I am thankful for: Angels around me!

I am thankful for the Angels around me! I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. My dad told me about a wonderful talk that was given this past General Conference by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, The Ministry of Angels.

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When Adam and Eve willingly stepped into mortality, they knew this telestial world would contain thorns and thistles and troubles of every kind. Perhaps their most challenging realization, however, was not the hardship and danger they would endure but the fact that they would now be distanced from God, separated from Him with whom they had walked and talked, who had given them face-to-face counsel.

But God knew the challenges they would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near.

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This is such a good talk, and one that I needed to read. I have so many Angels in my life and I just wanted to say thank you to all of you. I will finish this post with an amazing lightbulb moment that is in the talk, and that is that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. Thank you again.

Our Thanksgiving Visitors

"The Master Carver"

Today we were surprised by a early phone call from my mom, telling us that they (my mom and dad) were packing up their car with Thanksgiving dinner, and coming to our house! I was so excited. Honestly I have the best parents ever. They were planning on coming over today, but much later in the day. As they were hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for some widows in Page, but the dinner fell through. Oh darn it, but Hooray!!! It was so much fun. I made the rolls, and well that was a first time for me. They turned out pretty good, they just didn't look too pretty, at least they were yummy, but hey next time they will be beautiful. Karlee had so much fun with Grandma and Papa. The food was so yummy, the turkey was moist, and the variety of salads were amazing. (yep the variety... if you know my mom, Thanksgiving dinner cannot have just one salad.) My favorite 2 salads: the Cranberry Mold Salad, and the Strawberry Sour Cream Salad. I will have to post the recipes because they are so darn good. Tonight Rob is at work, he got my parents tickets to see 007, so Karlee and I are just chilling, recovering is more like it. I am wiped out. I better get to bed early as we are planing on hitting the Black Friday Sales. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I am so thankful for my many blessings, for my family, for all they do for Rob and I. I am thankful for my brothers and sisters and their spouses, they are such good examples, and are all so talented. I have wonderful in-laws, they are so much fun, and have such amazing hearts. I am thankful for wonderful friends, who have touched me so much by their generosity, their thoughtful prayers, and the genuine love. I am so so blessed.

I am Thankful for: my Karlee

I am Thankful for Karlee. There has not been a day that has gone by that I have not smiled, and I have Karlee to thank. She is so much fun, and I love her so much. I love to wake up to hearing her jibbering and jabbering in her crib. It gets better when I go into get her, and she gets so excited and wants to practically jump out (hopefully that never happens!). I am so blessed to be able to stay home with her, and to take care of her. She is honestly such an easy baby, and I am so so spoiled. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father, and to have her in my life. She has the most amazing laugh, the most amazing eyes, and the most amazing personality. I will never take for granted the miracle that she is to me, and how much she means to me. I just hope that I can be a good mom, and teach her good things in her life.

I am Thankful for: My Parents

I am ever so thankful for my parents. I have been so blessed to have the parents that I do. They are amazing people. My parents are such an example to me, my family and so many other people that know them. Today is their 36th wedding anniversary. They have such a good marriage. My dad never fails to show his love for my mom. I remember days that my mom would get flowers delivered for no special occasion other than to let her know that my dad loves and appreciates her and all she does. My mom is such a giver, she will drop whatever she is doing to help my dad out and support him in everything he is involved in.

Happy 36th Anniversary ~ Mom and Dad!

Game of the Year!

We had a fun time watching the BYU vs. UTAH game today. We couldn't get it on TV so we joined some friends and watched it at a restaurant. Rob got all in his favorite BYU sweatshirt (Thanks Tom & Hayley). We made Karlee her first BYU shirt, "little cougar". This game is always such a fun game to watch. There really isn't anything better than an in state rivarly game. I am sad that BYU didn't win, but I am glad that UTAH won, they definately played a much better game. Can't wait to hear which BCS bowl is in their future.

BYU fans: Rob and Karlee (sporting their teams attire)

Utah 48-24: Good Job, GO UTES!!!!!

