Sheri's Spot

My house!

2011-11-13T20:34:00.008-07:00

So I've remembered that although I did post some pictures of my new place on facebook, not everyone has facebook! :) So, I am going to remedy the situation and finally post some on here. I really am loving my new place. It feels very much like home and has from the beginning. I think most everything has a place now. And I did realize that I don't have any pictures of the outside. I guess you'll just have to visit to see that! Anyway, I did paint the entire house (Okay, it's a condo. Whatever.) and also recarpeted. Whew. It was A LOT of work. But well worth it. Thanks to all those that helped me with it. So I decided to post a few before and after pictures, so you can appreciate just how great it is. :) Enjoy!

BEFORE - The kitchen

BEFORE - The living room
BEFORE - The master bedroom

BEFORE - the 2nd bedroom

AFTER - The Kitchen

AFTER - the master bedroom

AFTER - 2nd bedroom

AFTER - living room

AFTER - Living room/into the kitchen (as you walk in the front door)

Feel free to come visit anytime!!

God Bless Uville

2011-09-11T13:58:00.006-06:00

Every U down in Uville liked U.S. a lot,
But the Binch, who lived Far East of Uville, did not.
The Binch hated U.S.! the whole U.S. way!
Now don't ask me why, for nobody can say,
It could be his turban was screwed on too tight.
Or the sun from the desert had beaten too bright

But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
But, whatever the reason, his heart of his turban,
He stood facing Uville, the part that was urban.
"They're doing their business," he snarled from his perch.
"They're raising their families! They're going to church!
They're leading the world, and their empire is thriving,
I MUST keep the S's and U's from surviving!"

Tomorrow, he knew, all the U's and the S's,
Would put on their pants and their shirts and their dresses,
They'd go to their offices, playgrounds, and schools,
And abide by their U and S values and rules,
And then they'd do something he liked least of all,
Every U down in Uville, the tall and the small,
Would stand all united, each U and each S,
And they'd sing Uville's anthem, "God bless us! God bless!"
All around their Twin Towers of Uville, they'd stand,
And their voices would drown every sound in the land.

"I must stop that singing," Binch said with a smirk,
And he had an idea -- an idea that might work!
The Binch stole some U airplanes in U morning hours,
And crashed them right into the Uville Twin Towers.
"They'll wake to disaster!" he snickered, so sour,
"And how can they sing when they can't find a tower?"

The Binch cocked his ear as they woke from their sleeping,
All set to enjoy their U-wailing and weeping,
Instead he heard something that started quite low,
And it built up quite slow, but it started to grow --
And the Binch heard the most unpredictable thing...
And he couldn't believe it -- they started to sing!
He stared down at Uville, not trusting his eyes,
What he saw was a shocking, disgusting surprise!

Every U down in Uville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any towers at all!
He HADN'T stopped UVille from singing! It sung!
For down deep in the hearts of the old and the young,
Those Twin Towers were standing, called Hope and called Pride,
And you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside.
So we circle the sites where our heroes did fall,
With a hand in each hand of the tall and the small,
And we mourn for our losses while knowing we'll cope,
For we still have inside that U-Pride and U-Hope.

For America means a bit more than tall towers,
It means more than wealth or political powers,
It's more than our enemies ever could guess,
So may God Bless America! Bless Us! God Bless!

9/11

2011-09-11T13:40:00.006-06:00

Ten years ago today, tragedy struck our nation. As I think many people are doing, I remember exactly where I was and I remember watching the twin towers collapse live on TV. It was a time that will be talked about in history classes and discussed decades down the road. And I lived it. I really believe it was a defining moment in the history of the United States. One of it's many. And as I reflect, I remember the response of the people of the United States and I'm reminded why a deep fire of patriotism blazes in my heart. Because of what this country truly is.

I think many things in the last few years have gotten in the way of remembering what our country is, what it was founded upon, and the greatness of the people that live here. It truly is awe-inspiring to remember the bravery, the courage and the great humanity in the responses of the citizens of the United States. Firefighters and police officers, cilivians in the street and so many others. Terrorists thought that by attacking us, they might destroy us. But they can't destroy something that is deep within the hearts of so many people. (Hence, why I re-posted someone's version of Dr. Suess with God Bless Uville).

The greatest thing about it that I really remember is how much people came together and how much people turned to God. I loved what Tom Brokaw said, about the song "God Bless America" becoming the unofficial anthem of the attacks on Sept. 11th. "It bound together a nation in need of a common voice. Today with arms outstretched to one another and hands willing to serve, American has come together once again. May it ever be so." I get frustrated with the petty differences we allow to divide us and divert us from our true course. And I get frustrated with myself that I do the exact same thing. And I pray to a loving Heavenly Father that He will watch over and guide us and that we will stand together as a people. That no matter what the world may throw at us, we will remember the foundation upon which we are built. The foundation of inspired and honorable men who laid the beginnings of this nation, under God, as a place of liberty and freedom. And the foundation of men and women who have continually given their lives throughout the years to protect something that is so dear and precious. And most importantly, the foundation laid by God, under whom this nation was built, to serve Him and follow Him. Because if we lose sight of that, as I fear this nation is starting to do, I don't want to see what's going to happen.

As the stormclouds gather, far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a song of prayer

God bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with the lights from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.

I had a moment today....

2011-07-28T18:01:00.002-06:00

I was in a session today with a client and it was a pretty emotional day. The poor little guy has been through a lot and recently got moved from a not great situation to a much better situation. Despite that, it's been hard and today was an emotional today. He sat on my couch and just cried and cried and said things like, "You're not trying to help me. Nobody is trying to help me. You just don't understand." As I sat there, my heart ached for him. For one, that he has to feel the pain. For another, that he can't see at the moment how much this better situation is going to help his life. But I knew he wouldn't be able to see that right now. The pain sometimes is just too much. So I sat there and all I could do was say, "I know you're really mad right now and I'm sorry you're hurting. I'm sorry you feel like nobody understands or is trying to help." Because I do know that someday, he will understand and he'll realize how what has happened was made as a decision to improve his life.
Afterwards, I was trying to wind down a little because the emotion of it is hard for me too. I was talking to a co-worker about it and was struck with a realization and a feeling. And I realized I had the opportunity to catch a small glimpse of what Heavenly Father must go through sometimes. How often have I cried to Him, "This is what needs to happen. Why aren't you helping me?" And He sits there and listens. And His heart breaks a little because my heart is breaking. And maybe he tears up a little like I did because it's not fun to see a child, and His child, in such pain. But He's not going to change what is happening because He knows that despite my pain right now, this is so that my life can be better.
I know that I will continue to have my moments of struggle and heartache. But thank you Heavenly Father for giving me that small glimpse of the bigger picture to help me out.

Do you ever feel stuck....

2011-06-06T20:49:00.002-06:00

And it seems like everybody around you is moving forward? And no matter how hard you try, you might as well be in quick sand because no matter the effort you just seem to be sinking?

Maybe I should write a song. Hmmm. But then it would probably have to be a country one....

Europe!

2011-05-14T18:35:00.012-06:00

Wll, it actually happened. I went to Europe. Crazy. But it was incredibly awesome. Sadly, I am slow at posting pictures and anything about it. It could take a while to really get many details, so I'll start by just posting a bit of an overview!

First, we went to Paris, France. Then on to Munich, Germany where we were able to see some of the surrounding country as well. Next came Salzburg, Austria and then on to Switzerland. Last but not least - Italy!

Notre DameThe Louvre
Eiffel Tower
Munich, Germany
New Town Hall - Munich, Germany
Dachau Concentration Camp
The crematorium at Dachau
Hohenschwangau Castle - Schwangau, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle - Schwangau, GermanyAustria - a little famous house there :) The Gazebo - Salzburg, Austria

Mirabel Gardens - Salzburg, AustriaHallstatt, Austria Hallstatt, Austria
Swiss Temple

Bern, SwitzerlandBern, Switzerland

A cool little castle in Switzerland - with a real moat! Venice, ItalyGrand Canal - Venice, Italy
Rialto Bridge - Venice, Italy

Grand Canal - Venice, Italy

St. Mark's Basilica - Venice, Italy

Il Duomo - Florence, Italy

Baptistery doors - Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio - Florence, Italy

Florence skylineThe Colosseum - Rome, Italy

Roman Forum

The Pantheon - Rome

Trevi Fountain - RomeSt. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City

Presidents Day

2011-02-21T11:25:00.007-07:00

Considering that it's cool enough to get to take work off, I figured President's day is one holiday that maybe I should stop and think about a little more in depth. I think it's one of those holidays that too often passes us by. I'll admit that I think about it just a little bit in that we're celebrating George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. I've always felt a little bit special that I share a birthday with George. So I do remember. :) But I've just been sitting here thinking, what makes it so that the birthdays of these two men are the most remembered out of more than 40 different presidents of our nation? I think most people would be quick to answer about what great leaders they were and what they did for our country, each in their own time. I would agree. But what made them that way?

These two men have long been on the list of my heroes and people that I admire and respect deeply. I truly believe that a large part of what made them so great was their humility and their conviction that they were simply instruments in the hands of an Almighty God. And believing that, they went and did what they needed to do. They acted on their beliefs and they stood up for what they knew to be right. Here are a few quotes that I feel show a little bit of the kind of men that they were:

"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency."- George Washington

"I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection; that he would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large; and, particularly, for their brethren who have served in the Geld; and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacifick temper of the mind, which were the characteristicks of the divine Author of our blessed religion ; without an humble imitation of whose example, in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation." - George Washington

"I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." - Abraham Lincoln

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!" - Abraham Lincoln I wish I could put so many more, because there are so many great things! My gratitude has increased as I've researched and read more about these two great leaders of our nation. I would encourage anyone to read more and learn more about these men for yourselves and come to understand why they deserve our admiration and appreciation for what they did for us.

Making Dream Come True

2011-01-21T19:45:00.002-07:00

And although it would probably apply, I'm not talking about Disneyland. After years of dreaming and years of saving, I'm finally making it happen. I'm going to Italy! And since I'll be there, I'm going to see some other parts of Europe as well! Dates have been set and tickets have been purchased. It is official.So of course I wanted to share the good news. I know quite a few people knew I was really hoping on going this year, but it's a done deal now. We will fly into Paris, France and do a whirlwind tour of the city before heading out to Munich, Germany. See some cool things there, including Neuschwanstein Castle (okay, it's not technically in Munich, but close) and then head to Salzburg, Austria. Sound of Music tour here we come! Not to mention Mozart's hometown. From Austria we'll go to Switzerland and spend a couple days there. We will go to the temple in Bern and try to see other things as well, although it's not completely nailed down there. Then down to Italy to Venice, Florence, and then Rome. I am pretty darn excited for this trip and hope everything pulls together. So if any of you have thoughts on the better things to see, or know people over there or other helpful insights, feel free to let me know!

