2009 is almost over!

I'm grateful that 2009 is almost over! I'm excited for a new beginning! As I sat here thinking about 2009 and all of it's occurances, I realize I have so much to be grateful for. It has been a year of ups and downs, but I'm so thankful for the blessings that I've recieved through all of it!

I was sick for pretty much the first 6 months of the year, nearly constantly sick. In the middle of June, Bishop Thompson came over and gave me a blessing with Collin, and other than a few minor sicknesses, I've been feeling great!

It's been a rough year financially. Thank heavens for my savings account! This has been my first full year of owning my own business. It's taken a lot of faith and prayers, and has shown progress every month! I've had moments of being scared to death that I wasn't going to make it month to month, but Heavenly Father answers prayers. :) Whenever it has gotten really scary, somehow a new piano student comes along or a new client calls and needs work done on their home immediately. I'm grateful more than words can describe.

I'm so grateful for my mom, Collin & Krystal, & Amy who have been so helpful at rough moments for me this year. Whether it's been letting me borrow a vehicle when mine's been in the shop, or paying for my prescription or just always listening to my complaints. Thanks to ALee for listening to all of my complaining, as well.

This year I've been teaching the seven year olds and playing the organ at church. I've had seven boys and one girl (every once in a while). Other than having a phone go missing, and some other small stresses I've enjoyed it. I've missed going to Sunday School, since I've been in primary for nearly three years. I've been amazed by the kids and some of the struggles that some of them have had to go through, and how faithful they are. I've, also, been challenged by their busy-ness and weird conversations (like the day a girl announced she had 3 dads, and then proceeded to inform those little boys how that's possible). I've struggled with every other sunday of organ playing :), but I think I'm getting better about that. I hope. I enjoy playing the organ. Somedays I play perfectly, other days I don't. Oh, well!

There have been scary moments for grandparents, that I'm not ready to face, but probably should be. I have a niece! I've watched struggles happening within our extended family. I've been saddened by choices that others have made and how it affects everyone. I've appreciated the relationships that have seemed to grow.

Most importantly, I'm so thankful for the gospel. I'm thankful that I'm a daughter of Heavenly Father. I'm thankful that I know that I am. I'm grateful for the temple, and the peace it brings to my life. I'm grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ and because of Him and His life, crucifixion, and resurrection I'm able to return to Him and Heavenly Father, and be able to be with my dad for eternity. I know that Jesus Christ understands what I'm going through, when I'm sad, or happy, or in need of forgiveness or needing to forgive.

Here's hoping that things are bright and wonderful and productive in 2010!

Gingerbread House...

Collin and Krystal went with her family to Transiberian Orchestra last night, so we were lucky enough to get to babysit their darling kids!


Here are just a few photos...

RSL wins MLS Championship!!!

Congratulations RSL! What a game and what a last half of the season! I've read that the seasons turn around started the day Andy Willliams was able to play more, August 24th was the beginning of their road to the championship.

I love soccer!!!

What do you get when you add 8 colors of frosting, m&ms, skittles, redhots, candy corn, licorice rope, mini chocolate chips and three 7 year old boys? Oh, and of course, sugar cookies!

~Funny looking, frosted to the extreme, cookies for the bishopric!~

Music...

Isn't music funny? It's such an amazing thing, how the music in a movie or tv show lead your emotions. For example, if in Psycho instead of the high sliding strings they had a soft flute going on, you wouldn't be scared when he was stabbing. It would still be a scary picture, sight wise, but your heart wouldn't be racing, you'd just be sitting there. Or if on Driving Miss Daisy they had the haunting music from What Lies Beneath, while they were driving down the little road, you'd totally be expecting some horrible thing to happen. I do have to admit that I haven't seen Psycho for a very long time, and I don't know if I ever saw Driving Miss Daisy, but you can see the comparison, right?

Other funny things about music, is that you can hear some song from the past and remember exactly where you were, what things looked like, what things smelled like when that song meant a lot to you.

For example, I was just listening to Pandora and it was on one of my country collection stations, and Cowboy Take me Away came on, which brought back good, fun memories. One memory was of Collin, ALee and me driving in one car while Mom, Grandma, Grandpa and Orpha Sue drove in another car up and back to Hillsboro for Tyler's (?) wedding. We listened to Earl every hour on the hour, and then we'd listen to Cowboy Take me Away. For any of you who don't know, it took us what seemed like 22 hours to drive home. So we heard a lot of those songs! There was one part of Idaho that was so beautiful; the sun was setting, we were driving past a huge field of wheat or something in that color that just spanned on forever, and that is the scene I picture every time I hear Cowboy. The other memory that comes back every time I hear it is sort of bitter sweet. I was driving up American Fork Canyon with this guy that I totally loved in highschool, the radio was on, and we were singing to it. Cowboy came on, and I was singing, and he said, "You are singing this about me." At the time, I totally was, but we see how life changed for both of us. I'm lucky to not be involved with that whole situation.

Another example is everytime I hear Everyday, by Rascal Flatts, I can see the DWTS where Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough were dancing at the end of one of the seasons. It was right at the same time that he was shopping at SFD to get furniture for his home, and everytime he came in was total excitement for everyone. I had so much fun, because some of the girls were all shy around him and the other customers were giddy and would follow him around. It was so much fun, and he's a great guy to talk to.