Here is a shout out to my brother Tom, and his family.

Twilight Movie Maddness

First off . . . I did it. I did it. I stayed awake through the whole Twilight movie. And I had a really fun time with all the girls that were there. I definately haven't waited in line for too many movies, and this time wasn't too bad. As for my feelings on the movie, I really enjoyed it. It was a little difficult to watch the movie so close to finishing the book. I do have to say that the movie made me love the book. I thought that for the most part the moive was good. As expected there were things added to the movie that were not in the book, but that didn't ruin it for me. I really loved the portrayl of the Cullen family. I thought they matched everyone up pretty close. As for Edward, I wasn't sure, but by the end of the movie I thought they did a good job casting him. Bella was by far the most perfect casting choice, she was just as I pictured while reading the book. There is one thing that I feel the movie missed, and that was the passion that Bella has for Edward, I just didn't ever really felt that in the movie. So I am glad that I have read the book, so I could fill that info in while I watched the movie. I need to get my hands on the rest of the books, or maybe I will just read the first book over and over. All in all, I really enjoyed the movie. Would love to hear how everyone else thought about it.

I am thankful for: A Good Deal!

I am thankful for a Good Deal. Since I have been doing the whole coupon clipping for the last couple of months. I have been able to stock up on some wonderful items that have helped me to start my food storage supply. I have been able to get items for FREE or at a really cheap discounted price, which has been such a blessing. It is a lot of work and time, but in the end it really is something that I think I will continue to do. I have learned that you can really cut the money that you spend monthly on food in half, just by watching the sales, and using the most of your coupons. I remember when my mom did the coupons while I was growing up, she really is an inspiration to me. So thank you mom!

I have been bitten!

I know . . . I know . . . I am probably the only person who hasn't read the book. Not for the lack of trying, I just never could get into it. I had started the book about a year ago for the 2nd or 3rd time, but never really got into it and thus never finished it. Well I got invited to the Midnight Movie this week, so I had to read the book, before I could see the movie. I usually am not that insistant about reading a book before seeing the movie, and especially since the movie opens this week - talk about time crunch. So early this week I borrowed the book from my sister-in-law Segi, and crashed through it. I finished the book just in time today, good thing too as I am going to the movie tonight. I would have to say that I really enjoyed the book. I hope that I can stay awake. If anyone knows me I am usually the first asleep at any late evening event. Wish me luck!

Milestone: 9 months

I'll get a picture in here soon... patience!

Our little Karlee had her 9 month checkup today along with her Flu shot. She is wasn't a big fan of the Dr visit today, but was fine by the time we left the office. Karlee weighed in at 17lbs 8oz (25%), and is 29 inches long (90%). They took a hemoglobin finger prick today to check her blood, and found that she is a little iron deficient so the Dr gave Karlee a prescription for an iron supplement. Bummer! Hopefully this will help boost her iron levels up.

Some the things Karlee has been accomplishing lately are:

• Crawling a few steps - she prefers the arm crawl.


• Says "dada" and "mama" - not on cue quite yet.


• Loves to play with her toys.


• Doesn't like strangers too much. which makes my heart melt.


• Has started to love to eat food. Hooray!


• Explores all the corners of our little house


• LOVES LOVES the outdoors.


• Enjoys watching the neighborhood kids play


• Continues to take 2 naps a day (2hours is the average)

I am thankful for: A Moment of Calmness

I am thankful for a moment of calmness.

I know this may sound weird, or even a very desired idea, but today I had a moment of calm. It was pretty great. I don't know necessarily how to explain it, and I am sure that it will be a while before it happens again, if ever. I had just finished giving Karlee her 'after her morning nap' bottle, we were playing with her toys. She got sidetracked into her new favorite hangout, between our couches, when the thought came to me of how quiet life was. I can't say that the thought was too long, but it was quite impressive. I know that life is nothing quiet for sure, but when I think about all the joys in my life the word/feeling that comes to mind is Calmness. Calmness because its a place of refudge for me. I don't know really how to explain it, however, I am grateful today that I was able to have that moment.