Lillie turns 1

2011-01-16T15:58:00.004-07:00

This week my niece Lillie turned 1 and of course we had to celebrate! So here are some pictures so you can enjoy her cuteness as well.

The Cake

Yay! It's my birthday!

Mmmm. I think I like it.

Yup! That's some gooooood stuff!

Woa. I think I got my fill. (Someone was getting a little sleepy.:)

And then of course..... presents!! (Thank goodness for that sugar boost for more energy!)

Christmas Catch-Up

2011-01-16T15:46:00.003-07:00

Christmas was great and very fun for all of us to be home together for at least a couple of hours. While I didn't get lots of pictures, here are a few pictures of the fun festivities. :)

What's a get-together without trying to get a family picture!

Some of our pageantry kiddos. :)

Our loverly angels. :) (Jeff was a really good sport!)

Two of our cute babies all Christmasy - Lillie and Claire

And Christmas much have Santa and elves and reindeer. (Also known as Santa et. al)

Busy Saturday

2010-11-14T17:45:00.005-07:00

Whew. Yesterday was busy! But a very good day. Lots of fun and exciting things. And probably the least of it was that BYU is playing good football again. :)

Well first, my nephew Jeff earned his Eagle Scout award, so we got to go to his court of honor and see him receive that award. Here he is!

And second, Brian and Emily had their baby today! She was born very early Saturday morning. No name picked out yet, but she's a cutie!

Standardized Testing - Valid??

2010-11-06T20:51:00.002-06:00

Okay, so we all go through lots of standardized testing throughout school right? It's out favorite thing! SAT or ACT and the "pre" tests through 5th and 8th and 10th grades. It's just the joy of our existence really. I'm led to question again what exactly that testing does for us. Maybe I'm totally way off base, but it seems that part of the reason for it is to show in what areas you have strengths and to predict future career choices, etc. Am I totally wrong in thinking that's part of the reason for it? You know, besides competing with your friends about who has the best score of course. Cause it's totally the basis by which all intelligence is measured! But I digress.

Now here's the reason I'm pondering on this subject tonight - I'm going through my old scrapbooks and scanning in my pictures and other memorabilia to be able to have electronic copies of them because that's the thing to do now-a-days right? Well, I just came across my "SAT" from 8th Grade. One of those pre-testing things where they're trying to prepare you for the 'real thing' or make you feel smart of stupid or something. And I'm looking through my scores and laughing. I will admit, I got some pretty decent scores. In fact, all but one of them were in the 'above average' range. (I only say this to help make my point.) My one score that was not in the above average range was in the category of.............................................Listening.

This gives me cause to reflect on my chosen career choice. And I think, hmmmmm.....either the testing maybe doesn't do all that it says it does, or I totally chose the wrong career and I'm horrible at my job and should probably throw away those two degrees and start over. Deliberating....deliberating....

A jumble of thoughts

2010-10-21T19:10:00.004-06:00

I've had many occurrences in the last few months that have led me to ponder. I tried to blog about one of them after it happened, but try as I might, I couldn't express the thoughts and the feelings that I was experiencing at that time. Since then, I've had other instances happen again and again that have made me wonder repeatedly if I'm living my life the way I really want to be living. And by that, I think I mean "Am I living so that I will have no regrets?"

At a training I went to in September, we discussed value wheels and filled out what was most important to us (or so we thought) and then how much time we spent in each different area of our life. It was interesting to see what did or did not match up from what I believe are the most important things in my life and where I spend my time.

Then at another conference a couple weeks ago, we heard a presentation on "Get Up Out of Your Seat". I wish you all could have been there. It was deeply moving and inspiring. By Get Up Out of Your Seat, the speaker talked about how too often we sit back and basically let life pass us by. Whether from wrong priorities or thinking that someone else will do what needs to be done. We need to be up and doing and looking for opportunities to bless the lives of those around us. He stated it well when he said, "The journey is not about you. It's about those you come in contact with". He also talked about how you never know how much time you have. I think this was brought back in force again at work today when my co-workers niece was hit by a truck and is not expected to live due to the extent of injuries. And I thought, "What if this was one of my nieces or nephews or good friend or family member? Would I be caught in that moment saying 'I wish I would have....?'" I hope that never happens.

So I'm trying to make a goal. I hope that I don't forget it soon. That happens far too often. I'm going to start trying to live each day on purpose. I'm going to try to put people first. I'm going to try to make a difference. I have seen opportunities to do something around me. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has pointed some of those out to me a couple of times because I might have missed it. So now I'm working on those things. And I'm going to try to be aware of others.

I know my thoughts are probably a jumbled mess, but I hope that something made sense. I think I wanted to share this to make more sense of it in my own mind and to further commit myself to the changes that I want to make. Feel free to join me. I think we could all find one thing each day to better help someone around us or to show our love. Quite often, the best thing we can actually give anyone is our time. Maybe we can watch a little less tv or spend a minute less on the computer (I know, I'm on it right now!) and instead call someone to just let them know that we're thinking about them or appreciate something they did. It could even be something as little as letting the dishes sit for a minute so that you can spend that one extra minute giving a hug to each of your children. Or let your spouse or friend tell you about their day. I can't help but notice everyday what a difference a little more love would make in this world. And besides, we're starting into the holiday season so there's no better time, right?? :) I know that I've been very grateful lately for many many things, and I'm going to try to show that gratitude by doing what I can to help someone, somewhere. Lets go get up out of our seats.

A Few Fall Pics...

2010-09-19T19:13:00.004-06:00

Well, at this moment I have to admit that Utah is not as vibrant as the colors were last year. My roommate keeps trying to say that it's not 'fully fall' quite yet, so we'll see if there's more to come. But super vibrant or not, it's always beautiful. So here are a few of the pics I've taken of the beautiful nature around us.

Another Year

2010-08-29T17:42:00.005-06:00

Is it a little bit funny that although I've been out of school for a couple years, there is the part of me that still meaures years as if they begin the end of August/start of September? Look what they ingrain in us through our early years. They also ingrain in us that we should have a few months of summer break. That's a rough reality when you grow up and realize that most adults don't actually get that. I'm slightly bitter still. But I digress.

As it has been two years since I finished school, I did hit a pretty big milestone - work wise. I finished up the hours and other things required for me to get my LCSW. That's a licensed clinical social worker. Previously, I was just a CSW, or certified social worker. It's kind of made me laugh as I've realized that hardly anyone really knows what I mean when I say, "I got my L!" But they act excited with me anyway. :) I guess I really do understand. I really didn't know anything about the licenses involved until I actually got into the field. So if you are reading this and saying, what is that? Feel free to ask. So here's my name plate at work. I had some friends a couple years ago that thought I was pretty cool because I had 3 letters after my name. Now I have 4. :)

Another favorite part of school starting/fall is that football starts. I realized the other day that I really miss the good ol' days when the thing to do every Friday was to go to the football games for the local high school. It was all of my growing up because my dad taught at the high school. There's just something so great about enjoying the outdoors, enjoying some games, building that sense of community... Ahhhh. Well, this year, my oldest nephew Jeff is now in high school. First of all, yes, the immediate reaction is "What the....?" How is he that old? I don't know. But he is playing football (and is actually really quite good if I can whisper that out there) and I got to go down to his first game this week. What fun! He's the quarterback for the freshmen team. Hopefully I'll get to go to others. But I was able to get a few pictures for those of you that missed out.

So everyone, I hope that you too get to enjoy some good football this season. I'm looking forward to it. Happy new (school) year! :)

Summer Fun

2010-08-01T17:43:00.008-06:00

Wow it's been a little while since my last post. The summer has gone by quite quickly. I don't have lots of pictures, but here are a few of the things that have happened.

I went with my ward down to the Manti Pageant and we did a session there as well. Always good to head back to Sanpete County and of course partake of some Fat Sticks as well.

Here's my friend Laura and I with some of the peeps in the pageant. We thought their costumes were very cool. :)

I got to go to the play 110 in the Shade at the Hale and then meet Audra McDonald, who came to Orem for a couple weeks to be in it. I've been a big fan of her for a few years, and she really is amazingly talented. What fun!! Here's Laura, me, and Candice with Audra.

We had some 4th of July merriment in Richfield, but I didn't get too many pictures. So here's one I did get of Hayley and Steven.

I watched a little baseball. Here's my nephew Jeff.

I don't think I've even posted about my niece Claire who was born in May. We got to go up to Logan today for her blessing. She's a cutie!!

And as far as additions go with the family, Daniel and Jenny had their babies the end of June. We're very grateful that they're doing so well. I haven't gotten to meet them yet, but I'm borrowing a picture from Jenny so you can see how cute they are. Ava and Wyatt.

Race for the Cure

2010-05-13T18:18:00.006-06:00

Last weekend I went with my mom, sister, brother, and sis-in-law up to SL for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I have to say, like I did last year, this is a very cool event and very touching to see so many people come together to fight something that has affected so many people. With my mom with us this year, we stuck around to see the things that they did for the survivor's of breast cancer, including the survivor's march and having them all come together for a photo. It is an awesome experience and made me again grateful that my mom made it through that rough time and that she's still with us today. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in the future.

I'm a bad girl...

2010-04-20T20:26:00.002-06:00

Okay, yes, I put that as the title simply to get your attention. :) Now let me give a disclaimer. It's not that I'm a girl that has done a bad thing. It's that I'm somewhat bad at being a girl. Let me explain.

There's a guy that moved into my ward in January. He kind of caught my attention and I have since been somewhat, shall we say, intrigued? Not quite sure how I feel, but paying attention. Sunday - we were texting a little bit and then he called and asked if I wanted to go to ward prayer together. Sure. So he came over, we went, then he came back and stayed and chatted for like an hour or so. He was leaving and said something about thanks for listening and I said something about how I enjoyed talking. Then he says, "Maybe when I'm not so stressed... do you like sushi?" My response? Well, um, not really, but I've only had it once and maybe it was a bad experience. But I think he got the hint that no, I don't like fish. I'm texting my sister after that and she says, you should have said "but I like ice cream" or something to that effect. Of course I should have. But did I say anything like that? Nope. He kind of went oh, okay. I'll see you later.

So, although I'm not really the type of person that enjoys putting much personal information out there, I guess I'm hoping that someone can explain to me why I'm so stinking lame. Or maybe I just feel like amusing everyone tonight. So laugh if you want. Cry if you must. Maybe you'll do both. And I'll keep sitting here wondering what on earth I was thinking.

A little vacation!

2010-04-17T23:55:00.003-06:00

Last week my roommate and I went on a nice leisurely vacation to the Oregon Coast. It turned out being quite decent weather and was, of course, very beautiful. We went around and saw a few things, but were not rushed to do anything and were just able to enjoy getting away. It was so nice and so needed. And what can I say, I didn't want to come back. :) Here are a few of the fun things we were able to do, so you can enjoy as well.

We were able to go to the temple in Portland, which was awesome.

The Classic Chinese Garden in downtown Portland

The staircase in the Pittock Mansion in the west hills of Portland. Super cool!

