillin' in the robe provided. I understand why they are so expensive because everything is marble, you have your own pair of slippers and robe(as you can tell from the robe I was wearing while shooting these pictures. LOL!!! In the bathroom we had a big tub, which was wonderful and a dressing table. In the dressing table drawer were all the fun things you could use. Of course I had to take them all, toothbrush, floss, wonderful lotion, etc. I wished we could have stayed there for more than one night.

We slept in the morning, the bed and pillows were like sleeping on feathers. We didn't want to wake up. We had an early checkout (probably because of the big, huge discount we received). We got up and went to the hotel restaurant and had a wonderful buffet.

I have always wanted to take a gondola ride through the hotel so we walked around and the following are a couple pictures of what we saw while riding the gondola. It was great to be sung to, even though it was a fake accent, just for one moment I could see what it would be like to be in Venice. The hotel was beautiful. The one picture below is Dale 3 floors up on the phone, I was sitting at a base of a beautiful waterfall.

We stored our luggage at the hotel because we had a huge walk in front of us to our car. We got to the parking garage and due to us being so tired the previous day, neither one of us could remember which parking level we parked on. Oh boy! It took us nearly 2 hours trying to find our car. Finally we found the honking noise (we were grateful that the rental car had an alarm) and new it was our car. The only thing was, we could not figure out where the honking was coming from. People were yelling for someone to turn the horn off. We walked around like it wasn't us and I have never prayed so hard to find a stupid car in my life. We found the car, both of us blaming each other and drove our grumpy self's to get our luggage. We decided to make a new start and made a plan to do a voice memo when parking so we would never forget where we parked. LOL!! We drove to our off the beaten path hotel excited to start our next adventure. We pulled up to our hotel and thought that we were in the ghetto...yikes!! I was ready to get on a plane and fly home. Well, we braved the walk from the parking garage to the hotel. We for sure could remember where we parked the car, there were only 2 levels. LOL!! We checked in and walked into our room. Below you will find, our new room. We definatley were not at the Venitian! It was free and we didn't care.

We decided that we would venture to the strip, we found out if we walked a 1/2 block we could catch the monorail and it would take us the whole way down. We decided it would be better than driving in all that mess. We went to the M&M and Coke store, we walked down the strip just looking at all the changes. I took the picture below because I have always wanted to go to the Statue of Liberty and I finally saw a model of it. Not the same, however it was good enough.

One thing I was really dissappointed with is how dirty the city streets are, the longer I was there the more horrible feelings I recieved. The people flicking cards in your face, the cards of the strip joints on the ground. I just realized that I won't care if I never go there again. Our hotel we were staying at had a karoke night and we decided we would drink our orange juice and coke and listen to the people singing. I believe that was what broke the haystack. One night there was a scream and we looked over toward the scream and what we saw was not what I ever want to see again. I wont go into details, however the security guard promptly threw them both (guy/girl) out and told them not to come back. It was disgusting and I told Dale I was done with Vegas, no longer have a desire to come back again. He agreed! Although all different things happened, Dale and I had a good time together. We enjoyed ourselfs and made the best of it. We went to Nellis Airforce Base and shopped there and just talked. We were glad to come back home from a crazy vacation.

Dream

2009-02-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

I had this strange dream last night which is very unusual because I do not dream due to my sleep apnea. I woke up and checked my cell phone it was 12am. I laid down and went to sleep. This is when my dream started. I was with my family and we were living near a very large mountain. I remember we were told to climb the mountain. As we were climbing very large rocks began falling down the mountain. We started down the mountain and as we got down to the house we glanced back to see cracks and crevices appearing in the mountain. Then molten lava began to appear and come down the mountain. At this point the dream put me into our current house. Dale came running in and told me we needed to leave and fast. We only had a short time to pack everything we would need to survive on for quite some time. I remember being so mad at Dale because I always wanted us to have at least a1/2 tank of gas in his truck at all times for emergencies. So as he was syphoning gas from my car to the truck I was running around getting all our camping gear, extra clothes, food, water, and more loaded into the truck. I remember being so mad at myself because I didn't put together all our medications into a single container and I didn't have a container with extra clothes and shoes that was easy to access. I saw myself not taking the individual cans of soup etc, however I was taking the #10 cans of dried food, soups, meat, flour, sugar. A funny thought was that I was so glad I had flour (which I had just bought yesterday). However, I was grateful I had a good of food storage and water storage to last for 2 months if we really stretched it. As I could watch myself go through the process, I realized that this is why we are told to follow the prophets heedings to have storage of some kind. I also realized that if we needed to survive longer than Heavenly Father would definitely watch over us and make things last longer if needed. I relate this to the story of the 3 loaves of bread and the basket of fishes and feeding the multitude. I suddenly woke up and looked at the clock and it was 2:37am. I was pretty scared and felt so out of breath like I was really living it. I got closer to Dale and just had to have my hand on him so I could relax. I was wanting to understand why I had that dream. Usually it is really rare I have a dream and when I do it is about the 2ND coming or dealing with Satan. I realized this is not the usual dream. I am still quite disturb about this dream. As I sat in church today, I felt a great peace, yet .... still a worry. As we were singing the closing hymn in Sacrament meeting "I know my redeemer lives", I could feel the spirit telling me that I must focus on being prepared. All the stress I felt in my dream, I need to make sure that does not happen if/or when something like this happens. I have set some goals for my food storage:

1. I want to put together a bin with sweatshirts, an old pair of Levis, Jammie's, a few undies, and socks/shoes and throw in a few summer clothes.

2. I also am going to get all the medication and first aid kits together in a bin.

3 I am going to continue to buy the dried foods that I could actually use as a meal and focus on buying cornstarch,baking powder/soda.

4. Put together all important documents in the binder and put into a fireproof bin that we would take. Included in there I want to put a few memory pictures, and scriptures.

I understand why the prophets have continued to instruct us to get food storage. It is tough escpecially during these trying times. I know that there is no way I can have 3 months storage at this time, however Heavenly Father will help us in this endeavor as long as we try. I am amazed at how he has helped me so far in starting a good food storage.

Sorry this has been such a long blog entry. I just feel very strongly I needed write about this dream.

Teaching 7 turning 8 in Primary

2009-02-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

I am now teaching the CTR 8 class in primary. I can't tell you how great these kids are. They are getting ready for baptism and I am grateful that heavenly father believes in me in helping these cutes kids about Joseph Smith. I am learning so much and my knowledge and testimony of the gospel and Joseph Smith has grown in leaps and bounds. There is nothing better than walking down the street and these kids running out of their house to come give me a hug. I just had to share my love for these kids.

WII

2009-02-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas I bought us a family gift. A WII!!! I tell you it has been so much fun and we have been exercising so much more than we ever did. Dale and I have found the team tennis against the computer competitors so challenging. Dale and I played for 2 hours last night and I arm and shoulder will never be the same. Now many of you may ask why am I sore. Well I actually stand up and move like I am actually playing tennis. Crazy you may say, however it really is great exercise. We have also found Tiger Woods PGA Golf a great treat to do after a stressful day. I just finished playing, of course I do have my Caddy (my pup) to help me. I actually have finished 1st in 3 Tournaments and have many sponsors. We really seem to have a really fun and bonding time. If you haven't a wii, I suggest doing what I did. Save for 6 months and go out and splurge. WII Fit is also a must!

Change!

2009-02-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

I keep bugging people to update their blogs and then I just realized it has been quite some time since I have updated mine. I have lots of things to enter and will try to get it all in, eventually. My goal is to update one activity each week, while keeping up on my days. I am also realizing that I want to change what I blog. I want to keep all the things going on in my life, however, I want to add my thoughts and feelings as much as possible. Just day to day thoughts. We will see how it goes. LOL!

