Summer & Tyler

New blog!

2011-04-11T12:38:00.005-06:00

I noticed a lot of you still have this blog listed...so here is the link again if you didn't know we have a new one.

tylerandsummer.com

Growing up

2010-11-11T19:46:00.003-07:00

I've been without a rental car the last few days here in New York, so I've taken advantage of the time after work while Ty has been studying for sales school to throw together a new blog!

I thought it was due time for us to move on to a big girl/boy blog that focuses more on big, beautiful photos rather than my horrible writing. If Tyler would post more that would be a different story, but I'm really excited about it and hopefully it will motivate us to grow in photography together (Ty could be part Asian too you know).

It is still a work in progress, but come over and check it out. Now that things will be slowing down I'll have lots more tlc for it.

TylerandSummer.com

{I know so original right?}

Melanie Rice and our Utah reception day

2010-10-26T18:46:00.003-06:00

Mel, our awesome, amazing photog cousin was sweet enough to take pics with our newbie baby cousin strapped to her front. You mothers got talent to multi-task like that!

Here and still kickin'

2010-10-24T14:20:00.007-06:00

I'm sitting here on my couch (just barely found room to sit on it today) staring at the mass amount of items that still need to find their way to a designated spot of their own.

Last night it was staring at piles of boxes, so really we're making progress here.

Thanks to my mom, she kicked our butts into gear when she came down on Sunday to help get us settled. She's been a huge help (if we forget about the two glass items that shattered in the past 24 hours..but you didn't hear that from me) and am so grateful for her organizational skills, especially in the kitchen.

Even though we've totally downsized, I think we scored in this little apartment. Upgrades from our last house in the kitchen, closet, and bathroom department, I'm pretty stoked. It's starting to feel like home already. Duds may be a little depressed from the move, but I heard there's a great doggie park close that I promised we'd get to visit soon.

Saturday was my first real day out of the house and Ty and I went to visit Casey and Justin. I've been dying to see Layton before he got any bigger and I jumped at the chance to do a little shoot.

He is a doll and it's so cute to see how they're enjoying being parents already. I think it's the greatest and strangest thing to see one of my best and longest friends have a child of her own. It only seems like yesterday when we were playing together in elementary school...and look at her now with her beautiful family! It makes me so warm and fuzzy.

I hate blog titles

2010-10-12T21:31:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I'm WAY too lazy and uncreative to come up with a good title for a post. Forgive me.

I'm finally getting around to sharing the pictures from our "wedding". The first up of three different photographers is Weddirazzi. I love how different and unique each photographer is-it always amazes me how their style shows through their pictures.

We're moving to OC!

2010-10-09T20:56:00.003-06:00

This Friday is the big day. I can't believe it. After 7 years I'm finally going to be a Californian again. I've even acquired a strange accent living here (from what my customers at work tell me), my skin can't hold onto a tan for more than a week, and I'm not really remembering what it's like to sit in traffic for more than 10 minutes, or how to drive in said traffic.

A big adjustment it may be, but I'm so proud and happy for Tyler and his new job. It seems like it's a perfect fit and he's loving it already.

What am I going to be doing you ask? Well, it is truly a miracle. I get to keep my job and I'll be the first person in the company to be given the opportunity to work in a remote office in the comfy, cozy, confinement of my own home. I was just given the official go ahead last week and it couldn't be a bigger blessing. I am so grateful because I love what I do and everyone knows how expensive California is!

We will also be within 10 minutes of my brother and sister-in-law and their two kids, and many, many close friends will be stone's throw away. We couldn't be more stoked to be close to the beach, get our style more in line with Cali, and be able to go to Disneyland whenever we want. :)

I won't even get started on how much we will miss our friends and having Tyler's family so close...but we will be coming back so frequently that we won't have time to be sad. Good thoughts only right?

Cali here we come! So excited to start on this new adventure together!

9.13.10 Waipio Valley

2010-09-26T22:51:00.006-06:00

This is an already long post with lots of pictures. Take one look at this place and you can see why. This side of the island is pure tropical paradise. I would love to go back and hike to the falls and the black sand beach...ahhhhh...so beautiful. Instead we went on a private horseback ride with a tour guide down in Waipio Valley. Didn't plan it that way but as luck may have it this island is not very touristy and I guess they were slow for a Monday. Score for us.

We were a little early, even after our 1 hour plus drive to the other side so we admired the fruit. Fruit trees everywhere you go. Just look at those bananas!

WOH Ranch (Waipio On Horseback)

I wish I didn't love animals so much. They sure can win me over. If I could have snuck this ranch dog off I totally would.

The only way into the valley by way of a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It's steep grade of 25% (if it were classified as a road) would be the steepest road of its length in the United States. We went down in a huge van very, very slowly. I thought I'd be more scared but the view had my complete attention and any anxiety I had about going down was completely gone when I handed Ty the camera. Lucky guy had shotgun with the window rolled down while I was in the back so he was on picture duty.

{This is my horse Journey. He's been doing this tour for over 20 years.}

{Ty's horse named Pono}

{We weren't joking around.... but I don't remember that river looking that deep}

We got an awesome hands on tour from our guide Dava who showed us all the different edible fruits and flowers. The honeysuckle below was my favorite to taste.

Dava was telling us about the 100 wild horses that supposedly live in the valley and that we would be extremely lucky to see one. At the very end of our ride, one came out of nowhere and started following me!

{Lotus gift from the little local girl Elena}

{Dava}

After our ride we went back to the Waipio lookout point. A much better way to photograph than during a bumpy ride.

In the 1800s many Chinese immigrants settled in the Valley and even at one time there was a jail & a post office. But in 1946 the most devastating tsunami in Hawaiian history swept the valley. Today there are only about 50 people who live there with no running water and no electricity. They enjoy their simple life and do not like people trespassing on their land. A bit glad we went with a guide. Some crazies live back their.

We made a wrong turn and ended up at this monument.

From Parkerranch.com....Between 1942 and 1945, Waimea was home for 50,000 Marines from the Second and Fifth Marine Divisions and the V Amphibious Corps as they prepared for the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Parker Ranch played an integral part in hosting the Marines at what became known as Camp Tarawa. A monument to the Marines who trained here can be seen along the highway near the entrance to the Ranch Historic Homes attraction.

9.12.10 Sunday Funday

2010-09-16T10:11:00.004-06:00

Thanks to my generous parents, we were able to use their Hilton Honors points to stay at a Hilton of our choosing. What I love about these are their fully equipped kitchen with everything necessary to prepare a meal, and what better thing to go with that kitchen than a Costco down in Kailua Kona? We've been twice already, and may need to hit it up a third time so I can see their eye doctor. Could there be a more ideal time to come down with some eye funk that won't allow me to see clearly in my contacts? We are going on a two tank dive this afternoon/evening so I'm trying to make the best of it.

Sunday was one of our lazier days. We made a Costco run for food for the week and went to the beach behind the Marriott for some snorkeling. I'm not complaining but truthfully, I've been freezing since we got here. It's been pretty windy and has barely gotten over 80. Most of the time it feels like the temp is in the mid to lower 70's with the wind. Much too cold for my likes, especially when you add water to the mix. The Hilo side on the other hand has had rain for the forecast every single day-obviously the wet side of the island with 75-125 inches of rainfall a year. It is amazing how diverse this place is. Each 50 miles or so of driving is a new landscape...from tropical rain forests and volcanic lava fields, to black sand beaches, pastures with cows and goats, and desert-looking areas complete with cactus. We were definitely not expecting any of this at all. So neat!

{View off our balcony of the golf course}

Best part about this day was the treasure Ty found. Within 5 minutes of snorkeling right out here he found $70! We picked up a hitchhiker yesterday on the way down to Kona and he said that when the tide goes out people like to treasure hunt out there--even Rolex watches and expensive jewelry and diamonds have been found. We may need to may another trip over there. :)

The snorkeling was horrible the time of day we went, very windy and visibility was poor. We did see some fishies though but my vacation will not be complete until I swim with some turtles! The Marriott is supposed to be the spot where a family of turtles come onshore to sunbathe, but none were to be found.

After we tired of the beach we went exploring up north a bit and found this macadamia nut factory. Being a Sunday, the factory part was closed, but we still were able to browse the store and taste test all the different kinds they make. Did you know the macadamia nut comes from an evergreen tree?

Wikipedia-They have the highest amount of beneficial monounsaturated fats of any known nut. They also contain 9% protein, 9%carbohydrate, 2% dietary fiber, as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin

They let us crack and eat some of our own.

Now this is just nasty, but now I'm kicking myself that I didn't try it for fun. Spam flavored macadamia nuts. Ick.

Here's a few fun-filled SPAM facts from Wikipedia:

Spam is a canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation. The labeled ingredients in the classic variety of Spam are chopped pork shoulder meat with ham meat added, salt, water, modified potato starch as a binder, and sodium nitrite as a preservative.

Many jocular backronyms have been devised, such as "Something Posing As Meat", "Specially Processed Artificial Meat", "Stuff, Pork and Ham", "Spare Parts Animal Meat" and "Special Product of Austin Minnesota".

In Asia, Spam and similar meat preserves can be bought in gift sets that may contain nothing but the meat preserve^[24] or include other products such as food oil or tuna. When invited to another person's home, guests may present their hosts with such a set, or with other food gifts such as fresh fruit, beverages or tteok.

