This is Our Life

Sweet Giggles

2012-02-05T14:36:00.001-08:00

I wanted to blog today about my nieces & nephews. I think they're adorable! I love them all MUCH!!! Yes, of course they can be stinkers little angels, but that's why I love them right? Right!

As I was cooking & cleaning in my kitchen this afternoon after church, I just stood their taking pictures of the kiddos jumping on their trampoline! (BTW..my sister lives right next door to me!) They are so happy, and full of

life! I love them!!!

Happy Birthday Richard

2012-01-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

Well...you are now officially 30 years old! How does it feel? Of course it doesn't actually feel different...but it does at the same time!

30 years ago, you were born into this world, and I am so thankful to your parents for bringing you into this world. I thank my lucky stars(and of course my Heavenly Father), for allowing me to spend my life with you.

You are my very best friend, and my most favorite person in the world. You make me smile, you make me feel loved and I am so ETERNALLY thankful that I get to spend Eternity with you.

I only hope that the next 30 years of your life are filled with as much joy, love and fabulous memories that the first 30 years were made of.

Love you always & forever
Mindy
xoxo

Birthday Fun...

2012-01-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

What is it you may ask? That's easy...it's Richard!

On Saturday Richard turns the big 30!!! We are 6 months apart, so I look forward to his birthday because we will be the same age again! lol.(He will never let me live that one down!)

He is the bestest thing that has ever happened to me! I love this man, more and more each year...and I am so thankful to call him mine!

Things have been good here, just busy as can be! But that's a good thing right? Right!

The wind has been so crazy here, that most of the snow we got 1 1/2 weeks ago is melting away. This has been such a strange winter, I must say, but I'll take it!

Wow, I'm pretty boring eh? Oh ya! So here's a funny story for ya...hopefully you'll laugh, because EVERY TIME I think about it, it cracks me up!

So at work...(we work on the phones...) I played a prank on my mom. p.s. I get to work with my mom and Richard!

I sent my mom a message to call a lady named " Iwana Tinkle". So you would think that just by reading this, she would get that it's a joke right?? WRONG! She called the number that I put on the message(which was just a friends number)...and asked for Iwana Tinkle...my friend pretended to not understand, so she asked for this person 2-3 times! It was so funny, we were all laughing!

Oh, another good one....

When we bought our 3d tv last year, we had my parents over to check it out. We told my mom to try out our cool remote for the tv, and told her that it was voice activating! Did she believe us?? OH YA! She started to talk to the remote-telling it to turn off the tv...well wouldn't you believe that the tv went off?? Then she told it to turn it back on...and it TURNED BACK ON! What are the chances right? Then we told her afterwards that it doesn't really have such special powders, lol...and we all had a great laugh!!!

later sk8er!

But I want it!!!!

2012-01-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, 3 times of blogging this week....aren't you SOOO proud of me??? lol . So as I was just doing my make-up and my hair and while doing this of course I'm thinking of a gazillion things!
On the weekends when I get ready, it may sound silly, but it gives me time to just think to myself, and reflect on some of the things that I want....or think I need. Some of the things may be realistic, and reasonable to want, and of course some are not.

For example,

-I want a bigger home....
-I want to have NO debt(I know...this may be a bit unrealistic, lol)
-I want to be healthy, as much as I can be-both in mind and in spirit(and of body of course)
-I don't want to have to worry about money...because I HATE money!(especially if you don't have it,lol)

and of course, the one thing I want probably more than anything....is to have children.

YES, I said it, I want children. Everyone knows this, but it's like the forbidden topic because of the sensitivity of the situation. We have been trying to have a family...for a little over 7 years now...and it's so incredibly frustrating to not be able to have one.
Why you may ask? I don't know-there are no reasons that are related to health issues....so WHO KNOWS??? (Heavenly Father does)

I think about this topic....ALL of the time! I wonder...why not us? I know that we would be amazing parents...having children is something that I've dreamed of since I was like 12 years old...I just love the idea of being a mom...and taking care of my family.
Now for some people this would make them think....is their a God? If so, why would He do this to someone who has such righteous desires?

Of course, I know that God lives, and that he loves us, all individually. I know that because there have been too many instances in my life to say any different. This is where faith comes in as well, because to get through these " I want, but can't have"(at least for the time being), things you just have to believe that what is happening to you right now, is what was meant to be.

I know that life isn't easy, it's downright miserable sometimes, but if I can just hold on to the fact that I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, and STOP to think that maybe, just maybe He has a plan in store(and I already know that He does), then that should get me through the difficult things that I just cannot control.

So their you have it people, life isn't easy, but there's a reason for everything, you just have to try and have FAITH that things will work out, because they will. I know this, totally and completely.

Off to get dressed for Church now....and to be Spiritually Fed:)

Favorite Weekend Things....

2012-01-14T10:33:00.001-08:00

(and NO, these are not our feet! lol)

1)I love sleeping in! Yes, yes I do. I got up at 10:30 today...and it was fabulous!

2)Cleaning the house when it's still bright and sunny outside...while BLASTING music!!!

3)Taking my time getting ready, and again while singing my HEART AWAY to music.....

4)Spending some good quality time with my sweet heart.

5)Being outside...enjoying the sunshine

6)Having the chance to see my nephews & nieces

7)Playin' with our kitties

8)*Going to Church and to be spiritually rejuvenated*

9)The ability to do NOTHING if that's what I want to do!!!

10)Sitting around in my cozy p.j.'s & Bathrobe...

That's all I could think of for now, but let me tell ya, I love my weekends.

p.s. The above 10 listed things are in no particular order.

Today, Richard(who is still currently sleeping)and I are going to get some groceries, maybe go see a movie & veg. We are starting to eat all of the recipes that we got from our
"Biggest Loser Cookbook" and I'm SUPER excited because they are so yummy and healthy!

Have a beautiful weekend all!)

p.s. Is there anything that ya'll want to hear about on our blog?? If so, let me know!)

New Beginnings...

2012-01-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, how silly I feel! It has been SEVEN MONTHS!!! Sorry! It's funny because so much has happened in the last 7 months! Last year was a year full of MUCH stress...and business! I don't know why, but I just really wasn't in the blogging mood. But I am now!

Last May Richards brother Matt was put in the hospital and almost died, BUT he is totally fine now and is happily married! It was a really great year, as far as being able to travel to Idaho and visit family their!

The holidays were fantastic! It was so much fun having Ione(Richards mom:) here, to spend Christmas with us. It was a blessing to have her with us.

This year is going to be a good one for Richard and I, I just feel it! We have set so many awesome goals as a couple, and personal goals as well. This year is a year for us to accomplish them and to grow together. We're both super excited.

I am also SO EXCITED because March 30th, is my Mission Reunion in Utah! I have been home from my Mission this month...for 8 YEARS! Do you know how OLD that makes me feel???!! I am so excited to see my Mission President, and all of the other Missionaries that I served with, it is going to be an AMAZING experience! We will also be able to stop through Idaho on our way and way back home to visit family their, so all in all it's going to be great.

Our Renos have been put on hold totally. Not just because of lack of $$$, but also we have other priorities that come first...so that's the update their.

Believe it or not, we just got snow 2 days ago! It was been such a mild winter so far(besides the horrid wind), so it's been a treat.

I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with another year with my sweet heart. I am thankful to Heavenly Father for all of the blessing that he gives me, all of the time. We have a nice home, a roof over our heads and we are so blessed with good families and health. I am grateful for my Savior, and hope that through this new year, I can allow the Light of Christ to shine from me, and be able to serve and help all of my brothers & sisters as he would have us do.

I have a new calling in Church-I'm the Relief Society Chorister, and Richards calling is the Assistant Financial Clerk. He's good at it! Me? I have insecurities. Last Sunday was my first Sunday leading the music, and I felt a TOTAL DORK! But it'll get better....crossing fingers!)

Life is good, we're happy and healthy...and working on becoming even healthier. I promise to start updating the blog weekly at least with fun and exciting things that we are doing.

later sk8er!

Thirty, flirty & thriving!!!

2011-06-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well...here we are June 12, 2011! I totally bypassed May all together!!! May was a really crazy busy month, so I have an excuse...promise!!

On May 18th, we received a call from Jenny...Richards Sister. She was the first one to tell us that Richards brother Matt, has been hospitalized. He wasn't breathing on his own, and he was hooked up to life support and was in a coma , and the entire family didn't think he was going to make it....WOW! That was a shocker! You're never ready to receive that kind of news. So we dropped everything and drove down to Idaho.

It was really touch and go for a while, not knowing what direction Matts recovery was taking, but with weeks into everything, miraculously he's awake now, still in much pain, but he's awake! He's breathing on his own, and everyone can now stop worrying about "what might happen". He's going to make it!!!!

It's unfortunate that Richard and I's first time going back to Idaho together since we moved back up here was for such awful circumstances, but I must say I'm so thankful we were able to go. It was so wonderful being able to spend time with the family. Being back in Idaho just brought back so many wonderful memories, I truly love Idaho.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, that if I was able to move my family down to Idaho, I'd do it in a heart beat. I love the city, the people and the feeling that being their brings. But, that's not logical, and so I just try to enjoy the visits that we are blessed with.

Richard and I are doing well. Summer seems to be poking it's head out of the corner. It's been really rainy here, but for the last 3-4 days, it's been really nice out. We purchased a fun gazebo (I'll take some pics) so that we can enjoy being outside this summer, without worrying about being eaten alive by all of the nasty mosquitoes! We'll fancy it up as we have the $$$$ to do so! We can't forget about our reno's in the house as well, because things have sorta been put on hold for now.

In order to continue with our reno's on the inside, we need to buy our hardwood floors for the living room, and we don't have the $$$ to do this. But it's all good, we'll try to use it as an excuse to focus on some other things in our lives, and it gives us a break!

Well, I suppose I should go now! Oh...I am now 30....suck!!!! Ok, so it's really not as bad as I thought it would be, but I don't like the idea of being 30...or in my 30's. I feel old, lol! j/k. I'm really not THAT MUCH of a drama queen(even though Richard may highly disagree!!). I remember the line from the movie" 13 going on 30"..."thirty, flirty & thriving...I'll try to focus on that aspect of now being in my 30's...:)

Ok, later sk8er!!!

wassup??

2011-04-30T23:28:00.001-07:00

I must say that I am soooooo totally excited for Summer! It feels like it's never actually going to happen, but I'm still anticipating it!!

So ya! How r u? I hope fantastico!!! Things have been super busy as always here! Last weekend Richard took a trip down to Utah/Idaho as I mentioned in my last post, and so I had a fun weekend with my Mom! We watched Ryan & Ace on Friday nite, and then had a girls day with Hayley!