Then my last example for tonight is I'm Already There, by Lonestar. This one doesn't exactly bring back memories of where, when, who and how; instead, there's not a time that I listen to it without thinking of my dad. I know he's around to help me, so in a way he's already here, without physically being here.

Anyways, guess that's enough for now!

Today is my dad's birthday. It, generally, was a really good day. He would've been 54 years old. It's crazy to think of him being in his fifties, but I can imagine, his hair would've been quite thin and graying. He was such a loving, fun, and amazing guy. I wish that everyone that has joined our family since Oct. 17, 1987 would've had the chance to know him. They would all have loved him. They would know what an honor it was to know him. They would all remember him today and honor him and celebrate his life.

The day started with Collin and his boys coming over for a few minutes. It was really nice to be together, if even for a short time today. You know, days come and go, but there are days like today and days like a week from today, when we need to be together to feel that support for each other. Then, we went and got flowers for him and headed to American Fork. Grandma JaNae, Mom and I spent some time at the cemetery, and then when to the temple. It was a perfect way to celebrate his birthday! After the temple, we went to Parkers and then ate at Grandma's and Grandpa's. Great day!

I miss him so much! Sometimes, the missing him is just a dull pain somewhere in the back of my mind, and sometimes the missing him is almost tangible. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father that has a plan for all of us. I'm so grateful that I'll be able to be with him again someday. I just wish sometimes he could just tell me what he's thinking about me, and my choices, and what I'm doing with my life. I wish that he could give me advice when I need it, but I know that he's there, when I need him, and I can feel comfort and peace from that.

Busy days...

This last little while has been pretty busy. Darlene had surgery on Sept. 11 to remove some cancer. The surgery was successful, she will still need to have chemo and radiation. Mom and I went down and sat with Terri, Earl and Darlene all day that day. I've never heard Earl talk so much in my life, he was nervous, and it kept him going. Right down to him asking, "Where do you suggest buying furniture? I guess it depends on what you're looking for. There's this place..." He just kept going without taking a breath. It was pretty funny, and as soon as we knew that the surgery went well, he was as silent as a mouse. Darlene coming out of it kept us all entertained, and Collin said that we probably were able to get a glimpse of what she'll be like, when she's at Grandma's state and in Apple Village.

Mom and I threw a "coming out" party for Adelynn, instead of a shower, that everyone got to come to last saturday. So, all week long we were preparing for that. Before that party, Darlene and Earl celebrated their 50th anniversary. Terri threw a party, but then ended up in the hospital from Tuesday to a few hours before the party. I went down early and dropped off the chinese chicken salad, and cleaned Grandma's house, so Darlene didn't have to, and then came home, because Ford had a performance with the singing group he's in. He was absolutely darling! I'll post pictures at the end of this post.

Then, we went to the party. It was fun to see everyone. It was weird having a party at Grandma's house, and have her not there. I'm not going to lie, I teared up. It was great that all of Darlene's kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids were able to be there. It's rare that EVERYONE comes, so that was nice. It was a neat party!

We got home really late, but had to finish as much as we could that night. So, I didn't go to bed until 2 something, and woke up at 7 to go to a practice for Standards' Night, and then get ready for the party. We had a really fun time, and everyone loved Adelynn. Everyone, but Gracie, who was very jealous if her mom or grandma touched Adelynn, as long as they weren't touching her, she was fine. So funny! We had great food and great company. Thanks to everyone who came!

Sunday was Grandma JaNae's birthday, and we went down after church for a party in American Fork. It was really fun! The kids were darling, and it was great talking to everybody. The little girls all line danced to some Hannah Montana song, and then Mandi started playing other line dancing songs, and we danced to that. It was hilarious! I couldn't believe Grandma was okay with us all dancing in her family room and having the music up loud. What a funny thing!

On the way home we were laughing about it, and then Mom got a phone call from Darlene that stopped that mood immediately. Russ, Terri's husband, passed away that night. I'm really glad that he came to the party on Friday and that we were all able to talk to him. My heart goes out to them, especially to Miss Erikka. I know what it's like to lose a dad, and I was glad I was able to be with her for a while yesterday, so she could ask questions, and we could just talk. It's so unreal, that he was here, and now he's not, in so short a time.

Well, that's what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks since my last post.

I have an addiction I need to admit! I love Jane Austen novels. I've written before about how I love Pride & Prejudice. I love to read it, I love to watch it. I often remind myself of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, when she's talking about not knowing who is more prideful, Elizabeth or Mr. Darcy, or can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. I have to say, I've read all of her books a few times. A while back I found a book with a compilation of all of her novels and some short stories on some clearance rack and bought it for $14.97, hard back! I was so stoked! So, in the last couple of weeks I've read Sense and Sensibility and now I'm on the last page of Pride & Prejudice. I can hardly stand that it's over. I love Mr. Darcy! I know everybody loves Mr. Darcy, but I find myself reading his monologues over and over again just loving him. So, there you go, I've confessed! Now on to Mansfield Park!