The outside of the Pittock Mansion

Tillamook Head Lighthouse

Flavel House in Astoria

Cannon Beach - Haystack Rock

A beautiful sunset while eating dinner at Mo's at Cannon Beach

No listening pleasure

2010-04-02T16:25:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry to say that apparently the Michael videos are too big, so my blog will not upload them. Blast it all.

WHAT A SHOW!!!!!

2010-04-01T21:45:00.000-06:00

One thing I've wanted to do for a long long time and one of the things that is on my list of things I need to do in my lifetime - Go see my favorite music artist in concert. And who is that you may ask? Well, okay. Those of you who know me well don't ask. You know. And yes, last night I got to go and have a fantastic night listening to a voice that could melt butter. That's right! Michael was singing to me. (And like 10,000 others, but whatever). I have to say. I was very very impressed with the show. Not only does he have the best voice in the world, but he is quite the entertainer. Very engaging with the audience and a lot of fun. The sound was awesome. The lighting and effects were very cool too. All in all, a definite A+++. So, for future reference, if you ever get the chance to go see him in concert, I would jump at the chance. Here are just a few pics and some videos for you to enjoy a small amount of what I did. The sound isn't super super great, but really not too bad for a camera.

Okay, okay. Videos will have to come later. They won't upload tonight.

Other Happenings

2010-03-20T17:17:00.000-06:00

I'm super slow, but here are a few pictures of some other things that have been going on in the last couple of months.

February -

Jace, my nephew got baptized. Here's a cute picture of him and his dad (my brother Kevin).

March -

Lillie's blessing

And I got some new bedroom furniture. Well, a bed frame and a dresser. They actually just came today. I'm pretty excited about them.

It's Madness!!!!

2010-03-18T21:43:00.000-06:00

And it's beautiful! :) I love March, if only for the exceptional basketball that overtakes my life for a few weekends. Today was the first day of March Madness. What a crazy day! I can't believe how close so many of the games were. I did pick a few of those upsets, but I'm still blown away by a couple of them. Here's to more greatness and a lot of tv watching to come!

In Search Of....

2010-03-02T20:00:00.001-07:00

Well, many things. :) But in particular at this moment, I'm looking for some good books to read. People always tell me good ones, but I usually forget. So I'm going to start writing them down. I have heard the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is really good, so I'm planning on reading that one. I've also heard great things about the Hunger Games. So I'm putting it on my list. So now here I am, ready and open for your wise suggestions on what I can do with my time so that I don't just watch tv when I come home from work totally brain dead and burnt out. :) So advise away!

A New Addition

2010-01-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Lillie Ruth Cropper joined our family here today at 1:29pm. Janell was very grateful that the labor wasn't nearly as long as with Steven and she even did it without an epidural. Woohoo! Way to go. She's 7 lb 4 oz and 19 in long. I forget sometimes how small newborns are. But she is super cute and has lots of dark hair to boot. So here are a couple of pictures from today.

Steven meeting his baby sister.
The Happy Little Family!

Catching up with the Holidays

2010-01-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, December was a wee bit super busy. So, here's some catch up on the last month or so...

Making us some gingerbread houses

For some funny reason, Steven LOVES to listen to my ipod. And particularly, to "Hut, two, three, four." (It's the elephant parade song from Jungle Book). The boy knows how to chill. :)

Went down to Cedar for Hayley's dance recital. She's pretty darn good and stinking cute!

Had the Annual Holiday Hurrah! (This is the food. I didn't get other pictures)

Went to Mesa for Stephanie and Justin's wedding

Me, Stephanie, and Hilary - the old roomies :)

And, for the first time in I don't know how many years - we had a white Christmas in Richfield!

Whew! Did you make it through? I barely did. :) I didn't get any pictures of Christmas, but it was a lot of fun and great to spend it with the family. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well!

The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess this is sort of an advertisement. Sort of. Just letting you all know that some of my friends and I are putting on a Christmas fireside this next Sunday - December 13, 2009 - that is going to be fantastic and anyone is welcome to attend. It will be held at the Pioneer Chapel in Provo (which is on the north-west corner of 900 W and 100 N) at 7:00PM. Let me know if you have any questions. We would love to see any of you there.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

2009-11-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, I've been thinking the last couple of days about the holidays (obviously :). As I've been thinking, I've realized that I usually just kind of pass Thanksgiving by a little bit. Don't get me wrong. I totally love it, and I get very excited to hang out with my family and get some days off work, etc. :) But I'm usually kind of waiting for Christmas, or life just kind of goes on and then all of a sudden it's Thanksgiving and then it's over.
I want this, and the future years to be different. I want to "get in the mood" for Thanksgiving, if that makes any sense. I guess this was reiterated by a fabulous Stake Conference that I had this weekend where one of the things emphasized was the importance of being grateful.
So now I'm pondering on things I can do to both more fully recognize the many blessings I have been given and also to show my gratitude to my Heavenly Father. I've come up with a few things, but I'm wondering what you do.
How do you prepare yourself for Thankgsiving, or what do you do that makes it a little more special?

Let the holidays begin!!!

2009-11-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

And I'm not just talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. I believe that every day should be a celebration. And if you don't believe me, here's a list to prove I'm right. :)

Let's Start with Today -
Nov. 4th - National Use Your Common Sense Day (So please use it)

I hope you didn't miss the last couple days
Nov. 2nd is plan your epitaph day and Nov 3rd (yesterday) was Housewife's day, Sandwich day, and National Cliche Day.

If you missed those, there are still lots of events to celebrate coming up! (Side note, I did not include all holidays on this list. So there are others as well...)

Nov. 5 - Diwali
Nov. 6 - National Men Make Dinner Day (Who's going to come make it for me???)
Pumpkin Chunkin Days (the 6th-8th)
I Love Nachos Day
Nov. 7 - National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Nov. 8 - Cook something bold and pungent day
Nov. 9 - World Orphans Day
Nov. 10 - Area Code Day
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Nov. 12 - National Sundae Day
National Pizza with the works except anchovies Day
Nov. 13 - World Kindness Day
Nov. 14 - Loosen up, Lighten Up Day
National American Teddy Bear Day
Nov. 15 - I love to write Day
Nov. 16 - International Day for Tolerance
Nov. 17 - Homemade Bread Day
Nov. 18 - Mickey Mouse Day
Nov. 19 - Great American Smoke Out
Have a Bad Day Day
Use Less Stuff Day
World Toilet Day
Play Monopoly Day
Nov. 20 - Name Your PC Day
Nov. 21 - World Hello Day
Nov. 22 - Start your own country day
Go for a ride day
Nov. 23 - Fibonacci Day
National Cashew Day
Nov. 24 - Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
What do you love about America Day
Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 27 - Black Friday
Buy Nothing Day (Hmmm.... which one do you celebrate???)
National Day of Listening
Pie in the Face Day
Nov. 28 - International Aura Awareness Day
National French Toast Day
Nov. 29 - Square Dance Day
National Chocolates Day
Nov. 30 - Computer Security Day

And if the days aren't enough, here are some things for us to be celebrating this month...

National Peanut Butter Lovers month (Yup, that's me!!!)
It's also Family Stories month - feel free to share
It is the National Month of the Pomegranate
As well as National Roasting Month, National Writing Month, National Sweet Potato Awareness Month, and National Healthy Skin Month.

Personally, aside from Thanksgiving, I very much look forward to celebrating peanut butter, homemade bread, Mickey Mouse, toilets, saying hello, and cooking some crazy things. I hope you all find something this month that you love, as well as something to celebrate each day. Enjoy the start of your holidays!!!!

My favorite time of year...

2009-10-01T23:10:00.001-06:00

Yup, it's Fall! The air gets crisp and cool, sweatshirts are oh so comfortable, hot chocolate starts to be drinkable again, and the world gets more beautiful! Seeing the leaves change is one of my most favorite things, and one thing that almost makes me run away back East every year. However, Utah is putting up quite the fight this year and I've definitely enjoyed seeing what my ol' home state has to offer. I hope you enjoy too!

Smashing good start to the season...

2009-09-12T22:44:00.001-06:00

That makes two.
Go cougars!!!

Proud New Owner

2009-08-30T10:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I decided a while ago that it has come time to upgrade my car status. So, I've been searching around for quite a few weeks, deciding what I like, etc. Yesterday, I signed my life away, I mean I bought a car. :) (Okay, it really wasn't quite that bad.) Here it is!

I didn't ever think I would like a white car, but this one called out to me. :) It's proven to be really nice so far. It's a 2006, so a little bit used, but still really nice. Which also means I'm selling my blue mazda, so if anyone is aware of anyone looking for a not very expensive car (for kids going to school, teenagers, etc), let me know!

One of Life's Great Moments

2009-08-29T13:23:00.000-06:00

When you wake up in the morning

and you just want to cry because morning shouldn't be here yet.

.
And then you realize that it's Saturday.

.
Ahhhhhh. Roll over and go back to sleep.

Family Campout

2009-08-23T14:54:00.000-06:00

Well, Rowley Family Weekend came and went last weekend. It was a lot of fun because the whole family went down to Palisades to go camping for a few days. I didn't get lots of pictures, but enough to share some of the fun.

But first, it was also my oldest brother's birthday. So on Thursday we all surprised Greg at Tucano's so we could celebrate the big 40! Woo hoo. Of course he had to jam a little to celebrate.

Then we all met down at Palisades, set up the tents and had a good time!

Who needs water?

'Sup

Chillin'

Cute Girls

Hiking

Doing some crafts

Getting ready to hit the water

A little canoeing

The whole family in our awesome shirts!

Some new additions to life

2009-08-09T16:24:00.000-06:00

Well, strange as it seems to be, I'm moving out of my current apartment and into another place. I've been in this complex for 3 years now, the longest I've ever been in a place since I left home actually. So it really has been my "home", and it's a little hard to leave, as much as I know it's time to move to something new.

In a seeming next step in growing up, I'm moving into an unfurnished apartment. Rather than getting used furniture that has had who knows what on it, I decided to just spend some money and get some good stuff that will last me for a while. So, I purchased a new living room set and a kitchen table and chairs. Thankfully my parents had furniture for the bedroom. It's a new place and a new adventure to come. So here are some pictures of my new fun stuff!

Here's the table. Thanks Dad and Darrell for putting it together!

A closer look at the loveseat and coffee table.

A look at the living room.

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-07T19:32:00.000-06:00

In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams told her of the actions of the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. "The second day of July, 1776 [the actual day the Declaration was signed], will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever."

I know this is a few days after the fact, (after all, when am I ever right on top of posting things on time) but I just wanted to make a small note about the 4th of July. It's definitely one of my favorite holidays and I got to spend it in Richfield with my family, which is a big tradition. Lots of good times to be had! I'm grateful for the many blessings that I enjoy living in this country and the great country that it is!