So we are now on a time crunch(wish is a FANTASTIC) thing! Ione, Jenny & Anea are coming up here on May Long weekend. We're super excited to see them. But this means that we have to pick up the pace to get our house liveable again for company! I love having this excuse to make things go faster. It's so easy when doing renos to just find any excuse to "take a break", lol! As much as I'm sick of living in a mad house that is TOTALLY huge mess and things thrown everywhere, I get so tired of working all of the time too!

But anyhow, I'm really excited to see them! I can't believe it's almost been 1 year since they were up here last, it's crazy! Time flies so fast!

Nothing too exciting for me to report today, just wanted to write something. Things are going good for us, and we're super happy and healthy up here in good ole Canada! Hope ya'll are doing great!!

2011-04-24T17:11:00.001-07:00

My Guy

For this long weekend, Richard wen't to Utah & Idaho Falls for a family reunion. Unfortunately, I don't have a passport(which is in the works), so I couldn't go with him! OH MY GOODNES.... I am such a sissy! The last few days have been totally miserable!

I am so thankful for my husband. I mean, my life has been so blah the last few days, and it feels like apart of me is missing. So I will stop being such a drama queen, and just say that I'm so thankful that he's coming home to me tonight!

A little bit of "elbow grease"!

2011-03-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

WOW! I want to be FINISHED RENO'S!!! lol So ya, I know I'm going to TOTALLY and COMPLETELY love the end result, but I tell ya, the middle part...sucks!!!

I hate having our home such a ginormous mess! But, it comes with the territory right?!

So I just wanted to post a few pictures from our renos so far. Yest. we tore down the old sheet rock, put up the vapor barrier and tore out all of our old cupboards!

The next step is to get our tile flooring down so that we can have it finished before putting in the new cabinets!

So here are some pics...

I know you're all probably thinking...where are you Mindy??? Yes, believe it or not I am working SUPER HARD TOO!!! lol I just happen to be the one that's taking the pictures!

He's so cute!!!
We just got a 3d tv...yes you heard me correct....a 3d TV !!!!!

It so SOOOOO SA-WEET!!

Who needs a theatre when you've got one in the comfort of your own home, lol!

Night all!!

wake up call !

2011-03-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

So we've had a really busy weekend. As a lot of you know we've started doing reno's in our home, and will be doing them for probably the next 2-3 months. It's really great, and exciting....but here's comes the BIG but!!!

Tonight, as I was attending a baptism, I had this total wake-up call. If I don't have the gospel, I don't have anything. Yes, I already knew this, but I don't think that I have been completely appreciating all of my blessings.

As I sat their, with Richard arm around me, it took me back to my Mission. What an amazing experience it was.

I miss bearing my testimony daily

I miss feeling the spirit 24/7

I miss having these powerful spiritual experiences every day

I miss seing the look on people's faces when they "get it"

*I miss watching people enter into the covenant of baptism

Of course there's SO MANY more things that I miss, but the bottom line it was like a smack in the face!

DUH Melinda....you can't be set apart to serve the Lord for another 1 1/2 years, but I can serve Him in other ways.

So I will. Bottom line, I will. It was this wake up call...reminding me why we're here, and what we're supposed to be doing.

So as great and lovely of having our home look beautiful and updated...does it matter truly in the end?? No, it doesn't.

What matters is that I have a husband that loves me, that we're living our lives the best we can, and by doing this we have been promised Eternal Life.

I think we got a pretty good end deal...don't you?!!

You need to oil that thing!!!

2011-02-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

The above pictures if of my niece...Ryan! She is such a hoot. She has the most sickest sense of humor, it's just great! A few weekends ago as she was walking out of my house and down the porch stairs...she stops...turns around and looks back at me and says " you need to oil that thing"
That "thing" she's refering to is our screen door...because it has a tendancy to stick!
That makes me laugh EVERY TIME I read it! "you need to oil that thing"-I asked Miranda(her mom/my sis) how she would know that and Mir says she has NO IDEA!
I guess she's just that smart!

It's like...WOW!

2011-02-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

WOW...what a busy few weeks!

We're in the process of buying our first home, so it's been really crazy busy for us. It seems like we've been livin' at the bank with how many times we've had to run back and forth...not to mention all of the other craziness that comes a long with it!

But, tomorrow should be the final day! We're signing everything off, and should get everything finalized, so we're really EXCITED!!!

We were able to get a little bit of extra $$$$ , so we're paying off all of our debt, and then we'll have a little bit left afterwards to start doing reno's on our place.

It's going to be FANTASTIC! Here are some of the things we're going to do in our house...

*tear out the walls and put up new sheet rock

*put in new flooring - some of the house will have tile and the other part of it will have hardwood floors

*putting in new kitchen/bathroom cabinets

*new kitchen/bathroom countertops

*new "tap it" kitchen faucet...SOOO STOKED FOR THIS!!!

...and lots of other little things. Our goal is to have it all done before the summer, so that during the nice weather we can build our new deck outside and put new siding on the place.

We have a lot to do as you can see, but it's a great feeling knowing that this is going to finally be our place!

So...

this past week I also was super busy with making some things for Young Womens.
I was put in charge of decorating our Youth Bulletin Board...and this is how it turned out...(pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!)

I also made invitations for our New Beginnings next Month. They took a ton of time, but it was worth every second. I'm really pleased with how they turned out.

Last but not least, yest. my mom and I wen't to Cat Walk...a super fancy Hair Salon/ Spa to get our hair done...here's the turn out picture. They may be a bit more $$$ but it's worth every penny!

Well, that's all for now. This is turning out to be such a great year so far...and it's ONLY February!!!

Our fantastic " Love Day "

2011-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

So this year Valentines Day was my responsibility. Richard and I try to take turns-one of us does Valentines Day and the other plans our Anniversary.

Anyhow, I had a lot of fun planning Valentines day this year. It was super fun.

I got most of my ideas from a new website that I'm TOTALLY LOVIN'!(datingdivas.com)

So I started the nite off with a fun scavenger hunt! Each envelope that he opened, there was something that we had to do before he could read his next clue...here's a few pics...

We had to paint a portrait of something that we love about eachother...Richard painted my Makeup on his, and I painted that I love his lips and his eyes!

We had to feed eachother Chocolate Dipped Strawberries....

We had to dance to "our song" ...for the entire song...

The last clue lead to a bubble bath for Richard to relax in while I finished getting our supper ready!)

Here's our Yummy Supper...a yummy pear salad with a fabulous(if I do say so myself) pasta I made.

After supper we watched our favorite Valentines movie...The Notebook. We just love this movie. It really is a great movie that shows what true love is, and can mean.

It was a great night! It's so much fun to do something that's different. I sure love my sweetheart, and I am thankful for him every second, of every minute of every hour of every day!

You are my Brother...best friends forever!

2011-02-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

So today's post really is about MY brother...Con. The above video is a clip from an American Idol episode a few years ago...and this guy sings about "brothers". Although it really has nothing to do with my brother, I think it's fun!

Last night he had a gig at an event in Lethbridge, where his band played two different segments. The name of their band is called the clapping Monkey's. My brother is the lead guitarist. I must tell you, that that boy has some talent! I mean, to put it that way wouldn't even come close to how talented he really is. As I watched the band play, of course I mainly focused on Con. He is so talented! I mean, his fingers moved SO FAST! The songs that he wrote are beautiful, all very unique and nothing alike.

I just sat their, almost in tears as I watched, feeling so proud to be his sister. I've always known that he was GOOD but it was really neat last night to see him in his glory.

Love u Conny.... YOU ROCK!!!!!

but I don't wanna...

2011-02-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

How often do you use that excuse? Maybe you don't say it out loud...but seriously how often do you think it? Come on....YOU KNOW YOU SAY/THINK IT!

I can plead guilty to that one! I think it, ALL of the time! I tell ya, it's kinda pathetic. I get home from work on a good night between 6:30-7:00 and so that leaves me 2 1/2 hours before we start to get ready for bed. (going to bed between 9:30-10:00 is another story). So by the time we have supper and clean up it's like 8:00 some nights...that leaves me 1 1/2 hours...I said 1 1/2 hours! That's not a lot of time...so what do I do with this time???? Let's just say it's not what I should be doing with it. I should be getting more done around the house, more cards made, more cleaning, more practicing the piano and the list goes on and on and on!

So I'm going to start saying(or thinking)
the oposite and try to get more accomplished. I feel like on a night where I just sit around watching tv(which is what I do love to do), I go to bed feeling Blah because I haven't accomplished anything.

So, I'm going to go make a few cards before going to bed, and try to change things. Keeping fingers crossed

happy birthday to my man...

2011-01-28T08:23:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Richard!

Wow...THE BIG 29 lol! We are now the same age for SIX MONTHS!

So as I sit here, on the couch with the streamers/balloons up, pancakes and bacon cooked(Richards favorite b-day breakfast), while Richard is still snoring away I can't help but think of how grateful I am for today.

BECAUSE OF TODAY....

* We were able to meet on my Mission

* We have been been "together" for 8 years

* We have been married for 7 1/2 years

* my life is compelte

* our "someday" children will have the BESTEST FATHER EVER!

* my life has been changed forever!!

I love Richard, so much that it's ~~nutso~~ ...LOVELY!

There have been so many GREAT THINGS happening right now in our lives, and I'm so excited for 2011 because I get to spend another year with Richard!

Happy Birthday You!

simple things amuse small minds?

2011-01-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so as we sit and try to relax before heading to bed, Richard and I watch our cat Bella, playing with her favorite toy....A BOTTLE CAP! She goes nutso when she sees us opening up a water bottle...or anything that has some kind of lid. I wish that I could be entertained on something as simple as a bottle cap!

a little CRAZY??? maybe so!

2011-01-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

So a few minor things have gone on over the last week. First off, after working out our budget, we've been able to set plans to travel down to Idaho in August. It's not as soon as we had wanted, but it's the soonest time that we can go down due to finances. We're SO EXCITED to go back...it's been WAY too long!) We plan on going down in the middle of the month. We have a lot that we have to accomplish by then, but we're super excited. We hope to spend a lot of quality time with friends and family.

SO...I have to say that I am REALLY EXCITED for next Christmas. YES...I am fully aware that it is pretty much ONE YEAR away but Jenny...Anea and Ione are going to be here....YEAH. It's going to be a blast. We're already planning it out. We're excited to be able to spend Christmas this year with them.

Ok, so it's been a little over a week since we've started our new life style, and I have to say I'm totally proud of us. We've been eating salads for lunch every day, we're having a lot of veggies EVERY night for supper, and having 2 healthy snacks during the day. It was a bit hard last week because of course we were HUNGRY, but I'm not feeling as hungry this week. I can feel a difference already in my body and I know that I've lost weight, and Richard feels the same way. I didn't weigh myself prior...because I don't want to FOCUS on the "number", I want to focus on getting HEALTHY. That's the goal, and we're sticking to it!