Today was pretty much a fantastic day! It was jam packed, super crazy, but really nice! There was a baptism at 1:00 of this guy that married one of Mom's laurels. It's neat to see the changes that take place in everyone's life. I was thinking that maybe the entire reason for their little girl to come into this world, the way she did, was to bring him to the gospel. The spirit was very strong there. He had tons of supporters! It was so great to see all of these people that love him and their family step in and show their love and support. There was only standing room in the relief society room, where the font is. These little girls sang a song, that I totally wished I could remember, but I can't, but it was beautiful! I've never heard two voices blend so well, and I've heard millions of people singing! His mom-in-law gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. Once we're baptized members of the church, we take on the name of Jesus Christ. When we are confirmed we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. We have the Holy Ghost with us constantly, if we live the way we should and keep our covenants. She said it this way, "We're not lucky enough to be living on the earth WITH Jesus Christ, but because of that HE has given us the Holy Ghost, which is HIS way of walking with us through everything." Through the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows, the Holy Ghost is with us, to comfort us. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He's our elder brother. The Holy Ghost is the Comforter. He does just that, comforts us.

After the baptism, I played the piano for a practice for a play that a few of the youth in our stake are doing for "Standards Night." Then I went to the temple and did some work there. What a wonderful day!

Another video...

Here is a youtube video called: President Reagan's response to Obama and his supporters...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS4yf723kmY

So weird how this many years later, his thoughts and speeches still apply!

A Ford-ism!

Last night we went to a ReAL game. Collin and Ford came with us. Collin was at work, so we got to bring Ford down with us! He's the smartest kid I know! He thinks logically and like he's 30, not 3. The ride was so much fun, he had so much to tell us. The funniest thing was this: "I'm going to sing you a song. Are you ready to listen to it? Okay, 'Emily, my friend Emily, I met her at stool, prestool (school, preschool). My aunt Mindy was our teacher. Emily.' So what did you learn from my song?" So, I answered that he met her at preschool and Mindy was their teacher. He told me I had to listen again, and sang it again adding in new things. 'So, what did you learn?" What a funny kid!

Check this video out!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeXA4A8INJ4

Well I'm sitting at Snowbird right now, listening to the last few minutes of the kids' pool being open for the evening, with the darkness coming over the canyon. I can just see the outline of the pine trees off the deck. It's such a peaceful place. I'm totally sunburned, and my shoulders can't stand to have anything touching them. On Monday morning, still in bed, there was a knock on the door. It was a fantastic surprise! Collin, Ford and Everett were here! Krystal and Adelynn stayed home, since she's so young. We quickly got ready for the day, and were able to play at the park, go for a walk, get ice cream, swim in the pool after Robbe, Ashley and Sam got here, and go down the Alpine Slide. Sam rode with Ashley, Everett rode with Collin, and Ford rode with me. Sam said there was no way he was going to race us, because he didn't want to lose. We didn't go that fast, but we did beat them down! The whole time Ford was saying, "We better slow down, this is dangerous!" with the biggest smile on his face. He loved it! Ev fell asleep at the top while we stood in line, so he looks like he's kind of in a mood!

Aren't they so cute?

More Adelynn...

I just can't help myself! Here are some more pictures!!!

Adelynn Emery Nicholes

This is my new niece, Adelynn! She wasn't expected to make her entrance into this world until Friday, so it was really weird to be awakened by a picture mail of this little darling! Apparently, she was in a hurry! Krystal got in a bed at 7:07 this morning, and Ady was born at 7:11. She's just darling! The boys love her so much. She's beautiful!

MLS-ASG

This last week we were able to go to the MLS All-Stars game! So much fun! It's fantastic that we were able to have it here at our stadium. It was such a great game! It was really fun to be there where so many people from across the nation and even some from England. It was fun cheering for players that I never would have otherwise. It was a one time only thing, but really fun! It was great to see the three players from our team getting to play for fun with the best of the best!

Mom & Ford Ev

Andy Williams, wasn't one of the All-Stars, but he spoke during half-time, to thank the fans for their support. His wife, Marcia, has a rare form of Leukemia.

Kyle Beckerman, RSL Everton, FC

So, it's been a while! It's been pretty busy! My birthday was on the fourth, and things weren't how we normally have it, so I wasn't really looking forward to it. However, I was mistaken! It was probably the best birthday I've had in a long time! I wasn't rushed to get to the parade. I didn't really care if we were late, I wanted to make sure to spend some time with Grandma, because it may be my last with her. She didn't know it was my birthday, but when we walked in, she said, "Everyone!!! These are my friends!" Like we're never there, but she doesn't remember from minute to minute sometimes. After that we did go to the parade, it was fun! Then we had a picnic at Grandma and Grandpa's and that was really nice, too. For dinner we went to Cheesecake Factory! It was really good and really fun with the little boys! They're so cute! The night before was Grandpa's heart party. That was really fun, too. We were only missing a few people, I think it's the most we've had together in a really long time. He's had his "new" heart for 20 years. It's such a miracle! I know that he's lasted as long as he has because we've all needed him. I think Heavenly Father has let him stay with us, because Collin and I needed a "dad," since our's is gone.

For my birthday, Mom gave me a tennis racket, and I've been trying to play a couple mornings a week. I've got a long way to go, but it's really fun!

This last week was Mom's birthday, a bridal shower for Ashley, and Steel Days in American Fork. Busy week! Very fun, though!