I wanted to do a little update since it has been a while since I have written. Life has been really scary, stressful, and grateful all in one. I think Heavenly Father wants to continually test us and make sure we are living up to what our potential is and strengthen us. Dale has had some really bad stress in his job. I won't go into details, however, through it all I always knew that no matter what would happen, we would survive. I began thinking about how it didn't matter if we have a nice house, nice clothes, a new car, money for vacation. All that mattered most was that we have each other, had started food storage to get us through if needed and most importantly the gospel. It takes these trying times in our life that really puts things into perspective. I have grown to love Dale more than ever through these times. I never knew that the love I felt for Dale when I married him would grow 10 fold. I feel that during these horrible and trying times, if our relationships are not continuing to be built and given fortitude, when tougher times come, we will fall to pieces. I feel that Heavenly Father has taught me that lesson recently. I am so grateful for all that Dale and I have been through. Without our trying times, I know that we would not be as close as we are now. Dale now has a new job and the light in his eyes are bright again and the stress level has decreased. I am definately glad to have my husband back.

Sunsets

2009-01-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that just a couple of entries ago I wrote about sunsets, however, I am finding the sunsets getting better and better and didn't want anyone to miss out on them. Bear with me, I guess I have a thing about sunsets. In the last couple of weeks driving home at night, I have seen the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. The vibrancy and colors are just jaw dropping. I sometimes will pull off the side of the road so that I can enjoy. I think often that heavenly father has just painted the sky for me. Next time its around 6:00 ish, take a look at the sky and appreciate the beauty found there.

A Miracle of Miracles

2009-01-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when there are so many trials and heartache in our life, Heavenly Father seems to know how much we can take and insert Miracles. My niece passed away 6 months ago along with my nephew and my brother in law. My niece had her dog with her on their vacation. Her name is Hannah and she is a little Scotty Dog. At the time of the accident they also had the other 2 dogs with them. My 10 year old nephew who survived the accident swore that all three dogs were at the crash site and were fine. Somehow, Hannah disappeared. We all assumed that Heavenly Father allowed Alissa to bring Hannah with her to heaven. The other day my sister recieved a call from Price, Utah Pound stating that they had Hannah in their custody. She is fine and excited to be home. Apparently a cowboy from Price had her at his farm and not sure how she got there. I think it is a miracle and one cannot have enough of those.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well I will be the first one to say, thank heavens it's a New Year. I must say that 2008 was one of the toughest years I have ever had. It was one of sorrow and health scares. I found that through all of the trials that have come into my life, I have never been more grateful to be alive, miracles that happen daily, and for my heavenly father. He just seems to know what I need in my life at just the right moments. Starting a new year is cleansing some how and that to me is like a renewing of the spirt, mind and body!

Forgiveness

2008-12-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I feel I should write on this subject, however it is something that is close to my heart and I feel that I need to share my experiences with forgiveness. Without sharing really personal moments, I believe that sometimes we are given trials and objects in our life that seem insurmountable to mold us into the people we will become, yet Heavenly Father has given us the amazing gift called Forgiveness. Without forgiveness in our life, we cannot move on or become the person we are to be. There will be that small part of your heart that will ache. Ache that you can deal with family issues, a friend that has wronged you, or a life that should have been great and was wrapped up in issues. As I look at my life, I am grateful for my trials, for my ability to forgive and forget and move on with my life while including those in my life that I thought I could never forgive.

Forgivness is tough, I had to forgive someone that had been in my life for many years and treated me horribly for most of my life. I am grateful in this instance that I had a father and grandmother to help me go through life with love and taught me how to forgive and move on. I knew that I could not carry the anger, pure hate, and non-forgiving attitude for the rest of my life and it wasn't until my grandma sat me down and explained that I cannot carry this grudge because I deserve to go through the forgiveness process and learn. I prayed for an opportunity to forgive this person and get the ball rolling. After many emotions, I found out that she had been treated the same way as a child and that was all she knew. Although I realized that she could have broken the cycle, and to have someone elses child to raise due to the death of the childs mother at a young age should have been a blessing, she could not break that cycle. Through the forgiveness process, I realized that there was a huge weight I didn't I had been carrying for 20 something years was lifted. I could become the person I should and by forgiving, my testimony of the gospel soared to different levels. I was able to know that we are all held accountable for our lives and we don't want to miss a day without forgiving because it may be too late and the rest of your earthly life will be filled with sorrow and regret.

Thanks for bearing with me on this subject. As I started writing I was unsure what to say and thought I would just write a short blurb however it came out longer. I am sure I was meant to share my experience, with who I am unsure.

Sunsets

2008-12-09T17:44:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you guys, but I am thinking we have been having the most amazing, inspiring sunsets lately. As I drive home I just want to sit and take the pictures of it. The problem is I don't have my camera with me as often as I would like and my cell phone just does not do it justice. This is one picture that I happened to take with my camera. I have promised that I will carry my camera with me at all times so that I can share these amazing sunsets. Next time you are driving home at sunset, make sure you take a gander. It will really help you appreciate our heavens.

Bowling

2008-12-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

So Dale and I are avid bowlers in the winter time. It is an indoor sport and good excercise. We usually go bowling every Friday as a family thing with Dale, Dan and I. This Friday my goal was to beat Dale and Dan in at least 2 games. Yep, with my determination I blasted them twice and I beat the pants off of dale in the third game. Bowling to me is to get out my frustrations and I picture the pins something I am smashing. Wow! That sounded pretty harsh, however sometimes I do. I have a few pictures to share from bowling.

Yea I just got my second strike!

It's Christmas?

2008-12-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to sit down and catch up however, things just seem to get in the way. It's Christmas time already and we have no snow. I just am having a hard time with Christmas this year. With the loss of our family members, I am having a really hard time. I still have the spirit of giving, I just don't feel like decorating. I have this 3 foot santa that is my favorite gift from Dad and Sue. I told Dale and Dan that santa was going to be our Christmas Tree this year and I will set all the presents around him. Dale was ok with that. We are going to be going to St. George for Christmas so we won't miss opening too many presents without a tree. Dan is staying here and we will open more when we get home. I feel so grateful for the blessings I have in my life and know that this life is just a brief glimpse in eternity. Sometimes these trials in our life become larger than life until you get re-focused. I know Tyler and Alissa are up there watching over us, its just really hard to bear that they won't be here this Christmas. My family is having a really hard time with it however I am thankful for the knowlege and affirmations I have had concerning being with my family forever. There is nothing more wonderful then that knowledge. Ok, this is the saddest, most miserable entry, I just wanted to get my real feelings out there to share. I think sometimes we learn from others and their trials. I know they make us stronger and I am grateful for that.

Short Recap

2008-11-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

I haven't been that faithful in posting in my blog and I am trying to be better. I thought I would do a short recap of what has been happening.

1. I had a sleep apnea finger test. I have to go in to have the in office sleep test. Not happy about it, however if it helps me feel not so tired then... yippee!
2. I got a new bowling ball... its beautiful and when I get a picture of it I will post it.
3. I have to have surgery.. where you ask? On my thumb. Yea I will leave you in supense until I post a blog on it.
4. I have won a bet that Dale and I made, so he has to watch some chick flick with me. I keep informing him if he does not watch it, he may have to go to High School Musical the sing along version and he would have to sing. LOL!!!
5. I have applied for the lead position on our team. The interview will be great experience of whether I get it or not.
6. Dale was so excited that our family was chosen to participate in the Nielsen ratings for TV. It was a lot of work to record every single show we watched for the week, hey an experience. I watched enough of the Hills, Big World Little people and Jon and Kate plus 8. I think they will continue. LOL!!
7. I bought a surprise gift for our family. I can't tell right now because my husband may read and it is a really surprise. Its all wrapped and waiting for the tree to slide under.
8. I made reservations for Dale to go with his army buddies to the Harley Davidson Ride to Laughlin Nevada. He was going to pull a trailer and this is his first office ride, so I found a cheap hotel for him.
9. I got my flu shot. Everyone should.
10. Hum...I found this great hair product! I know I am grasping at straws...heheheh.