Richard and I LOVE to watch the Biggest Loser and 3 seasons ago we found our favorite contestant. Now, he had more weight to loose of course than Richard and I but he inspires us, so here's to Michael...we want to get healthy, just like he has.

Cheers everyone, and have a GREAT NITE!!

Excited for a new year

2011-01-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

So for Richard and I, this year feels like we're just starting our lives, in so many ways. Now that his Canadian paperwork is done, we don't feel like we're having this huge thing hanging over us, and limiting us on what we can and cannot do with our lives.
We've set a lot of goals for this year and I'm REALLY excited to start accomplishing them. Some of the goals that I've set for myself are:

Practicing Piano EVERY day for 30 minutes
Be able to play every song in the Church Hymn Book by the end of the year
Work out Daily
Write in my journal Daily

Of course I have more, but those are some of the ones that are less personal to share. I really feel that this is going to be our year. That it's the start of something GREAT! So, with an excited attitude I'm really going to give it my all, because as they say " you get out of life what you put into it"

New Beginnings

2010-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is a time of year, when there are a lot of "new" things going on. A lot of people want to start fresh, wether that be in new relationships or their careers. I ALWAYS think of new goals that I want to achieve on New Years...or around the end of each year. I'm embarassed to say that I very rarely ever follow through with the goals that I have set. So, I ask myself why...why can I NOT achieve these goals? So because of frustration( and a little bit of bordom :) I looked up some information on goal setting. I found this little bit that I found when I googled "what is a goal" :

"Long term achievements rely on short-term achievements. Emotional control over the small moments of the single day makes a big difference in the long term.

One formula for achievement reads A= I*M[citation needed] where A = achievement, I = intelligence, and M = motivation. When motivation equals zero, achievement always equals zero, no matter the degree of intelligence. Similarly for intelligence: if intelligence equals zero, achievement always equals zero. The higher the combination of both intelligence and the motivation, the higher the achievements."

SOOOO...this year there are going to be changes in my life, and I am going to accomplish the goals that I make. Not by saying by June 2011 I want to loose 20 pounds...but by saying each day I am going to make a goal to drink a little more water, or choose not to eat after 6:00pm(this of course is an example). I am going to ponder and study my scriptures each day. Even if that means reading 2 Verses...yes I said 2! I'm going to become closer to my Father In Heaven, and try to be the best person that I can be. I know that by making smaller goals, I'll be able to acheieve the big ones.

I Believe that Dreams are just goals that we make...that we never accomplish. So with a full heart and an excited frame of mind, I'm going to take one step forward and not look back. The future can bea a beautiful one, if that's what I want...and it is what I want.

I have been blessed with so many things this year, and to not thank my Heavenly Father would be very selfish and ungrateful. I am thankful first and formost for my Husband...for without him, my life would not be life. I am thankful that we were able to get his Perm. Residence taken care of, and that we don't have to worry about being seperated. I'm thankful for my bounty, for our families, and for my Savior.

Life is to not be endured, but to be enjoyed. Happy New Years to all!!!)

'Tis the Season

2010-12-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas Time. I love the music, I love the lights, the cozy feelings, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

So thankful that I have family and friends to be with, to laugh with, to love with. I am so thankful for the bounty that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. For a roof over my head, for food in my fridge and for the clothes on my back.

I am so thankful for my husband, who I consider to be my greatest gift. I will be eternally thankful to my Heavenly Father for leading me to him. I'm thankful for the good man that he is. I'm thankful that I get to spend eternity with him.

And lastely but most imporantly. I am thankful for my Savior. I'm thankful for His birth. I'm thankful for the example that He has set for me. I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for sending Him to this earth. I'm thankful for His teachings, for His love, and for His sacrifice.

I'm thankful for my life, and that I have the chance to live each day, trying to be a better person. So many things to be thankful for. I am a very blessed.

Like Mother Like Daughter

2010-10-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

My mom is great. Infact, she's the BESTEST Mom in the world! Later this afternoon, she came over and helped me to decorate my house...for...Christmas. Yes, you heard me right....CHRISTMAS! I love Christmas, it's my favorite time of the year. I love the lights, I love the smells and I love all of the decorations. My mom is so talented when it comes to decorating the Christmas Tree, so she helped me out. It turned out so beautiful. I'll post some pics. tomorrow.

The atmosphere is so much more cozy now, and it's wonderful. I just love it!

My mom has had her tree up for the last 1 1/2 weeks...it's so GREAT!

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas.....

night all

hangin' out with the boys...

2010-10-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

The boys

So last night...I met the backstreet boys! YES..you're probably FREAKING OUT right now, thinking that I'm FREAKTING OUT right now! But....you can STOP freaking out because it was just a dream! sigh It was TOTALLY realistic, and let me tell you I did NOT WANT TO WAKE UP!!! That's life right?! Maybe ONE DAY my dream will actually COME TRUE!

keeping fingers crossed

laterz!

The Attitude of Gratitude

2010-10-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

So today I was looking through one of my Missionary Binders. I found a paper that we made up called " The Attitude of Gratitude". We would post this paper on our wall, and then each day write something funny or memorable. I have copies of the ones that we made. I cannot stop myself from laughing my HEAD OFF while reading them. One of my favorite ones that we wrote was when my companion at the time(Sister Hart) said to Elder Johnson while we were watching General Conference together " It's just a gobstopper Elder Jonnson, not an olypic sport". That was so funny! I'm sure most of you are like "what a weirdo", but it's times like that that I want to remember.

SO, I've posted one in our kitchen on our cork board, and Richard and I are goin to start using it. You can write something funny, something that you're grateful for or whatever you like. The point is you're looking at the positive throughout the day, instead of focusing on the negative. TRY IT, trust me, it'll be worth it!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I will post some pictures from todays family get together later on:)

Fun Week!

2010-10-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday night for Young Womens, we made a super cute Tin Magnet Board

These girls did a GREAT job!!

Here's the one that I made. I just put glue dots onto some magnets and attatched them to some cute buttons.

Here's a super cute pic. of my niece Ryan.

Ryan and Mady. So cute!!

All in all, it's been a nice weekend. Now I'm going to go and get some cards made. I've been REALLY slacking this year with birthday cards...sorry! Better late than never right?!

So much to be grateful for!

2010-10-03T11:11:00.001-07:00

WOW...I haven't blogged in a while. I usually start most of my posts this way, don't I ?!

Well, I wanted to post today mainly because something really inspiring happened to me yest, but first, let me back up and give you some background on the situation.

I work for Truehope Nutritional Support. I work with people on the phones every day, encouraging them, and helping individuals with the struggles they may be having. We work with an amazing product called EMPowerplus. This product is a natural product, that pretty much takes the place of antidepressants, psychotropic meds. I work with people helping them to come off of those medications, and cross taper to the EMPowerplus. As a lot of you may already know, this can be a very challenging journey, especially when one is faced with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, etc. So, I work with individuals encouraging them to continue on the journey, and reminding them how just AWESOME they are, because THEY ARE! These people have so much courage and strength.

Well, back to what happened yesterday. We had a participant that we work with call in on the Emergency Line(my mother also works for the same company, and speaks to people after hours that may need some help). This women had an issue with her supplements, and ran out. I've been working with her for months. She doesn't live too far away from us, so I suggested she come and get some EMPowerplus from my mother.

Well, she did. I had the opportunity to meet her, and it was just amazing. I think for me, because I talk to people all day on the phones, but never face to face contact, it's not as real to me. Then, after meeting this amazing woman, it really hit home. She looked at me and said "You saved my life". WOW, I feel so inadequate and totally undeserving of that statement. It has made things so much more real to me now, that even when I am tired, and have no hope left to give anyone, I MUST reach down and pull it out and give it. I need to inspire, and make someone smile.

When I go to work tomorrow, I am going to be looking at things from a totally different perspective.

I thought this post was totall appropriate for this "thanks-giving season". I am SO THANKFUL for the opportunity and the blessing that I HAVE to share/give hope to others.
I am SO THANKFUL for the courage, strength and example that these amazing people give to me.

There is no greater thing on earth(in my opinion)than that of serving our brothers and sisters.

I know that this is where my Heavenly Father wants me to be, and I am THANKFUL for the blessing that I have to help so many people on a daily basis.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

2010-08-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

So, I just wanted to upload a few pics. from Jacksons(my nephew) birthday party we had yest. He is such a little stud! He's so shy, but SO NOT!

The family

and here's Jackson, the b-day boy!

It was a fun b-day party:)

Summer Fun

2010-08-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well...it's been a really odd summer! The weather this summer has kinda stunk unfortunately. Normally I wouldn't mind it not being so hot, but because we have a pool....having colder weather is kind of a let down. But, we make the best of what we've got!

Richard and I were on holidays at the beginning of this month, which was REALLY nice! We didn't do a whole lot. Because of money, we wen't camping...in our backyard! It sounds super dorky I KNOW, but it was actually A LOT of FUN! Here's our Lovely Tent!

We had a lot of fun on Aug. 4, going to Calaway park with the entire family!! Calaway Park is
an amusement park in outside of Calgary. It has more rides for children, but it was still a lot of fun! It was a really nice day out!

I was actually REALLY impressed with all of the little kids, because they went on rides NON-STOP ALL DAY!

Mellis with HayleyAdam, Mir and Richard.Easton and Jacks are in the front...the rest of the kids are in the back.

It was a really GREAT day!!

We've been able to swim a bit too in our pool, which as been really nice. It's really refreshing taking a dip in the pool after work. It's very relaxing!

That's all to report for now!

Magrath Days...

2010-07-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual I've waited a long time to post something. Nothing really new or exciting has gone on, so I use that as an excuse I suppose. OF COURSE it's not a good excuse, but I use it as one none the less.

Yest., was Magrath Days, and it was super fun! The parade was great. We sat with my parents and the Towells. After that, we had a nice lunch at my parents house, where everyone in the fam. was their.

I was able to participate in something really fun in the afternoon. Back in November, 2008 our young womens class did a time capsule where we wrote letters to ourselves. Our teach at that time, also made a video of us during one of our activities. I must say, I was SUCH A DORK! But if that's the worst thing I can say, then I'm doing pretty good right?! Anyway, it was fun to read the words that I hoped for myself. Unfortunately, I didn't say much. But there were a few things that I did say, like : always treat others kindly, always love my family and stay close to them, and also to remember my best friends Mary Ann and Chrissy! I ended the letter off to myself by saying " Do you have a towell, because I need to stick my head in the sink"!

WOW...if you know me well, you'd be laughing right now!

Then last night, we sat together as a family and watched the evening program. It was GREAT! I couldn't believe how long it lasted. We had some amazing talent. The program ended with Martin Kerr, who was on Canadian Idol-he was AWESOME, and then we had some fire dancers perform. After that, we watched the crackling, as Maddy called them(fireworks). It was really long day, but it was SO MUCH FUN!