Explanation for my music: I'm admitting that I'm a convert to David Archuleta! I saw him perform at a ReAL game, and loved him! Then there's a tribute to MJ. He was a talented guy! Weird as can be, but his music is great! David Cook is singing a Lionel Richie song. Whenever I hear Lionel Richie on the radio (his old stuff) I smile and think my dad's saying hi! He didn't even like him that much, but I remember listening to that tape with dad. Brad Paisley's song is my new favorite! Who doesn't like Daughtry! Anyways!!! I'm out of here!

Time to play movie critic again...

I've seen quite a few movies lately, both old and new ones. The three I've decided to critique today are:

1. UP

The previews didn't show anything like what really happened. I really enjoyed it, and it's been a couple weeks since I saw it, and I've decided I really liked it. It was written more for adults than kids. I was surprised by how grown up the context was. I was heart broken for Mr. Fredricksen, when he lost his Ellie. Ford leaned over, and said, "This is a sad movie." Very cute show, even the scary parts!

2. Kung fu Panda

I didn't see this when it was originally in theaters, but I got to go with my nephews to it this week at the Syracuse theater, with the summer kids' movies. I was laughing so hard, during so many parts. Jack Black is funny as a cartoon! It was so funny and creative! It was a great message about finding yourself. You're important, just as you are! Great message and fun with so many fun characters!

3. The Proposal

I love romantic comedies with Sandra Bullock. There are so many characteristics that you see from her in most of her movies, which makes the movies somewhat predictable, but still really fun! I've only seen a couple of Ryan Reynolds' movies, and he's so cute! The office workers were ridiculous, as the supporting cast. So over done! Oscar Nunes, was so different from his character in The Office, but he was so embarrassing in parts, it was uncomfortable. Betty White was hilarious! Craig T. Nelson didn't have much to do, he was hardly in it. Mary Steenbergen was really cute, like an everyday normal lady. It was a cute story, but they could have changed up the ending. It was sort of like they took "I fell in love with you." "Me?" "All of you!" from While You were Sleeping, and plugged it in to this movie! I still loved it!

Don't you just hate when you try and try and try to get things to work out, and then they don't work out. No matter how many days, months, or even years you work on something, and it's as if you haven't tried. It's so crazy! Or when you should feel completely comfortable in a situation, and instead you feel like an outsider, like you're sitting on the fence looking in. Sometimes things seem so backwards. Or when you know something, really know it, but can't figure out how to get it across to someone else, so strange! Anyways, that's my ranting for the day!

Medicaid is so ridiculous! I can't get approved, because I'm single and NOT pregnant, without children! So dumb!!!

No insurance...of course I'm going to need it...

Well, it has been a while since I've blogged, but I'm ending my hiatus today. It's been a really long few weeks. I started having some tooth pain the second to last week of April. I cannot afford the dentist, so I was living with the pain. It started in the lower left part of my mouth, but started to spread. People thought I had an abscess, and so I'd definitely need to take care of it. Well, the pain got so bad and had spread into my ear and my head, that I broke down and scheduled a dentist appointment. They couldn't fit me in for an "EMERGENCY" until the next Tuesday, this was a thursday. I thought I'd die, but what could I do? So, I continued my bouts of pain, and drugging up on about 800 mg. of ibuprofen, and then 600 mg. of excedrin, every two hours-ish. Then, on Saturday the pain got so bad, that Mom told me I needed to go to an after hours clinic. So, I did, and for $128 I had a delightful doctors appt. (Catch the sarcasm in my voice!) The doctor ended up being my old drafting teacher from college, that hung out at my desk most of the semester so in the end of the class, I was like, hey, we should hang out sometime, or something sly like that. So, that was so embarrassing to see him again, and have him poking and prodding, and then sticking his hand in my mouth to see if I really did have an abscess, which I had just come from a Pampered Chef party and had garlic breath. Come to find out I had a sinus infection. He gave me a prescription for some heavy duty amoxicillin, but told me it was viral, so if I wasn't better in 14 days, THEN I could fill my prescription. Well, that lasted until Monday, and I filled it anyway. Well, I've been pain free in my mouth, jaw, ear, and teeth for approximately 5 days! Yay!