I am thankful for: Sundays

I love Sundays. I love the calmness of the day. Karlee and I are usually up by 7:00 am, and Rob sleeps until it almost time for church literally. We have church at 11:00 and Rob will roll out of bed at 10:30. Sadly... he usually beats me getting ready. But Karlee and I have a nice morning listening to my favorite Sunday morning CD My Redeemer Lives Vol 2: Galilee. This CD was a Christmas gift a couple years ago, and it is just so beautiful. We go to church, Rob takes Karlee with him to all his classes, he says that I get Karlee all week long, so he gets to have her for the 3 hours of church. Not too bad, right! Today we had the primary program, and that is always pretty entertaining. The best part of church is being able to sit and feel the spirit. We have finally hit the stage that many of you hit years ago of trying to entertain your children so they are not distracting others. Karlee has been too bad, but I know we are just in the beginning stages. No Major Outbursts yet! After church we come home and its NAP time. Nothing like enjoying a good energizing nap to get you ready for the upcoming week. Then its family time, or for the last couple of years we have been so lucky to spend our Sunday afternoons, visiting our wonderful friends for dinner and games. Those were times we cherish. Sunday is such a wonderful day. We are blessed by going to church and then we are blessed to have so much time together as a family. I know that Sundays are nothing without the thought of our Savior and his perfect example. To me I take Sundays as a day to start a new, its a day for self-reflection. Sunday is not just any other day, it is a special day and for that I am thankful!

Unfortunate Milestone!

Yesterday we marked a milestone, that well, we are not excited about. Our precious little Karlee had been taking her morning nap, and had climbed out of her crib. Poor Karlee! She was on her back just screaming, it just broke our hearts. What a horrible feeling! After checking to see if she was okay and calming her down. We moved the mattress on her crib down. Yes Karlee is okay! Thank goodness. I know I know many of you experienced parents out there would have already moved the mattress down. I guess I just didn't think she could pull herself up, she hasn't pulled herself up to anything that I have seen around the house. Poor Karlee. Poor Karlee. Rob was pretty shocked too! The rest of the day she didn't even like to pass her room. Thus no afternoon nap. When it came to bedtime, this girl was exhausted as you can imagine. However she was still a little traumatized about the event, and wanted nothing to do with her crib. Can't say that I blamed her. We had the port-a-crib up as a backup plan. Karlee and I just relaxed a bit, and when she could go no longer I took her in and put her in her crib. She seemed to be just fine. She has been fine ever since. What a milestone to have to reached, I was kinda hoping that we wouldn't have to experience this one. Oh well... Karlee is doing good and that's all that matters. She is such a precious baby, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.

I am thankful for: Healthy Bodies

This week Karlee and I have been 'under the weather' and so I thought being thankful for healthy bodies would be a worthy post. For the most part I am usually a pretty healthy person, and I rarely get sick. So to be bogged down with Flu symptoms I wasn't too excited, yet hopeful that it would be only the 24 hour kind - no such luck. Karlee started with a runny nose, and just got uncomfortable around mid-week. So it was Karlee and I that were spending many sleepless night together, just hanging out. But I do have to confess, Karlee has been more snugly with me than normal, so I was just loving it. That does sounds kinda bad huh, but I had to take advantage of all the snuggle time. Today Karlee seems to be on the mend and I can only hope that today is the last of my aches and pains. I am so thankful for TheraFlu... yep I have no problem taking medicine. So today I am thankful for a healthy body, I love being able to enjoy life with a good amount of energy. I guess being sick is just away of slowing down, which I feel like I do a lot of nowadays, but it is nice to be forced into a lazy state of being for atleast a couple of days.