While I sat at the evening program, I looked around me, at all of the dozens of families and thought to myself, how blessed I am. I love Magrath, and I'm so thankful that I live here. What other town has a celebration like this? Ok, yes I'm sure there are other places that celebrate their towns birthday, but SERIOUSLY! I love it here.

Anyways, I need to go to bed. I'm really tired. I love going to be on a Sunday night, feeling good about the weekend, and tonight, I can surely do that!

Night all!!

Melinda and Emma Purnell...she was so adorable! I was walking by her at Magrath Days and she yells " SISTER ROTH, SISTHER ROTH". Before I know it, she is wrapped around my body giving me a giant hug! She is so cute, I love her!! P.S. I used to be her primary teacher in Grande Prairie

Night All!

Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I only have a minute because I NEED to go to bed!

Today in Church one of the speakers was of course speaking about her father. She told a story about how one day...she noticed a "poster" on one of the walls in her home. She didn't know how it got their, or how long it had been their...but the poster stated

"Family comes First...if I forget Remind me!

Doncha love that? I sure do!

Happy Fathers day!

Night!

the things I miss...

2010-06-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ok...so Richard got a new job and his hours are from 1:00pm-really late!(last nite he was home at midnight and 2nite he's still not home yet). It's seriously been TWO NITES...yet I miss him
LIKE CRAZY!

*I miss coming home from work and being greated with a kiss.
*I miss cooking/cleaning in the kitchen together....stealing a kiss here and their
*I miss sitting and hanging out cuddled on the couch together
*I miss just sitting around talking about absolutely nothing-but that nothing made some great conversations
*I miss being able to hold his hand
*I miss just being with him

Ok, of course there's much more that I miss, but I'm doing my best to keep busy! Let's just say that over these next few months my home is going to be spick and span!

On a lighter note, I wanted to upload a few pics/videos from the last little while, while we've had Ione, Jenny and Anea with us:

Here's a video of Anea wearing her curlers...getting ready for bed. Is she so not so adorable?!

A pic. of me July 6/10

Here's some more of Anea playing outside

The story Behind this Picture:

Ok...so a few weekends ago my mom, Jenny, Anea, Hayley Madison and I are at Wal-Mart
eating breakfast at McDonalds. As we were enjoying our fabulous meal, this guy walks up to
where the menus. His hair was a total mess, and he looked completely out of it. Then, he walked away. Jenny ran up behind him and took a picture of him...as you can see why his outfit was really something. Wearing a p.j. shirt and BOXERS....yes I said BOXERS! We were in shock! Anyways, we had a good laugh. That's the story...fun, fun, fun!)

Forever Long...

2010-05-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

So, here we are. It's a few months since my last post, and lots of things have happened since then.
We've had Jenny and Anea(sister in-law and niece) with us for about 3 weeks, and now have Ione (Richards mom) with us.

We've had a pretty crummy "spring/summer" so far...because we've only had a few days of decent weather.

One of my best friends Mary Ann...is getting Married July 16. I SOOOOO wish I could be their, but I'm so happy for her...LOVE YA!

Back in January, we started the "biggest loser" at work. It finished in at the end of April. Both myself and another co-worker and I tied. We both lost 23 pounds. That was pretty exciting. We started up again at the beginning of May and will go for another 4 months to do another biggest loser. We'll see how that pans out.

One thing I do have to mention, is how thankful I am for such a good husband. I seriously just love him to pieces. There isn't a man in this world that I would rather spend the rest of my life with. He is the most decent man I know.

Anyhow...I know that this post was totally random. I just wanted to write something because it's been so long. Hope all is well, and I'll post again soon

standing on my soap box...

2010-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

So here I am, feeling like a bawl baby. I can't STOP worrying and thinking about Wednesday. Of course the most important thing is to be with Richard, and as long as we're together then everything in my life should be content. Of course, I sit here and like most of us, I tend to think and focus on the negative instead of the positive. We've worked so hard for the past 6 years trying to accomplish so many things to do with his permanent residents, and now that the time has come where we get an answer, it feels like my whole world is coming crashing down. I have so much fear in me, that it's making me physically and emotionally exhausted. I don't know how to stop myself from FREAKING OUT...but I have to try, or else I will make myself go INSANE! All I know is that Richard is the love of my life, and nothing, I mean NOTHING will keep us apart. I know that we were meant to be together, and from that we will continue to be together no matter where on this earth that we live. So, I will step down from my soap box, try to suck it up and quit my ramblings. Goodnight all...please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings and Fears....

2010-03-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

So...It's been a little while since the last time that I've written a post. Nothing TOO exciting has gone on lately. But a few thoughts have crossed my mind lately that I wanted to write about today. First being my job....I LOVE IT! I mean sure, every job has it quirks, but overall I feel really blessed. I absolutely, positively love helping/serving others. I feel so enriched after I hang up the phone knowing that I've helped someone in some way. If you're wondering what I do for work...I work at Truehope. It's a company that sells natural supplements, for mainly people that have mental disorders. We help people come off of their medications that they've been taking for many reasons, for exampe: Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, ADD, ADHD, Anxiety...the list goes on. I work as a support person. Anyhow, these individuals in my eyes are very strong, couragous people. I have so much respect for them. I love that I have/get to be someone that can make a difference in their lives, even if it's just a little bit.

Second thing I wanted to post about today is this Wednesday! At 10:00am we have an interview with Immigration for Richard. It's EXTREMELY nerve wracking/exciting. Here's a breif "history" of our experiences so far for the past 6 years of trying to get his paperwork done...

-Richard was DENIED into Canada the 1st time he traveled up here(for really stupid and rediculous reasons)
- The year that Richard moved up to Canada for the 1st time, he took the bus from Idaho Falls up. Once they got to the border, they REFUSED him again. Saying that he needed at least $3000.00 in his bank account to prove that he could take care of himself while he was up here. He also needed to have a letter from his Employer stating that he had a job to return to. He also needed a letter from my parents stating that they take responsibility for him during his stay. Thankfully he was able to hop on a bus and backtrack to Shelby, Montana. My mom and I drove to meet Richard in Shelby and to get him the things that he needed. When we returned to the border, and he met all of their needs they ALMOST did not let him enter again...POWER HUNGRY!
-Then of course as many know we lived in Canada for about a year, then moved back down to Idaho hoping that I would be able to work faster than he was able to work up here. NO LUCK! So we prepared and moved back up here. Every time we've crossed the border, we both get SO SICK with worry! We've been back up here for 4 years, and still waiting for his Permanent Residents Status to be completed. With having to reapply for work permits, we finally have come to Wednesday...THE INTERVIEW!

We're absolutely terrified. This person holds our future in their hands. We hope and pray that everything will work out. But of course there's always "that chance" that Richard may be denied. My worst nightmare is to be seperated from Richard(a thought that I can't bare to think of). So...we ask EVERYONE to keep us in their prayers right now...and pray that all will work out for us.

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED!!

2010-03-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

So...this is a kind of boring, random, and VERY QUICK post...but I will post more later. I just wanted to update my background...! It's kinda silly, but it's for my hubby. So here you go Richard, love you lots!

times to remember

2010-03-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

So two Fridays ago, Jer, Jenny and Anea came up. Jer stayed the for a day and a half, and then Jenny and Anea stayed until two days ago. It was so much fun having them here! It was nice hanging with the girls. I must say though, it was so hard to see them go. It didn't really hit me that they were gone until Monday mid-afternoon...when I started to get a really achy feeling in my stomach :( It was sad coming home on Monday after work, because I knew they were gone. Of course as I was sitting on the couch Monday night, watching tv I got all so randomally aland started bawling like a baby! I sure miss those too!

Anyhow, life goes on right? I need to buck up and suck it up! So...onto some HAPPY AND EXCITING NEWS...! Yesterday we got a letter in the mail from Canadian Immigration. Richard has an interview on March 31st. This of course is just a formality, but it's one of the last steps in this whole process. We are so totally excited, but also SICK TO OUR STOMACHS because it's so nerve wracking. So...we're going to be saying tripple the prayers...and could sure use all of the prayers from others, as many as possible! Wish us luck:)

Here's a few pictures of our visit with the fam...we didn't get many because we had lost our camera, and didn't find it until 2 days before they left...but here they are anyhow:

We decided to take some pictures their last night here...on Jennys computer on photobooth. We were laughing so hard! Here's Richard laughing his head off.

Here's cutie pie Anea

some more of us taking some silly pics...

that's all for now

dream, dream, dream

2010-03-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so a totally random posting tonight. Last night I had a strange, but kewl dream. I woke up this morning to it. I was sitting, in an airport on a bench waiting for Richard to come and meet up with me. He was in some store(I have NO CLUE what the store was, or what he was doing in it). All of a sudden Ellen, yes I mean Ellen Degeneres, was sitting right next to me. I started telling her about how we have been working on Richards paperwork for nearly SIX YEARS. It was really odd because as we sat their, watching people passing by us(a lot of those "people" were other celebrities) she tells me that she's going to pay off all of our debt, and "take care" of his permanent resident status! After she told me this, Richard walked out of the store he was in and walked towards us...and then....I WOKE UP!!! Oh, how wonderful life would be if it could be as easy as something in our dreams!

But as I sit here and think about it...I am living my dream, so YAH me!

lol...I know I'm a TOTAL DORK!!!

fly by weekend

2010-02-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Well, we had Jer, Jenny and Anea came up on Friday afternoon. We had so much fun on Friday night, laughing SO MUCH! We watched some CRAZY videos, ate some yummy food and just had a blast. On Sat. we got up early had relaxed most of the morning. I had planned on making a nice breakfast, but then we got a thankfully unexpected call from a member in our ward who had offered to help us move our piano to our house(we have been renting a storage unit for the past 6 months and blowing $105.00 doing so and we really just cannot justify it anymore). So, after collecting a few other cheerful volunteers, we got my 100 year old piano over here. Then we made some delicous breakfast burritos and went into Lethbridge to do some shopping! It was nice to get out with them. We then came home, bbqd some dinner and watched a movie. By the time that was over, it was ALREADY 10:30 and time for bed. Jer left this morning at 7:00:( and after hanging out for the morning and going to church...BAM the weekend is OVER! It has been a WONDERFUL weekend though...I must say!

Of course I miss Jer and the rest of my Idaho family ALL THE TIME...but you really remember HOW MUCH you miss them when you get to see them, and then they have to leave. LOVE YOU ALL MY IDAHO FAMILY!!!XOXOXO

A little a this, a little a that

2010-02-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

So this weekend has been very laid back, which has been nice. Richard and I went to the late show on Friday night to see Avatar. I think the story line behind it was really neat. It had WAy too much swearing! Why, oh why do these movie makers feel the NEED to put so much swearing in movies?? The graphics, in my opinion, phenominal!!! The love story in the movie was BEAUTIFUL! I really loved how they would look at eachother, how they said to each other "I see you". It's just so deep, lol. Maybe you think I'm a dork for thinking these things, but I DON'T care. Hopefully they'll come out with a "cleanflix" version of the movie(keeping my fingers crossed).