Honoring My Veteran

2008-11-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

I couldn't end this day without entering a little post about Veteran's Day. My husband is one of my many heros. He has been in the Army for almost 20 years. He has spent a year and a half in Iraq fighting for our freedom and would do it again until the job is done. He is an amazing husband and soldier and I am so proud of him. I have enclosed some pictures of him in Iraq above as a constant reminder of our Men and Women fighting all over the world to protect our freedom. I found this poem in my notebook. It's perfect for today.

Peace

Our men are fighting

fighting for our freedom,

so many are lost

so many are gone

when will this madness end

when will freedom ring.

men fighting for ...freedom...honor..for me!

This is too funny... rock on Disco!!

2008-10-27T18:14:00.001-07:00

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2008-10-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

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Happy Birthday Alissa!

2008-10-23T17:31:00.001-07:00

Alissa, Grandma, Erin

I don't have a updated picture of Alissa scanned yet and my scanner is broke so I found this from a couple of years back. In the picture with Alissa is her favorite cousin Erin and my grandmother who has since passed and I am sure is with Alis during this time. Alissa would have turned 8 this year. I just wanted to do a small post to remember her. She was totally a little girly girl and could rough it with the boys. I remember when ever she talked she would put her hands on her hips and give it to me. We always danced and played when ever we were together. She was a little princess and I miss her terribly every day. I know that she is here among us and I can't wait until I see her again. I wanted to share a dream my brother in law had of Alis. He said that he saw Alis standing there and he asked what she was doing. Alis said that she was fixing rainbows. Paul asked, what kind of rainbows? Do you mean prisms? Alis stated that her job was to make sure all the little rainbows had the right colors. I can really see Heavenly Father giving Alis the job to make sure little rainbows are correct. She would be really good at that. As much as I and my family misses her, it is really nice to know that she is with heavenly father and our family that has since past. Love you Alis and looking forward until we can dance again in heaven.

Vegas Baby!

2008-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Dale and I have free trip to Vegas in a couple of weeks. Looking at the economy it may be the last trip we take for a while. I decided I wanted to get to Vegas by Jet Blue airline so we would not have the wear and tear on our truck and easier for us. I also wanted to stay a night early to make the most of our vacation. I called the Ventian and because of AAA and Military discount I got us a 411.00 room for 79.00. I am just so excited. We have to sit through an 1 hour presentation on timeshares, but I am thinking, a free trip, 3 nights, whats an hour out of my time. It's been a long time since Dale and I have taken a trip with just us. I will be sure to take tons of pictures and make sure I blog everything.

Whew...it's October already

2008-10-02T17:43:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone, although I must say that I am pretty much done for the year. I have never felt so at lost, so much sorrow, gratitude, depressed, and grateful for my life and family. It's going to be Christmas soon and the economy so bad, I will be glad to just be done with the year and start anew or as new as possible. WOW! What a depressing entry! I found a poem that I had written a few years ago that pretty much sums up about the months that have past. Remember that I am not a poem writer, however the words just seemed to flow and I had to write the words.

People
So much pain and sorrow in the world today.
How can one find their way.
Through the darkness I roam
with my heart a breaking

When the tears start to flow
and the sun beaming down
I can see my way through
knowing that this was just
a test, to learn to take risks.

Nothing in life is easy
and it was meant to be
this way.

The people we meet in our lifetime
are our gift to us
Some will bring us heartache
and there will be those that
we spend the rest of our life thanking
god above,
for the joy that they bring.

Good, Better, and Best

2008-09-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

In sacrament meeting (church) we had high council speakers. I will be honest most of the time I dread hearing from them because they are a little dry, however I cried through most of the meeting this time. It was about Good, Better, and Best, and how we always are good and do good things however we should always strive to be and do the best we can. I started thinking about reviewing my life and what I could have done best at and what I just settled for Good. I decided that I would choose one thing I would do good at. Just a slow start and once I do more and more it will be better. One of the speakers talked about how if we put water in a jar and then start to put sand, pebbles and then big rocks, the water will overflow because there isn't room. If we put the sand (prayers), pebbles (read scriptures), and then big rocks (pay tithing, attend the temple) in the same jar, with the same amount of water it will all fit and more. He asked that we do the best we can be first and then accomplish what is better next and there will always be room for the good stuff too. He stated that we would always find room to do more in our week. I have decided that I want to go buy the book of Mormon on CD and listen to them while I am driving to work and I want to do better about blogging. So here is the first day of me doing better and best. Sometimes starting slow works better then going full force. I am all about baby steps. LOL's.

Family

2008-09-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking quite a bit how I am just grateful for my family. Life is so precious as our family has experienced. I have realized that you don't take anything for granted and how important it is to preserve every memory. I have decided that I will share a few pictures of my family that I have taken this last 3 months. Just for fun! I think I am being a little selfish, however, this blog in a way is my journal and what better than preserving with photos, that sometimes says a thousand words.

This is Taren, Cris, and I in Wyoming. Cowgirls at heart!

Deb, Darce, Cris and Maren after a huge cake fight. I love this picture. Sisters will be sisters I guess!

Dale and I before a 4D Shrek Movie. I love this picture, it makes me laugh!

Ping Pong Fun

2008-09-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

So we have a ping pong table at work. It is a nice break and has became a regular morning and afternoon play time. There are four of us that usually play and we have a great time together. I must say that I have not laughed at work as much as I have while playing ping pong. I have really grown to appreciate the game and competitiveness. I just wanted to share my love of Ping pong with you. The pictures below is probably what I look like playing ping pong. Even though I am not that old, the wrinkles do show and the intensity of my face is probably the same. LOL!

Saluting our Troops

2008-09-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Every year in September the National Guard celebrates Govenors day. It's a fun day with the Helicopters, tanks, climbing walls, and most of the times Zip lines. This years I took my sister Cris, Mark(my nephew ping) Josh (my nephey Joshy), and my sister Maren. We met up with Dale and had a great time. Here are some pictures of the fun day.

This is Dale (my hero) with Ping and Joshy.

It's so fun to see the in and outs of the blackhawk helicopters. I could spend all day looking and sitting in their seats. I took lots of fun pictures so bear with me. This may be a very long blog.

This is Josh, Dale, and Marky in the back of the holitzer tank, then us girls and the kids in the little tank that hauls all the bullets for the tank. It's quite a cute little thing, however in war would not be too fun to be in because they have no way of protecting themselves.

Dale and Marky pulling a funny picture. Markey, me, and Joshy in front of the Apache Helicopter. It amazes me that these huge helicopters can actually take off. While we were walking around, the recuiters were driving around a golf cart that looked like a hummer. I had to get a ride, so the kids and I got in and took a cruise around. Amazingly enough, it even had a great stereo. I have decided I want one. They are so cute!!

Strange Dreams

2008-09-16T16:57:00.001-07:00

The other morning, I had this strange dream. It seemed to me like it had lasted for 4 hours and yet today I can remember it as if I had just woke up. I wanted to share it with you.