Driving up the coast

2009-06-30T21:19:00.001-06:00

Well it's a long and windy road up the coast, but definitely beautiful for most of it. After we left San Francisco we headed up the coast to see the Redwoods. We were able to see a couple lighthouses and a few other things along the way.
Happy cows from California. :)

Point Arena Lighthouse

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

The Avenue of the Giants (Once again, can you find me in the picture?)

Driving through a tree!

Hanging out IN a tree. That's what I call a tree house!

And we even got to watch the sunset over the ocean.

More San Francisco

2009-06-30T20:56:00.000-06:00

Our second day in San Francisco was definitely full and even exhausting. :) We were able to see a lot of the city and it was a lot of fun.
We started the morning walking around the Palace of Fine Arts. It's a very beautiful big park area.

Then hanging out at the Exploratorium for a little bit.

We took a trolley tour of the city

Lombard Street

We got to take a bay cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge

And of course, you can't go to San Francisco without riding a cable car!

We also went to the aquarium and the wax museum. This was one of my favorite pictures there. :)

San Francisco

2009-06-30T20:30:00.000-06:00

The day after Yosemite, we headed up to the Bay area. We stopped first at the temple in Oakland and were able to do a session there.

We then spent the rest of the day in San Francisco, going to Alcatraz and exploring around the wharf and the pier.

Overlooking the Bay

Ghirardelli Square

Cable Car coming down Hyde Street

Something to Post!

2009-06-27T22:47:00.001-06:00

I know. I know. Everyone just control your excitment. Yes it's true. I have actually done something wherein I have pictures to post on my blog. :) I just got back today from a week long trip to California. A nice little vacation. (Although now I need a vacation from my vacation.) So over the next day or so (hopefully), I'll try to give you a small feel of some of our exciting adventures on the West Coast. No worries. There will be more to come beyond this post.

We started out driving and driving. We stayed in Carson City, NV the first night and drove up to see Lake Tahoe that night since it was really close. That lake is huge! And very pretty.

And I even made some new friends while I was there!

And then we spent the following day exploring around Yosemite National Park. There's a lot of places to see here, so we were running all over the place. But we definitely saw some very cool things. And were very tired by the end of the day. So here is just a taste.

Here's me with "Tunnel View" in the back.

One of the giant sequoia trees. (Who can find me in the picture?)

Standing inside of a tree

I'm a tree hugger!!! These things are huge!!!

Yosemite Falls

A Shout-Out to our Little Miss

2009-06-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, my niece Karen was crowned Little Miss for the town that they live in. It was fun to go and see one of our little princesses become the queen. :)

All-American Pasttime

2009-06-18T21:57:00.001-06:00

Yes, I'm slow on the post. But a couple weeks ago I was able to go watch one of my nephew's play a little baseball. I hope to be able to go see some of the others as well, but it gets a little difficult somedays making it in time from work. Anyway, here you go Nate - this post is for you. :)
The Wind-up

And the Pitch

Woa a crazy pitch! :) Way to duck!

Roundin' the Bases

Race for the Cure

2009-05-09T18:04:00.001-06:00

Today I had a really cool experience. I was able to go with sisters-in-law, Emily and Jen, and go participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It's a very large scale effort to help raise money for research to hopefully one day find a cure for breast cancer. I was amazed at how many thousands upon thousands of people were there. It was very touching to see the signs that people wore in memory of those that they have lost to cancer, and those celebrating those that have survived. There were many survivors themselves. They get their own special shirts. It was just a very cool experience, and I would recommend anyone do it. It's well worth it. Family - we're all going next year. Plan on it!!!!
Jen, Emily, and me - before the race

This was taken at about mile 2 - can you see how far that line of people is stretched in front of me? It went as far as I could see, up and over the hill. And not even exaggerating a little bit, it went at least 3 or 4 times that long behind me. It was so cool to be a part of that!!!

Congrats to Janell

2009-05-09T17:48:00.001-06:00

Last weekend was Janell's graduation from USU. Woo woo! Way to go! I was able to go up with my parents and we got to see Trent and Megan and their family and hang out and, of course, go to Janell's graduation. Congratulations Janell!

Woo hoo!

Steven just loves being outside. :)

My parents, Darrell's parents, Janell, Steven, Darrell, and me

And a little Aggie Blue Mint ice cream - mmmmmmmmm

Tulip Fest 2009

2009-04-25T19:23:00.000-06:00

This morning, my mom and sister and nephew, and my roommates Hilary and Stephanie and I all went to the Tulip Fest out at Thanksgiving Point. It was a bit chilly and windy, but thankfully the rain held off until just as we were leaving. The grounds were of course just beautiful. So hopefully some of these pictures captured a small sampling of what we got to see. Hope you enjoy!

Wicked!!!!

2009-04-25T19:15:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm a week late posting this. But at least I'm getting it on here, right? Last weekend was a lot of fun. We were able to go and see Wicked in Salt Lake. We got season tickets about a year ago so that we would be able to go. My dad gave his ticket to my sister. And then my nephew Jared drew out in the lottery, so he and Jeff got to come to. It was totally awesome, like always. :)

The Capitol Theatre

The family that got to go - Jeff, Janell, Jared, Grandma/Mom, and me

Me, Annie, and Hilary

Inside the theatre

Such great fun!!!

Oh happy day!!!

2009-04-24T21:47:00.000-06:00

Today is just such a good good day. I just had to say that.

Happy Easter....last weekend :)

2009-04-18T09:54:00.000-06:00

Well, so I'm a bit late posting, but what do you do? I was able to go home last weekend and spend Easter with some of the family. We had a grand old time, and here are some of our pictures to prove it!
Decorating us some Easter eggs!

It's time for the Easter egg hunt!!!!

Go Jared, go!!!

Those darn roots. This is Jay. (Sorry, I just thought this picture was too cute. :)

Cute girls - Hannah, Karen, and Abby

Yeah Tait - get that egg!!

Of course, there is food too. Look at this super cute bunny my sis-in-law Emily made.

Abby loves to dip those cucumbers!!!

And we also got to celebrate Makenzie's birthday!

Karen, Makenzie, and Ellie just enjoying some good cake and ice cream. :)

Spring????

2009-04-16T23:41:00.003-06:00

Maybe. But the weather doesn't seem so sure. These pictures were taken this morning when I left for work.

A little catch up

2009-04-05T12:35:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few things that have happened but I've never really posted. I figure since I don't really have much to post about in my ever so exciting life, I should post these!

In the middle of March, I was able to go with some of my family to the Draper Temple open house. It was fun to see Kevin and Jeanette because I don't get to see them often. And everyone else. And it was fun to be there with the kids to see the temple. When we were in the Celestial Room, Abby, who is 1, kept reaching for the chadelier at the top. It was cute. So here's a couple of pics from that.

Some of the family (it was so windy and cold!)

The Temple

A little more recently, I went with my sis-in-law Emily and a few of my nephews to the Fablehaven release party for the 4th book in the Fablehaven series. Yes, I am a fan. They're good books. I'm a bit sad that I now have to wait for the 5th. I think I need to stop reading series. Anyway, here's a few fun pictures from that too.

With the witch Muriel

This book is all about dragons. So....

We were going to wait in line to get books signed, etc. But it was just waaaaayyyyy to long. So we worked to get some pictures of the boys with Brandon Mull, the author, anyway. :)

Reading Rainbow

2009-04-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, not really quite that. But I saw this on my roommate Hilary's blog and was somewhat intrigued to see how I would stack up. So I figured I had to see.

The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up? Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (X)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien ( )
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (X )
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (x)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee () sad, I know but I will, I promise
6 The Bible - (x)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (X)
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell ( )
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman ( )
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens ( ) I did start it once
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott ( )
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy (X)
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller ( )
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare ( ) not all of them
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier ( )
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien ( )
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk ( )
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger ( )
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger ( )
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot ()
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell ( )
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (X)
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens ( )
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy ( )
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams ( )
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh ( )
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky ( )
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (X)
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll ( )
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame ( )
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy ( )
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens ( )
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (X)
34 Emma - Jane Austen (X)
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen ( )
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (X) Although this is part of Chronicles of Narnia
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - ( )
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres ( )
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden ( )
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne ( )
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell ( )
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (X)
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving ( )
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins ( )
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery ( )
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy ()
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood ( )
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding ( )
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan ( )
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel (X)
52 Dune - Frank Herbert ( )
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons ( )
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (X)
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth ( )
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( )
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (X)
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley ( )
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime-Mark Haddon ( )
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck ( )
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov ( )
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt ( )
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ( )
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas (X)
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac ( )
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy ( )
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding ( )
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie ( )
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville ( )
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens ( ) But I was in the play twice
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker ( )
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett ( )
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson ( )
75 Ulysses - James Joyce ( )
76 The Inferno - Dante ( )
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome ( )
78 Germinal - Emile Zola ( )
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray ( )
80 Possession - AS Byatt ( )
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens ( ) Does that children's book Mickey Mouse version count?
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell ( )
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker ( )
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro ( )
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert ( )
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry ( )
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White ( )
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom (X)
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ( )
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton ( )
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad ( )
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery ( )
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks ( )
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams ( )
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole ( )
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute ( )
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas ( )
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare ( )
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl ( )
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (X)

Hmmmm. How do they come up with these lists? I know I've seen a different one. Which I would love to find. I'm pretty sure it came from Mrs. Teeples, my AP English teacher. I'll have to try to find that one. I think it's something about 100 books everyone should read before they die or something like that. I'm 18 for 100 on this one. I guess there's a few things I should add to my reading list eh?

Oh the madness....

2009-03-17T22:44:00.000-06:00

March madness that is!!!! I'm pretty excited that one of my favorite times of the year is here, and sad that I work all day long and won't get to see a lot of the games. It was so great last year because I would sit in the back of the classroom, mute my computer, and watch the games on demand!!! :) Hee hee. Don't worry. I still payed attention. But I'm currently working on my bracket and just haven't had the research time in this year. Sad stuff. One of those other not so fun things about being "grown up". Anyway, who's your pick?

Isn't it just so beautiful?!

Ah the memories

2009-03-12T00:24:00.000-06:00

So, never fear, but on the way home from work yesterday, I passed two, not one but two, semi's with large trailers that had painted on the trailers in huge red letters "Jesus Christ is Lord, not a swear word". While the message is totally true, it kind of made me laugh and brought back a couple mission memories. I couldn't help but share.
The first memory that immediately popped into my head was a special little evangelical ambulance in Albany. See picture. I don't think anything more needs to be said.

Second memory - my companion and I had just jumped on a bus (also in Albany)and a couple of people were behind us. Of course, the bus drivers don't really care if you're seated or even expecting them to start going. They just do. So it jolts forward and this girl is kind of thrown into some other people. She very loudly and explicitly takes the name of the Lord in vain, cussing at the bus driver. There was another person on the bus who we had met a few different times around town and was a little bit mentally handicapped. When the girl on the bus says this out loud, this gentlemen says, "He loves you. He really really loves you." My companion and I just about busted a gut. Of course, we contained our laughter until after we got off the bus. The girl looked so awkward. It was great.
So thanks for sharing the trip down memory lane...