So then we really did nothing yest. but relax and chill at home. Got some housework done, and started to get things ready for this coming weekend(Fred, Jer, Jenny and Anae are coming up from Idaho).We're SO EXCITED! Fred and Jer are staying only for the weekend(wish it was longer). Jenny and Anae are going to be staying for a week or so-of coure their invitation is open ended:)

Something I wanted to post last weekend(but forgot), was something one of the kids said in my primary class. First you should know that there's a place here in Magrath called "The Lodge"-it's a seniors home. She said:

"When you die, you either go to The Lodge, or to Heaven"

I started laughing OF COURSE, and OF COURSE they looked at me like I was NUTS!

He's my everything....

2010-02-15T08:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, so I totally meant to blog yest. but Sundays are always super busy, especially considering that we have church at 1:00. It makes the day just fly by. I also had to speak in Sacrament Meeting yesterday, so that was another distraction, which by the way I'm thankful for is over with. Anyhow, I just wanted to publicly tell the world how much I LOVE and CHERISH my husband. It's hard for me to say certain things to him because I get so emotional, but I'm going to try and say them now! So bear with me.

I know, without a doubt that we were meant to be together. If so many things hadn't have happened to me or him for that matter we wouldn't be together today. Richard is the best gift I could have received from my Father in Heaven. As long as I'm with him, my life is content.

Whenever he walks into a room, and even just smiles at me my heart melts and my knees wabble...like I could fall at any moment. Just the site of this man, makes me want to giggle(don't mock me, lol) because he's so beautiful to me.

I love him for randomally dancing with me in the kitchen to no music at all. I love him for loading up his arms with 10+ grocery bags so that I don't have to carry any. I love him for always putting me first, and trying to do what he thinks will make me happy.

He is the most decent, honest, kindest, most loving, and most wonderful man that I know. I'm so thankful that he's mine. Love you Richard...happy "be-lated" Valentines Day Post

one of lifes passions...music

2010-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

For so long music has been such a big part of my life. I love listening to the stories found in lyrics. The way the words flow to the sounds of the melodies. I love the way hearing a sweet love song makes me feel, and how reved up I can get to a song that has a good beat. For as long as I can remember, one of my most favorite things to do growing up, and even until this day has been to just go my bedroom and lie on my bed and just listen to music. DORKY RIGHT?! I know it is, but I really DON'T CARE! So...one of my goals this year is to smarten up and put my talents/passion to good use. I want to start teaching piano again, and finsih writing some of the songs that I have totally put off...for what seems like FOREVER! One of my new favorite songs is sung by Jennifer Paige and Nick Carter...called Beautiful Lie...so I thought considering the theme of my post, to put the lyrics on here...and I've also uploaded the song to play when you first come to the page...so here ya go!

I’m gone
The ground is shaking under
Fell like the world
May all come crashing down
Now your words
And sorrys have no meaning
Baby you lied

You turned it on
Wasn’t my imagination
Everybody
Knows
That you been running round
So dumb
Let you play with emotions
Baby you lied

If this isn’t love
What did feel inside
It this ain’t
Love
How could you look in my eyes
Cause my heart is breakin’, not falling
This time
This can’t be love now I know
You’re a beautiful lie

So cold
Had me wrapped around your finger
Part of a show
Like a puppet on a string
How could know
I was just another
Victim
Baby you lied

If this isn’t love
What did feel inside
It this ain’t
Love
How could you look in my eyes
Cause my heart is breakin’, not falling
This time
This can’t be love now I know
You’re a beautiful lie
Ohh
Just a beautiful lie

2010-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well...welcome to 2010! I'm really excited for a new year. It's a great one so far!

We started a little "game" if you will, our own version of the Biggest Loser at work. There's a lot of people that want to loose weight and get healthier, me being one of those people. Besides the Jackpot Prize(everyone put in $40.00), the greatest thing will be to just feel good about myself again.

So...we started this past Monday, and I have to say I've been kicking butt! I've been eating super healthy and have been exercising too. It's amazing how good your body can feel, and how much extra energy you can have because of eating properly and working out. Like tonight...for example. What would have been a usual night to sit back and watch tv...I um...I guess I started doing that by watching one of my soaps from earlier...BUT I after that worked out..doing our Biggest Loser Wii game. After that had dinner and that is where I'd normally be done for the night. BUT that's soooo not the case people! I got up, got 2 loads of laundry folded, and another 2 started and done/put away AND cleaned our entire home! How totally awesome is that? It makes me feel so good inside knowing that I'm on this great journey back to getting myself back again.

SOOOO look out people, cuz here I come! lol

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD(ON THE 28TH...LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!)

The true Reason for the Season

2009-12-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Short but sweet...

2009-12-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I just wanted to say a few things quickly as the night is coming to a close.

I've got a lot accomplished tonight and it feels GREAT! It's so nice to think of coming home tomorrow from work and having really NOTHING to do except for to have FUN and to RELAX!

I am soooooo looking foward to Christmas this year! This year has gone so fast, and we have been so blessed! We're especially thankful to be back home around family this year. It's even thus more exciting because we're in our OWN home! How lucky we are to have the beautiful gifts of the season!

It's 10:35 and I'm totally exhausted, so I'm off to bed. I hope everyone has a great Christmas! That you can all make many new beautiful memories with your families! That you can remember the true reason for the season.

...and to all a goodnight.

A bummer weekend-not so much...

2009-12-06T22:11:00.000-08:00

OK...so my mom and I get to work Friday and all is good. About 3 hours into work, we get a freak snow storm, and end up having to leave early. Sure, it's always nice to get home and get things done with time that you weren't expecting to have...BUT we had plans Friday night and we were so excited for them! Nothing super exciting to most I suppose, but we were going to finish our Christmas shopping. I love picking up presents and wrapping them under our Christmas Tree. It's so homey and cozy looking. Anyhow...so that night was shot. We hoped to go into Lethbridge on Saturday, but the storm just kept getting worse.

It snowed, and snowed and SNOWED!! The wind was super bad which doesn't help the situation AT ALL! Don't I sound like such a downer?? Of COURSE I do, I can admit it. The thing is, what turned out to be such a "bummer" weekend, wasn't that at all.

We ended up cleaning out or office...which was long over due. We got the house cleaned, laundry done, lunch made, practiced our music lessons(Richard-Guitar and me-Violin-other things long over do), and all this by noon. We got to hang around the house and relax. I also made a bunch of cards, which is something that I LOVE to do, but never take time to do them anymore. Then we finished the day off going to Mir's and Adams and played cards and had fun. It was so wonderbar!

Then, we got a call last night stating that Church was canceled today because of the weather. They felt that the road conditions were too dangerous for people to be travelling to church. It was such lovely day, baking and listening to Christmas Carols. I LOVE Christmas time. I really wish I could keep the tree up all year round. If there was anyway I could do this, trust me I would!

Now that the weekend is over, I must say that I'm so glad that we got snowed in, and were forced to have a great weekend, lol. It was so fabulous!!!

Remembering my greatest gift...

2009-11-28T21:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight as I was tidying up our home, my mind started to race...about things of the past. This came about from earlier this evening. It all starts off because Richard was asked to give a talk tomorrow, and the topic of his talk is Service. After hearing what he said he was going to speak about, he told me how he was going to end his talk. The greatest service that he was thankful for is me..."serving" a Mission. That is why my mind started "racing". It's the little things like that that help to remind me of my greatest gifts. It reminds me of how lucky I am, which leads to I guess you could say a path down memory lane.

Richard and I first met on an evening that I was team teaching with his Step-Mom Jerelyn Roth. We wen't to her home that night to get some medicine, and Richard happened to be their. As far as I'm concerned, that was the first night of the rest of my life. We've been through so many trials and hardships, mainly due to the fact that we're both from different countries. But as hard and stressful as that has been, when you look at the grand spectrum of things it just doesn't matter. We're together, which is the only place I want to be. I love Richard so much, and I guess I just felt like I needed to share my gratefulness for my life. I love it, no matter what roadblocks we may reach in our lives, it really doesn't matter as long as we're together.

So...to sum it all up, Richard is my greatest gift.

My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures...

2009-11-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

Today at work, one of my co-workers asked me a question about something in 1st Nephi. I didn't quite know the answer, so tonight I anxiously searched the scriptures for one. While doing this, I got distracted by all of the notes that I have made in my scriptures. All of the different words that were marked with different colors. I started flipping through my Book of mormon, faster and faster. Until I felt this overwhelming feeling of the Spirit. It wasn't the normal feeling that I can when I read my scriptures, or when I hear something warm and fuzzy. It was this enormous high, a feeling like I used to get when I was on my Mission. I literally had to stop reading, searching and pondering the scriptutres and just breathe. I cannot believe how amazing it felt, and it brought back a flood of memories. Never in my life(I regret to say), have I ever felt such a passion about the scriptures than when I was on my Mission. Of course I know why this is, but it was such an oustanding experience. I could literally feel my Saviors presence all around me. I love the scriptures, I love the gospel. How incredibly thankful I am to know of it's existence. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for prompting my co-worker to ask me what she did. I hope and pray that I can continue to feel the way I did tonight. Heavenly Father loves us, and He wants us to return to Him. I'm so thankful for the guidance that the Scriptures give to us.

The last page I turned to was Doctrine and Covenants 100:12 which reads:

"Therefore, continue in your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end. "

Starting to settle in...

2009-11-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

So, things are finally starting to come together. If you know me well, you know that I've already put up our Christmas tree/Christmas decorations. It's a Cole family tradition. Anyhow, this is our first Christmas in our own home and I have to tell you that it is GLORIOUS!!! I know that it sounds silly, but it's so nice to be able to do exactly what we want. We have been truly blessed, especially the last 2 months.

Work is going well. I'm working at Truehope and LOVING it! It's great. I love the satisfaction of helping other people.

Miranda is engaged, and getting married Dec.11, so that's awesome. I'm so excited for her. Adam is her fiance's name and he's great. He will be a wonderful addition to our family.

Anyhow, I'm going to jet. I know I haven't posted much, and it's been a few months. But I'll try to get better at it. Here's a few recent pics. of our home...

WE GOT IT...