Burger King, in Hawaii, began serving Spam in 2007 on its menu to compete with the local McDonald's chains.^[12]^[13] In Hawaii, Spam is so popular it is sometimes dubbed "The Hawaiian Steak".^[14] One popular Spam dish in Hawaii is Spam musubi, in which cooked Spam is combined with rice and nori seaweed and classified as onigiri

An fyi... With only 7g of protein, 15g fat, and a third of your daily intake's worth of salt, Spam is not my idea of a healthy meat.

We bought the ones on the right--much better!

Now for our drive home...see what I mean? Dry, dry, dry.

Photobucket">

For our friend Hailey K.

2010-09-16T01:52:00.002-06:00

The cats were fixated on the pantry door and then I came in time to save this cute guy. We remembered that Hailey absolutely loves these just as much as I do. Enjoy Hailey if you can! :)

Like the locals say...Haaaavaaaaaaieeeee.

2010-09-12T22:51:00.007-06:00

Ok, maybe it's just being in this place, it seems that everything is more beautiful and more photo worthy in Hawai'i. Even the abundant lava rocks are begging to be photographed. I haven't gotten to them yet but it's on the list.

This is technically our second "honeymoon", but actually our first vacation just the two of us, Tyler's first time to Hawaii, and my first time to the Big Island. We haven't seen much besides the dry Kona side of the island, but even that in its own way is spectacular.

Flying has never lost its allure for me. It's crazy that we are able to get from place to place in these tin cans called planes. We heard a sound we've never yet heard before underneath our seats...and we've flown quite a bit. Yikes, disconcerting much?

{Driving into Waikoloa Village}

After we dropped our luggage off at our room, we headed over to the Fairmont Orchid for the Gathering of the Kings Luau. I chose this one because it's supposedly the best for food (5 buffet tables representing Samoa, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti and a special "Dessert Island".

Gathering of The Kings

LUAU MENU

˜™™˜˜™™˜

~Samoa Dinner~

Green Papaya Salad

Oka

Marinated Ono in a Coconut Lime Sauce

Sapsui

Beef and Vegetables with Ginger and Noodles

Seafood Lu'au

Medley of Seafood with Taro Leaves,

Roasted Taro and a Coconut Sauce

Taro Rolls

Coconut Cheesecake

With a Macadamia Nut Crust

~~~

~Tahiti Dinner~

Green Papaya Salad

Shredded Green Papaya with Cilantro, Tomato

and Sweet Chili Sauce

Curried Chicken Salad

Mango Vinaigrette

Tropical Fruit Salad

with Toasted Coconut

Poissin Cru

Sesame Lime Marlin, Oyster Sauce Tuna, Wasabi Tuna

Papaya Ginger Roast Chicken

Charred Papaya and Onions with a Mango Glaze

Umara

Baked Purple and Gold Sweet Potato-Glazed Cilantro Ginger Lime Rum Sauce

Tahitian Vanilla Decadence Rum Cake

~~~

~Hawaii Dinner~

Warabi Fern Salad with Hamakua Tomatoes

Lomi-Lomi Salmon

Salt Cured Salmon Filet with Maui Onions and Scallions

Kalua Pork

Shredded Hawaiian Style Roast Pork

Furikake Jasmine Rice

Fresh Traditional Kauai Poi

Pounded Hanalei Taro Root

Hawaiian Honey Cake

with White Pineapple

Warm Hawaiian Chocolate Pudding

~~~

~New Zealand Dinner~

Mixed Field Green Salad

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, White Balsamic Vinaigrette

and Ranch Dressing

Marinated Mushroom Salad

with Artichokes and Tarragon Vinaigrette

Bay Scallop with New Zealand Mussels

Spicy Cilantro Vinaigrette

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi

With a Carmelized Banana Chili Sauce

Poha Berry Glazed Grilled Lamb Sausages

Served with Roasted Apples and Kobocha Pumpkin

Lilikoi Scented Haupia

Creme Caramel with Sweet Potato

~~~

Freshly Brewed Kona Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee,

Fairmont Teas

The food and entertainment did not disappoint either. I only wish I had a bigger appetite!

I also surprised Ty that night with his new wedding ring. Since he lost his last one (and I wasn't too fond of it anyway :) I picked one out more his style and had it engraved in Japanese characters. We were hoping to having it finished by our Utah reception, but the Jeweler took forever getting it made and it barely was finished in time for me to pick it up Friday night before we left.

Ty could pick out that one character read "love" but had the Japanese couple that sat across from us help him figure out the rest. "Permanent love" is what they said, which translates into Eternal love. I love it on him!

This week is happily flying by

2010-09-08T15:02:00.003-06:00

Only 2 more days until we're here:
The months of anticipation have turned into wanting this week to slow the heck down! So excited for our 8 day trip but I'm still making my list of things not to forget and of course this week has been busy, busy for both me and Ty.

Our exciting week has consisted of trying to finish our thank you cards, an intense HOA meeting, getting rear ended in our new car, and determining that Duds will be losing something special to him next week while we're gone....ie: GETTING NEUTERED!

If you haven't heard the story by now, our poor dog is inbred. The dad was bred to the daughter (could be Dud's dad for all we know), but it sure explains a lot. He's scared of loud noises, gets startled at anything, not fond of men, and hates when there are people behind him Abused maybe? Not positive, but it's easy to assume. We do know he was stuck in a crate for the first part of his life with no human or animal interaction. I don't blame him for having poor social skills. All this equates to not being an ideal choice for breeding so Bonnie's BlueDoodle is officially signing him over to us. We've gone back and forth wondering if we should find him a new home but I seriously can't do it. I start crying at the thought. I did this for Ty because he wanted a dog so badly after Roca was put to sleep, but he's ended up being more my dog than anything. Dudley is such a sweetheart, a huge cuddlebug and is a real momma's boy. I'm in love with him!

Weddirazzi

2010-09-01T19:58:00.005-06:00

Tyler's good friend Alec was so awesome to come down to our reception to take some pics. We are forever grateful to him and his other weddirazzi counterpart--from what we heard the traffic was a nightmare and some people had to forgo coming because they wouldn't have made it in time.

Click here to view the article with pics.

My favs are the tramp ones...so much fun!

JAM SESSION: TYLER + SUMMER MARRIED

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 AT 1:56PM | WEDDIRAZZI

Receptions are usually scheduled to take place right after the ceremony of marriage. Tyler and Summer scheduled their reception a year and a half after saying "I do." This awesome couple sums it up best with this quote: "We knew what we wanted and we wanted it now."

Tyler met Summer through mutual friends back in 2008, talked off and on for a little while until they realized there was something special happening. Even though their hearts had been broken previously, both of them knew they wanted to be with each other forever. On February 14th, 2009, with the first marriage license issued on-hand, they were married in Las Vegas...awesome!

Here's an excerpt from their announcement:

"... they gave us the option to marry in the "flower chapel" for $400, by the fountain for $200, or at the walk-up window for $99. Without hesitation my beautiful bride-to-be said "walk-up window" and we found ourselves at the window after a 15 minute wait, holding each other's hands and exchanging vows. I'll admit I got a little teary eyed... but strangely enough, neither of us were nervous in the least. It all felt so right.

Yes, it was impulsive, yes it was crazy, but absolutely yes, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I'm so excited to share the rest of my life with this woman, and sometime soon I'll be sending you an invitation to our reception. At this point I have no idea of where we'll register, but if I could, I'll register at Costco."

Flash forward a year and a half later, their close friends and family gather to celebrate their union. By applying the rule of K.I.S.S.S (keep it short, sweet and simple) for their reception, they where able to focus on what was most important to all in attendance, spending time with each other and the new-ish couple!

No, not one.

2010-08-22T23:55:00.007-06:00

This must be a milestone for me because I (nor Tyler) took one single picture from last weekend. Unfortunately, we both were complete stress cases. Funny how that works. Eloping to Vegas a year and a half ago was the craziest, funnest (not a word I know but I still like to use it), most unlike us thing ever, but somehow was perfect and stress-free in every way. No matter that we were gross and tired from driving 6 hours and didn't have a thing planned out except a hotel reservation, it was a wonderful and special moment just between the two of us. But we've been looking forward to getting sealed since the day we knew we wanted to be together forever, and that event is really what this whole marriage thing is all about. I wish I could have been more relaxed though, and as I have already pointed out, planning these types of things really gets my heart rate up. Thankfully, the reception could not have gone any better. It turned out beautifully, and thanks to all the help of our family and the Monroe's, our celebration was a success!

Luckily Amanda, my sister-in-law took her usual great pics so we have some to share before we get our professional ones back.
a

{I love this pic of the Brufords this past winter. I just had to put it up.}

I am sooooo very grateful for those that were able to make it to support us. I didn't realize how much it meant to me for my friends and family to be there until I realized that only a handful of people actually could on my side. I was an emotional wreck the week prior...some disappointment, but mostly because I was/am so thankful for Tyler and the amazing husband that he is to me. I couldn't imagine having a better best friend in the entire world to spend eternity with. How we could be more and more in love each day is beyond me, and I feel so blessed that we found each other when we did!