Thankful Thursday

2009-03-05T22:45:00.001-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the smell of rain.

Dreamers?

2009-02-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, I just read the book, "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall. First, I would definitely recommend reading it. But make sure you have some time to sit and think once you finish. :) If some of you aren't familiar with this book, or the movie that was based on this book, a man is trying to instill in a family member the ability to understand the greatest parts of life. And he does this through teaching different elements of the ultimate gift. While I have been contemplating numerous of these gifts, there's one that's sticking out in my mind, and that's the Gift of Dreams.

Here is how Red, the guy in the book, introduces this gift...
"I have been trying to decide, as I have been formulating this ultimate gift for you, which of the gifts is the greatest. If I had to pick one, I think I would pick the gift of dreams because dreams allow us to see life as it can be, not as it is. In that way, the gift of dreams allows us to go out and get any other gift we want out of this life."

He continues on later with this challenge. "...I want you to begin experiencing the gift of dreams. Assume everything is possible. Make a list of all the things you would like to do and be and have in your life. Then begin to prioritize that list as you discover the ones that generate the most passion in your soul."

And I'll clarify - the dreaming he is referring to is something that is driving us and moving us forward. And once we hit a milestone, another one even greater and grander appers, so that we don't just dream, but we become dreamers.

So it gives me cause to pause and to ask myself, what really are my dreams? And so, I'm asking you the same. And, please comment if you feel like you can. What do you want to have and do and be in your life?

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe today's is super lame-o, but I am so stinking grateful that I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow. It's so long overdue and I'm so excited.

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

So, my supervisor at work challenged me to do what she had challenged her kids to do - that is a "Thankful Thursday" post. I've missed a few weeks since the challenge, but I'm going to try to do it. I may not get every week. Even though I have more than enough to be thankful for. So, I may just list more than one thing to make up for the last couple of weeks.

1 - I'm thankful for my family. Some of you are probably thinking that this is totally cliche. However, it's not. This week has reinforced it even more. I work with a lot of really dysfunctional families, and I am reminded over and over again how blessed I am to have grown up in a family where I felt loved, where I was taught to work and have values and be a good person, and just so many other things. My heart breaks basically daily at some of the things that some kids have to deal with. So, cliche sounding or not, I am so very grateful for them!

2 - I'm also thankful this week for heavenly help in getting through a not so fun experience. I had to testify in court this week in a case for a couple of clients. SCARY!!!! And not fun. But it's over and done with and I'm still alive. Enough said.

3 - My not quite as serious thankfulness (which was supposed to be posted 2 weeks ago) - is for the blanket that I got for Christmas from my sister-in-law Jenny. Seriously, this is the softest blanket in the entire world. On both sides. It's so comforting. And when I've had a long day, it's so nice to cuddle up with it on my bed and just not move for a minute. :)

MLKJ Day

2009-01-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Monday was a holiday (yay!) and so we tried to do something a little bit adventurous. My sis-in-law Emily was on a trip with her siblings and dad, so my mom came up to watch the kids so Brian could work. We all hung out for a bit, and then decided to go bowling. Janell and Steven were able to come too. Little kids just get so excited. So fun, isn't it? :)

We're so ready for this!!!!

Grandma bowling

Nate is such a good big brother

There it goes!

Even Steven totally loved it!

Trying out the new camera some more

2009-01-16T15:35:00.001-07:00

Okay, okay. Maybe I'm lame. But I'm pretty excited about the very good pictures that my camera takes. Granted, they would probably be even better with a good photographer, but that's beside the point. Last week, I met up with a couple friends in Salt Lake to have some dinner before my friend Amelia left for Ghana for a few months. My friend Colby is working at the Capitol Building right now, so he decided to take us on a tour. Of course, it's a beautiful building. So I just snapped a couple of pictures to try out the "outdoor setting" on my camera. What do you think?

Sorry about the construction

Outside with the snow

And yes, it's the same picture. Just with a different setting.
I can't decide which I like better.

Christmas Time!

2009-01-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

December Events

2008-12-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

So who exactly was it that created the idea that December should be so darn busy. :) Okay, okay, I actually love December and most of the going-ons. Needless to say, I haven't done the best job of posting any of the exciting adventures. So, here are some of the fun things happening in and around P-town. (Provo, just in case you didn't know).

Dec 5 - Went to see the Temple Square lights with some of my friends. It was fun!

The temple. And yes, my friend Cheryl really took this picture. (I tried, but remember how bad my camera is....)

A small part of us - Sam, Colby, Alisha, me, Cheryl, and Rob

Some shepherds watching o'er their flocks by night.

The temple again. :)

Dec 6th - A few of the members of my familia came to Utah Valley and we feasted away at Tucano's. After that, we went over to my friend Nancy's house. Her husband works with dinosaurs and he was so kind to deal with all the crazy kids and teach us about dinosaurs and stuff! Thanks Brock and Nancy!!!!

This triceratops at Thanksgiving Point is one that Brock built. Here's Brock with some of the kids.

And what's a stop at Thanksgiving Point without seeing some of Santa's reindeer!

Dec 12th - I was able to get some tickets (once again, thanks Nancy) to the Mo Tab Christmas Concert. It was fantastic! I don't have any pictures, but I will say that it was cool enough that I will buy the dvd when it comes out. Then I can show all of you my favorite stuff from it. :)

Dec 13th - Christmas party at my house. Once again, no pictures. But, (I think) it was a grand time to be had by all. Thanks for all those that brought food and just came.

Dec 16th, and again on the 18th and 19th - Snow began to fall. Really fall. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Dec 19th - Last day of work before Christmas, and now I get a week off. Wahoo!!!!

I hope everyone else's December is going well. Merry Christmas!!!

The bell still rings for me.....

2008-12-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

...as it does for all who truly believe.

Do you?

The first gift of Christmas

2008-12-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

Do you know what the first gift of Christmas was? Well, if any of you have ever read the book The Christmas Box, you might know what I'm talking about. I read that book this weekend, and that was one of the main points, I felt anyway, that the book was making. The first gift of Christmas was the gift of the Savior coming to the world. What a precious gift from a loving Father. And that's really what it comes down to - a gift of our Heavenly Father's love. The book goes on to make the point that a parent's love is one of the greatest gifts that can be given. And by love, it really means time.

This has caused me to think on this point a bit. Obviously, I'm not a parent. But I have many important people in my life. Do they understand how much I care? Do I make it clear that they are important to me? Do I make spending time with the people I care about a priority in my life? Or do I put it off, thinking that I'll do that tomorrow? Actions definitely speak louder than words. I know that I feel that in reverse. If people put forth an effort to spend time with me, even if it's just a few minutes here and there, I feel that they care.

So that's one thing I'm going to work on - making the relationships in my life a priority.

My quest....

2008-11-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Thanksgiving came and went in somewhat of a blur, but it was very nice. I was not only deeply appreciative to have a few days off work, but glad to reflect on many of the great things I have been given in my life, hang out with family and friends, eat good food, etc. etc. This now brings us officially into the holiday season with Christmas just around the corner. And for some strange reason, time continues to fly. The last couple of years, everything just goes by so quickly and it almost doesn't seem like Christmas at all. So this year, I'm going to try to start at the beginning of the season and I have a quest.

Now I'm seeking comments from you - whoever you are. I really want to make this season feel like Christmas - to really feel the Christmas spirit. This, of course, is really the Spirit of Christ. So what do you do to help yourself draw closer to the Savior and feel the true meaning of why we have this special time of year? I would love any input. Like I said, I'm going to try some things on my own, and I may just blog about them as I go along. We'll see how it goes.

P.S. - One thing I know will help is some cold weather. So if any of you out there are hoping for no snow, just stop it right now. :)

A Proclamation

2008-11-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. . . .

.... No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. . . .

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Okay, so that's not the whole thing, but that comes from the Proclamation of Thanksgiving. Who knew there was such a thing? But I really love that Abraham Lincoln invites us to express our gratitude to our "beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". I know that He has blessed me immensely, and I definitely have a lot to be grateful for. I hope we all take a minute to remember just where all our many blessings come from. May everyone travel safely and partake of much good food! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Which of these things doesn't belong?

2008-11-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Who can see it? Who can? First one just may get a prize. Maybe. Okay, I realize that I'm writing this post in frustration. But I think that some people don't really believe the stories that I tell about some roommates (or one). So I'm documenting it. (Don't you worry, this is not a first occurrence). But not even kidding, I walk out of my room tonight and into the living room, and this is what I see. Does anyone notice the random pair of shoes sitting in the MIDDLE of the living room. Right in the middle of where people walk. This is somewhat typical. I am so sick of it. What amazes me, is that usually when things are left, it's as she's walking into her room. Why on earth is it so difficult to keep your shoes on for 15 more feet and take them off in your room instead of in the living room? Why? I am just simply and utterly bewildered. And extremely annoyed.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

2008-11-09T22:43:00.001-07:00

So, I know I haven't posted in a while. Sorry about it. Nothing much to report honestly. My life is not all too exciting. So much so that my post today is actually about being sick. Yup, that's how I spent most of today. Feeling like this. I don't know if it's the flu. I'm achy all over. Pretty sure I've had a fever most of the day. And when I woke up, my throat felt like it was closed off. I actually stayed home from church and slept through the entire morning. Which brings up my point of why do we do this to ourselves? Am I the only one that has an absolute hard time "calling in sick"? Okay, I know today was church, but actually giving myself a break from something to try and recooperate when I'm feeling sick, it rarely happens. Does it have something to do with our society? We're such workaholics. But at the same time, what's going to happen if we don't take care of ourselves? Very good question. So, if anyone can answer me why I do this to myself, please let me know. And then we can all wonder - If I wake up tomorrow feeling like I am now, what are the chances that I'll call in sick to work.......

Deer Hunt Weekend

2008-10-20T20:59:00.001-06:00

As is tradition in the Rowley family, many or most of us travel home when that special time of year comes around again. That's right. The deer hunt. :) What can I say, it really is a family tradition. I remember very well back in the day when my grandpa would come down and my uncles and cousins. We would all sleep in the living room in sleeping bags and very early, the hunters would go out and attempt to add to our food supply for the coming winter. Needless to say, there aren't quite as many of us that come anymore, but all of us that can still come home for the event. While the boys go out hunting, the rest of us stay home and hang out. It was such a fun weekend and so nice to just leave Provo and everything else behind for a few days. I wish it could have lasted a little longer, but I enjoyed the time we had. So here are a few pictures.