I am thankful for: Prayer

There is a quote that I read the other day about praying. I think that all too often I go about my day thinking that I am alone or if only I could make it through. While on my mission I had never prayed so much in my life. I would have on average 15 prayers said by myself or my companion. But to that I have never felt the spirit so strong in my life. The power of prayer is so amazing. There is so much to be said about the importance and realness of prayer. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of prayers. I was amazed at the number of people that I met on my mission that did not know how to pray or even that they could pray for things in their lives. I am truly grateful for the power of prayer and the importance it has on our lives personally.

There is a quote that I read the other day about praying:

“There is a power greater than you who can help you. You never need be ashamed of praying. Get on your knees as the day starts. Get on your knees as the day closes and offer prayer unto the Lord, and ask Him to bless you in dealing with your problems, to bless you in your schooling, bless you in all you do, and remember before Him those who are less fortunate than you, others who are in trouble and need and desire His blessings. Be prayerful! There is something wonderful, there is something noble, there is something upstanding and good about an individual who prays. Don’t forget to pray” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 4 Aug. 1998).

I am thankful for: Trials

I know. I know. I know. Why do people say that they are thankful for the trials in their lives? I can say that, Yes, I am thankful for the trials in my life, however I am not hoping for any more. I think that many people can agree that the trials in our lives teach us so much about life, and how to survive future trials. Acouple months ago I was reading the Ensign and read an article that spoke right to me. The author expressed exactly how I had been feeling. Looking to the Lord, By Mary N. Cook, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency (Ensign, Sep 2008). She shared an experience while living in Asia with her husband. They would often go a morning walk, and she shared this following experience:

I made an interesting discovery that day. When I looked down, my vision was limited to a narrow stretch of pavement. Trudging along, I saw the same narrow view of pavement, pavement, pavement. But when I looked up, I had a gorgeous view ahead of me. I saw trees with bright yellow flowers. I saw birds flying and singing melodious songs. I saw Tai Chi students rhythmically opening colorful fans as part of their exercise routine. Soon we reached our goal, Stubbs Road, and beyond that I saw bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds.

When we look down, focusing on the narrow view of our circumstances, we may miss seeing many of the opportunities the Lord has in store for us. Do we allow our circumstances to limit our view, or do we look up to the Lord, who can expand our vision?

Challenges—such as poor health, loss of a loved one, accident, divorce, or financial reversals—are a part of everyone’s life. We all encounter unplanned difficulties. Responding positively to those difficulties is a great challenge.

I was so grateful for reading this article. It was right then that I could feel that I was not alone in my trials. If this great women, a church leader, could have these feelings of struggle. Then I too can learn from the trials in my life.

“The Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges.” (For the Strength of Youth, The First Presidency)

We might be in trouble!

Rob caught Karlee helping herself to a pen and the checkbook.

I am thankful for: my church membership

I read a good article today that has made me think of how thankful I am to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Gospel in Our Lives, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This article was really good. He wrote of how the Gospel has blessed his life, and how he is the person that he is because of it. He gave a list of the gospel principles that he was grateful for:

• Attendance at Church each week provides the opportunity to partake of the sacrament
• Being taught the doctrine and teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Teaching us to pay our tithes and offerings and assures us of blessings when we do.
• The warnings of the scriptures and Church leaders on things to avoid.

I am so blessed. This list is just a small list of the many things that we are all blessed to have in our lives because of the Gospel. I am so blessed to have this knowledge of the True Gospel. Having this Gospel in my life has molded me to be able to take on the tough trials that come in my life. I am grateful for the many great examples of a righteous life.

I am thankful for: Our Veterans

I am thankful for all those who serve and have served our country our Nations Veterans. Today is Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. As Americans we are so blessed to live they way we do, to have the freedoms that we enjoy. While visiting Washington D.C. a couple years ago, I remember being so impressed and emotionally moved while visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The reverence that was there was unbelievable. The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is guarded day and night, so powerful. This to me was symbolic of all the men and women that work day and night to guard and protect our country and our freedoms.