It was a dark world we were in, there was never light just darkness. I was in a group of people, some were family other were people I didn't know. Dale led the pack with Shadow on a chain leash. There were several dogs and I can still hear the clang of the chains and the dogs constantly growling as we walked around. We all had guns and were dressed like the 1950 green soldier uniforms. We had a mission to accomplish, yet it was not killing people it was something like to get from point a to point b, however it was still very scary. We would hide in the floor boards in people's homes. While hiding we would strategize our next day's journey. Sometimes we would hide in peoples apartment that had been vacated, I presume we broke into it or the doors were just broken down. It's strange because some times at night, the evil men we were hiding from would be so close I could and my whole soul could feel the evil and they would look at me however there was some field protecting us from getting caught. The dream was our journey, I wonder what really it means. I very rarely dream like this and when I do, it seems like it is concerning the end of the world. If I was a dream reader and from my feelings I had as I woke up was that there is going to be evil in the world, there is going to be trials, however, if I but keep my beliefs in Christ strong and do as I should, I will live with him again and be free of the evil that lurks now. So, tell me what you think the dream means... I just am thinking about the last dream I had in May when the hospital gave me too much meds. It was monkeys dancing on sponge cake floating in 7-up. This dream is a long way from the one I had then.

Girls Night Out

2008-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Nothing like going out just with the girls. My sisters decided that we should go to the fair and rodeo while the guys were at the UTES game. We had a great time and the rodeo was amazing. I think my favorite was the saddle broncs, the bulls usually is my favorite however they only did about 3 of them. Big dissappointment! All in all it was great. So my niece who is in high school brought her new boyfriend (yes I did say girls, however we did have our token males) with us. I just had a hard time with seeing them together. She in my eyes is still my little niece. It's so funny because with all of my sisters there is one that walks so fast, she is the mother of my niece and so my neice walks fast also. The rest of us just enjoys our stroll and laughes, talkes to people and just have fun. We kind of got lost and so my sister who is speed walker left us a pop corn trail to find the way. It was hilarious and we stopped and picked up every piece of pop corn (which of course took us longer) so we could give it back to them, well that lasted till we were almost there and then we felt ants crawling on us. LOL! We all had a great time. We petted all the animals we could, even some we were not suppose to and laughed a lot. I think since the accident that was the first time we all had a good time. We also had my nephew Tylers (who is now deceased) former girlfriend. She is having a hard time with school starting and not having TY around, so it was really fun having her around and getting to know her. Whew! I do have some pictures on my phone as soon as I figure out how to get them downloaded.

Holy Cow!

2008-09-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

I came home from work today. Dale had ripped out a recipee out of some cooking book at work and is going to cook it for me. It's like chicken in cornmeal with lettuce and something else. It looks pretty good. This is the first time he has ever did this and I am so proud of him. Hopefully, it will taste good and I will take a picture of it and post on this blog. Again another reason to be grateful for my husband.

WoW! It' been a while!

2008-09-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that it has been quite a while since I have blogged. I really am setting a goal to blog at least every other day, as this will serve as my journal, so look forward to more info on the life of Deb. Lately I have been adjusting to the 4-10 work week. It's been an adjustment for me because I am so tired every night and then I want to sleep through the weekend, however it is getting easier and Dale and I have been having a great time spending the time together. We have spent a lot of time riding our bikes and swimming at Camp Williams. Work has been interesting and hard at the same time. I have become grateful for the life I lead. There are so many people out there that have issues with drugs and alcohol and grateful for not dealing with those type of things in my life. I am glad that I am in a situation to try and make a difference in their lifes. It makes this life rewarding.

The Big 10!

2008-08-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while since I have really been able to blog, so I decided to do the top 10 most exciting things that has happened this month. Ready.... set... go...

1. Yea, I get 3 day weekends now that the 4 day workweek has begun!
2. Julia (coworker) and I won a ping pong game by the skin of my teeth... reason we were losing however is because of me...oops.
3. My husband and I went on a nice ride to the canyon for fun.
4. I got a raise! (actually that happened in July, I am just still so excited)
5. I signed up for bill pay finally.... I think I am the last one on this earth do to so.
6. I got to spend the day swimming at Camp Williams with my family.
7. My car was sick and it was an easy and cheap fix, thanks to my brother-in-law.
8. Dale and I got free vacation to Las Vegas and Orlando, however, we have to sit through an hour presentation.
9. I have been doing really well exercising every day!
10. The big ten... hum... I received a letter and pictures from my sister on a mission.

Wow.. that was harder than I thought! The month isn't over yet and I am sure there will be more fun stuff coming.

Whew!!!

2008-08-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

I was just taking a break from life and thought that I would take a moment to update my blog. Life has dealt my family some pretty hard knocks lately. We are trying to put things together, my sister is still trying to figure out how to go on without her husband, my niece and nephew. I am finally appreciating the blessings that heavenly father has given me. I am so grateful for the knowledge of heaven and life after we leave this existence. Its so amazing to really be excited to leave this earth when you time is up. Not that I am wanting to go now, I am thinking when I am 67 it will be good...he...he..he... I have learned through all this, how important it is to really enjoy life and not take anything or anyone for granite. I have really made a point to not miss a moment to tell Dale I love him, i panic now if he leaves for work with out me being able to tell him how much he means to me. I have really gotten a new look at life and taking these lessons for life.

Crazy Moments at Work

2008-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of me at work. Thought that I would share them with you....hehehehe..

This one is after a game of ping pong!

This one after I went through a preformance review with my supervisor.

Thankful for Family

2008-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

At times of sorrow, comes an incredible gratefulness for family. I decided that I would put some pictures on of family this last week in our times we tried to get over our grief. Just a little bit of playing around during a week of sadness.

Sorrow and Blessings

2008-07-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have had a chance to just breathe in 3 days. Sunday night there was an accident near Hanksville, Utah. My brother in law, my sister and her 3 kids plus friends were in a horrible accident. We have lost my brother in law, my 7 year old niece which was our princess and my 15 year old nephew. I can't figure out words that describe our lost. I just have sat and cried for days and the tears seem to keep flowing and the engery keeps going. There have been times that my family has not slept for 2 days. During all this sorrow, there have been many blessings and seeds planted of the gospel. I have just sat and cried with many of my sisters because we have been so overwhelmed with the gratitude we feel for people and strangers we don't even know. I talked to a lady that donated a hand built casket for my beloved niece. It was just an amazing thing that this stranger is doing for us. We have had so many strangers tell us they are coming to the funeral to support the family because of the sorrow they have felt. There was a man that stopped right after the accident, at the time my sister was trying to lift the car which was on my niece. That kind stranger did cpr on my dear Alissa for 45 minutes until the highway patrol pulled him off and he went to my precious Tyler and then to my great Brother in Law. He has called my family because he has felt the same loss as we. He will be at the funeral and we are grateful that he will be there to help us through this trying time. We have people looking for my Alissa's scotty dog which was alive with the other dogs. We are still amazed and grateful the the grace of our heavenly father to allow my dear sister and amazing 10 year old nephew Marky (ping) to come out with only a few bumps. My nephew Ping is just a little man. He has been telling us about the accident and what he saw. Sometimes in more detail than we can even handle and he has just stayed strong. He will occasionally say random comments as he allows himself to really feel things. Tonight he said that he wishes God would just take people when they were too old to do anything. Such insight and such a great little boy who is so strong and sometimes will come and cheer us up when we are having our moments. I happen to be having one of those moments and he just said its ok, and gave me a hug... then of course he knows that playing WII takes my mind of things.. and tells me he is going to kick my butt in tennis. Its amazing how much strength he gives kids who have seen more than any adult should see. My sister is another story, she was praying last week and asked for a sign to see if there really was a god. She however, has been willing to listen to all of us about the plan of salvation and what we are hear on earth for. The hardest thing for me to see is her sitting there with stitches and bruises holding my Alissa and Tylers favorite stuff animals. She refused to wash her right hand because it has Alissa's blood on it and believes that is the only thing she has of her daughter. So many heart wrenching times, yet I am trying to keep that peace I felt on Sunday when we found out. I am just still working through my emotions, trying to keep them under control and yet in many times we all just fall apart. People coming to the house that we don't even know, and seeing the tears of Tyler's best friends that are just torn apart. Their old teachers and people who were always there for them. Their ward has been awesome. We have recieved so much food at my sisters house. Although I am really tired on cold cuts and rolls.. we have had that for 3 days.. today someone brought great pasta salad and soup it was a nice change. However, we are so blessed to have people care so much about my sister and her family that they would care to bring so much in. Well I have to go to bed, the viewing is tomorrow. Its going to be a hard day and Friday is the funeral. I just keep the thought of eternity and that heavenly father has a plan for us and he is there with us carrying us through the hard times. I will write more and post pictures as I can.