Three days before I ran out of insurance I was in the emergency room with the worst pain I'd ever experienced, in my chest and back. Well, they had given my some prilosec, and that fixed it and all of the other tests turned out perfectly fine. Well, that was in the end of October. Since then, I've had the same pain every once in a while. Usually, I can take a prilosec, an excedrin, and a half a piece of bread, then lay in a really hot tub for about an hour or so, and it passes. I know it sounds like a weird combination of things, but trial and error has led me to this, and it's worked. Well, about 3 1/2 weeks ago, maybe 4 weeks ago, it started in the middle of the day, and I couldn't finish my piano lessons. Generally, it happens at night, and lasts about 3 hours, so this was the first time that it was day time. Well, about 8 days later, it happened again. Then, 6 days later; then, 4 days later. Which gets us to this last Friday. Also, it used to be brought on by onions, so obviously, I don't eat them anymore. I had decided that I wouldn't drink pop anymore, thinking maybe it was the carbonation, or something. So, I'd been eating the way I should and drinking pretty much only water, and was making peanut butter bars for a baby shower we were giving on Saturday, and had a tiny drink of juice at 7:45-ish. By 8:00 I was nearly dying in this horrible pain. I didn't even fall asleep until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. The pain subsided a little bit, enough that I could move and we did the shower, and at 1:00, it was so bad again, that I just had to lay down. It didn't get much better until about 8:30, but not completely better. Sunday I went to stake conference, and by Sunday night was in even worse pain. Collin gave me a blessing, and I was finally able to sleep most of the night. I don't have a regular doctor, but one of Collin's old teammates' dad is a doctor that I trust, but you can never get in to him for weeks. I called yesterday to schedule an appt. with him, and by some miracle, and I really mean it, I was able to get in today. However, the best scenario for this issue will be that it's my gallbladder. However, we won't know that until I have A LOT of tests done. The other possibilities are pretty scary. He must've seen the fear on my face, because he quickly told me that the scary stuff wouldn't be occurring right now, but if it's this esophagus thing, then it ALWAYS turns into cancer, but it won't be for 30 years or so. So, there's my story of the last few weeks... So much fun. However, Dr. Bob is an amazing man, and gave me back my copay, and gave me a whole bunch of medicine, and he said, that when I run out of it, just come back, and he'll give me more. That was a blessing and a relief for today!

My thoughts are that it's going to be my gallbladder, and not the other. I see what other people are having to suffer through, and I'm really fine with only having to suffer for a few hours every once in a while. I really do feel very blessed!

Message on Revelations...

This link leads to a message by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. In it he discusses that the Lord still speaks. I know this to be true! I know that the Lord spoke to the people in both biblical times and Book of Mormon times. How could a loving Father in Heaven just stop speaking to his children? I know that He still speaks. He speaks through President Thomas S. Monson and the other church leaders to all people. He speaks to me as well. I know that I can receive personal revelation from Him. I'm so grateful for that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GACIAgjUJlg

Easter and Conference and such...

Well, it's been a while since I last blogged. It's been a couple of weeks that seem both very busy, and at the same time like nothing has really gone on. This was the first Saturday in ten years that I've been able to watch general conference. It seems crazy to me that it's been that long. Of course, when I was manager at Meier & Frank, I just happened to need to do stock during the exact times of conference, so I could listen to it in the back room. I loved conference! I guess it starts with the young women general broadcast. I went with the stake to that, and absolutely loved it. I am so glad that they added Virtue to the list of values in the personal progress. What a great value to focus on! I got tickets to attend the saturday afternoon session at the conference center. The feeling was amazing! It was wonderful to be able to sit in the presence of such great leaders and not have the distractions that happen while watching it at home. There were so many messages that seemed to be meant just for me. I loved it!

In between conference and Easter I had the stomach flu. Not the whole time, but long enough that it was annoying! The Friday before Easter, Mom, Darlene, Earl, Cory, Robbe and I worked on cleaning Grandma's house out from the last 55 years. I didn't have much energy while recovering, so I spent time weeding and cleaning the inside ie dusting, vacuuming, going through drawers stuff like that. They cleaned out the garage. Grandpa had the most amazing things in there. D and E are going to take a bunch of stuff and donate it to a museum in Whitehall, MT. It was pretty fun to see things. Grandpa had lots and lots of old broken things, that he must've thought he'd one day get to fix. He had this really cool tackle box, that once you opened the lid, this cylinder would raise and inside the cylinder were many different cubby holes for different kinds of flies and reels. It was awesome!

For Easter, we went to a family party at Todd's on Saturday. It was nice to see everyone. We then went to the ReAL game, in the pouring rain. It didn't rain for maybe ten minutes of the whole game. It was awesome, though! They won 2-0! Not at all like how they played today, which is a totally different story! (They really need to change their mindset when going to play a team they've never beat before. They psyche themselves out! ANNOYING!!!)

On Easter, we did the regular church things. It was fast sunday in our ward, so we didn't have an "Easter program," but that was alright. After church, D & E and Terri came, and then Collin and his family, and then Robbe and his family. We had an Easter/birthday party for D & E. The kids had an easter egg hunt, that Fordy was way excited for! He kept asking if it was time, yet. I hear this was where Evy finally realized what to do with the eggs, instead of giving them away. They, also, got there baskets from Mom, and Ev was really quick to eat some candy! It was a really nice day!

On Monday, it was Mom's spring break, still. So, she had to get her's and Grandma's taxes done, So, I went with her and then we went to Grandma's house for a minute and then went to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. It's tradition! It was sad to not have Grandma there, though. We then went up to Temple Square and saw the Joseph Smith movie that is playing at the Joseph Smith Building. It was Mom's first time to see it. It was a great day!

Here are some photos of Easter!

This was my first attempt of making chocolate suckers! Sorry it's blurry!

Doesn't Ev just look like a big boy coloring!


Ford, Sam and Grandma Colleen are looking for eggs.

Ev is seriously looking for eggs!
Grandma's there to get the eggs that are just too high!

My Dad

A woman in our ward drew this for my Mom. Isn't it amazing!

Preach My Gospel

I have just recently started using Preach My Gospel with my scripture study. I absolutely love it! What a blessing it is for anyone, even people who aren't serving a full-time mission. I love to read the scriptures anyways. I always do it before I go to bed. Lately, I've been so excited all day, knowing that I'm going to study from it!

What a Trooper!