The hunters - Dad (In the background), Daniel, Kevin, and Trent. So far, Daniel and Trent were both able to get deer. My brother Brian did as well, but him and Greg were hunting in a different part of the state.
Playing with Steven on the tramp. He loved bouncing!Grandma and Hayley making cookies. I thought this was just really cute. Hayley is definitely developing quite the personality. She just makes me laugh. *Disclaimer: I did get pictures of my other nieces and nephews there, but they're on my parents camera in Richfield.

And, just in case those of you who read my post on "the 8's" and didn't really believe what I was looking foward to, here you go. Mom's strawberry rhubarb pie. Ah...... it's just heaven.

Yup, it tasted pretty good! :)

Wrong Era?

2008-10-20T20:47:00.001-06:00

So, sometimes I think that maybe I was born in the wrong time period. And I'm not thinking I should have been born in Jane Austin's time or anything like that. Just probably about 50 or 60-ish yrs earlier. What can I say. I pretty much love the music of that time. The old standards - the classics I call them. You know, the greats like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., etc. I think you get the picture. Well, last weekend (Oct 11th), I was able to go with two of my friends and my parents to the show "The Rat Pack". It's a Broadway touring show that is if you were at a live concert of the Rat Pack back in the day. And for those of you who are't familiar, the Rat Pack is Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. (Okay, there were 2 others that people don't really know). Talk about such a fun time. We totally loved it!!!!

Here's a picture of the guy that was playing Frank Sinatra. (Shhh... we weren't supposed to take pictures...)

Hilary, Annie, and me after the concert.

Hope

2008-10-04T16:15:00.000-06:00

Wikipedia defines hope as "a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope implies a certain amount of despair, wanting, wishing, suffering or perseverance - i.e., beliving that a better or positive outcome is possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary."

Okay, yes, I know it's Wikipedia, but I like what it says. Today and tomorrow are General Conference, and what a great opportunity to listen to what the Lord has to tell us through the prophets and apostles that He has called.

In the two sessions today, there is a theme that really stuck out to me. That is of faith and hope. President Uchtdorf stated that we need to make hope a more active part of our lives.

I've noticed lately that sometimes I struggle with that. In my line of work, I see a lot of the worst that society has to offer. I see many people that have lost hope because of their own decisions or decisions of others that have caused them to suffer. I have to admit that sometimes I feel despair and wonder about humanity and just think that the bad is starting to overtake everything. But there were so many things today that spoke to my heart and reassured me that there is a reason to hope. And also of how aware the Lord is of us and always with us. I love when Elder Holland said that the latter-days are not a time to fear and tremble. It is a time to be believing. And in order to have that faith and be believing, I have to do what Elder Andersen said, that "Faith is not just a feeling. It is a decision." Elder Holland also said to take heart and be filled with faith. The Lord has said that he will fight our battles. What a great re-assurance that I'm not in this fight alone. None of us are. Satan is not going to triumph. And why? Because of the greatest hope of all. "The hope that transcends the trivial. The hope of Israel."

My greatest hope is in Jesus Christ. The hope that things are all going to work out okay. The hope that people can change and heal. The abiding trust that God will fulfill his promises to us. As Elder Uchtdorf said, "Hope teaches us there is a reason to rejoice, even when all seems dark around us." And that's how I feel right now. The world has been seeming like a very dark place. But I've been reminded of The Light that chases away all darkness. And that hope and that knowledge is enough.

"...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (D&C 84:88)

Crazy 8's - the tag that is

2008-10-03T13:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, well, Jenny tagged me with this one. So let's see...

8 TV shows that I love to watch:
1 - The Office
2 - Chuck
3 - Bones
4 - Psych
5 - Private Practice
6 - Friends
7 - Gilmore Girls
8 - BYU Football (Especially when they win. Which is a lot right now!!!!)

8 Favorite Restaurants
1 - Costa Vida
2 - Olive Garden
3 - Winger's
4 - Mimi's Cafe
5 - Chili's
6 - California Pizza Kitchen
7 - Tucano's
8 - I love New York Pizza (It's in Albany)

8 Things that happened yesterday
1 - Went to work
2 - Was amazed by some of the really stupid decisions some teenagers make
3 - Tended 4 of my nieces and nephews
4 - Went to a birthday party for a friend
5 - Stayed up too late
6 - Got my finger cut and bruised in a sword fight (yes, it's still swollen)
7 - Laughed when people didn't understand and gave me funny looks when I told them about #5
8 - Got new play therapy toys in the mail

8 Things that I am looking foward to
1 - Christmas season! (I know, maybe a little lame. But I really am)
2 - More fall-like weather
3 - General Conference
4 - Eating strawberry-rhubarb pie the next time I go home
5 - Someday (hopefully) feeling like I actually sort of know what I'm doing as a therapist
6 - Going to Wicked again in April!
7 - To someday have my own place where there aren't four of the same items all over the place, and to know that any mess that is made is by me or someone I chose to live with
8 -Eating some good food today.

8 Things on my wish list
1 - To get married (if you want me to be honest anyway)
2 - Go to Italy
3 - Go to Disneyland again really soon. :)
4 - To get to see all my cool family more often!
5 - To be done with roommates (Although I really do like some roommates!)
6 - To attend a Michael Buble concert (and sit real close!)
7 - To not get sick when flying (yeah right, but as long as I'm wishing...)
8 - To have more opportunities to sing. I don't have a lot of those right now.

8 People I Tag (uh....)
1 - Holly
2 - Emily Roundy
3 - Lori
4 - Emily West
5 - Bonnie
6 - Tiffany
7 - Hilary (One of those roommates I like :)
8 -Audri

It begins again...

2008-09-25T23:22:00.001-06:00

And so it goes, that the end of September brings about the beginning anew of some of our favorite shows. :) Tonight was the premier of The Office. I love this show! Seriously. If you don't believe me, here's a picture of our Christmas tree 1 1/2 yrs ago.

It was a good premier. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show again. This show just totally makes me laugh. And just because, I'm going to throw on a picture of Pam and Jim. :)

And then, there are other shows. Blasted TV. It kind of sucks me in. Okay. I really only have a few favorite shows. The next one that I'm most excited about --- Chuck!

I don't know if any of you are really familiar with this show. It was new last year. It's on NBC. For some reason, I totally love it.

I know. Pretty sad that this is currently the highlight of my life. But, my world can be complete again with my Jim and Chuck crushes to carry me through. Happy watching!

Flashback

2008-08-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

Remember back in the day... you know, about 15 years ago. There was a group that was pretty popular. And then they seemed to disappear. And then they reappeared again. And in Orem, UT. Woa. Funny enough, Boys II Men came to Orem to do a concert. My friend Becky invited me to come with them, so I figured why not? It's always fun to go back to middle school days, right? So here are a few pictures and videos!

They performed some old Motown songs.

Here's the group of us that went. Kyle, Becky, Melissa, Ali, and me.

And, I apologize that the videos aren't so great. It didn't help that they didn't have lots of lights on during some of these songs. But I think you'll still recognize it. :)

Ha ha. Good times!

So much for my bedtime...

2008-08-15T16:55:00.000-06:00

Well, since starting working, I have done really quite well at going to bed earlier than I used to. Usually about 11:00 or shortly thereafter. I've been pretty proud of myself. But, then came last Friday. And since that time.... I've been up until past midnight almost every night. And it's all because I'm glued to the tv - watching the Olympics!!!!

Okay, I'm not really complaining. I love the Olympics and it's so fun to watch. The swimming and gymnastics that have happened the last few nights have been a lot of fun. I have to admit. I am enjoying it a lot. Even if that means that this morning I didn't hear my alarm for almost a half hour. (I was up and out the door in 13 minutes. I think that's gotta be a record.) But, just for fun, I'm going to throw on a few fun pictures. :)

Of course, watching Michael Phelps swim is very exciting. He rocks at it!

The Womens All Around Final for gymnastics. This was awesome! Go USA!!!

Just Thinking...

2008-07-26T23:11:00.001-06:00

So, I just went and saw Prince Caspian - the movie. I've been wanting to see it for awhile, and finally did. I've been thinking about it since I left. I guess part of that thinking comes from something my institute teacher said in class. She played for us the song that plays during the credits and pointed out a couple of things that have made me think. It's interesting to see that Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy don't feel like they really belong in the world they live in. They were kings and queens in Narnia, so England wasn't quite right. I think that's often true for us. We don't quite feel like we belong here, because we don't. We know that there is another place that we're working to reach. There's somewhere else that we belong. And when we come to truly believe that, we are changed. There are instances and times in our lives when we catch that feeling. I believe that one of those places is the temple. When we're there, we catch that glimpse of what our home trully is.

Here's a link to the song. See what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CkbCAsUmUQ

And here's the lyrics:

I've got my memories

They're always inside of me

But I can't go back - back to how it was

I believe now

I've seen too much

But I can't go back

Back to how it was

Created for a placeI've never known

Chorus:

This is home

Now I'm finally where I belong, Where I belong

Yeah, this is home

I've been searching for a place of my own

Now I've found it

Maybe this is home

Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery

I've seen the enemy

And I won't go back

Back to how it was

And I got my heart

Set on

What happens next

I got my eyes wide

It's not over yet

We are miracles

And we're not alone

(Chorus)

And now after all my searching

After all my questions

I'm gonna call it home

I got a brand new mindset

I can finally see the sunset

I'm gonna call it home

(Chorus)

Now I know

Yeah, this is home

I've come too far

And I won't go back

This is home

A little game

2008-07-22T21:59:00.000-06:00

My friends Audri and Michelle have this on their blog and I think it kind of sounds like fun!

Here's what you do

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you (or, even if you don't have a blog please still leave a comment....it'll be fun). The end :)

American Idol Concert

2008-07-15T21:07:00.000-06:00

So, my brother, sister-in-law, sister, and I attended the American Idol concert last night. We've all been pretty into American Idol this year. And it was actually a really good year. Many of the top 10 were actually really good. So we figured, let's go to the concert! It was a lot of fun. Talk about super loud, that's for sure. Thousands of screaming girls - out of control. But it was still a lot of fun. Here are a few pics of our adventures there!

Me, Janell - my sister, and Daniel - my brother waiting in deep anticipation!!!!

Chikezie - was totally one of my favorites the whole season. Too bad he didn't last a little longer.

Michael Johns - He was never one of my favorites during the season, but he totally rocked it out. It was the best I had ever heard him sing. :)

Carly Smithson - this girl's voice rocks. She's really good.

Brooke White - did quite well really. Even if we couldn't get the greatest picture of her. :)

Group Number

Syesha - she was always one of my top favorites during the show. Her songs were mostly good tonight, although I was not at all impressed with her. Sad day. But she does have a great voice.

Utah's own little hero - David Archuleta. He did a really good job. It seemed like he may be losing his voice, but he still did a good job.

And, of course, the American Idol himself - David Cook. This guy really rocked. I was very impressed with his stage performance and everything. Well done!

Lions and Tigers and Bears... Oh My!