Flaming Gorge Trip Day One

2008-07-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to Flaming Gorge with my sister Lori and her family. We were so excited to be up in the mountains and to have a fun relaxing trip. We rented a boat so that we would have 2 boats up there for those who wanted to put put around or those who just wanted to fish. This turned out to be one of those trying vacations that never seem to end. We were told that we could not bring Shadow. Dale was not happy about that however I figured he would come up with a reason he had to take Shadow and he was right. He called the hotel we were staying and told him that he was a veteran and suffered from Post Tramatic Syndrom. The hotel manager stated that we could take shadow. I knew from the first day this trip was going to turn out to one of those adventures in life that you never want to re-live. We were loaded and ready to go to Lori and Paul's house to get them. We were driving down Bangeter and realized the guy in front of us tire was blowing out. So of course the great citizen my husband is when we got to the stop light he ran about 4 cars down to tell the guy his tire had blown out (this is because he kept driving and didn't seem to notice it was blown out). The guy just stared at him, Dale just ran back to the truck and said he thinks the guy is on something and/or the car is stolen. Well the guy kept driving down the road around 55 miles per hour on a tire that was not there. People were honking and yelling at him however he just went on down the road. Strange thing to have happen and should have told us something about the rest of the trip. Well we were on our way. Thinking that Flaming Gorge was only 2 hours away, we were not ready fro 4 hours and steep switchbacks. Shadow was right there with his dad though, helping him through the stress.

While we were driving through Wyoming I realized that I didn't put a lot of the snacks for us in the front of the cab (thinking that it was only 2 hours drive). Well we could not stop because we didn't know our way and Paul a regular speed driver was hard to keep track of. So as we were starvng to death, I was looking at the clouds and was imaging them looking like mashed potatoes and how yummy it would be at that point. Dale was not happy and I was trying to keep him from dying of hunger. When we got to the top of the mountain we had to pay 5 dollars a day. Another thing I didn't know about. Well not having correct change I had to leave a 20.00 about 10 dollars too much... I was so frustrated. Then we go to leave and our tire rim on the boat flew off, I ended up jogging 1/2 a mile to grab it. Luckily a stranger had picked it up and was walking toward me. I through it in the back of the truck and we were on our way.

So after 4 hours we arrived at our destination with a lot of me calming Dale down because of the drive. We were excited because it was so beatiful. We pulled in after Lori and Paul and were anxious to see what kind of place we were staying in. After Paul and Dale went to check it out they came back and said there was no place for us to cook in there. Well, that would not have been bad normally, however we brought all our food to be cooked and we would just starve... so Paul went to talk to reservations and came back saying that we were staying in a trailer. Well, my first thought was a little trailer with no bathroom... it was a little better than that. It was a single wide, with a big porch and no air condition. Oh my bad, it had a little window air condition that kept the kitchen barable around 89 degrees. Being that it happened to be around 98 degrees in there. We were still too excited to even care. There were enough bathrooms to share and bedrooms for everyone.. we were happy.

The best thing about the trailer is the mule deer would come almost right up to us and just sit and look at us. These are the pictures of the trailer and the deer.

A horse is a horse of course...

2008-07-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

So I was at my sisters new house and they happen to have their horses actually located right behind their house. I took a few different pictures and wanted to share them. I really have always wanted a horse, however just have never had one. I love to take advantage of riding as much as I can. Here are Doc and a a strange horse.

Heaven's Finest

2008-06-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but for some reason I am really into taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets. I just think we don't appreciate what Heavenly Father has given us. So I have put some of my pictures on the blog, hoping that once in a while more people will sit and appreciate the show from our heavens.

The Love of My Life

2008-06-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

One thing about my husband that I love is his willingness to be crazy once in a while and put away his Army attitude gruff exterior. These are two pictures of a night when Sierra and I were playing around with a blanket and being models and practicing our walks. Ok, don't laugh. We were practicing our walks because Sierra had entered into a beauty pageant type of thing and needed to walk on stage. So as we were practicing our walks with the blanket Dale comes up and acts like a lady screaming. It was so funny, I added my slip to his head and took some pictures. Truth be known, he would not be happy if he knew I put these on my blog for the world to see. This was certainly a moment in time when I go... ahhhh... and revel in the love I have for him.

Motorcycles Don't Have Windows!!

2008-06-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

So, I know this is crazy however one of the most important lessons I learned while driving my motorcycle is that things I say can be heard by other drivers with their windows rolled down. I learned this lesson a couple of weeks ago. I was driving down the street and I looked at the car next to me and he was texting and driving at the same time. I suddenly blurted what are you thinking texting and driving at the same time, do you know how dangerous that is!!! He suddenly looked at me and stated he was sorry and I turned red as can be. I motioned for Dale to come up beside me at the stop light and I promptly told him I forgot that we don't have windows and I have to be aware how loud I talk when I am on the bike. He just laughed. A lesson learned for sure.

My Boy Shadow

2008-05-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures when preparing for a photo book. I just had to put them on my blog because they are the cutest ever. It was Halloween and I just dressed Shadow in Dales Army PT uniform. He loved it and greeted the door everytime to give little treats. He thought he was king of the neighborhood. I am actually surprised that he wore the hat.

Aftermath

2008-05-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a week and one day when I decided to stop breathing. I am still bruised and battered a little, however, indeed grateful that heavenly father granted me my life. Going to work was like a fog.. my memory was not good, however through time I have worked my way through the fog and now see blue sky. I have had a really tough time. I feel like I am going through detox. They had given me 3 pages of meds that I had been given during my 3 days in the hospital. It has affected my eyesight, balance, emotions, sleep, and just plain feeling yucky. I have been told that it takes almost 2 months for all the drugs to pass your body. I am indeed grateful for to be alive and grateful for the ability and determination that has been given me to get through what I am going through.