2009-09-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

So...after about 2 1/2 weeks of waiting to hear if we're going to get this trailer...we finally found out today that WE GOT IT! Ok, so I know that the first thought most people think of when they hear "trailer" is well cheap and icky. Our trailer IS NOT that! Seriously. So it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms(one in which is an ensuite...sweet!!!), huge kitchen/living room, beautiful yard and a shed. We take posession October 1st, I'm so excited. This is such an exciting time for us. We got Richards work permit renewal in the mail last week, which is also exciting. Things are coming together so wonderfully, I mean we know that it's a total blessing. We feel so blessed and SO EXCITED to start this new journey in our own home. SMILE:)

Wonderful Weekend

2009-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

So...this past weekend was great! Ione(Richards Mom), Jenny(Richards Sister) and her darling daughter came up to visit us! We had a blast, talking about old memories, doing some shopping, cooking up some YUMMY food and just spending time together. We haven't seen them for 3 1/2 years, WAY too long! It was so nice to see them, and don't get me wrong I'm totally thankful that they were able to come up here...it just wasn't enough time! But, I'm thankful that we could be with them, even if it was only two days. It makes us realise how MUCH we miss them! If Richards darn paperwork would HURRY UP and be done, then we could see them more often. It was sure sad saying bye to them this morning. But once again so thankful they came up! Thanks guys, LOVE YOU ALL LOTS!! XOXOXO

New Journey...

2009-09-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well...we have been TOTALLY blessed sense moving back down to Southern Alberta. I got a job working with my mom in Raymond for a company called True Hope. I TOTALLY LOVE IT! So I've been there for almost 3 weeks and it's been a "slow liking". But that's just mainly because of the training process. There's so much to learn that it can be very overwhelming. But, just these last few days I've been training on doing Information calls and it's been really neat, now that I feel confident enough to take a call by myself. It may seem silly to some for me to say that, but it's so nice!! Richard and I have LOVED having a life again...we've forgotten what that's been like. Anyhow...just wanted to post and say that we're still alive and I'll update some more later. Hope you all are doing great!

Another Part of our Journey

2009-07-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

So...we've lived in Grande Prairie for almost a year now. I know that we were meant to move up here, I'm not sure why, but that doesn't matter to me. We did what we felt was right for us at the time. So we find ourselves in similar circumstances, as we've decided to move back home...to Magrath. What really started us on this idea was because Richards work permit expires at the end of this month, and we have yet to get his renewal back to us yet. So as you can see, we didn't have much choice, but I believe that things are working out the way they're supposed to. We've had a really tough year...REALLY TOUGH!!!! It's really hard being so far away from family. So, we'll be moving back and staying with my parents until Richard can work again. We're so excited to be with family. One thing I for sure have learned is how much I love and appreciate my family. They mean so much to me. I'm so thankful for them, and CAN'T WAIT to be with them again soon!!

BIGGEST THING WE'LL MISS

Our Ward Family! Besides our ward back in Idaho Falls...we have not had a ward that we have felt so loved and welcome in. The members up here in Grande Prairie are so AMAZING! They've done nothing but make us feel so welcomed and apart of their families. I'm REALLY going to miss the kids in my primary class. I was sitting in primary yesterday and I got really sad, almost even started to cry because I'm really going to miss teaching those kids. They are such amazing kids. They teach me so many things every week, and I'll really miss their sweet and strong spirits and testimonies.

Well...it's 9:45. I've been packing most of the day, and Richards been busy too. I know it's late, but I'm going to make a cake, lol. I know it's late but that's ok. It'll be a nice treat for him when he gets home! Ok...NIGHT!!

some of my favorite things...

2009-06-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Me again...just wanted to show you a few of my fav. pics from our vacation. I took a lot so that's why I must pick only but a few, lol. Enjoy!!

Fred and Jerelyn

Mom and Richard...

Ryan...so adorable

Dad and Me...so hard to say bye:(

Richard...goin' for a ride, lol

peek-a-boo

Easton and Jackson

Mackenzie and Avery...playing with the freakish caterpillars

Easton and Me

Being silly

So that's all for now...maybe I'll up load some more l8er! Have a great night!!!)

FINALLY...

2009-06-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

WHOAH...ok it's been a super long time sense I've blogged last. Sorry about that. We've been super busy lately, which is good I suppose. We "started" our summer by going on vacation to Magrath to spend time with our family. It was an awesome visit. We hadn't told anyone that we were going down their except for my mom, so we had everyone surprised. It was funny because when we showed up at my dads front door(work door cuz he works on weekends) he did a double take because he was so surprised, it was awesome. We had a lot of fun. There's a lot we did, and I don't have much time to "inform" you all rite now, but I'll forsure fill you in a day or two. It was also really neat because once Jer. and Fred found out that we were down in that area, they decided to take off after work and drive up from Idaho to see us, which was totally awesome of them!!! So, we had a great vacation.

Then we get to go back down to visit for our second week of vacation in August, and I'm SOOOOOOOOOO excited for that! Anyhow...I'll write more later and post pictures as well. We're going out now to party! lol ya right

2009-05-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this works, this is my attempt at playing Bellas Lullaby. I recorded it on my keyboard with the piano settings and then played and recorded over top of that with the strings settings. I know it's not perfect, but it was fun:)

SO EXCITED...

2009-04-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's now less than 2 months until I get to see family...like I said in my previous post I'm mostely excited to see all of my nieces and nephews. Mellis ( my oldest sis. ), posted this pic. on her facebook and I TOTALLY love it. It's of Hayley and she looks gorgeous! She's only 5, almost six. I can't believe that. She's in kindergarten and they do a lot of fun days at school. She's dressed up in this picture for "school spirit day" because their school colors are blue and gold. She cracks me up.

Nothing too exciting has gone on here sense my last post. It's getting to be beautiful weather here so I'll start taking a lot of pictures soon. Ok ttyl

A little of this, a little of that....

2009-04-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

WOW...it's been WAY too long eh? I know, I know I'm a slacker!!! lol . But really things have been so crazy around here lately. Mainly because a few weeks ago we rented Twilight...which was the day I became DOOMED. I totally love the movie....so went out and bought all of the books. That's what I've been doing with most of my time, reading the books and re-watching the movie. I know, so pathetic. I've just totally become consumed with the story. I love how "in love" they are. Not the mushy, squeeling kinda freaking out "in love", but the true part of it. I know, I'm a sap what can I say??? But really though, I really enjoy it all, so far my fav. book is Eclipse, and I'm about 200 pages away from finsihing Breaking Dawn.

Anyways...So we're taking a vacation in June and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!! I'm really excited to see my family, it's been WAY too long. Not that I don't miss my siblings and parents, but I'm so anxious and giddy about seing the kids that it drives me crazy!!!

Oh...and we FINALLY have some nice weather here(knock on wood). Most of the snow is now melted, and the sun is actually showing itself for more than an hour or two during the day which is awesome. It feels like this has been such a long winter, and I'm glad to hopefully have it done and over with.

Well, I guess I'll go now. I know this was kind of a boring post, but watcha gonna do?? I wanted to write something cuz it's been way too long, and when I have something a bit more exciting to share you know where to find us:)

2009-03-18T21:07:00.001-07:00

Well...yesterday were at Wal-Mart(I know...so exciting), and they had a desk on sale for $70.00. I've wanted somewhere to do my scrapbooking for a long time, but I was not going to spend a lot of $$$! Anyhow, so we bought the desk, and voila..here it is.

There's still some stuff I'm going to do with it, but over the next few days I'll primp it up. So, I called Mellissa's today and of course Hayley answered like she always does. We ended up talking on the phone for almost an hour! I love that kid, she's the best. So, I made her this little card which happens to be the first thing I've made on my new desk..lol here it is

I think it turned out fun. I'm so excited to start scrapbooking again, it's going to be great.

Totally Random...

2009-03-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

So...we had such beautiful weather on Saturday, that we thought the nice weather was here...we were DEAD wrong...lol. Seriously though, it has snowed so much over the last two days. It's kind of depressing, it feels like the snow is never going to go away. Ah well, what can you do right?
So nothing too exciting is going on. We've been doing some more work in our apartment...a little here, a little there. It looks fantastic if I do say so myself. We've also been doing a lot of Missionary Work lately, which has been very rewarding. It's ironic because the Elders have been coming over here a lot, to do member lessons or for dinner. Of course they ask us every time they're here if we know someone we can refer to them. We know they're going to ask, and I regret saying that I've complained about how "pushy" or "forward" they're being...but the ironic thing is is that every time they ask us, we give them a name...last time it was three names. The feeling that it leaves with us such peace and love. I know that sharing the Gospel is scary and difficult most of the time, but once we've taken that leap of faith, we are soooooo blessed! I LOVE IT!!!

2009-03-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

Hopless...

So here I am, it's 4:41am and I'm wide awake. Unfortunately I still feel sick. Yesterday at 2:30am I started getting pretty sick, being sick to my stomach that is still present up until now even. It's so frustrating. I think feeling nautious is one of the worst feelings! I'm just completely drained. I know...murmur, murmur, murmur...lol. What is also frustrating is that my stomach screams that it's hungry, but when I try to eat I just can't seem to get it down. So...we'll see how today goes...hopefully I'll start to feel better ?!

2009-02-18T22:48:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I know that it's only mid February, but let me tell you, I am SO ready for spring to come. I wish the weather would just make up it's mind. I mean don't get me wrong I loved our warm spell a few weeks ago, but the hard thing with that is when it get's super cold out again it hits you that much harder ya know? So I'd rather have it be one temperature and stay that way then have it all over the place. I was talking to Mary Ann(my best friend) last night on the phone, and we were just saying how excited we are to wear sandles...doesn't it sound lovely?? We sure think so, and the very idea of it is glorious!!

A little of this, a little of that

2009-02-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

So, I uploaded a few pics. that I've taken recently. It's nothing exciting, but I thought I'd upload them anyway:)

Here's a pic. of Richard...we had a pipe break and he was fixing it...and doing so very happily..lol

I posted some pics. a while back that had some log stacks, they're HUGE now, it's really neat.

So I had to post this pic. and show off the hat that my sister Mellissa made me. I totally love it, she did a fantastic job!! Thanks Mellis:)

Well, that's it for now. I told you it was nothing exciting. Richard has to speak in church tomorrow, so I'm going to try and help him wrap up his talk. This is the first time having to speak in church where it's not both of us speaking...it's going to be nice.

The day of Love...

2009-02-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

So sadly, I have nothing exciting to report. Our lives have been really busy lately and by the time we come home from work at the end of the day we're so tired, mentally and physically, that we just stay at home and relax. I know, that sounds incredibly boring, but didn't you know that that's who we are?! Lol. Anyhow...I'm excited for tomorrow...Valentines Day. We're trying to be sensible and so were not spending a lot of money on each other, we're trying to make it a more meaningful holiday this year. So we'll spend the day together, probably just cuddle on the couch watching movies and relaxing. That's one of the things I love about our relationship. We don't have to go "all out" to make it fun. Some of our favorite things to do is sit at home and relax, and just being together. To a lot of people that would be so boring, but to us it's great. I love that we can just be ourselves together. Richard is so wonderful and I love him so much! How lucky am I to have him?!!

Homesick...