2008-07-12T19:31:00.000-06:00

Except for the fact that the Hogle Zoo no longer has any lions and the tiger didn't want to come out and play. Disappointing. But, the zoo was fun! I went with my brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Jenny, and their little girl Hayley. My parents also came with us, as well as some of Jenny's family. It's been a long time since I've gone to the zoo, but I believe it was a grand time to be had by all. The Ghost of the Bayou - although it totally looked fake, it's an all-white alligator.

Not albino, just white.

The only lion I got to see - and it tried to eat me!

Me and Hayley by the elephants

A bald eagle in front of the American Flag. We went to the bird show, which was actually really cool. This is how they ended the show, with the bald eagle in front of the flag. It was pretty cool.

This is a red panda. It's like a bear, cat, racoon, mix. But I guess it's actually most closely related to bears. It was so cute. I know the picture doesn't quite show how cute his face is, but he looked so cute and cuddly. (Although he probably wasn't cuddly :). But he was my favorite!

Daniel, Hayley (sleeping), my mom, and me on the Zoofari - the train!

It's 10:30...

2008-07-09T22:32:00.000-06:00

and I'm going to bed. I just had to mark this day down in history.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-06T23:40:00.001-06:00

What a great weekend! I was able to go home with most of my family to spend time together and celebrate our nation's birthday. Maybe I'll eventually get pictures of us on the 4th, but I just wanted to say how grateful I am to live in this country and for the many blessings we enjoy. I know that I definitely take things for granted a lot, and things aren't perfect, but we enjoy so much here.

I am also very grateful for those who have given so much throughout the years in the cause of freedom. Working with war veterans last year gave me a whole other perspective on the sacrifices that so many have made for us to live here and have the rights and freedoms that we do. Thank you to all those who have, who are, and will serve this great country.

"Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Coonstitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." D&C 109:54

Happy Birthday America

Update on my life

2008-06-25T19:10:00.001-06:00

Well, I guess since I've posted about all the other dilemma's, I guess I should update everyone on the new turn of events. Shortly before leaving for my trip, I had an interview with Wasatch Mental Health. This was for the job that I was kind of hoping for all along. Then I left on my trip and got a phone call right as I was walking on the plane in Phoenix. They offered me the job and I took it. So, I started that today. (It's a little bit rough since I just got home yesterday, but what do you do.) So I guess I have a pathway chosen and am now continuing on with life. I still don't know that I love that it's "career time" in my life. But I guess I have to be a grownup. At least I still get to work with kids! :) So, if you're wondering, I'm working in the YOP - Youth Out Patient - which means I'm a therapist for children and teenagers. I'm pretty much getting thrown right in, so here's to another adventure.

MA cont.

2008-06-25T18:44:00.001-06:00

Day 3 - Lexington and Concord

We saw most of the sights in these two towns and the "battle trail" in between. We learned quite a few things about the beginnings of the Revolutionary War that we didn't know before.

This is the Battle Green in Lexington. This cute little old man told us all about that fateful night of the "shot heard 'round the world".
This is the Old North Bridge in Concord.

Concord is also home to Sleep Hollow. Oooooo.... Super fun! :) We did go there. Didn't see any headless horsemen. But we did get to see the graves of Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Day 4 - Cambridge

What a beautiful house! This is the house that belonged to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was amazing! We got to tour through it and learn more about the man and hear a lot of his poetry. It was actually super cool!

The Boston Temple! I have this on day 4 because this is when I got the picture. We were actually able to go to the temple on day 1 of the trip, but didn't have a lot of opportunities for picture taking time. So, when we went past it again, we stopped to try to get some good ones. It's a beautiful temple!

So, there's a very brief recap of the trip. Hope it was enjoyable!

An All-American City....

2008-06-25T17:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I just got back from a short little trip to Boston! Okay, more than just Boston really. What a grand adventure. I went with my mom and with my roommate Pam. We flew out last Wednesday and were supposed to fly back on Monday. Sadly, the weather didn't fully cooperate and we spent Monday night stranded in the airport in NYC and got back yesterday. Needless to say, we were a bit exhausted, but we had a fun time nevertheless. So here are a few pictures of the trip!

Day 1 - Plymouth, MA

This is Plimoth Plantation. And yes, that's how they really spell it. Even if they spell everything else Plymouth. This is set up as if it was 1627 and the Pilgrims were starting to get settled in. They had people dressed up as characters who also acted as if they were some of the real people that came across on the Mayflower. It had a beautiful view as well, right on the coast!

Here's my mom and I by the Plymouth Rock sign. Sadly, they were doing construction on the edifice that covers the rock, so we didn't get to see it. We had to get a postcard instead. :)

This is the Mayflower II. It's what they think the Mayflower looked like and is run the same, etc. So we got to go on a little tour of it. Pretty exciting!

Day 2 - Boston!

Okay, it's a little difficult to decide which pictures to put on here. There's so many! We went on the Freedom Trail which takes you to most of the historical sights in Boston. We saw Boston Commons, many different old churches, graves of John Hancock, Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and others, new and old state houses, Paul Revere's house, the site of the Boston Massacre, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and other places as well.

This is the State House - or the capital building. We were there just 2 days after the Celtics won the NBA finals, and the city was still celebrating!

This is Fanueil Hall with a statue of Samuel Adams in front. Go google it if you want to know the importance of it. :)
This is a statue of Paul Revere in front of the Old North Church - the church where lanterns were hung to signal that the British were coming. Then Paul Revere began his famous midnight ride.

Champions

2008-06-10T16:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I went down to Nephi with my sister and bro-in-law to see my nephews play in their championship baseball game. Of course, they won, and of course my nephews were a big part of it! :) It's really true because a good number of the outs were because of these two. Woohoo!

Here's Jeff and Jared with their trophies!
And with me. :)

And action shot of Jeffrey running from second base after hitting a nice double.

This is Jared out in the outfield. This was the coolest play. He got the ground ball and threw it to Jeffrey at second base for the out. Good teamwork!

Spending my days....

2008-06-10T15:48:00.001-06:00

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've posted anything. I don't really feel like much of anything has happened in the last month. (Other than the fabulousness of Disneyland!) I can't believe I've been out of school for a month. For those wondering, still no job yet. I have had a couple of offers, but they just didn't feel like they were the places for me to be at this point in time. So we'll see what happens with a couple of others coming up. In the meantime, I'm just chillin'. It's actually been really nice. I've been able to read (books I enjoy and not textbooks).

(Yup, I read Harry Potter all over again. It's so great!)

I'm reading 1776 right now, in preparation for my trip to Boston! Wahoo!

I've actually done quite a bit of family history stuff. I've visited family and played with friends and just had fun.

Here are a couple of pictures of one of our adventures. There is a flower bed on the south side of our apartment complex. Of course, the grounds keepers don't do anything. So, we decided to plant flowers! We went to Home Depot and went crazy and bought a bunch of different things. Hopefully they'll continue to grow!

Yay for summer!

I'm going to Disneyland!!!! (I mean I went... :)

2008-05-13T18:07:00.000-06:00

Well, it was such great fun to answer the question that everyone gave me around graduation time of "What are you doing now?" "I'm going to Disneyland!!!!!" Last week, my family and I headed off for sunny California (although not entirely sunny while we were there) and had ourselves a magical adventure! I haven't been to Disneyland in 11 years. I don't remember it being quite so fun. But it really was. We had lots of kids with us, which made all the little kid rides exciting and fun too. (And I guess the adults were pretty okay themselves. :) It was such a great time and I kind of wish I could just go back. I didn't think about Provo or life decisions or anything for the whole week! So here are a few pictures to see some of the enjoyment. This will only be a very very small taste - I don't think blogs have enough room for all of the pictures. :)

None other than Mickey Mouse himelf. He totally gave me a kiss on the cheek when I left. ;)

Appropriate mouse ears I thought.With mom and dad

With most of my nieces and nephews. Just missing four of them in this picture.

Okay, I have to be honest. Goofy is probably my favorite!

Playing the "goofwin"

The Grizzly River Run at California Adventure Park

Splash Mountain!

So, there's just a little taste of the magic. Hope you enjoyed the ride!

Graduation!

2008-04-26T13:30:00.000-06:00

Wow. It actually came. Who would have thought it would actually end. :) The last two days have been graduation. And it's really been a good couple of days. A little overwhelming perhaps, but good. Thursday was the University Commencement (everyone in the Marriott Center). My mom and dad came up for that. Go figure that it was snowing before we went in. But afterwards, it was nice and sunshiny. How's that for typical Utah weather. All the graduates inside the Marriott Center.With mom and dad

Sitting by a fountain :)

And of course, dad wanted a picture of the hood because it looks refined and distinguished. :) (Okay, funny joke. For real, the paper that came with the hood as instructions for how to wear it said this: "Upon receiving your gown and academic hood, you'll want to put it on to admire your distinguished and refined look." ha ha!)

Friday was our day - the Social Work Dept.

Three of my classmates (and friends) and I were able to do a musical number for graduation. L-R, Angela Irving, Sandra Wilkes, me, and Brynn Bell. We sang "Not Too Far From Here", which I really think is the perfect social work song and really is why we do what we do.

Being hooded by Dr. Marett and Dr. Panos

Receiving my diploma from Dr. Seipel

Here's the family that was able to come. Grandpa Farnsworth, dad, mom, Janell and Steven. I know others wanted to be there, but couldn't make it. But I'm still very grateful to all of my family. I've been extremely blessed with a fantastic family and I know they were all there in spirit. :)

Okay, I know this post is getting a little long. But I have to put at least one, maybe 2, pictures of my class on here. I have to say, this is probably the greatest class in the world. I realize that we've spent beyond normal amounts of hours together - classes, studying, internships, etc. But we've all grown so close and it has been my family away from my family these last two years. They're an amazing group of people, and they've all blessed my life. I'm definitely going to miss them. It's not quite real to me yet that we won't be going back. But I hope they all know how grateful I am to them for their friendships, the things they have taught me, and the people they are. Go MSW Class of 2008!

With some of our great professors!

History turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives

2008-04-10T22:53:00.000-06:00

"Decisions determine destiny." So, I realized that today was my second to last day of class. Ever. That's a little bit strange to think about. I'm graduating in two weeks. And really, school is pretty much the only thing I've ever known. I took a break for the mission. But even then, I started school again within 2 weeks of being home. So it's pretty much been my life. And now it's going to be over. Which of course brings up the commonly asked question of "what are you doing after graduation?" Honestly, I really don't know. I never planned my life this far. It's time to enter the real world and become a real adult. But where and how? It brings up a lot of questions about my life's mission and what I was sent here to accomplish. I really hope that I don't miss that. But I know that I have to move forward. So I'm working on that. It's been very interesting to see how things have been playing out in this decision process. I'm grateful for the no's that Heavenly Father has given me because then I at least know those are not the things for me to do right now. And then other possible paths close. Apparently those aren't the right ones either. I almost feel like I'm standing at a crossroad that most of the roads have closed off. I feel sure that there are other roads that maybe I just can't see. Or maybe that one road that still might be open is the one I'm supposed to take. I'm not sure if I want it or not, but who knows?