I am thankful for: Nature

Today I went with my dad up to Kolob Canyons National Park. We hiked the Taylor Creek Trail, which lead us to the Double Arches. They were beautiful, however I thought the how hike was amazing. We crossed the little Taylor Creek, oh probably 60 times, going and coming. The weather had been bad on Sunday and so we hiked in a little bit of snow, nothing too serious. I had a great time. The hike was just a short 5 mile round trip, but the beauty made up for the distance. (We had planned on a 14 mile hike to see the Kolob Arch ~ maybe in the spring, when the roads are open.) I am thankful for nature. I have lived in many parts of this beautiful country. Michigan has the most beautiful lakes, Kentucky has the most green that I have ever seen. Utah has the most amazing red rocks, and mountains, Arizona has Lake Powell, and all the beautiful Sandstone landscapes. We are so blessed to live in this beautiful country.

Here are some photos of our beautiful hike:

Ya, just out hiking in the snow.

My dad, the great hiker!

Beautiful views!

Double Arch Alcove

I am thankful for: Blessings

I am thankful for blessings

Today I thought of how blessed we are to have the Priesthood power on the earth today.Today my brother blessed their beautiful baby girl. It was so beautiful! Little Jordyn looked angelic in her little white dress. She is so loved by her mom and dad, and lets not forget her big brother and sister. I am always amazed at the family support, it truly is wonderful. As I witnessed this beautiful moment, I thought of how blessed we are to have the Priesthood power on the earth today. To have the blessing of newborn babies, those who are ill, and for that are in need of compfort. We are blessed to live in this day when the Priesthood power can be used to bless those in need.

Isn't she beautiful. (I took it from my brothers blog, hope you don't mind Segi) She is beautiful!

Jordyn's blessing day!

I am thankful for: Temples

I am thankful for Temples

We are so blessed to live in the times that we do. The earth is being dotted with temples. To date there are 128 operating temples, 8 temples under construction and 9 temples announced. This is so exciting. Every time I hear a new temple announced, I just get so excited for all the members that will be able to attend and complete their temple work for themselves and their families. It is truly the result of the Lords work being spread across the world. To live so close to a temple is a real blessing as well. Growing up in Page, 3 hours drive from a temple, I thought how wonderful it would be to live so close to one. I thought 3 hours was long, when we moved to Kentucky and I would listen to the stories and experiences of the members there who would rent busses, and ride to Washington DC or to Atlanta GA (both 6+ hours away) to attend the temple. What sacrifices we as saints make to attend the temple, and how spiritually rewarding it is to attend the temple. I love the temple and the peace that it brings to me in my life.

Below: I compiled all the temples that I have attended. (15 so far) Kinda cool.

Bountiful Utah Temple (47th). Detroit Michigan Temple (63rd). Idaho Falls Idaho Temple (8th). Jordan River Utah Temple (20th). Las Vegas Nevada Temple (43rd). Louisville Kentucky Temple (76th). Manti Utah Temple (3rd). Mesa Arizona Temple (7th). Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple (49th). Nauvoo Illinois Temple (113th). Palmyra New York Temple (77th). Provo Utah Temple (15th). St. George Utah Temple (1st). Salt Lake Temple (4th). Washington D.C. Temple (16th). (order of operating temples)

I am thankful for: A Clean House

I am thankful for a clean house

I love to clean. I do appreciate a home that is clean. I guess it goes back to growing up, my mother always keeps a clean house. See mom, I learned something from you! I especially love a clean sink, a made bed, and a freshly vacuumed floor. I don't know why, but being able to see the marks that a vacuum leaves on the carpet is so wonderful. I know CRAZY!!! There is just a calm feeling when I my house is clean. I have been in a Simplify mode and so I have been organizing, throwing out, and organizing. It is so therapeutic for me! I will be the first to say that my house is not clean all the time, in fact it isn't. A clean home is a happy home!

I am thankful for: Scriptures

I am thankful for the scriptures

I love the scriptures. I love the feeling that comes when I open the books, and start reading. Being able to read the stories of times of old, and then watch how these stories help you deal with life in today's world. I have a wonderful example of ferevent scripture study and that is my mom. She is an amazing example. Her scriptures are well used, and I love to look at them, admiring all the marks and notes that she has on the pages.