Blessings

2008-05-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

There never has been a time that I have felt so glad to be alive as I am now. It's a long story and I may have to do this in small increments due to just getting out of the hospital and really shakey. It all started last Thursday. I was getting pretty sick and decided to go to the doctor late to get hep with my heavy feeling chest and cough. I thought about Saturday I was feeling pretty good. I woke up Sunday feeling worse than ever. I told Dale that I needed to go the the emergency room. So he got up and took me. When we got to ER they took me straight to the room, 2 hours later someone came in to find out what was going on. Dale explained what had gone on and that I was really dehydrated and needed some strong antibotics. The ER was really crazy and busy. All I really remember is Dale being patient and just sitting with me. We were watching the Jazz games, well Dale was I was not and the nurse came in and asked if I was in pain, I told her my throat hurt due to not being able to get water... later the nurse came in and said she was giving me something for the pain. Dale thinking motrin or something, the next thing I know she was giving the meds through the iv and i remember looking at Dale wanting to tell him to have her stop and I passed out. Dale noticed immediatly that something was wrong. The bells and whistles were going off and no one seemed to care. Dale came over and was shaking me, looked into my eyes and realized I had stopped breathing all together. Dale started yelling, my lips were turning blue and i was not alive. They moved me to another room, and got me back, the first thing I know is that I wanted Dale. I wanted Dale holding my hand, they would not let me and i pulled the shirts of people around me and pulled them to me and told them I am ok, get me my husband. They finanally had him in the doorway and moved him to me. I can honestly say that I am grateful for a husband that was there with me and was the one who realized I was gone. They moved me into the ICU and then told me that my enzimes were off in my liver. It just seemed that I have gone from worse to worse. I was upset I could not even talk. Getting a second chance in life gets you thinking a lot. I don't know, I am grateful that I am finally out of the hospital. I am black and blue and beat up pretty good. All of this they put me into a sort of diabetic. Something I am grateful that I am not. I have lived that life for 2 days and do not want to do it again. I am grateful for a loving husband that loves me no matter what and has actually saved me. I am pretty shakey right now. I will explain more.. just felt I wanted to write something down before these thoughts became dull.

My New Bike

2008-04-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally done it. I got me a bike. I calculated all the gas I would save if I had a bike to ride in the summer. I figured i would save 200.00 a month. So, with the help from my dear sweet husband, I got me a 2007 Yamaha Virago. The picture is exactly like mine to the T. Black Cherry sparkle color. Its a 250 CC engine which is perfect for me. I am taking a class at the college to help me learn to drive the bike better. Ahhh.... nothing better than to feel the wind on your face....

Friends

2008-04-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give my good friend Aim recognition. I have known her for almost 25 years. We were roommates many years ago. We have been through similar things in our marriage and have relied on each other through the bad times. Even though she lives in Oregon now, we speak often and visit each other as much as we can. These pictures were in St. George when we were visitng our other friend Doug. When we get together we are doing crazy stuff like this often. Remember my motto??? Let your hair down and ... act your shoesize! Yee Haw!

The A to Z Tag

2008-04-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is my first tag and I am a little behind in getting it on my blog. Well.. here it goes.

A attached or single = Attached to the love of my life, I am lucky because it is forever and all eternities.

B best friend= Hum... this is hard. First of all my sisters, my husband are my best friends. I have a friend Aim, she and I have been through a lot together, we have known each other for over 25 years. I consider her one of my many best friends.

C cake or pie= Cake Angel Food with Strawberries my favorite.

D day of choice= Well its tied Thursday because its close to Friday. Sunday is my rejuvenation day.

E essential item= my camera. Heavenly father has blessed us with so many beautiful things. I need to capture it all.

F favorite color= Its a 3 way tie Purple, Yellow, and Pink. Tough choice.

G gummy bears or worms = neither

H hometown = Riverton, Wyoming

I indulgences= cooking magazines, chocolate covered strawberries...gotta have them

J january or july= July for sure

K kids= no kids yet many.

L life isnt complete without= family, friends and my heavenly father

M marriage date= well for the first 15 years I thought it was a different date... the real thing is 9-11

N number of brothers and sisters= 2 brothers, 6 sisters

O oranges or apples= oranges

P phobias or fears= extreme fear of spiders, fear I am not being the person heavenly father wants me to be.

Q quote= No one can make you feel inferior by Elenanor Roosevelt.

R= reason to smile= family, the beautiful sunrises, when my customers get a job, a funny movie, my husbands laugh

S season of choice= spring for sure

T tag seven: well since everyone I know has done this tag...hum.. I have no one to tag.. yippee

U unknown fact about me= I love to cook, photography, and I have only got one speeding ticket my driving career...and that was erased.

V vegie= trees, aspargas, beans, corn, all vegies except squash.

W worst habit= hitting the snooze button too many times in the morning

X xray or ultrasound = hum.. i have had so many xrays in my lifetime.. oh well

Z zodiac sign= Aries

Sea World

2008-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I am running a little behind in my adventures in Life. I have yet to post our Sea World pictures from our vacation in November. The one thing I absolutely love about Florida is the flowers that are in abundance. Its the most amazing thing ever.

Seal Lions are the most energetic and loudest animal in Sea World. They were just too cute to pass up getting a few shots. I have more pictures and exciting things to talk about on our adventure through SeaWorld. I will have to come back and add when my pictures are working better.

My dear little Sunbeams

2008-03-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you about my little, sweet sunbeams, the dearest children in the ward.... hum.. little is true.. sweet.. well I will tell you about them and you make your decision. One darling girl is 3. She first came to sunbeams and during opening exercises she decides to go running. Well I being the only teacher at the time, for these darling little kids... tear off running, this little girl is too heavy to lift. I end up kicking off my shoes, and tearing down the hallway. She proceeds to run into sacrament meeting of the other ward. All the while I am just wanting to tape her to the wall (not really, I was actually wishing I would have gone out for track in high school). I finally grab her after making a couple of loops around the building running at high speed (which I didn't know I could run) and finally get her back to primary. Oh I didn't tell you that I had kids screaming and crying running after me because I had left primary. I put her on my lap, and she head butts me. Of course my nose feels broken in two, I am seeing stars and asking myself what I did to deserve this. I am ready to lose it. The primary counselor takes her and holds her and she gets head butts also. The counselor eyes are watering and she is just done. So I have not had her in primary for a couple of weeks... so I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.... and then two weeks ago I get this cutest little boy. He has been a little bit of a problem, but nothing like the little girl. So this Sunday, I come in and sit next to him when he comes in because I talk to all the kids before primary begins.. just to get them warmed up and stuff. He reaches over and feels my skirt and then he says in the sweetest voice "nice skirt, you look cute in your new Easter clothes". I just loved it and thought ahhh... this is going to be a great day. So I was enjoying the sharing time and noticed that this sweet little boy is climbing over the piano. So I go and grab him and he spits at me. The proceeds to yell in his loudest voice in front of all the kids... DON'T TALK BACK TO ME!!!! I grabbed him and sat him in my seat.I told him he is not to spit. He again in his loudest voice told me not to talk back to him. So finally after he tore off running through the hallway, I told the primary president I am done. She proceeded to drag him out and he was spitting at her and told her the same thing. Finally, we ended up getting his mom. He was good in class, because I have lots of activities to do. Anyway.. what a time in primary.. always an adventure.

Just Heavenly

2008-03-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

I just got me this incredible camera... a just because gift for me. I am loving it. My passion is taking pictures at all times... and yes I am so behind in my scrapbooking big time. So I have been really impressed with what heavenly father have given us, mostly I have been paying more attention to the sky. These are a few pictures from my new camera.

Pink Eye... who knew...

2008-03-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

So along with everything else, I have had the pleasure of getting pink eye again!!! I have never had pink eye until the last year and now it seems to be my fury to fight. So I took a picture of my eye.. I must say its not pretty and I am not sure why I am putting it on here, however, if my friend Katey can put a picture of her first thing in the morning, I can put my pink eye on here too. Some facts about pink eye you may not know.

1. You can catch it from just putting your finger in the eye.... interesting because of course I poke myself in the eye all the time..heheh

2. It's highly contagious, however, we all knew that.... and...

3. You can have it... get rid of it... and have it again in a matter of weeks... This was the one I had no idea on.

Life....I wonder sometimes!

2008-03-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

So it has been so long since I have added to my blog. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Dale got sicker than a dog and of course dealing with his grouchyness... aghhhh. He is feeling better though which I am very thankful for. I was quite worried there for a while. Then with teaching my cute little sunbeams and putting my all plus some into their lessons it has been a very busy time. So I am making a goal to try and put something on my blog at least once a week. We will see how that goes. You know what an adventure life is!!!