Anyway, I think that I'm rambling. But obviously, this is on my mind a little bit lately. (Or maybe more than a little.) I do believe that things will work out. Amazingly, they always do. But the growing process of waiting and testing and trying always seems to come first. So here I am, still praying and pondering and hoping that I will allow the Lord to open my eyes to the "right" road. Until then....

Temple Trip

2008-03-30T11:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, a small group of friends came with me down to the Manti Temple. This is "my" temple, so it's always so fun to go there. But this was an extra special occasion.

I know the picture above is really not all that great. I was taking a picture of a picture. But the little lady in the middle is Rosemary. I had the great privilege of teaching her on the mission and was able to see her get baptized. She was such a spitfire. I love it! And I love her and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to know her. I found out not too long ago that she passed away last March. Since that time, I have had the feeling of her prodding me forward to get her work done for her and her family. We had begun working on this when I was in New York 4 years ago. But nothing has ever been done. After getting the go-ahead from a few different people, I was able to do the temple work done for her, her parents, her grandparents, and an uncle and aunt. It was such a great experience and it means a lot that I've been able to continue to be a part of Rosemary's life and progression in the gospel.

My parents were so great to be willing to come up and help me out. It was extra special to have them there with me and stand in for Rosemary's parents as I stood in for her. Here's the friends that came with me!
I do have to thank my roommate Hilary for this picture. I really loved the growing flowers alongside the temple. That's one of the great things about spring. And it was very fitting to me for this weekend as well. And putting this all together with Easter last weekend. Because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, death - the winter of life - has no permanent hold on us. Spring will come and flowers will always bloom again. We will live again. Those who have gone on before can and will be with us again. It offers such hope and such extreme happiness! The Gospel's true folks!

And, not that this has much to do with anything, but what is a trip to Manti/Ephraim without getting some Fat Sticks! Such good stuff.

Bag Tag????

2008-03-27T23:39:00.001-06:00

So, I just got tagged by Holly. And I think this may be the most random of all tags that I've seen. Thanks a lot Brynn. :) Apparently, for this tag I'm supposed to show my purse and what is in it right now without changing a thing.

So, here's my purse. Here comes the confession. Unlike many girls, I actually only have one purse. No 30 different purses to match every outfit. Or even two. (I actually have a friend who probably has 30.) I don't love purses to begin with. I personally think they're a bother to carry around. And yet, it's somewhat necessary. C'est la vie. So my purse is not very big. Pretty much just carries the essentials. So what's inside? Okay, 2nd confession. I actually did have to change what was inside, just a little bit, because I actually carry my camera with me. Just a little trick I learned on the mission. You never know when you're going to need it. But no worries. I put it back in. Also, I have my checkbook, many receipts, drivers license, credit cards, and many other cards. (Like phone cards and Hollywood video card and grocery store cards, etc.) I also have my temple recommend and pass along cards. Just don't ask me how good I am at passing along those cards. :) I have one feminine product for emergencies, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, chap stick, ibuprofen, and dramamine randomly. I don't think I ever took it out after the last time I flew. Throw in a couple notes here and there, and that's pretty much it I think.
So, I hope that was overly exciting for all of you. Who do I tag? I'm sure anyone would be more interesting than me on this one. I'm going to say.... Andrea Bayles, Hilary (roomie of mine!), Janell, and..... Megan. Have fun!

Easter!

2008-03-25T22:36:00.000-06:00

Well, Easter was a little bit different this year. I stayed here in Provo, pretty much all by myself. My roommate Hilary was here. So we celebrated and partied together. What is Easter without a little egg decorating. Here are a few of our lovely creations.

It was definitely a good weekend though. We had some really good lessons in church, and it was a great chance to reflect on the reason why we celebrate Easter. I am very grateful for the Savior and for his gift of the atonement and the resurrection. I can't even begin to imagine where I'd be without it. Thankfully, I don' t have to. :)

Seven Random Things I Am Thinking Right Now

2008-03-18T17:44:00.000-06:00

This is a tag from Holly. Here goes....

1 - Do I have seven thoughts in my head right now?
2 - Should I be paying attention to my professor right now?
3 - I've learned a little too much information in my human sexuality class.
4 - I wonder how American Idol will go tonight.
5 - I really need to figure out what I'm doing with my life after graduation.
6 - I wish I had a cooler looking blog.
7 - And.... I really don't have seven thoughts in my head.

What can I say. I've been sitting in class all day long. My brain is tired.

I tag.... Janell, Jenny, Megan, and Emily Roundy

GUESS WHAT TIME IT IS?????

2008-03-18T17:06:00.000-06:00

Yee-haw! This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. Maybe I'm a little lame, I know. But, this is just a fun time. It's great, because it's really open to so many things happening. Upsets are in the making and all it takes is one game to change the whole course of things. So, that's pretty much my life at the moment. :) Forget school, that's not important. I'm working on filling in my brackets. It's sure tough to decide. Anyone else have a pick for who they think is going to win? We'll see what magic happens during the big dance this year!

Can you believe #20?

2008-03-14T00:05:00.001-06:00

Well, we've hit a landmark. Last week, my sister-in-law had a cute little baby boy. This makes #20 of the nieces and nephews. And they're all just so stinking cute. Who woulda thought? :) Here's a couple of pictures of the the little guy. They're naming him Jacob. It's a family name with some pretty cool stories behind it. So we approve!

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-03-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Most of my family was able to go home and celebrate on Saturday. (We did miss you Trent and Megan!) It's always extremely great to get together with my family because I really do love them and we have a lot of fun together. But it's also special to celebrate one of the greatest women I know, and that's my mom.

I hope she enjoyed her birthday and I hope she knows just how great she is. She's taught me so much and been such a great support to me through everything I've done in life. I love you mom!

"It seems to me that my mother was the most splendid woman I ever knew... I have met a lot of people knocking around the world since, but I have never met a more thoroughly refined woman than my mother. If I have amounted to anything, it will be due to her."
~ Charles Chaplin

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."
~ Abraham Lincoln

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after painting shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give."
~ David O. McKay

Book Tag

2008-02-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Jenny, and here's what you do.

Pick up the nearest book (one with at least 123 pages)

Open to page 123
Find the 5th sentence

Post the next 3 sentences
Tag 5 people (or as many as you'd like)

The book nearest to me right now is "Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: and how you can make yours last" by John Gottman, PhD. Just to clarify, I'm reading it for my marriage and family therapy class. :)

Okay, nevermind, I'm changing books. Page 123 of this book is simply a questionnaire/self-test about whether or not you can work things out. So, what's the next closest one. Hmmm... that one is for my human sexuality class. I'll skip that one too. :)

Okay, I'm ready now! "God Wants a Powerful People" by Sheri Dew. (Pretty much she's awesome.)

"After reading the familiar passage in James, Joseph realized he must "either remain in darkness and confusion, or else . . . do as James directs, that is, ask of God" (JS-H 1:13), which he did, with life-changing, even dispensation-inaugurating results. There would be subsequent times when he would experience anew the impact of contention. David Whitmer reported a familiar episode that took place while Joseph was in Fayette translating the Book of Mormon."
Ohhhh, and now you're left hanging. :)

I tag: Brynn, Holly, Tiffany, Emily, and Megan

Guitar Hero Party!

2008-02-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we had the fun pleasure of going to my friend Brynn's house and having a rocking guitar hero party. Complete, of course, with all sorts of great food. We didn't have a lot of people there, but we sure had a blast. (And I must say, guitar hero on a 60 in HD tv with surround sound rocks! Thanks Brynn!)

Some Family Fun

2008-02-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it was kind of a couple of weeks ago, but on February 2nd, my nephew Tyler was baptized. Since all the family was around, my brother also got permission to bless my niece Abby on the same day. And, of course, other good times with the family. (Sorry you can't really see them. I downloaded them the wrong way and so they won't go any bigger. :)

(I don't particularly love this picture, but my sister-in-law does. We were playing a game of P-I-G, and not very many people can make it backwards. :)

My January

2008-02-01T16:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I guess it's time for a little bit of an update. January seemed to go by pretty quickly. It definitely had a few eventful surprises. We've been getting more and more snow this month. It's great for the moisture. Sadly to say, we have an underground parking lot and our managers haven't wanted to do the best job at removing snow or ice from the ramp. So one day.... I was trying to get out and totally couldn't because the ramp was covered in ice. So, my car slid backwards and into the wall. I don't know if you can tell or not, but there's quite a dent, the tail light is broken, and all of that white is deeply scratched paint. I'm still trying to get them to pay for it since it's their responsibility. We'll see what happens.

On a happier note, last week one of my favorite members from New York, Cari Burnell, was in Utah. Kathryn, who was one of my companions, and I got to drive up and see her and spend a few hours with her. I can't believe I've been home from my mission for 3 1/2 years. Wow. That's crazy!

And, not that this is really a January thing. I have been working at my internship for 4 1/2 months now. And I've been doing therapy since last February. But today when I went into work, they had put my name on the door.

That was a little bit weird to me. It still sometimes scares me that I'm actually a therapist. That's like a grown-up job or something. Is that weird to anyone else?

Of course, I think all of us were a little shocked by the news of President Hinckley passing away. I was in a stake leadership training when they announced it. I was really sad for a minute, but then I was really happy for him to be with his wife again and to have a little bit of a rest. I know that he'll continue working on the other side, but he's given us so much and for so long. One of my friends made the comment that it's kind of selfish of us to want to keep him forever. We've been blessed to have him for such a long time. And when my mom told my grandma, my grandma responded by saying, "Well, good for him." And it's kind of true. I'm grateful for the service he has given and the teachings and example he has sent.

A New Year

2008-01-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well, Happy New Year everyone. The break is now over. Sad day. And I have to go back to work/school tomorrow. It's a little bit sad that this was my last real Christmas break. I don't like that the "grown-up" world doesn't give you a real break. And so, to celebrate that break, I'll post a few pictures. Sadly, I didn't really take that many. But here's just a little taste of what it was like...

Steven is growing right up. I almost made him laugh. It was pretty darn cute. Apparently his neck is pretty ticklish. :)

Poor Hayley didn't feel very good. However, she wasn't about to put up with any nonsense from the cousins. Hannah, don't cross that line....

I guess it's a good thing that all of the kids like books so much. Here is Grandpa Rowley reading Karen, Jace, and Colton a story. Who knew that the Big Bad Wolf was so intense!

And, we have a couple of traditions at the Rowley household that I thought it could be fun to have some pictures of. My mom is very good at dipping chocolates and we have done it almost every year since before I can remember. So, here are some of our finished products this year.

And, of course, our New Year's Eve tradition (that just happens to occur most nights between Christmas and New Year's). Lots of yummy foods -crackers and cheese balls, chips and dip, fruit, etc. etc. etc. We eat that food and play lots of games and just have a good time all around.

So there's just a little sample of the Rowley Family Christmas break.