Dudley's new do and fetching evidence

2010-08-04T20:55:00.004-06:00

Duds was in desperate need of a shave. It has been consistently 90+ degrees out and I was feeling like a bad mother trying to torture her kid by going out with a snow suit on and making them play a game of catch.

Duds is happy about this change, but Tyler is in BIG trouble though. A few days prior the breeder came over to pluck out 3 whiskers for a DNA test and to check up on us, give us coupons for food, and to give us grooming instructions...specific instructions mind you to let the groomer know what they are not supposed to do to a doodle. He came home looking like a Dalmatian with a sunburn and his tail hair shaved completely off....oooh big, big trouble.

I'm still trying to forget about the 7 times last week that he's pooped in the house when he knows better, but cleaning up feces is a hard task to put out of mind when we just barely had the carpets cleaned. Love this guy but being a dog owner is so difficult. He is gaining more confidence but is starting to scare the little neighbor children by barking and chasing them off while maintaining a bit of distance. He's a little bugger right now. Check back with us next month...our shock collar is coming and we can't even tell you how excited we are. Is that terrible or what?

Here he is finally playing fetch! We've been working so hard on him to be like a normal dog/puppy but he's definitely surpassed our expections.

Dog Days

2010-08-04T14:14:00.004-06:00

We took advantage of our new pup and the beautiful day and headed over to Thanksgiving Point for all things dog. If you don't like animals, this was sure to change your mind. Everyone brought their pets, from little hairless mexican dogs to big danes and great pyreneese. They had a water distance jumping contest that Roca would have gone nuts over, and an obstacle course that I think would be great for Duds when he gets older and more obedient. He sure is a fast one.

It was a whole lot of fun, and I think Dudley came away from it a better and more sociable puppy. He even was hooked up with a cute red, white, and blue bandana.

They had a dog training show and Ty and I were called up to be volunteers...check out the videos below. I wouldn't want that dog charging at me!

28th

2010-08-01T09:34:00.009-06:00

My birthday this year was pretty relaxing and besides all of the excitement being 1 year closer to 30, it was a really great weekend. Ty took me to Franck's on Saturday night, a french restaurant who's known for the best meat loaf around. Meat loaf you say? Yuck! That was the first thing that came to mind too, but everyone who I had talked to said it was divine. I chose to stick to something a little safer with the chicken, but ohhhhhhhh, I was SO wrong. I spent the whole evening coveting Ty's meatloaf and because he's such a sweetheart and loves to share with his wife, he let me eat half. :) It was that good. Slow braised veal, chicken, & pork over mashed potatoes in a lavender blueberry sauce. Yum.

Then on Memorial Day, my actual b-day, we took our 3rd paragliding lesson. It keeps getting better and better. It was a great flying day and I got higher than I've ever been, and I stayed up forever. The feeling is incredible, and we're definitely hooked. 7 more lessons and then ground school until we'll have our pilot's license. I can't wait for our next one-we're taking lesson #4 while we're in Hawaii in a month!

The video starts a little slow because the wind was so strong that morning that I could barely stay on the ground pre-takeoff without some assistance. You can see that once he lets me go I'm airborne almost immediately. What they're called are thermals, which gives the wing constant lift, and if you stay in the right spot, you could technically stay up for hours. Too bad I have to come down sometime so he can keep an eye on, and give his other students a chance. Time seems to go by too quickly up there!

so pretty

2010-07-31T01:07:00.000-06:00

Looking more like him everyday

2010-07-28T21:24:00.006-06:00

I obviously didn't know my brother when he was a baby (I'm 8 years younger), but it is incredible how much Evan is starting to look like him. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse, maybe of only a second or two, and I'll see Tyler in there. It's kinda neat to see. How weird it will be to see a part of myself in my children someday. I joke that they may get all the things I hate about myself--freckles, bow legs, big knuckles, flat feet....but hopefully everything I love about Ty:

some inches on the boys, perfect nose, sexy legs, beautiful ballerina arches (I'm so jealous about those), and cute curly hair.

I can't wait to see what genetics will do when they take over. Kids are a crazy and miraculous thing aren't they? And no, I'm not baby hungry or anything. :) But I do want to eat my niece and nephew right up...they are so scrumptious!

{pic by me last Saturday. I'm getting better, no?}

Melanie Rice Photography

2010-07-26T21:40:00.001-06:00

Thanks to our cousin Melanie, on Tyler's side, we were able to squeeze in a shoot Saturday before last so we would have a picture to send out with our invitations. She's amazing. She has a new baby and she was so willing to do this last minute and really saved the day for us!

Thanks for all your help Mel--I'm already doing stuff that you taught me and am out of my comfort zone and it feels awesome! This post is an example of the loads of time you already saved me. :) You're the best...

On the road again

2010-07-22T19:26:00.008-06:00

I love technology. I'm posting this on the laptop going 85 miles per hour. (just kidding--Ty's driving the speed limit...)

I'm not sure how many times we've been back to California this year, but it seems there's been so many important events that we just couldn't miss out on. This time we're going for my friend Niki's sealing at the Newport Temple and their reception in Balboa. I'm so happy for her and sooooo grateful I was able to get a day off of work so we could be there.

I don't mind the 10 plus hour drive at all--we pack up the car like crazy with everything we use at home and Ty hooks us up with great shows,movies and music. It's always a fun ride and sometimes I wish we were driving for another day so I can get caught up on more me stuff.

We took the Sonata, and boy--it rocks. We're averaging at this moment 38.5 miles per gallon on eco! We were at 44 mpg but that was before we hit some big hills. I think we may just make it to Cali on one tank of gas.

Now for a movie!

Girls Camp

2010-07-11T16:48:00.003-06:00

Kierstin is in the Young Women's and she invited me to go up after work (on her 29th birthday!) for the last night of her ward's girls camp on Thursday. I'm so glad I went. I've never had the chance to be participate in any of those activities when I was that age so it was really great to get a glimpse into what Girls Camp was all about. Testimony meeting was held around a campfire and I think almost everyone had a chance to bear their testimony (even me!). I had only met these people a hour beforehand, but the Spirit was so incredibly strong that I didn't know what had come over me until I started speaking. It was crazy good and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have experienced it. I came away from it feeling like I knew each and every one of those girls and knew what sweet and special spirits they have.

Thanks Kierst...

Tickle Me Anna

2010-07-11T09:56:00.001-06:00

M-Day part deuce

2010-07-03T21:36:00.009-06:00

Since visiting my parents for the last time at home in May, it's incredible how far my mom has come. It's a scary thought knowing you have to become completely independent after being with someone for 35 years. I know the feeling, and for me it was only 10!

There are so many things that we as a younger generation take for granted. Technology comes easy to us and adding new knowledge to that base is a piece of cake. But for my mom, who really didn't have a reason to learn how to use a computer, and had my dad to do most things for her, is needing to learn all those simple things like how to work the radio in a new car, using her new Blackberry, pumping gas by herself, and going to the senior center to take email and computer classes. It's almost comical...her and Ty talk every few days so he can help her with all these new techie things.

What's really funny is that she's starting to get hit on by all these little old men. Men with canes and walkers! A guy that had to be in his eighties told her how "cute" she was and asked if he could have her email and take her to a movie sometime. Ummm...flattered but no thanks. :)

{My brother's Godmother Mary and my mom}

After helping with garage sale stuff we went down to OC to visit Ty and Jen and my cute niece and nephew!

After visiting for a bit, Olane, Rock & Cash met up with us for some curry and we went to see their new pad. I have to admit--I was ready to move right into their apartment building. It was SO nice and the pool area was resort style complete with private cabanas, fireplaces, and tvs.

{Ty on the Orange/Anaheim border...I think}

{My brother the artist...my Grandma Tanaka's painting on the top and Tyler's on the bottom}

For Mother's Day we took my parents to Ciscos for a mexican brunch, and my brother and Jen brought over Japanese for dinner.

After dinner we saw everyone and their boys at Mike and Adi's place (Also loving their place)! I can't believe how big everyone is...especially Drew.

{Dalon & Lulu}

Mother's Day trip....part 1

2010-07-01T21:27:00.006-06:00

Yeah, I'm just now getting around to these post. Can you believe it's July already? I'm not even sure where the last month has gone. So crazy. Now that it's finally summer we've been boycotting our cars and scootering every weekend, and almost every evening we find any excuse to get some fresh air-whether it's to the Maverick for a Bahama Mama jalapeno style, (if you have not experienced this incredible heart attack in a bun--you are seriously missing out) to check out the prospective real estate, or driving all the way to Orem to the Brufords, we have been loving every minute. Ty just installed a windshield and jimmy rigged speakers and an iPod hook up that charges it while it plays. My husband is such a geek and I love it! He just made our ride so much better. I mean, who likes to eat bugs, have rocks flying at your face, or constant tears from the wind? I'm surprised I thought it was fun before now.

I think I'm a little scootered out though...my butt hurts and I've had a consistant neck/headache this past week. Ah well--probably the stress of trying to get our reception/open house planned too doesn't help. I'm the worst party planner. I wish I had all the money in the world to have someone do it for me-I'm definitely lacking in that department.

The home we were going to have it at is not going to be finished in time,

so we just solidified a place this week. Just in the nick of time to get our invites designed, ordered and sent out about a month prior to the big event-thank goodness.