Beach Time in Florida

2008-02-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

You know, I think the best way to spend a vacation is being with the ones you love and somewhere near water. I am a beach lover. I love walking along the beach, picking up shells and just thinking a lot. It seems that is where I gather my most thoughts, and regenerate myself. We were able to stay in a condo that was right on the beach. The ocean picture you see was from our condo in New Symra Beach in Florida. It was beautiful and my kind of place to relax, boogie board and body surf. Dale had never boogie boarded so I had to buy one and have him try it. He really loved it and had a lot of fun. I taught Sierra to boogie board too. She had a blast riding the big waves. Dale and I took a drive to Cocoa Beach. That beach was filled with surfers and huge waves. The beach was full of shells as you can see from the pictures below. Dale was able to find some whole conch shells that were perfect. I saved a few and gave a few to Sierra. I just didn't think you could find a beach with so many shells anymore. I am hoping that Dale and I will be able to go back there next november to spend a week there. That was like a piece of heaven to me.

Shopping...Food Coop

2008-02-26T19:05:00.001-08:00

I just had this remarkable experience today. There is a Food Coop where you pay for food at nearly half the price. You pay for your food at the first of the month and the end of the month you go and pick up your treasures. Part of the program is that you are to do volunteer time as part of the cost of the food. I ordered my food at the beginning the month and at the end of the month I go pick it up. I was not sure what I was in for. I was thinking I would not get very much, however I felt I would try something out so I can share with my customers. So this is what I ordered. Standard share which consist of chuck roast, chicken leg and thigh, country style spare ribs, fresh fruits 3 varieties, fresh veggies 5 varieties, whole wheat bread and 16 oz of rice. I also ordered the harvest share thinking I would need more veggies and fruit which just included the veggies and fruit from above. So I stood in line, was amazed at the amount of food. Instead of getting 3 potatoes, I got 2 bags of potatoes. Mind you I just thought they would give you a bag and fill a bag with a few things. I had a huge box and it was over flowing so much, I could not take all the food. A few things I got were, 2 bags of potatoes, 2 bags of carrots, 6 apples, 6 avocados, 3 big bags of spinach, 6 pears, 8 oranges( which I only got 4 of because I was running out of room) asparagus, peppers, rice, bread, and the meat. For all of this plus some volunteer time, I only paid 35 dollars... is that a great deal or what? I have enough food to last me without going grocery shopping of a week. It just was a great experience and I wanted to share.

Fun at Universal Florida

2008-02-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

I thought that I would put some pictures from Universal Studios in Florida. We just went last November and had lots of fun. It was really not what I thought it would be and I really don't care if I go there again, however everyone needs to go at least once.

This guy was outside the ride the mummy, he was pretty creepy, however it was fun to try and distract him so he would break his character. After this picture we went on the ride mummy. Now I am really cautious on rides due to by back issues. I asked the people and they were look, oh no this is just the best ride. Thinking I would be ok, I loaded up Dale and Sierra in tow. I sat with Dale, holding his arm and regretted every moment of it. It was pure dark and it was horrible. I got off and promptly lost my lunch. I thought I was going to die. I told Dale I never wanted to go on anything like that again. He agreed and told me he almost lost it too.

One thing about Universal studios I loved was the constant fake stars constantly appearing everywhere. Doc from Back to the Future rode up on us in this cool looking bike. I was looking at it and asked for a ride. Unfortantly, however cool it is there at Universal Studios you can't touch anything, so a picture had to do.

Curious George is one of my husbands favorite books. He talks about it all the time now. So when Curious George came around the corner Sierra and I had to get a picture of him.

More Snow Day

2008-02-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Me and my Boy

These pictures are pictures of our drive way, a snow drift off of our roof, we had one on the other side that was 6 feet, however the snow was so deep I could not get a picture of it. It was just one of those fun snow days!

The following pictures are just fun ones of shadow, Sierra and I. We had a superbowl party and buried our pop in the big snow drifts.

SNOW DAY!!!

2008-02-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

(Heat of the storm, our tree in the front yard)

Sunday morning I woke up around 6am, I could see through the blinds that it was snowing although because it was dark, I didn't think much of it. Still half asleep I proceed to get a book and settle in for a few stolen moments to read. Around 7:30 I looked out the window and was shocked. I went to the door so I could get a better look and snow had drifted up to 3 feet at our front door. I thought I was back in Wyoming, I could not believe it. It was snowing big huge flakes and I was so excited to get bundled up and go out to explore the depth. I got bundled up, with camera in hand and a very excited boy Shadow. There is nothing better in this world then exploring when there is fresh snow. I feel so blessed to have those moments in my life where I was able to do this. These are the pictures that I have taken just in our front yard. We got over 3 feet of snow and had so much fun with it.

Shadow having lots of fun

What a Week of big ole' YUCK!

2008-02-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, one thing I have learned this week is how important it is when you have a sinus infection to go to the doctor and get meds for it. I thought that taking over the counter meds would take care of it. Did you know that not only does it not take the infection away...it makes it worse. Well I woke up on Monday and had a sore throat however the worse part of the whole thing was I swelled up and looked like I was a chimpmunk storing nuts for the winter. My glands were so swollen, I looked hideous. Dale took me to the doctor which I looked my best... NOT! I walked into the doctors offices and took 2 steps and said holy cow. The whole office was filled with sick people. If you werent sick when you went in, you were when you came out. So I left the doctors in a wheelchair, a big blanket, prescriptions and a huge PAIN in the BUTT! They gave me the biggest shot of antibiotic's they could and although I am greatful, the pain was immense too. I thought for the first 2 days after the shot that I was going to need to get donut to sit on. It is amazing what miracles doctors can do. I feel much better 4 days later. Still a little weak and its in my lungs now and I can handle that. I feel very blessed to have a husband that is there to help me to the doc, take care of me when I am sick and the resources to go to the doctor when you feel at deaths door.

I am Blessed

2008-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's at times of crisis that you realize how blessed you really are. Mary's surgery went well, infact the surgeon stated he had a lot of fun on this operation. Mary is doing really well. She was downing food and that was a good sign. Yesterday during the operation I really began to understand the importance of coming from a large family. We have our issues and will always have those, however we are there for everyone. I was at the hospital at 5:45 am sharp and was there until 5pm. It was a very long day with all of us in the icu waiting room. We did find a great thing. Huntsman Cancer building has an awesome cafeteria. The food was amazing. Bison chili was the best I have tasted. Although, I am now thinking I am still tasting that wild meat type of thing. I wanted to put some pictures of my family. I will add them when I find the ones I want.

Count Your Blessings

2008-01-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

(this is my niece, Mary's Daughter, I didn't have a picture of Mary online as of yet, whats best... Erin with her little dog)

I have learned this past week to be happy for the little blessings that come amid a torrent of sadness and worry. My brothers wife has been passing out quite a bit, she went to the doctor and ended up in the ICU on Friday night. It had appeared she had a tumor of sorts connected to her skull. The neurosurgeon that had driven up in the storm to Davis County had stated that he didn't think it was cancer however it still was unknown. She was sent home with an appointment for the Huntsman Cancer Center. She attended her appointment today. She actually has a very rare problem. Apparently when she was a baby in the womb, when her skull formed and closed a piece of skin happened to stay inside. Its not cancer, and it will be a 6 hour operation however, it was the best news I have heard today. Mary is feeling better, however it is always scarey to have this type of surgery. I was talking to my brother today and I told him that it seems our family has been consistently had our bond tested.