I am amazed at this little grandma of mine. She's led such an amazing life. She had to drop out of school in eighth grade to take care of her siblings and her sick mother. Grandma was the second child born here in America, and was followed by eleven more kids. She carried her little sister, Mil, while she was a baby, and kids from Grandma's school saw her, and gossiped about how Mil was the reason she had to drop out, that Grandma had had a baby. She continued to take care of her family for many years. She met Grandpa Dan at a dance in Midvale. He lived in Bingham Canyon, and she lived in Midvale. He'd asked her to marry him, and she didn't give her answer right away. Then she got in a fight with her mom, who was mean to her her entire life, and told Grandpa she'd be glad to get married. Thinking that she would be able to have her own family, own home, and own life with this wonderful man. Little did she know that she was going from taking care of her siblings to taking care of her drunken mother-in-law and her children. They, eventually, got their own home and had Darlene. Twelve years later, and a house later, they had my Mom. She has spent many years taking care of a lot of people. She continued to take care of her mom. She would take care of the things at her house and when my mom left for school, Grandma would leave for her mom's house to take care of her, until she passed away. Grandma has taken care of many people throughout her life. She babysat us while we were little, and kids are her most favorite things in the whole world; especially, little girls. She's still absolutely darling with Ford and Ev, whenever they stop to see her. She's always been someone that gave service, no matter who needed it she freely gave of her time to help them.She's now 93, and is so strong. Her life is coming to an end, and I'm going to miss her so much. I'll be happy for her, when it happens, because she's wanted to be with Grandpa for so long. The hospice people have told us that it could happen at any time. She's strong, though. So, for four days she could be sound asleep, not really responsive, and then wake up the next day and be wide awake. Two days ago, she said she needed Dan so they could dance, again. I love her so much! I know she'll be happy, though.

I need a logo. What should it be?

Option 1



Option 2



Option 3

Option 4

These are all rough drafts. I am interested in which color way you all think is best or of course which design is best.

Temples...

Watch this video on YouTube produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_-TQivCx8

Nicholes' Temple Night!

Hey Everyone! It's that time, finally! Jordan River Temple on March 12th. We're going to meet in the chapel at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see all of you there!

There was a horrible tragedy in our old ward last week. On Sunday morning, I was awakened by Mom coming home and telling me she had terrible news. A young man in our old ward had been in an accident that wasn't that bad, until he got out of the car to check the damage and another car hit into the back of the first car that had hit him. I didn't know Josh that well. What I did know, was that I was so impressed, the few interactions that we had, with the spirit about him. He knew who he was, he knew the Church was true, and you could see that eminating from him. He passed away on Sunday. His family donated his organs, which is the best gift that can be given. I'm so grateful all of the time for the family that chose to donate a heart to Grandpa Ross. I definitely think it's so much easier being on the side of receiving rather than donating. Josh's little sisters were in my primary class, and I just love them so much! They talked about him often in class and couldn't wait for the day until he came home from his mission. He came home in August, and was able to confirm them each as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What a great blessing! My heart has broken for those two little girls, and their big sisters, brother, and parents. Upon hearing the news, I immediately wanted to go hug them, but waited a day until I did. I was nervous of what to say, but I was so grateful I had gone. I was truly honored to be asked to play the piano for the funeral. I picked out many songs that I felt prompted to, and I loved being able to share that with the many people who love Josh. For not knowing him very well, other than right when he got home and a few chats on facebook, I bawled so hard. I could barely make it through the opening hymn, Called to Serve. I was grateful to be able to accompany his sisters doing their musical numbers, as well. My heart goes out to them, and I hope they know that they can depend on me whenever they need me, they're such a great family!

Tonight we went to Celine Dion. I bought tickets for Mom for her Christmas present 2007. The concert was supposed to be on Nov. 21, 2008, which happens to be Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary. I thought that would be a great way to spend that evening. Well, about four days before the concert they sent out an e-mail saying that the show had been postponed to today. I was bugged by that because today is Sunday, and that was a special day for Mom. I have been bothered by the whole Sunday issue, but I had spent about $160 on these tickets. So, we went. It was amazing! The opening act wasn't so wonderful. It was a comedian that works the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. He was quite talented, but there were some pretty bad things that he said. However, Celine Dion was amazing! I feel like a total dork saying that, but she is so talented. Her range and her breath control, I just can't believe it. Anyways~ other than some really strange choreography and dancers and a couple of facial expressions, it was totally cool! She had seven costume changes and they were stunning. My most favorite part of any conert is the way the lights are progammed and how cool the stage and layout is. I've been to a lot of concerts and have never seen a stage like this one. Everything moved! There was a moving sidewalk around the entire stage. The stage was in the center of the court, a giant square and then had two walkouts with circular stages. It was so great!

Kindness and Blessings...