So back to Mother's Day...I really can't remember the last time I spent it with my mom. I don't think I've been able to get back in the last 6 years so it was due time that I surprised her this time. Ty drove down earlier that week while I flew down after work. As always it was a packed weekend:

*Met Ty's friend Jen for dinner at Bossa Nova in L.A.

*Helped my mom & dad get ready for their garage sale/go through all my old stuff to take back to Utah

{Tyler's favorite beach spot}

{While stopped to take pics of house he liked, he happened to run into his friend Aaron...or Aaron ran into him. Funny how different we think--I thought this was a crazy coincidence, while Tyler thought it wasn't surprising because he's a runner and lives in the area. Oh..silly me I guess.

*Lisa & Mark came over and met the hubby for the first time

*Went to lunch with Case (w/baby boy in her belly) & Justin and saw their new house & pup Jett

{He's definitely not into you...}

and the rest will come tomorrow....so sleepy.

My little chubby bunnies

2010-06-29T23:33:00.003-06:00

As I was organizing/de-cluttering my computer look what I came across! It's hard to believe they were once cute, fluffy, adorable little things. Awwwwwww.

Look at them now! Still handsome brothers, but I wish there were some way we could turn back time and keep them kittens forever.

Date night

2010-06-28T20:46:00.000-06:00

I love eating and I love going on "dates"! We used Ty's birthday gift card from his mom & pops and we had a little belated b-day dinner at Ruth's Chris. The steak, the sweet potato casserole, and french onion soup were so amazing- my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We had some time before our reservations so we walked Park City's Main Street and treated ourselves to a before dinner treat at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. MMmmm Mmmm-candied apples are my fave...

This quaint bookshop is attached to the candy shop and every time I go I have to say hi to their kitties.

A 14 Day Walk With Christ

2010-06-20T20:47:00.000-06:00

Borrowed from The Enrichment Cottage. Click on the link and you can download the Word doc for yourself.

I taught my lesson today about the life of Christ and I've challenged all the Relief Society ladies to this 14 day walk with Christ. Ty and I are going to do this starting tonight so I thought I'd post it for anyone else who needs a kick in the butt like we do. These days it doesn't feel like I'm doing enough by attending the temple and church regularly...and I've been missing that feeling when I was first investigating the church and attending the singles ward. Hopefully this will help us get reacquainted with our spiritual selves and to see what we need to do to walk more in line with our Savior.

btw...Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there! Love to my dad and Nick!

The only way we that we can really know another person is to walk in their shoes: think what they think, learn what they know, and what they would say, do what they would do.

Each morning, leave enough time to read the scriptures and other items for that day. Read and ponder what is written. Try to keep what you read in mind throughout the day and make a conscious effort improve in that particular area.

At the end of the day, evaluate how you did by writing your thoughts and feelings in your journal. The questions presented can help. Every day has a set of questions followed by scriptures to help you walk with Christ.

Day 1 - Am I seeking Christ’s help?

Read: Proverbs 3:5-6

Jacob 4:7

Ether 12:27

Ponder: Am I seeking the Lord’s help in all I think and do? How can He help me overcome my weaknesses?

Dear Friend,

I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I say you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me also. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.

I saw you fall asleep last night, and longed to touch your brow. So I spilled moonlight on your pillow and your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so that we could talk. I have so many gifts for you, but you awakened late the next day and rushed off to school. My tears were in the rain.

Today you look sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me so many times too. But I love you. Oh, if you would only listen to me. I really love you. I try to tell you in the blue sky and green grass. I whisper in the leaves on the trees, and breathe it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing, clothe you in warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need in your heart.

If you only knew how much I want to help you. I want you to meet my Father. He wants to help you too. My Father is that way, you k now. Just call me, ask me, talk with me. Please, please don’t forget me. I have so much to share with you. But I won’t hassle you any further. You are free to call me. It’s up to you. I’ll wait because I love you.

Your brother,

Christ

Day 2 – Am I abiding in Christ?

Read: John 15

Ponder: From whom do I get my strength? Am I abiding in Christ? How can I bring forth much fruit Lord? Can He call me a friend?

As a Saint you say, ‘I think I understand my duty, and I am doing very will.’ That may be so. You see the little twig: it is green; it flourishes and it is the very picture of life. It bears its part and proportion in the tree, and is connected with the stem, branches, and root. But could the tree live without it? Yes it could. It need not boast itself and get uplifted and say, ‘How green I am! and how I flourish! and what a healthy position I am in! How well I am doing! and I am in my proper place and am doing right.’ But could you do without the root! No: you bear your proper part and position in the tree. Just so with this people. When they are doing their part-when they are magnifying their calling, living their religion, and walking in obedience to the Spirit of the Lord, they have a portion of his Spirit given them to profit withal. And while they are humble, faithful, diligent, and observe the laws and commandments of God, they stand in their proper position on the tree: they are flourishing; the buds blossoms, leaves, and everything about them are all right, and they form a part and parcel of the tree. . . . “ (John Taylor, in Journal of Discourses, 6:108.)

Day 3 – Do I Really Understand Repentance?

Read: D&C 58:41-43

Mosiah 4:9-12

Mosiah 2:38

Ponder: Have I truly sought forgiveness from the Lord? Do I really believe He will forgive me?

I learned about the great plan of happiness, that we are on earth to be tested. We will all make mistakes. The Apostle John taught, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Fortunately he added, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I paid particular attention to that word cleanse.

I thought that repentance, like soap, should be used frequently. I found that when I apologized for mistakes, things were better. But for serious mistakes, an apology was not enough--sometimes not even possible. While these mistakes were, for the most part, not major ones, the spiritual pain called guilt invariably set in. Sooner or later they must be resolved, but I didn't know what to do. That happens when you break something that you alone can't fix.

Among you young people are those who are "vexed," as Peter said, "with the filthy conversation of the wicked." Some of you joke about standards and see no need to change behavior. You tell yourselves it doesn't matter because "everybody's doing it."

But that doesn't work because you, by nature, are good. How many times have you heard someone say, after doing some generous or heroic deed or simply helping others, how good it made them feel? Like any natural feeling or emotion, that reaction is inborn in you. Surely you have experienced that yourself! Happiness is inseparably connected with decent, clean behavior.

The prophet Alma bluntly told his wayward son that because he transgressed he was "in a state contrary to the nature of happiness" and that "wickedness never was happiness." Those who don't know how to erase mistakes often feel cornered and rebellious and lose themselves in unworthy living. If you travel with transgressors, you will suffer much more than I did in that restaurant.

. . .

It was through reading the scriptures, and listening, that I could understand, at least in part, the power of the Atonement. Can you imagine how I felt when finally I could see that if I followed whatever conditions the Redeemer had set, I need never endure the agony of being spiritually unclean? Imagine the consoling, liberating, exalting feeling that will come to you when you see the reality of the Atonement and the practical everyday value of it to you individually.

You need not know everything before the power of the Atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ; it begins to work the day you ask! The scripture speaks of "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." We all pretty well know what it means to obey laws. But how are we to obey ordinances?

Generally we understand that, conditioned upon repentance, the ordinance of baptism washes our sins away. Some wonder if they were baptized too soon. If only they could be baptized now and have a clean start. But that is not necessary! Through the ordinance of the sacrament you renew the covenants made at baptism. When you meet all of the conditions of repentance, however difficult, you may be forgiven and your transgressions will trouble your mind no more.

From “Washed Clean”

President Boyd K. Packer

Saturday Morning Session, 5 April 1997

Day 4 – Am I a daughter of Christ?

Read: D&C 19:15-24

Mosiah 4:2-3

Mosiah 5:7-9

Ponder: How can I get rid of guilt? How can I put myself in a position to have the power of the atonement cover my sins? Do I understand what Christ did for me? Do I comprehend the great love He has for me?

To those who may feel they have somehow forfeited their place at the table of the Lord, we say again with the Prophet Joseph Smith that God has "a forgiving disposition," (Joseph Smith, Com., Lecture on Faith (1985, 42) that Christ is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, [is] long-suffering and full of goodness." (Lectures on Faith, 42) I have always loved that when Matthew records Jesus' great injunction, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," (Matt. 5:48) Luke adds the Savior's additional commentary: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36) --as if to suggest that mercy is at least a beginning synonym for the perfection God has and for which all of us must strive. Mercy, with its sister virtue forgiveness, is at the very heart of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the eternal plan of salvation. Everything in the gospel teaches us that we can change if we need to, that we can be helped if we truly want it, that we can be made whole, whatever the problems of the past.

Now, if you feel too spiritually maimed to come to the feast, please realize that the Church is not a monastery for perfect people, though all of us ought to be striving on the road to godliness. No, at least one aspect of the Church is more like a hospital or an aid station, provided for those who are ill and want to get well, where one can get an infusion of spiritual nutrition and a supply of sustaining water in order to keep on climbing.

. . .

Those who will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of their salvation will always lie down in green pastures, no matter how barren and bleak the winter has been. And the waters of their refreshment will always be still waters, no matter how turbulent the storms of life. In walking His path of righteousness, our souls will be forever restored; and though that path may for us, as it did for Him, lead through the very valley of the shadow of death, yet we will fear no evil. The rod of His priesthood and the staff of His Spirit will always comfort us. And when we hunger and thirst in the effort, He will prepare a veritable feast before us, a table spread even in the presence of our enemies--contemporary enemies--which might include fear or family worries, sickness or personal sorrow of a hundred different kinds. In a crowning act of compassion at such a supper He anoints our head with oil and administers a blessing of strength to our soul. Our cup runneth over with His kindness, and our tears runneth over with joy. We weep to know that such goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, and that we will, if we desire it, dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (See Ps. 23.)