I felt this miriad of feelings. My first and fore thought was how grateful I am for the priesthood and heavenly father's love. Our family has gone through so much, however the one thing I know is we all believe in the power of the priesthood blessings. We have clung to blessings with my father and other family members. I just feel so grateful for my heavenly father giving my family opportunities to reap the rewards of these blessings. Our family is one of the strongest families that I know. We are there at a moments notice for anyone and anything. Its during these times, I am reminded at how great it is to be a part of this huge family and through all our trials, I know we will be there for each of us at our time of need.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! It is amazing how fast the year goes by. I found this quote today and I really feel it fits for the beginning of a new year. I really wanted to share it with you.

"Calm provides clarity. Pause to consider the gifts you have been given, the difference you have made and the direction in which you are headeed."

I began to re-evaluate what I do and why. There has been momentous times in my life that has made me want to make a difference in people's life. It has given me great pleasure to remember those that I have made the difference in and have me re-evaluate the path I am on. So many people set goals and many never achieve any and then the feeling of despair and depression overcomes them feeling like they have not accomplished anything in their lifes. For me I feel a person succeeds in life by being a decent human, helping others when they can, and caring for those around them. I have decided for my goals... I will have only one. To be the best human being I can be. Let my faith and heart lead the way, and put family first.

Acting Your Shoe Size

2007-12-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes acting your shoe size is a great way to relieve stress. So Dale, I and our friends took some 4-wheelers out for some good ole' redneck camping. We found this place that had plenty of places for us to have fun. No camping grounds, we just pulled off the side of the freeway and set up our camper and felt like true rednecks. With our trailer ready, we were ready to get on with some fun. We explored for miles and miles. It was beautiful and such an adventure. Then we decided to have a little bit of fun when we ran into a little puddle of water. This was just a little one and we acted liked we were 5 year olds stomping in all the mud puddles of water. The picutre with all of us is how dirty we got after go through the puddle. We went back to get everyone and went and found just a little bit bigger puddle. This one was a couple of feet deep and we had an awesome time.

Wonderful Wyoming

2007-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

I was born and raised in Wyoming. Dale has never been to anywhere except Evanston. My mom's side of the family was holding a family reunion (all I have never met before). I planned this great adventure for us to explore a small part of wyoming on a summer vacation. Our first step in the adventure was driving through Star Valley, in my opionion one of the prettiest places ever. I was so excited to have Dale see the tetons. As we turned the corner there they were, standing tall and proud. I get this most amazing AWE feeling whenever I see them. Dale was so impressed. We got into Jackson Hole, unloaded the Harley off the trailer and had a day of fun exploring Jackson Hole. We stayed in a nice hotel and had a great time shopping in town square, downtown Jackson Hole.

We bought a few treasures and then we headed for Yellowstone. I had been to Yellowstone when I was 5 or so. I was just as excited to see it as Dale was. We saw beautiful scenery on the way. We just could not get enough of the beauty of Yellowstone. I have to admit I just wanted to stay and live their forever. We made our way to Old Faithful. My only memory of this awesome power of Mother Earth was when I was very young and I was so scared I went tearing down the path. This time, I was just amazed at the power the earth has of releasing this water/steam. While we watched Old Faithful, we looked around us and could see many other areas erupting at the same time. Dale found an old tree and we sat under the tree just enjoying each other and the beautiful scenery we were in. We decided to eat at Yellowstone INN. They had this awesome buffet. I tried some chili and was really impressed. I went back for more and found out it was buffalo chili. I told Dale he was eating Bison and he said yes it is spicey. He thought I said spicey. I explained he was eating Buffalo and went back for more. He tried the trout and other exotic food and enjoyed every minute of it. We were on the road again with our tummies full and very filled with the deep appreciation of nature. On the road again and had a nice drive across Yellowstone. Dale and I saw 2 young kids on the side of the road hitchhiking. Dale told them he would give them a ride in the back of the truck if they wanted. Found out that they were working at Old faithful and they needed to get to Cody to wire money to their parents in Kosovo. It was interesting, on the way to Cody, there was a big buffalo in the middle of the road. Stopped traffic and I was wanting to out and pet it. Not the smartest idea however, it looked so cute. The kids in the back of our truck were so suprised and were taking pictures like crazy. We sat in the road for about 10 minutes while the buffalo decided what he wanted to do and we were on our way. I was just so impressed with the lakes and ponds through Yellowstone. It was so beautiful.

Life...

2007-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it takes a wake up call to realize how precious life is here on earth. My father was taken into the hospital this morning. He is going to be fine, however, it really has got me thinking how this life is such a temporary part of eternity. I am so proud to have a father who has supported, protected and laughed with me through this life. I am grateful for a father who has shown me the kind of person I want to be. I am greatful to know that this life is not the end and that families can be together forever. What greater thing can I ask for than that.

Park City Adventure

2007-12-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well after having our own flicka in our back yard we recieved an a couple of free horse back rides in park city. We were going to have a great adventure. We started the adventure into the woods on a mountain in Park City. We started our ride, saw a Moose and her baby, and were able to take in some beautiful scenery. It is so amazing that we have all this beauty around us, and yet we don't take the time to really enjoy and be gateful for it. I took all these picutres while I was riding on the horse. I really wish that I could have taken a few more moments to walk around and shoot some more.

Horse in the Backyard

2007-11-29T17:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, I said horse in the back yard. We went to the movie Flicka. Awesome movie about a beautiful black stallion. Sierra and I were driving down past the park and across the street is a black horse running free. At the same time Sierra and I yelled, "Flicka!" I pulled off to the side of the street the same time as her parents were driving the opposite way and together we went on the adventure of saving the horse. After a lot of running, and totally out of breath, we were able to wrangle our "Flicka". We called animal control, of course they did not have a trailer and it would take several hours for them to find a place for "Flicka". So with 2 sheriff cars following us with lights a flashing, we walked the horse to our backyard. Never have I ever thought that I would have a horse in my back yard. We had the horse in our back yard for 5 hours. So, whats the best thing to do when you have a horse in the back yard? Ride the boy! So...we did. The horse was the nicest, calmest horse you can even imagine. We were hoping that no one would claim him so we could have him. So we all took our turns of riding him, we have a very small back yard so it was not much of a ride, still we were proud and having a great time. Someone did come and claim him later the next day. We were said however ,what another great adventure we had.

OUCH... Shots Hurt!

2007-11-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I got my flu shot. You sit and impress upon your mind and body concerning the pain and the anticipation is as bad as the shot...or worse. Well a few of my co-workers were gathering around the door giving us poor fools support. A couple refusing to succomb to the shots. I filled out my paper... waited in line... filled with that "I hate shots" anticipation. Finally, the nurse calls me over and I sit down. Acting casual and pretending that I am not afraid or tense, I raised my sleeve and told the nurse to, "bring it on". Looking away, trying to relax the best I could, I felt the needle.. hum.. not too bad. Oh wait, the syrum is not in yet...owey!!! Well I did handle the shot with grace and dignity. Today is another story. My arm hurts like someone has hit it with a bat. I want to whine all day and get lots of sympathy, however that would take away from my pretense of "I can handle shots...no problem". Oh well its all for a healthy lifestyle. What we do to make sure we don't get sick. So basically, I have just shared with you the wimp I am. Someone has to be the class wimp.

I'm Addicted

2007-11-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have been working on my blog for 3 hours. This is so addicting. I want to learn new things to put on my blog. I want to continue typing all my adventures on my trip, I want to send emails to those I want to share my blog with. All of this and Dale is snoozing right a way... I just can't let the sleep monster get me... keep typing Debbie... don't...want...to..s..t..o..p.... *snore*

Just kidding this is my sister and my neice Erin. Thought it was an adorable picture. Gotcha thinking a bit..hu?