Well, the last few weeks have been busy, crazy, trying, and fun. On January 28th, our stake had Sis. Julie Beck up for our stake enrichment meeting. I was so excited! As we pulled into the parking lot, Apple Village called and told us Grandma was non-responsive, and her blood pressure was extremely low. Mom told me to stay with Amy and Roz, and she'd just go, but I didn't. We took Amy's van and sped over, glad we were pretty much across the highway from her. So, after seeing how she was, we called the paramedics and spent the next 9 hours in the emergency room. All of her tests came back fine, but she wasn't fine. So, they took her in and did this nuclear test that takes about 45 minutes, with her being in a tube the whole time. It ended up that she has multiple blood clots in her lungs. The ER doctor was going to admit her, and at about 12:30 a.m., said a doctor needed to talk to us first. This "hospitalist" guy came in and was pretty tense and defensive and told us either he would treat her, and she'd probably end up falling and bleed to death internally (she falls a big fall every couple of weeks, so...), or he wouldn't treat her, and she'll eventually die from the pulmonary embolisms at anytime. That's a lot of pressure to have to choose at an instant, to have to decide whether or not your going to let your mom die from something has got to be the hardest decision for someone. Mom shouldn't have to make decisions like that. It ended up that we decided not to treat it, and instead have hospice coming in to "make her comfortable." Such a hard decision!

Once we got her back to Apple Village, she just got right back into her regular routine! We were so grateful for this. It made it so we could go to St. George the next week. Mom had a music conference that she HAD to be to, for the credit, to renew her license. We were going to go on Wednesday, the 4th, so we could go play in Las Vegas, and I could go to the World Market Design Center (which I still need to do!!!) Mom started to get pretty sick on Tuesday, and by Wednesday, she was pretty much a disaster, and I was pretty sick too, so I made an executive decision, and we didn't go until Thursday, so we could rest a bit. While we were down there, I had a great time playing with Porter, Rhett, Bergen, Jason, Daisy (the calf in the backyard, that I actually fed), and ALee. ALee and I got to go shopping and look for accessories for her beautiful house, which was so fun! Mom, however, was sicker than I've ever seen her, and sicker than she remembers ever being. She did her classes, and the rest the time she sat in the lazyboy. Jason and the boys built her fires in the fireplace, because she was freezing the entire time. We did get to go to a movie, New in Town, which ended up being quite funny. Renee Zellweger and Harry Conick, Jr. are an odd couple, but it was still fun! We didn't sleep much, the whole time, and the first night, I'd gone into the bonus room around 2:00, because I couldn't sleep. I just laid down on the futon, with it still up like a sofa, because I couldn't figure out how that worked. I was tired! Anyways~ I shifted my position at some point and the futon threw me out and then flipped on top of me. I thought I broke my shoulder, but at that time of night, everything's horrendous! After that, I used it like a bed, because it was then laying out! DUH!!! On Sunday, Mom was so sick, Jason gave her a blessing and we left. She seemed better during the ride, but by the time we got home, she was worse again! So, Collin came over and gave her a blessing, as well. The priesthood is such an amazing thing! Well, Monday we got her to the doctor, and she has pneumonia, the flu, and two ear infections. What a mess! She has been home all week, which she's never done before!

I called Collin to tell him the prognosis, and he talked about it with Ryan, who is in our old ward. Ryan called me later that day, and told me he'd called the relief society president in Hobbs Creek, because he didn't know who to call from our ward. Right after that, a member of our relief society presidency in the 28th ward called to check on her. I'd assumed that Laralee, from HC, had called our ward, but she hadn't. Anyways, people have just randomly dropped over dinners. We're so grateful for them. It's not that I can't cook, because I have been, but it's been so nice. The guy across the street let me borrow his snowblower, during the huge storm on Monday, and then Brandon did it the next day. We'd gotten a warning about our sidewalks not being clean in front of the house and north of us, but the two houses up were vacant. Anyways~ someone did that for us yesterday. Today, someone did our driveway, again. Then this evening, I was sitting on the couch and heard some noise outside. A couple of young men from our ward, one of the leaders, and his son that is in my primary class were shoveling our mountain, that was covering the stairs. They then gave us each a valentine, and a red rose! How cute!

Today is Collin's birthday, and we went to the Draper Temple open house. It was beautiful! What a great experience for kids. As we were walking out, I asked Ford what he thought, and he said, "That was so fun!!!! and so beautiful!!!!!" Then we went to lunch with Grandma and Grandpa. Fun day!

New Temple Night!!!

Nicholes' temple night at Jordan River on March 12th. Meet at 6:30, in the chapel. I promise I won't cancel, again!

Everett!!!

I just had to post this. Look at his eyes! He's got some surprise in his mind! He's got the Nicholes' gleam!

So, things are much better, now. Last week, after my annoying Sunday, I then got the stomach flu one Tuesday night. It was kind of like a 24 hour flu. Anyways, since then life has been much better. I got a new phone (my old one was returned on Sunday, one of my primary kids had it in her bag), it only cost $40 because I have insurance. I decided to insure my phone after I lost the last one on Indiana Jones at Disneyland. I'm so glad I was thinking ahead this time.

I kept score for the stake young women's basketball games. I volunteered for one game, but ended up doing all of them on thursday night, and woke up early on saturday, so I could do it again. It was so much fun! I'm glad that I've been able to get to know the young women of our stake. There's only one ward of parents that I absolutely can't stand, so if I ignore them, then things are good. After basketball on Saturday, we went to American Fork to have lunch with Grandma and Grandpa, and play Five Crowns. It was so fun to be with them and with Collin and his family. It was so much fun to play with the boys. They're such special boys!