From “He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things”

Jeffry R. Holland

Sunday Morning Session, 5 October 1997

Day 5 – Am I a light to the world?

Read: Matthew 5

Ponder: Am I setting a righteous example for others? How can I let my light shine? Do my actions glorify God?

Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you are the light sent by Heavenly Father to lead another safely home or to be a beacon from a distance to show the way back to the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life? Your light is a beacon and should never stop burning or lead those who are looking for a way home. Let the lower light keep burning—you may save a struggling seaman in the turbulent sea of life.

. . .

It isn’t just nice to be a light for others; it is essential for their exaltation as well as for our own. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

We are children of light. As children of light, we walk in the light and choose the right and stand for the right.

Choosing the right s a decision-making process. Choose to learn what is the right way to live your life, learning principles and keeping the commandments and covenants that guide and protect you as you exercise your agency in daily choices.

. . .

Choose to do what is right because your greatest desire it to love the Lord and to be obedient to his laws, ordinances and commandments so that you can return back into his presence eternally. Choose to do what is right because you love yourself and because you honor those who love you.

Help others to do what is right. Choose to be of service and be an example of what is right by lifting and strengthening others to do what is right because you care.

Choose to turn around and repent immediately if you ever depart from the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Repentance is a merciful result of our Savior’s atoning sacrifice because of the love our Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ have for each of us.

From “That Ye May Be the Children of Light”

Robert D. Hales

Fireside address delivered on 3 Nov 1996 in the Marriott Center, BYU, Provo, Utah

Day 6 – How can I improve my thoughts?

Read: D&C 6:16

Alma 37:36-37

D&C 121:45-46

Ponder: Do I keep all idle, unclean, or negative thought out of my mind? What would Jesus think about? How can I improve my thoughts? Do my thought affect my attitude? What do I think about when I have nothing to think about?

Myself

I have to live with myself, and so—

I want to be fit for myself to know.

I want to be able as the days go by

Always to look myself straight in the eye.

I don’t want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things I’ve done.

I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf

A lot of secrets about myself—

And fool myself as I come and go

Into thinking that nobody else will know,

The kind of man (or woman) I really am.

I don’t want to dress myself in shame.

I want to gout with my head erect;

I want to deserve all men’s respect.

And, here in the struggle for fame and peif

I want to be able to like myself.

I don’t want to think, as I come and go

That I am bluster and bluff and empty show.

I can never hide myself from me

I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know

I can never fool myself!

And so—whatever happens I want to be

Self respecting and conscience free!!!

--EA Guest

Day 7 – How do I guard my speech?

Read: D&C 88:121

3 Nephi 12:33-37

Matthew 5:11

Ponder: Do I speak only kind, uplifting thoughts to everyone?

Gossip

A peasant with a troubled conscience went to a monk for advice. He said he had circulated a vile story about a friend, only to find that the story was not true.

“If you would make peace with your conscience,” said the monk, “you must first fill a bag with goose downs, go to every door in the village, and drop on each one of them a feather.”

The peasant did as he was told. Then he came back to the monk and said he had done penance for his folly.

“Not yet,” replied the monk. “Take a bag, go two rounds again, and gather up every down that you have dropped.”

“But the wind must have blown them all away,” said the peasant.

“Yes, my son” said the monk. “And so it is with your vile words. Words and goose downs are quickly dropped, but try as hard as you will, you can never get them back.”

Day 8 – How do I guard against pride?

Read: Proverbs 6:16-17

Proverbs 8:13

Alma 5:14-28

D&C 38:39

Ponder: Am I being truly honest with others? Do I guard against pride? Do I do the right things for the right reasons?

The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They fell worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough. Pride is ugly. It says, “If you succeed, I am a failure.” If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgment more than men’s we will have self-esteem.…

The antidote for pride is humility-meekness, submissiveness. (See Alma 7:23.) it is the broken heart and contrite spirit. (See Ne. 9:20, 12:19; D&C 20:37, 59:8; Ps. 24:18; Isa. 57, 66:2.) ... God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. Alma said, “Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.” (Alma 32:16.) Let us choose to be humble.

We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. (see D&C 38:24; 81:5; 84:106.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. (See Jacob 4:10; Hel. 15:3; D&C 63:55; 101:4-5; 108:1; 124:61, 84; 136:31; Prov. 9:8.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us. (see 2 Ne. 13:11, 14; D&C 64:10.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. (See Mosiah 2:16-17.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. (See Alma 4:19; 31:5; 48:20.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently.

We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. (See D&C 58:43; Mosiah 27:25-27; Alma 5:7-14, 49.)

We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives. (See 3 Ne. 11:11; 13:33; Moro. 10:32.)

Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can.

From “Beware of Pride”

President Ezra Taft Benson

Saturday Morning Session, 1 April, 1989

Day 9 – Is the Lord my Light?

Read: Helaman 5:12

1 Peter 2:21

D&C 84:43-47

Ponder: In the past nine days, have I tried to make decisions based on the question “What would Jesus do if He were here? What have I improved on? What is my specific role?

Read your patriarchal blessing.

Day 10 – How does the Lord want me to serve?

Read: D&C 4

Moroni 7:5-8

Ponder: Is the Lord first in my life? What am I doing to build the Lord’s kingdom? How do I really feel about the service that I give others? Does serving the Lord make me happy?

Our highest priority as the Relief Society general presidency is to strengthen our sisters spiritually, both individually and collectively. . . . [W]e must prepare for our time because our time has come. We must possess the spiritual strength to overcome our challenges, laying our faults on the altar and giving our lives to the Lord. We must focus our priorities on contributing, as we are able, to the building of the kingdom of God through service in the Relief Society.

. . .

As the Relief Society general presidency and board, we have established the guiding objectives for the Relief Society. They are:

1. Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and teach the doctrines of the kingdom of God.

2. Emphasize the divine worth of the individual.

3. Serve, support, and build every sister.

4. Exercise charity, and nurture those in need.

5. Strengthen and protect families, and honor our heritage.

6. Become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood.

From “For Such a Time as This”

Mary Ellen Smoot

General Relief Society Meeting, 27 September 1997

I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Day 11 – How can the Holy Ghost help me to be more like Christ?

Read: 3 Nephi 27:20

D&C 11:12

D&D 46:11-26

Moroni 10:4

D&C 121:45-46

John 14:16-17

John 14:26

Ponder: What are my gifts of the spirit? Why is it important to know the truth? Do I really desire the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion?

In one of those difficult times that the faithful and dedicated young Nephi had with his rebellious brothers, he reminded them of the following guide to obtaining a testimony. The Lord declared, "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Ne. 15:11). Now, we can review the steps Nephi described.

First, don't harden your heart. Seek to know. In other words, have an intense, consuming desire to know. Give place for a seed to be planted in your heart. And if you do this, do you know what the promise is? Alma tells us, "He that will not harden his heart, to him is given . . . to know the mysteries of God" (Alma 12:10).

Second, ask in faith. In your study of the scriptures, have you noted how many times the phrase "believing that ye shall receive" accompanies the commandment of praying and asking? In the process of asking for knowledge, we have to exercise faith--believing before receiving. To illustrate this part of our conversation, Alma gives us a good example when he explained how he obtained his testimony:

"Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me" (Alma 5:46).

Third, keep the commandments. I think that the words of the Book of Mormon point out the blessings that we can obtain if we abound in good works. King Benjamin declared to his people, "If you believe all these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:10). And the great missionary Ammon said, "Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing--unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God" (Alma 26:22).

. . .[W] e have analyzed the different steps we should follow in our search for a testimony. But there is yet the most important help available that can give us confirmation and absolute assurance, and it is your right when you live worthy to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Remember the promise in Moroni: "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moro. 10:5). Pay attention that I said to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has the power to bring light and understanding to our lives, but we must pay the price to seek and win His companionship.

Elder Marion G. Romney once wrote: "It is the mission of the Holy Ghost to reveal the truth of heaven to those who qualify to receive it. Every one of us, if we will, may so qualify. We must ever keep in mind, however, that he will not dwell in an unholy environment. He is used to the society of God, for he is an associate of the Father and the Son. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are commanded to receive him; he is not commanded to come to us. But if, with all our hearts, we truly seek him, he will come to us and guide us in the making of decisions at every crisis of our lives" ("Revelation in Our Personal Affairs," Relief Society Magazine, Oct. 1955, 647). The Holy Ghost is given to us to witness of the Father and the Son; that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer; that there is a prophet upon the earth who presides over the true Church that carries the Savior's name, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and that all the works and promises of God will be fulfilled in His time and in His own way.

From “Your Own Personal Testimony”

Angel Abrea

Priesthood Session, 1 April 2000

Day 12 – Do I love Christ?

Read: John 13:34-35

John 14:15

3 Nephi 13:20-21, 24, 33

Ponder: Do I love as Christ loves? Do I keep all of the commandment? Have I put another God before Christ?