2009-02-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

So Richard and I have lived in Grande Prairie, Ab for almost 6 months, and I think I've done really well so far with the whole homesick thing. But lately I have been having a hard time being so far away from my family. I really miss them all TONS, and it's been kind of hard. Hayley(my niece) calls me and will sit their and chat with me on the phone for over an hour and of course that makes me miss her TONS, well of course I miss ALL of my nieces and nephews. This posting I suppose is more of me complaining, but ah well right? We all do it!

Getting to Know You...

2009-01-24T16:14:00.000-08:00

L-R-Brooklyn, Emma, Mason and Josh

L-R-Eathen M., Ethen F., Isabell, Alex

The whole group

So today I had a little party for my primary class at our apartment. With the new year just starting, I thought it would be fun to have a "get to know you" party. I know that most of the kids know each other, but I don't. It was lots of fun. Each of the kids brought their most prized possession and had a chance to show it to everyone. We had lots of fun games and we were super busy the whole time. Seven children showed up in total. If everyone had showed up, I would have had 11 kids!! It was lots of fun, but I am definitely exhausted!! I could sure use a nap..lol.

A very long and painful week...

2009-01-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

So last week I had a horrible cough, that finally went away this past Sunday. I was very happy to have it done and over with! Then comes this past Tuesday(Jan.6th)at 2:30am and I got a fever. Well that fever lasted until today. I haven't checked my temp. sense this morning, but I'm pretty sure it's gone. At least I hope it is. Along with my fever came strep throat...and canker sores all over my mouth. I can barely swallow, water even. This is the worst I've felt in a long time! I'm trying to be patient, but I'm not doing a very good job, I know. I got my prescription filled today so with real meds. hopefully I'll get over this bug by the end of the weekend, keep your fingers crossed:)

Boxing Day...

2008-12-26T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today we got invited to go out to our Bishops house. They don't live that far out of town, but you wouldn't think that judging by the picture shown. The picture was taken on the road that led to their house. It is super cold outside! I guess it's gotten warmer the past couple of days, but it's still cold for my liking:) Tomorrow we're going to the Church to clean it as a ward, and then afterwards we're going tobogganing(sledding).

A fun night...

2008-12-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Well tonight was great! I'm very thankful to the members of our ward for making tonight special and fun. First off we went to a little party at one of the members in our ward. One thing about Grande Prairie(the city we live in) there are a lot of people that live here that aren't from here, so they don't have family around for the Holidays. We started off having some treats that everyone brought, then everyones children dressed up and acted out the nativity story. Then all of the adults played some games, which was great. We sung some Christmas carols afterwards and then left. We then brought all of the gifts we bought for our secret santa family. I really hope that they'll all enjoy what we bought them. It was fun to see Richard deliver the box full of gifts onto their doorstep, and then run back to our car. We had to duck to get out of sight...lol it was fun. We then got to talk to Richards siblings and their spouses and Richards mom on her web cam. I have to say that I think that web cams are TOTALLY WICKED!!! It was great seing everyone one, we love and miss theM soooooo much. Then we ran a few last minute errands and that's that. Overall as excited as we are to wake up in the morning to open up our gifts and stuff, we know that the real gift is the birth of our Savior. I really do feel blessed to know of Him. MERRY CHRISTMAS :)

The greatest gift of all...

2008-12-22T22:51:00.000-08:00

I love this picture...for more reasons than one. But the main reason is because this picture of Mary looks like my mom when she was younger. On my Mission, I had a small wallet size photo of the above picture and I carried it around. I know it sounds silly, but it made me feel closer to her. Well, in an earlier post I told you all about how we're going to pick a family and buy gifts for them. Well, we picked the family..and be bought gifts...lol. But seriously what a wonderful thing for us to do...it has made us feel so full of the spirit of Christmas. I'm sure everyone has at one point in their life been the beneficiary of service. The wonderful thing about serving someone is knowing how much they will appreciate what you're doing for them. You don't have to spend money to serve, that's the beauty of it. I strongly encourage everyone to "pay it forward". It's the best way to celebrate the season. We've decided to make this a holiday tradition. No matter our financial situation, we will help a family in need every year. How thankful I am for the opportunity to serve Heavenly Fathers children.

Heaven on Earth

2008-12-13T21:35:00.001-08:00

Get your own at Gizmoz.com

2008-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

So today Richard and I went to the Church to participate in the "Reflections of Christ". The photographs are taken by Mark Mabry who has such a special gift. The pictures are so inspiring. Last Sunday as we watched the making of the photos- I couldn't help but imagine the Savior. I haven't been able to stop thinking about how thankful I am to know that He lives, that He loves us and I'm so thankful for the sacrifices that He's made for me. I am so thankful to have someone that knows my pain, knows my trials and knows who I am. As I watched the making of the photos I couldn't help but have a desire to know him better. That is one of my goals this new year to, to become closer to my Savior and to get to know him better. My spirits have been uplifted and I have been spiritually fed.

Christmas Party

2008-12-05T23:10:00.000-08:00

So, we had our work Christmas Party tonight. There's just the two of us and Joanne that works with us, so we thought it would be fun to invite her and her boyfriend over. So...tonight we had Joanne and Larry over for dinner and to play some games. It may not sound so exciting to some, but we had a lot of fun. We played Wii Sports and it was great, also had some yummy treats and a yummy dinner...not in that order:) I took a little video clip of Richard and Larry playing boxing on the Wii...two words....SO FUNNY!!! Here's the video

I hope it's clear enough to notice. We had lots of fun, and great laughs. I'll upload some pics. from my camera tomorrow once I find the cord.

OH MY GOODNESS....

2008-12-04T17:56:00.001-08:00

Here's a picture of Richard...poor guy! It's snowing crazy here! Ok, it's not Richard in that picture, BUT...that's kind of what it looks like here. We're supposed to get 5-10 centimeters within the next 24 hours which may not seem like a lot, BUT...it's supposed to snow from now until Sunday...then stop on Monday and snow again Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday! HOLY MOTHER OF PEAR! So, we've got our work cut out for us.

The True Meaning of Christmas

2008-11-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

So, this year besides trying to be smart with money, we're trying to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas. I absolutely love the above picture, because I think it tells us that we need to remember how and why Christmas even exists. We're only buying presents this year for our parents, because things get just too expensive. But we're really trying to focus on the giving part of Christmas, rather than the receiving, so we've decided to spend the money that we would spend on Christmas presents for each other, on a family that's in need. I'm actually really excited about doing this, I think it'll really help us get into the Christmas spirit, and it'll feel so great knowing that we are serving a family in need.

2008-11-22T22:39:00.000-08:00

So tonight Richard and I took some pics, most of which turned out kinda icky but there are a few decent ones:) We took the pictures to put in our Christmas cards that we'll send to everyone.

The bestest Night!!!

2008-11-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

WOW...not much more is really needing to be said, but of course I can't stop just there:)
So, for starters we got awesome seats! We could see what was going on behind the stage and everything. The show started off with ??? I don't remember the groups name but I wasn't too impressed. She had a good voice, but it wasn't my taste. That started at 7:00pm. The opening act lasted for 30 minutes...and then we had to wait another 30 minutes for BSB to come out. WOW...so awesome. They started off great, singing " Larger Than Life "...and then going into some new songs off the new album. They played a great variety of their songs, which I really appreciated. I mean, I love all of their songs and so it was nice to hear a bunch of the older ones too. We were told not to bring any cameras into the stadium, that's why I had my phone with me. BUT...people were snapping pics. left and right so I should have just brought it, but ah well. I'm glad that I had my phone because I got to record lots! What a wonderful experience for me. As cheezy as it sounds, tonight confirmed to me why and how much I LOVE THE BACKSTREET BOYS! They're just a totally awesome group, that sings awesome music. I'm thankful to Richard for joining me. I know he wasn't thrilled to go, but regardless he still came and I appreciate him! It was so fun to sing along to all of the songs, not worried about anything but the music. So, I can't believe it's over. The countdown to the special even has gone, but that's ok. The next time they come here they can bet on my attendance and who knows, I may even go to some other concerts in the States??! We'll see. Well, I'd better go now. I am exhausted, and my ears are still ringing. My throat is KILLING ME, and telling me to get some rest. So, I'm going to listen and go to bed...Thanks BSB for being so great! Love you!!!!(yeah, I know I'm a dork but I just don't care!)

P.S. Here's a few pics. from the night:

Here you can see how close we are to the stage

Here's a picture of Brian

A picture of Nick

A pic. of A.J.

And of course a picture of Howie

Pretty Close eh?

And of course all of the boys...

GOOD NIGHT!

The End

2008-11-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Here's me after the concert. Richard is taping me. It's kinda hard to see.

More Than That

2008-11-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

LOL...here's another one of me singing along

"You Can Let Go"...LOVE IT!

2008-11-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

If I remember correctly...you can hear them singing pretty good in this one. This is another awesome song on their "Unbreakable" CD

Nick Singing "Drowning"

2008-11-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

I must apologize, because you can hear me singing in this one...it's actually kinda funny I have to
laugh at myself. But I guess that's part of being their right?!

The beginning of the Concert

2008-11-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

So here's a video of the beginning of the concert....They start off by introducing each of the guys as "boxers", so that's why you see them in those outfits, and they're in a big boxing ring. I'm going to upload a bunch of videos that I recorded off of my phone...oops. I know I'm TERRIBLE...but I couldn't resist!

P.S. I must apologize in advance for the loud screaming that you hear...that would be me:)

2008-11-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

My Early Christmas Present

Ok, so I am so excited...totally exhausted, yet really excited. I have about 18 hours until the concert. Well...we were about to go to bed tonight and then looked out our patio window to see that it had snown...a lot! So we decided to go out and shovel everything to make less work for us tomorrow:) So, yes I am off to bed in a few minutes. Ok, but back to BSB! I'm totally thrilled about going to the concert. I'm trying really hard not to think of it, because then the night will just drag by. Well, I'm off to bed. I'll be uploading whatever pics. I can take at the concert! Goodnight:)

2008-11-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

Finally....our Apartment

Well, here are some pictures from tonight of our apartment. We put up our Christmas tree last Saturday and started to decorate the apartment for Christmas. We put up Christmas lights on our patio window and can I tell you how much I LOVE the Christmas season?! It's so wonderful...so brace yourself I've got lots of pics.

Yes, we even have some presents wrapped. Not for us, but they're all for my mom so far:)

Our Cozy little living room...

Our Kitchen....

Wow, this one is really dark...sorry

Our Nativity Scene that I got from the Orrs

Well, this is what it looks like outside right now from our patio window

Here's a picture of part of our bedroom. It had good light in this picture, so I wanted to show you the color of paint that we used to paint our entire apartment. We absolutely love it!!

Here's a picture of Wal-Mart from the window in our apartment building...SO CLOSE
I still can't believe now close we are!