I'm so glad that I have an open schedule, right now. On Friday, Grandma Mamie was having one of her off days. Apple Inn called to say she wouldn't take her pills or her shower, and she was just being really mean. I went up there to give her her meds and stayed with her for about an hour feeding her lunch and getting her dressed. She wasn't mean to me, and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to help her.

This Sunday was a great day! I woke up early and got ready for the day. My lesson was on the early life of Joseph Smith. I watched the movie, Praise to the Man, while I made treats for primary. It was such a peaceful day, not having to rush for anything, and to be able to sit and read and study. It was great! Our meeting was really nice, as well. The spirit was so strong!

What a Crappy Sunday!

So, today started off alright, but that was about it, in the good department. I haven't been feeling the best, so I slept in. I got up and started color coding Book of Mormon's for my primary class (I color code the books, like the tabs in the better copies, but I do it with color and it really helps them, because I have flash cards with the color on them, so I just hold up the blue and they know to go to 1st Nephi.) Anyways, so I did that and I felt so prepared for church, and then I took my time eating breakfast and then went in to get ready for the day. I was putting on my contacts, which just happened to be my last pair. I put on my right, then I thought I put on my left, then I went to my room for something, and thought Wow, I really can't see out of my left eye. They're old, but I haven't been able to get new ones, so I just figured that was the problem. Nope. I never actually put it in. However, it's missing. I couldn't find it anywhere, so I was really glad that I got glasses my last eye appointment or I would've been in a big mess. I still kind of was, because as I sit on the bench, I can't read the music, see the keys and play the pedals on the organ with glasses, because there is that void space where there are rims and then no lens when I look down. It's great! So, The Spirit of God was about seven minutes long. I never am a slow player, but I couldn't focus. When I was done with the second verse I thought I'd die, because it was so long. The rest of church was fine, until I'd run home for a second, because I forgot their treats, and when I got back, I just had my phone sitting on my lesson manual next to me in sharing time. I should've put it in my bag, but for some reason I didn't. So, then we went to class, and I swear I had it. I don't wear a watch, and I don't have a clock in my class room, so I use my phone. It's on vibrate and no one really calls while I'm in church anyways, so it's never been a problem. I went to look at the time, and couldn't find it, and so I sent one of the boys back to the primary room to get it. No one had seen it. Well, after church I looked everywhere for it. I talked to everyone I could think of, and no one found it. I was hoping I'd dropped it in my car or something, but no such luck! So, I came home. Then I had to go look again, just to be sure. No phone. Then I went and visited Grandma, and then Mom and I went back to look for it. No phone. All the while, people had been calling it to hear if anyone would hear it vibrating. No such luck! So, yep, I cried. My phone is the only way I'm going to get business, and it's gone! I don't really have the funds for it either, but at least I insured it, so I won't have to pay the whole amount. I called t-mobile to report it lost or stolen, and they said, Well, it hasn't been used since 3:55. I was in primary at the time. So someone has my phone, how sad!

Re: Nicholes' Temple Nights...

So, I feel so bad about this, but Mom & I have tickets to the King Singers on February 12th. So much for us attending the first Nicholes' Temple Night. I hope all of you still go, and I'll come next time. Oh, well!

I am applying to work for my mom's district for a few hours a week helping kids learn how to read. Besides an application, my resume, and proof of my degree I, also, had to turn in some letters of recommendation. I was so touched by the letters I received in the last couple of days. I am so grateful for all of the support I'm given at every turn in my life!

Nicholes' Temple Nights...

As many of you know, I love the temple and I love our family! I have talked to Jen, Mandi and Grandma JaNae about this. We've decided that we are going to have a temple night quarterly. So, announcing our first night... Thursday, February 12th. We will trade temples for each time. We are going to start at Jordan River, this time. Anyone is welcome to come! We'll meet in the chapel at 6:30 p.m. for the 6:40 session. So, pass the word along. Hopefully everyone that is able, that lives in this part of the world will be able to make it to at least one of our temple nights. I love you, all!

P.S. Mandi I had such a great time today. Thanks so much!

Awakening!

Well, I've been a little discouraged lately. My company is taking longer to get going than I planned on, and I'm running out of money. Advertising is way more expensive than I ever would have guessed. Although, nothing has changed in regards to all of that, I woke up feeling much better today. I decided that I was going to have a good attitude. Today I went and bought some books for my piano students and ran errands, and it was so nice to be out and about, and not staring at the fact that I need to find some way to advertise more. I, also, went to the gym today, which I'm trying to do every week day. I feel so much better! Anyways~ that's probably enough of my rambling today!
Talk to y'all later!

Happy New Year

I was just telling Grandma Mamie how it's now 2009, and her jaw dropped! It's crazy to think of all of the progress the world has made in my 28 years on this earth, but to think of all she's witnessed, I can't even believe it.

I went to the Salt Lake Temple for my first time yesterday with Mom and Amy. It was such an amazing experience! As many of you know, I love learning about church history. I was just reading about how a few years before the temple was complete some men were sent to France to learn how to paint and how to sculpt, so that the Lord's name could be glorified through the arts. What an absolute amazing testimony that the Lord's hand is in everything, to be able to go to France to learn how to do it for a few years, and be able to get results like that is amazing!

As the new year is here, I hope everyone will have a loving, successful, and healthy year ahead of them.