How then do we, as women of God, fill the full measure of our creation? The Lord rewards "them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6). We seek Him not only by studying and searching, by pleading and praying and watching always lest we enter into temptation, but by giving up worldly indulgences that straddle the line between God and mammon. Otherwise we risk being called but not chosen because our "hearts are set so much upon the things of this world" (D&C 121:35).

Consider the principle taught in the sequence of this scriptural injunction: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength" (D&C 59:5; emphasis added). What the Lord requires first is our hearts. Imagine how our choices would be affected if we loved the Savior above all else. How we would spend our time and money, or dress on a hot summer day, or respond to the call to visit teach and take care of one another, or react to media that offend the Spirit.

It is by letting the world go and coming unto Christ that we increasingly live as women of God. We were born for eternal glory. Just as faithful men were foreordained to hold the priesthood, we were foreordained to be women of God. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who rejoice in motherhood and in womanhood and in the family. We are not panicked about perfection, but we are working to become more pure. And we know that in the strength of the Lord we can do all righteous things because we have immersed ourselves in His gospel (see Alma 26:12). I repeat, we cannot be women of the world, for we are latter-day women of God. As President Kimball taught, "No greater recognition can come to [us] in this world than to be known as [women] of God" ("The Role of Righteous Women," ENSIGN, Nov. 1979, 102).

From “We are Women of God”

Sheri L. Dew

General Relief Society Meeting, 25 September 1999

Day 13 – What is the pure love of Christ?

Read: Moroni 7:40-48

Ponder: Have I felt these past 13 days a greater love for my Savior? Have I felt His love? Can I commit my self to live each day as Christ would live?

We show that we serve the Lord by the way in which we live the commandments received from Him, by the work we do to help establish the kingdom of God on earth, and by the way we act towards our neighbor.

. . .

For some, putting away worldly gods may mean giving up a small habit. For others, it may mean giving up serious sins they are committing. For others still, it may mean forgetting sad events which happened earlier in their lives. Whatever the situation, in each one of us there is the power to change our life, the power to transform the bad feelings we have in our hearts. The Lord Jesus Christ will give us this power and will help us. All He asks from us is that we have faith in Him, follow His example, and obey His commandments.

. . .

Neither prosperity nor poverty indicates whether a person is living a Christian life. Physical suffering is not evidence of wickedness, nor is it punishment for sin. What then are the rewards of serving the Lord?

The gospel of Jesus Christ does not promise that we will be free from tribulation. But it does strengthen our spirit so that we can accept adversity and face it when it comes. The house founded upon a rock does not fall with strong winds or rain.

The person whose life is founded upon the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to: Face adversity with hope; Withstand offense with forgiveness; and Face death with serenity. The person who chooses to follow the Lord and who keeps His commandments: In his weaknesses, he knows where the source of his strength is; In his strength, he remains humble; In his poverty, he knows what his riches are; In his prosperity, he remembers his brethren with tenderness. A person who can live this way, without fear or hate but with love, is a happy person.

The fruits obtained from serving the Lord are essentially spiritual. Jesus taught that every tree brings forth fruit according to its species: "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Jesus promised eternal life to His followers: "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."

In this life, we are building our eternal dwelling. Are we building upon the rock which is the gospel of Jesus Christ, or are we building upon the sand which lies in the falsehoods of this world?

Each moment we must choose whom we will serve, for we have been placed upon this earth to be proven and tested. We cannot choose to serve God and the world at the same time. If we want to follow the Lord, we should keep His commandments and follow our prophet and his teachings: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

From “Serving the Lord”

Adhemar Damiani

Saturday Afternoon Session, 2 October 1999

Day 14 - How can I follow in His steps?

Read: Abraham 1:2

Moroni 7:48

1 Peter 2:21

Ponder: How can I follow in Christ’s steps today and the rest of my life? In all my decisions I will ask: “What would Christ do?” I will hearken to promptings received. I will think of myself as a disciple and sister of Jesus.

. . . I believe our problems, almost every one, arise out of the homes of the people. If there is to be reformation, if there is to be a change, if there is to be a return to old and sacred values, it must begin in the home. It is here that truth is learned, that integrity is cultivated, that self-discipline is instilled, and that love is nurtured.

The home is under siege. So many families are being destroyed. Where are the fathers who should be presiding in love in those homes? Fortunate indeed is the woman who is married to a good man, who is loved by him, and who in turn loves him; a man who loves his children, provides for them, teaches them, guides them, rears and protects them as they walk the stormy course from babyhood to adulthood.

It is in the home that we learn the values by which we guide our lives. That home may be ever so simple. It may be in a poor neighborhood, but with a good father and a good mother, it can become a place of wondrous upbringing. My wife likes to tell of Sam Levenson. He speaks of growing up in a crowded New York tenement where the environment was anything but good. Here in this slum, his mother reared her eight precocious children. He said, "The moral standard of the home had to be higher than that of the street." His mother would say to them when they acted the way they acted on the street, "You are not on the street; you are in our home. This is not a cellar nor a poolroom. Here we act like human beings."

If anyone can change the dismal situation into which we are sliding, it is you. Rise up, O women of Zion, rise to the great challenge which faces you. Stand above the sleaze and the filth and the temptation which is all about you.

You women who are single, and some of you who are married, who are out in the workplace, may I give you a word of caution. You work alongside men. More and more, there are invitations to go to lunch, ostensibly to talk about business. You travel together. You stay in the same hotel. You work together.

Perhaps you cannot avoid some of this, but you can avoid getting into compromising situations. Do your job, but keep your distance. Don't become a factor in the breakup of another woman's home. You are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You know what is expected of you. Stay away from that which is tempting. Avoid evil--its very appearance.

You who are wives and mothers are the anchors of the family. You bear the children. What an enormous and sacred responsibility that is. I am told that between 1972 and 1990 there were 27 million abortions in the United States alone. What is happening to our appreciation of the sanctity of human life? Abortion is an evil, stark and real and repugnant, which is sweeping over the earth. I plead with the women of this Church to shun it, to stand above it, to stay away from those compromising situations which make it appear desirable. There may be some few circumstances under which it can occur, but they are extremely limited and for the most part improbable. You are the mothers of the sons and daughters of God, whose lives are sacred. Safeguarding them is a divinely given responsibility which cannot be lightly brushed aside.

Nurture and cultivate your marriage. Guard it and work to keep it solid and beautiful. Divorce is becoming so common, even rampant, that studies show in a few years half of those now married will be divorced. It is happening, I regret to say, even among some who are sealed in the house of the Lord. Marriage is a contract, it is a compact, it is a union between a man and a woman under the plan of the Almighty. It can be fragile. It requires nurture and very much effort. I regret to acknowledge that some husbands are abusive, some are unkind, some are thoughtless, some are evil. They indulge in pornography and bring about situations which destroy them, destroy their families, and destroy the most sacred of all relationships.

I pity the man who at one time looked into the eyes of a beautiful young woman and held her hand across the altar in the house of the Lord as they made sacred and everlasting promises one to another, but who, lacking in self-discipline, fails to cultivate his better nature, sinks to coarseness and evil, and destroys the relationship which the Lord has provided for him.

Sisters, guard your children. They live in a world of evil. The forces are all about them. I am proud of so many of your sons and daughters who are living good lives. But I am deeply concerned about many others who are gradually taking on the ways of the world. Nothing is more precious to you as mothers, absolutely nothing. Your children are the most valuable thing you will have in time or all eternity. You will be fortunate indeed if, as you grow old and look at those you brought into the world, you find in them uprightness of life, virtue in living, and integrity in their behavior.

I think the nurture and upbringing of children is more than a part-time responsibility. I recognize that some women must work, but I fear that there are far too many who do so only to get the means for a little more luxury and a few fancier toys.

If you must work, you have an increased load to bear. You cannot afford to neglect your children. They need your supervision in studying, in working inside and outside the home, in the nurturing that only you can adequately give--the love, the blessing, the encouragement, and the closeness of a mother.

Families are being torn asunder everywhere. Family relationships are strained as women try to keep up with the rigors of two full-time jobs.

I have many opportunities to speak with leaders who decry what is going on--gangs on the streets of our cities, children killing children, spending their time in practices that can lead only to prison or to death. We face a great overwhelming tide of children born to mothers without husbands. The futures of such children are almost inevitably blighted from the day they are born. Every home needs a good father and a good mother.

We cannot build prisons fast enough in this country to accommodate the need.

I do not hesitate to say that you who are mothers can do more than any other group to change this situation. All of these problems find their root in the homes of the people. It is broken homes that lead to a breakup in society.

And so tonight, my beloved sisters, my message to you, my challenge to you, my prayer is that you will rededicate yourselves to the strengthening of your homes.

Three years ago, in this same meeting, I read for the first time in public the proclamation on the family given by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles. I hope every one of you has a copy and that you occasionally read it carefully and prayerfully. It sets forth our great concepts of marriage and family, of a man and a woman in a sacred bond under the eternal plan of the Almighty.

Now, in closing, I wish to reemphasize my deep gratitude, my profound appreciation for the women of this Church and the tremendous sons and daughters you are teaching, training, helping to take their places in the world. But the task will never be finished. It will never be complete. May the light of the Lord shine upon you. May the Lord bless you in your great and sacred work.