Well, that's all of the pictures for now. At least I have my cord now, so I don't have any excuses not to take any pictures:)

2008-11-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!!

So here are some pictures of our office here...decorated for Halloween. I know we're past Halloween, but we wanted to show it off a bit:)

Here's the door of the office...it was fun

So, we called this pirate guy Jack...I know we're dorky!)

We loved this guy! He freaked me out a few times, but he's our favorite!

Ok, here's our candy jar...yummy!!!

More stuff...

Well, that's it. It was fun decorating the office. I mean, we don't know anyone here yet in Grande Prairie, so it wouldn't have been much fun decorating our apartment with no one being able to see it. The tenants had fun with it too, we even handed out candy on Halloween night in the office.

2008-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know you're thinking that I'm nutso because I still haven't posted any current pictures. That would be because I cannot find my cord that goes from my camera to the computer! So...the pictures are coming, I just can't find the cord. Because we're still unpacking and getting settled I haven't gone through everything, so I'm going to try to tonight...keep your fingers crossed!)

2008-10-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see I haven't posted any pictures! Sorry, I'm really less effective! We've had a super busy week, so busy that I thought I was going to loose it(although Richard will probably say that I already have:). But that's ok, I'm glad the week is/has come to an end, and things will start to slow down again. Tomorrow I'm having a Halloween Primary Party. I know technically Halloween is over, but this was the only time we could have a class party. I'm going to take some pics. and make a nice long post tomorrow night. Now that things are little more orderly around our apartment, I'm not embarrassed to take pictures of it!

2008-10-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hey! I have nothing exciting to report, but it's been a while sense I've written. I'm going to take some pictures of the apartment tomorrow, as we've unpacked a bunch and have decorated. It looks so awesome, very nice if I do say so myself:) I love having the laminate floors. They're so easy to clean and they're so nice and fancy. I know I'm a dork, but it's great!

2008-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

WE'RE DONE!!!

So finally we finished putting in the laminate floors! Wow, that took forever! But it looks and feels great. I'm excited to start moving our furniture into the apartment and decorating, it's going to look so great. Here's a few more pics. I took from today.

Here's our bathroom...not quite put together yet, but I love the shelf, it's going to look great!

LOL...our first meal in our new apartment!

Richard just finished putting the foam down in the rest of the living room. Wow...we flew threw the living room, it only took us 2 1/2 hours! What can I say, we're pros!)

Richard, busy at work! He did a phenomenal job, the floors look so great!!!

We're soooooooooo close!!! We sure were ready to be done!!

Richard is holding up the last piece of laminate...I know it's really tiny!

Ok, so I know it's hard to see, but we're done...we're finally done! It looks really beautiful, and we're really happy with it. I guess I should hope so considering how many hours we've put into it!

2008-10-10T23:13:00.001-07:00

Ok so really quickly I have to put these pics. of my nieces and nephews on my side of the family on here! I miss them soooooooooooooooooo much!!! I have the cutest nieces and nephews EVER!!!

Here's Jackson, Hayley, Easton and Madison

Here's Ace and Ryan

Man I love them all!

2008-10-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Our very BUSY week!!

Here you can see on the right how dark the apartment was, and than on the left the new color. It looks awesome!!!

Here's Richard painting in our bedroom...so happy:)

Here's another picture of the living room.

Here's Richard installing the laminate floor in the laundry room. It looks fantastic! It's going to be so nice having the "hardwood" floors!

Here's a split screen kinda thing of what it looked like before and after. The laminate is so much nicer than the lino!

Here's part of the kitchen...Richard did a fantastic job...he's very talented!

Richard is cutting the last piece of laminate for the kitchen...FINALLY! The kitchen took forever, we're just both really happy that it's done.

Tomorrow we'll finish the living room and then we'll start moving stuff downstairs. We're really hoping to have everything moved down tomorrow. We're both so sick of living out of boxes, and not having a clean and tidy home. I'm really excited to decorate and have everything lookin' good. I'll take some more pictures tomorrow of everything being finished. Until then...laterz!

2008-10-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

MY GOODNESS

WOW, I sure am one lucky girl!! I was completely devastated when I was not able to attend their concert on September 2 of this year! I had my tickets and we ended up moving up here to Grande Prairie. So, tonight I decided to check out the bsb website and decided to just for the heck of it, look at their tour schedule, and...THEY'RE COMING HERE...TO GRANDE PRAIRIE! So, I get a second chance and I'm so excited. How awesome for me, not so much for Richard(because he'll be my date for the evning). LOVE YOU BABY! I'm sooooooo happy!

2008-09-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I was called to be a primary teacher. I actually really enjoy teaching the primary, so it was exciting for me. I really believe that all things happen for a reason, being little or small. As I prepared the lesson for today, well let's just say it taught me more than I probably did the children. The lesson was on forgiving others. This is something I've been kind of struggling with lately. Of course I have a desire to forgive, but I just can't seem to let the hard and hurt feelings go. But as I taught my primary class about how the Savior forgave the soldiers that took him from the Garden of Gethsemane, and he forgave those who nailed him to the cross, I too can forgive. Of course my burdens are much smaller than my Saviors. I'm just very thankful to have a Savior who loves me, and who is aware of my needs. This was really a lesson that I needed to hear. I found a really nice quote from President Hickley that pretty much sums it all up. "Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way."

2008-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been kind of "Less Effective". We've been so busy lately we've hardly had the time to breathe! I took a few pics. yesterday of Grande Prairie. There are TONS of trees here, it's beautiful! Our apartment is right in the middle of just about everything, so it's really nice. We have a five minute drive to just about wherever we need to go. Here's some pics.

Just a few pics. of the trees...they're awesome!
Here's a picture of the Mission Heights Building that we take care of.

Ok, so you're probably wondering why I took a picture of Wa-Mart right? If you look to the left of Wal-Mart that is our apartment complex...where we live! Nice eh? I love how close we are, it's so conviently awesome!!

You should see the logs stacks they have here, it's amazing how many there are. We've been told that in the next few months there's TONS more, so it should be interesting to see.

Well, that's all for now. I'll get better and take some more pics. soon. I wanted to today, but it's rainy and cold here. Oh my gosh, we're supposed to get snow on Wednesday & Thursday! That's crazy!! You know what they say...and so it begins! I know, I'm a nerd.

2008-08-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Miss them already...

Today we went out to Magrath to visit mom and the kids. Since we're moving on Tuesday, we wanted to see them one more time before we left. I just can't get enough of those kids. We went to the Park in Magrath shortly after arriving, and then went for a while afterward to get an ice cream. Then we went back to my parents house for lunch, and had a picnic with the kids. They're so much fun, I'm really going to miss them.

Oh, I love this picture. Madison and Richard have a bond, and it's so adorable!

Here's Hayley. She sure loved taking pictures today. She's so beautiful!

Here's my mom and Ace snuggling. He was smiling for the camera, but got shy at the last minute.

Here's the five kids...Hayley, Easton, Mady, Ace and Ryan getting ready for lunch

2008-08-27T21:45:00.001-07:00

I thought it might be fun to add some photos of one of my two best friends Chrissy and I when we were younger.We went to Chrissy's house tonight for a "goodbye" dinner, which we had lots of fun. So here's some photo's from years ago, and we took a few tonight as well.

I can speak for myself when I says...such hideous clothes! I don't know why I liked that "Golden Shirt", but I did. Weirdo! The other picture is of Chrissy and I presenting our Pinocchio Play. We had a lot of fun with that.

Here's some pics. that we took tonight:

Here's some pictures of Richard with Chrissy's girls, Mackenzie and Avery...they're such great kids!!

2008-08-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

No More BSB...:(

Well, the dream is over. Ok, so I know that's pretty dramatic, and I am grateful for my blessings, it just really sucks that I don't get to go to my Backstreet Boys Concert anymore. We're moving up to Grande Prairie the same day I have my concert. It probably wouldn't suck so much, but I bought my tickets like 2 1/2 months ago so I've really been excited to go. I've tried to sell my tickets, but I know I won't be able to. If you know me well, you know that this really totally bites for me because THEY'RE MY FAVORITE GROUP EVER...for 12 years now!!!!!! But, I'll survive. If I had money, I'd hire people to drive our moving truck to Grande Prairie and we'd fly in, but that's not an option so I have to dream. Ah well...boo hoo to me! Look at the positive right?!

2008-08-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

We went to park lake on our Anniversary. We just wanted to take some time to relax and do nothing. It was a lot of fun. We got a great spot in the shade and just hung out. That doesn't happy much, so we take advantage of it when it does.

2008-08-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

GRANDE PRAIRIE HERE WE COME...

Well, we've been given the opportunity to transfer up to Grande Prairie! Grande Prairie is 10 hours North of Lethbridge(where we are now). We'll be moving in two weeks(Sept.2), yes I said TWO WEEKS!! It's quick isn't it?? But I'm actually glad it's sooner than later. We're really excited to start this new adventure in our lives. This will be such a great opportunity for us. The best thing we love about this job is that fact that we get to work together. Richard may be doing the maintenance work while I'm in the office, but we still work together as a team, and that to us is such a blessing. So, these next two weeks are going to be totally INSANE, but I guess that will make the weeks go by quickly. So, good luck to us, we're so excited!!!!

2008-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Four fantastic years...

Wow, four years already! How blessed. Richard and I met while I was serving my Mission in Idaho. Here's how we met: One night my companion Sister Song and I were out with our Team Teacher(which just so happened to be Richards step mom). While our night was coming to an end, I started to get really sick. Sister Roth suggested we go to her house so I can get some medicine, so we did. That was when we met Richard.
We started teaching him the discussions that night, and it was history from there. I came home on my mission January 14th, 2004 and we had our first date a few days later. I can't really describe how I knew that we were meant to be together, it was just a feeling, and I know that my Heavenly Father led me to him that night.
So, after being home for about a month I moved to Idaho Falls and became a live in Nanny for a friend so that I could be closer to Richard. I lived there for 3 months, and then moved back home. Then Richard moved to Canada July 2004 and we were married of course August 18th. We were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple October 2005. The years have flown by, I can't believe how quickly times goes. I am so lucky to be married to this wonderful man, and I'm so thankful that I get to spend eternity with him.

Some of the Things I LOVE about Richard....(in no particular order)

* How he makes me smile when I'm upset, he always finds a way to cheer me up
* He has so much determination and patience
* He's works so hard for our family
* He loves me unconditionally regardless of my flaws and imperfections
* When he talks about how we met, he gets emotional. I love to see him express his feelings.
* His desire to be obedient
* He has such a strong testimony
* He makes me want to be a better person
* When he loads up his arms with all of the groceries so that I don't have to carry anything... sounds silly but it means a lot to me
* He's so thoughtful of everyone around him
* He completes me in every way(and of course the list could go on)

We're a perfect match for each other. I know we were meant to be together, and I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with Richard.