One of my favorite Book of Mormon stories is found Alma. Ammon is a servant to King Lamoni, and teaches the gospel to many. I have one memory that is very dear to my heart involving scripture reading. It was a couple years ago when President Hinckley encouraged all the church members to read the entire Book of Mormon before the end of the year. Rob and I took on this challenge, however we were a little late in getting started. We were determined to finish, so every day after work we would sit and read. Our goal was to read just a couple chapters a day, but there were some days that we didn't want to stop. I think thats how the spirit works. My scriptures are so special to me. I am grateful to the many miracles, and sacrifices that have taken place to bring the Book of Mormon to the earth.

I am thankful for: The Right to Vote

I am thankful for the Right to Vote.

What a wonderful country that we live in. We are so blessed to have the freedoms that we enjoy. Specifically speaking for today, Election Day. We have the freedom to vote for a new president for our country. I am grateful for all those who have paved the way so that I could vote. I was so excited when I went to vote last week, to be able to have a voice, small that it is, but to have the freedom to vote was amazing. When I got to the voting polls, I was impressed with the number of people that were already in line waiting for their moment to vote. We are truly blessed to have the right to vote, so many people around the world are not as blessed as we American's are.

Our new President of the United States of America.

Barack Obama

I am thankful for: Families

I am thankful for my family

Our Heavenly Father has created an amazing plan for each one of us. This plan allows us to live and grow here on this earth, and so we are not alone, we are given families. I am so grateful for my little family. We sure have had our share of trials, but really in the end its all about how we live day to day. We have so much fun together. We have been to beautiful places in our country. We seem to find adventures everyplace we go, good and challenging adventures. I know that neither Rob nor I would have made it through without each other, and that says a lot. I am grateful that the family has such an important role in our life here on earth. I am so blessed.

I am thankful for: my Savior

I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ

I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I have been so blessed to have been taught all my life of him, and of his unconditional love for me. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of the way our lives should be lived. To have the knowledge that my Savior Jesus Christ is always by my side, makes life so much easier to live. I know that my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that he loves me. I know that he is with me through my trials of life. I know that he is there to pick me up when I fall, and he is there when I feel that know one else is there. I love my Savior.

I am thankful for: Adoption

So I am going to attempt something new for this month. I am going to post one thing daily that I am thankful for. There will be days that will have another post of our ongoings of life. I have been wanting to do this for awhile, and what better month than November. So bare with me while I express in writing all the many things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for Adoption.

Adoption has changed my life and the lives of my family forever, and I have never felt so blessed. November is National Adoption Awareness Month so I guess this post is somewhat appropriate. I am so grateful for the opportunity to adopt our precious Karlee. I feel in a strange way that Rob and I were meant to go down the road of adoption. I know that our little Karlee was meant to come to us, and this was only to happen through adoption, what a miracle. I know that in the eyes of the world, Adoption is something that is not looked on in a positive light. Our adoption experience was not without its bumps in the road, but the experience we had with Karlee's birthmother was absolutely perfect. This past Sunday I attended a fireside featuring Michael McClean, sponsored by Families Supporting Adoption. The music was beautiful I sat there holding Karlee in my lap, and could feel the love of my Heavenly Father. I could also feel the love of Karlee's birthmother, birth-grandmother. Adoption is a beautiful miracle!

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First Presidency Statement on Adoption:

“We … express our support of unwed parents who place their children for adoption in stable homes with a mother and a father. We also express our support of the married mothers and fathers who adopt these children.

“Children are entitled to the blessing of being reared in a stable family environment where father and mother honor marital vows. Having a secure, nurturing, and consistent relationship with both a father and a mother is essential to a child’s well-being. When choosing adoption, unwed parents grant their children this most important blessing. Adoption is an unselfish, loving decision that blesses the child, birth parents, and adoptive parents in this life and throughout the eternities. We commend all those who strengthen children and families by promoting adoption.” First Presidency statement, Oct. 4, 2006