I leave my blessing, my testimony, and my love with you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

From “Walking in the Light of the Lord”

President Gordon B. Hinckley

General Relief Society Meeting, 26 September 1998

Come one, come all

2010-06-12T19:05:00.004-06:00

I needed some creativity in my life and some new ideas, so when my friend Debbie asked me to try Heather from Stampin Up's open crop I was all for it. I got suckered into joining Card Club and I'd love for all you girls to get suckered too. I had so much fun and the cutest cards to show for it, and a good excuse for a girls night. If you're interested here's all the info:

Last Thursday of the month at Heather's house up at Suncrest 7pm

$15 a month (she asks for a 6 month committment)

we make 6 cards/3 designs

Go to the site below if you want to join in on the fun and you can see some of Heather's work. She just won the big Artisan's Award from Stampin Up-their highest achievement...in other words, she's a freak at card making. So good.

http://www.meetup.com/Stamptastic/calendar/13764288/?from=list&offset=0

(Rachelle, Sara, Diane, Kierstin, Leslie, Aud and other friends that don't live close to the point, I'd love for you to go...women of all ages are there and I currently don't know anyone!)

Toot toot

2010-06-10T19:48:00.012-06:00

What's that? Oh yeah, that's the sound of my own horn. I don't blow it very often but you know when things seem to be going your way for moment or two? Those types of events deserve some documentation.

Besides the fact that I seem to be losing my marbles, life's really good.-I was scrambling this morning before work and all I wanted was a big bowl of Golden Grahams...I seemed to have lost my milk. Tyler is out of town so it couldn't be him, I swear I had a bowl the night before so did someone come into my house and steal my new gallon of milk?! Aaahh! I didn't have time to think too hard about it but as I got home from work and was talking to Ty about the missing milk, I have this thought, walk to the pantry and "oops", there it is, sitting amongst the cereal. I had a real "blonde" moment there for a sec.

Anyways--there has been much craziness going on...

Our Temple date has been set!! Save the date because this happy couple is going to be sealed August 14th at 9am in the San Diego Temple and having an open house thingy at family friends (The nice, wonderful, generous Faulkner fam) of the Bruford's from 2-5 that afternoon. I'm super overwhelmed with the limited amount of time we have to plan so if anyone has suggestions for me that would be amazing.

Our 2nd honeymoon has been reserved at the Bay Club at Waikaloa Village Beach Resort on the Big Island for 8 days in September. (Ty's first time to Hawaii!) We soooo need a vacation.

Meet Dudley our Labradoodle puppy. In case you can't figure it out from the name, he's a Labrador/Poodle mix which means, absolutely no shedding, he's hypoallergenic, and supposedly really smart (we have yet to see on that one). If we grew out his fleece coat (which would be cruel with how hot he gets) he could have full on dreads-super awesome--maybe this winter we'll think about it. He's a sweetie, but we are still undecided if he is going to make his permanent residence with us. We agreed to be his Guardian Home for the breeder. She pays for all of his vet bills and we don't have to pay a dime to keep him, except the only catch is that she has breeding rights to him a couple times a year until he is 5 years old. He was extremely shy/timid when we first took him home but his progress has been amazing--Duds will have his own post a bit later to explain more, but isn't he so HANDSOME?!

{Before his haircut}

I'm a new me! I decided it was time, and chopped my hair and of course starting immediately, I'm growing it out. The big boss at work thinks I look older, which at least is some improvement, but I miss it already.

I feel horrible now because last month I was doing so much complaining and things seemed to have really turned around at our house. Hopefully this post isn't coming off as self indulgent....I think it's important to recognize all the blessings in our lives instead of focusing on the negative. A fellow blogger said that her blog is her happy place, and is something that continuously reminds her how blessed and happy she is with life. I totally agree.

So on to more happy things...

Mine and Jonny's house closes this month! I can't scream loud enough how happy I am to get that burden off our shoulders. It's been a loooooooooong road with that thing. It was beautiful and I am grateful for the time I did have to enjoy it--but good riddance....

Speaking of real estate I also got a home under contract this week and I have another closing in a few weeks. Yay! I love it.

Things at the real work are continuously looking up and especially today because I just got named "Employee of the Quarter" and earned myself an extra paid day off. Hallelujah!

And last but not least--I am blessed with the most wonderful husband whom deserves someone a heck of a lot better than I am. I complain a little too much, and clean the house too little, but I sure do love him with my whole heart and hopefully he thinks that's worth something...:) On Monday he brought home the other love of my life--my new ride, a Hyundai Sonata. Life is bliss and so is my previously boring ride to and from work everyday. Thank you honey....who would've thought a car would make me this giddy?

My parents have both been carless and everything seemed to fall into place this past week with the car situation. Ty drove down to California with his Kia on Tuesday to pass off to my mom. I'm really happy for her new found freedom and I can't wait for my hubby to be back home tomorrow!

LIFE IS GOOD. I sure hope everyone is enjoying theirs too!

Chaser turns 1!

2010-06-06T23:48:00.003-06:00

Our nephew Chase had his first birthday party at our house last month. He is the happiest, sweetest little guy you've ever seen!

{Nay Nay chopped her hair off all by herself!}

{He loves his grammy...and that big pie too.}

Tulip Festival

2010-05-27T22:43:00.009-06:00

I was finally able to go to the festival @ Thanksgiving Point but this was the best I could get. By the time I got the tulips they were so sad looking, weather beaten and droopy. Utah is known for going from winter straight into summer, and this year it hasn't been much different. So many storms and very few sunny days this spring, so just about every day I tried to make my way over, it was either too cold, dark, rainy or snowy. Not the best week for a celebration of flowers! But I was determined to go and I donned my ski jacket and Tyler and I went over after work. We got so lucky though--if you look closely at the last pic you can see a momma owl keeping her babies warm below the big waterfall. She was beautiful!

Hate these goodbyes

2010-05-19T21:28:00.006-06:00

Not sure how Olane does it but she's always a rock when I'm an emotional wreck.

Maybe if we were the ones moving to California it'd be different, but it's so hard when the people you love move far away. Goodbyes are always the worst part and I'm no good at them. I cried all the way home. Hmmm--I've been doing a lot a crying lately haven't I? I'm really not that emotional I promise. :) Miss you guys and little Cashew. I have a feeling we may be joining them in the Cali sunshine sooner than later. Like Ty said last week, "A move to the coast is imminent".

This year, next year, 5 years from now...we'll see where life/work/school takes us.

Salt Lake Japanese Festival

2010-05-17T20:12:00.008-06:00

When we first met, Tyler's interest in the Japanese culture is partially why I was so attracted to him. He traveled to Japan in 2004 and taught himself Japanese. I try not to get too hung up on the fact that his last girlfriend was Chinese and the one before that was hapa (half Japanese) too. I think it's pretty endearing that it interests him that much, and thankfully for me he believes he got a super great deal when he married me :). We'd love to go to Japan, but with my short amount of vaca time we'd rather go another year when we can spend a couple weeks to a month there. So when my friend Debbie told me about the festival, Ty was just as excited as I was. We enjoyed my heritage and topped it off with some nummy sushi after at our favorite place. We learned about Buddhism at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, watched a martial arts demonstration, and my favorite part...people watched.

Whoa

2010-05-17T19:27:00.005-06:00

Have I really not blogged in 17 days? Hmph. I really have a ton of catching up to do. I know the main reason I haven't blogged this past week is because I've been stressing way too much over teaching my Relief Society Lesson. But, I do have multiple, extremely good reasons for the stressing. I suck at teaching and I suck at speaking in public. I had my second lesson on the Prophets of God yesterday and I choked.

Hard.

Think as many cotton balls as would fit in your mouth, then an incredible stutter on top of that, and all your thoughts running away and an empty hole where your brain should be, leaving you looking out upon a sea of faces just staring back....waiting. Sheesh. I don't even want to be friends with myself. I was a disaster.

Afterwards, I ran out of there so fast and sat in with Ty in his class, and finally when the last kid was picked up did the tears start welling up. I don't know what to do. I want to do the right thing and buck up and serve in my calling and do the best that I can, but my best is not cutting it. I completely embarrassed myself, the Spirit wasn't there, and I don't think that I am doing any good for anyone. I know this is supposed to be for me, but I'm not so sure this is something that I can get over. Last month I spent the morning sitting by the toilet, on the verge of vomiting the entire time leading up to my lesson. It doesn't matter how many hours upon hours I spend, I never feel ready. Anyone I've talked to says this is the best and favorite calling they've had, but I'm completely the opposite. Speaking in public is just one of those things I wasn't blessed with. Tyler I don't think quite understood this fear I've had my whole life until I completely lost it yesterday. Husbands hate it when their wives cry. And I hate when I cry. Will I ever get over it?! I sure hope so...

Luckily, Tyler is bringing me IN-N-OUT (with fries) right now, and that always makes things better. That, and knowing I have 30 days until my next lesson!

Tibble Fork

2010-04-29T20:14:00.002-06:00

Although it was still too early for a proper hike, we managed to at least get up AF canyon for a some fresh air and a beautiful view. It's surprising how in a few minutes and a short drive can change the temperature so drastically. Last week it was the first sunny, 70 degree weather we've had and we wanted to get out of the house and be out in nature. Too bad, the roads to our hiking spot were closed, there was still snow on the ground, and as soon as the sun went down over the mountain we were frozen.

Winter, I am so over you.

What I found on the internets today

2010-04-28T21:49:00.003-06:00

Ty as you all know is the go-to guy for pretty much anything. He's my personal IT, encyclopedia, comedian, and music guru. He just created his own blog for the person who loves to waste time learning useless but extremely entertaining things. I don't know how I'd survive without his fun emails and texts he sends me daily.

Check him out---you won't be disappointed and you'll get to know the workings of the mind I love so much!

whatIfoundontheinternetstoday.wordpress.com

If only...

2010-04-27T20:37:00.006-06:00

I didn't have to include so many picture on each blog post, maybe I would have enough time to spend in photoshop and turn a drab picture like

THIS:

and turn it into

THIS:

{From our outing up AF canyon last week}

I'm not happy with my pictures lately and feel that they're boring and blah coming straight out of the camera. I know I should spend more time working on them but it takes so long to post as it is.

I'm also frustrated and my Canon is feeling a bit neglected. Maybe because it's been winter and we've been stuck inside for months and I haven't really had the chance to take my baby on many one on one outings. I need to step it up and finish my photography classes but where and when will I find the time?! Sometimes I feel like there are so many things I want to do that I can't focus properly on any one of them. That's probably the slight ADD in me talking though.

See what spring resolutions are rumbling around in my brain?

*Finish photography and photoshop classes

*Finish off my punch card at Center Stage (dancing!)

*Spring clean my office and get my misc craft projects in order

(genealogy stuff, make cards, finish travel scrapbook and our first year together)

*Take at least 1 paragliding lesson with Ty each month (just scheduled our 2nd one for May-we're so stoked. :)

*Work out no matter how miserable I feel (off to a good start-I used the eliptical for 40 minutes while watching Dark Knight after work today! Holy cow, it's a miracle.

*Turn our first blog year into a book--much more work than I thought it was going to be but it will be so worth it when I'm done. Check out blurb.com to make your own.

*Remember not to use so many exclamation points in my writing. I annoy myself sometimes but I feel like I need to get my excitement across somehow. :)

*Learn how to sew. I'm not sure why, but I always dreaded sewing anything and only did it when I had to, like my pointe shoes. My mom tried to teach me on numerous occasions when I was younger but I don't think I was patient enough. Now that I'm almost 30 maybe I can give it another go? I envy all you girls who are crafty and can make your own pillows, drapes, and baby bedding. Love it all.

I'd better get started...

What a Woman Wants

2010-04-25T22:52:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Kierstin and I met up with Jennie for the "What a Woman Wants Expo." As to be expected it was everything from waxing and breast augmentation, to cutesy homemade aprons and headbands. Kierstin walked away with a free facial while I of course got a 20% off coupon for injections that I'll never use. Ah, well-I still had a great time.

After we went to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. For some reason I've been obsessed with that place from the first time I had dinner there. Maybe it's their incredible blue cheese dressing or mouth watering blueberry muffins, but I can't get enough of it. It's where most of our girl time takes place when the three of us get together.

{You can't really tell from this angle but Jennie's so cute and pregnant right now!}

Amy Winehouse

2010-04-24T11:43:00.002-06:00

Yet another reason not to do drugs...

Today's ditty of a hailstorm

2010-04-21T22:56:00.001-06:00

Home Sweet Home

2010-04-20T22:54:00.008-06:00

My parents just accepted an offer and could be moving out as soon as next month. Unbelievable. They just listed it last week!

It is what it is and has needed to happen for quite some time, but even with that knowledge, it still doesn't really prepare you to say goodbye to the house you've called home since kindergarden, and for your family dynamics to change so drastically. Not sure where they will be moving to yet, but I know for certain I can't convince them to move up to Utah. Snowy weather and the Tanakas don't jive at all. I wish they were able to come up to see the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point-then they could see we can grow gorgeous flowers here after all. We were supposed to go tonight but this crazy weather! 70's yesterday to hail and flooding today. Ty shot some footage of it that I'll have to have him post later.

Anyways, I had to share these pics--I laughed because the photographer happened to have left out my old room. It's still the pink, black, and flowery outdated disaster that I left it in. I don't blame him. Cool back in the 90's but now it's utterly horrendous. I'm going to miss it.

Can every day be Saturday?

2010-04-20T20:14:00.010-06:00

Ty took me on a date to see a few of my favorite things 2 weekends ago...animals at the petting zoo, the dinosaur museum, and his cousin's BYU Ballroom concert (I miss dancing so much!)

It was fab day.

Quack, Quack

2010-04-19T22:42:00.008-06:00

and Happy Late Easter!

A few things I learned this Easter:

#1 Do not shred your potatoes for your cheesy potato dish for the family party without soaking them in water after. They will turn BLACK! Don't say I never warned you. Otherwise your wife will be driving to the store to get the "normal" hashbrown type that she usually sticks to, while you stick your nasty black potatoes in the oven to see if you can "bake" and revive them. It doesn't matter if they taste fine because I don't think anyone will want to try your black cheesy casserole. Sorry honey....

#2 You can buy baby ducks for super cheap and then let them back into the wild when they are old enough. They are the cutest things I have ever seen and I will most definitely have some when I get that farm someday!

#3 How much I miss California for this Holiday. It was too cold to even go outside to watch the kids hunt for their eggs...there's something not quite right about waking up to snow on this holiday.

#4 That I really love to bake.

#5 Conference never ceases to be amazing.

I'm also extremely impressed with the New Family Search site for family history work from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you thought genealogy was as difficult and intimidating as I did before, you are going to love this!

new.familysearch.org Check it out--It's 100x better than before and it's getting me motivated.

I feel yet another hobby stirring within me...I already have too many but I can't help myself.

Hope everyone's Easter was relaxing and enjoyable as ours spent at Ty's Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob's!

Raw

2010-04-18T16:12:00.007-06:00

Every time I sit down to blog, I erase and rewrite, erase and rewrite...I can never seem to quite get out what I'm feeling. I hate having my blog be so superficial on the surface but it's always so scary putting real thoughts down for the world to see even if they're friends and family.

Some of my favorite blogs are the ones that are so raw and unedited. The good, the bad, the nasty...that's what life is all about right? From now on I really want to write what's going on personally. It's kind of tiring pretending that life is dandy when some days it just plain sucks and I hope you won't judge for giving you too much information!

I ache everyday that we can get pregnant--I tried for 3 years with my ex-husband, and thankfully (I look at it that way now) that it just wasn't in the cards for us. But now that I'm ready, really ready, we're struggling. I have had some cysts rupture over the last year but nothing major. My endometriosis seems alright--not much pain as before and I'm doing everything I'm supposed to, charting temps, ovulation kits, yada yada....the usual stuff. I am going in for another hysterosalpingram this month and hopefully that will get us some answers. I hate it.

We're at the age where everyone is having kids, whether it be their first or third for some. Of course I'm ecstatic for each and every one of them--I love babies and I LOVE my friends having babies. It's the greatest. I don't really like talking about my problems much because I know that it makes people uncomfortable, especially when they have no issues in that department. I just don't want people to feel sorry for me or uncomfortable telling me about exciting news that involves a growing belly. I'm lucky in that I've never had those bad feelings toward any of my friends, although I have a close friend who is having a more difficult time and struggles with the "whys" of our situation.

"Why can some women get one look from their husbands and get pregnant?"

"Why is a young unmarried teen able to get pregnant the first time they have sex and I can't"

Why this, why that.

I sure feel her pain. I'll be 28 on May 31st and geez that just seems so old. Maybe if I were in Cali again it wouldn't be so bad, but my non-lds best friends are pregnant too! Not only that, I didn't really plan on working for the rest of my life-If I knew I'd be working full time this long I'd have gone to Med school/nursing school/PA school. I can't believe I haven't really done anything outstanding in the work department besides getting my bachelors. I'm disappointed in myself. But I'm sure we all wish we coud go back and change things based on what we know know now.

Another drama--

I haven't been diagnosed officially with Fibromyalgia, but I struggle with pain everyday and have limited energy. I can barely work out-doing so results in soreness lasting for a week or more if I push it and if I go off my meds the pain just comes back as well as the annoying brain fog. My doctor wants me to do a sleep study to see if I'm for sure lacking in the stages 3/4 of my necessary sleep, but I'd have to pay my outrageous deductible-which is basically the cost of the whole procedure.

{Update} Also Ty's best friend Roca had to be put to sleep this week and my parents are officially separating and selling the home I grew up in in California. How did I forget those?

Fun stuff huh?!

It seems that when we are having trials, the best medicine is to look at others and see what they are going through--it always makes me grateful for my trials and struggles especially when there doesn't seem to be light at the end of the tunnel sometimes.

My visiting teacher picked me up last week and we went out to dinner and I tried a ZUMBA class for the first time. I am so glad we were able to connect so much on a personal level and I learned a ton about her--from heart surgery last year to having Multiple Sclerosis, her doctors were baffled that she managed to stay alive for this long.

The girl I visit teach has gone through and is going through more than I could imagine. Her twins were born months early and they had to watch her little girl slip away, while her guy Porter is still in the NICU struggling and fighting on a daily basis.

My friend Leslie lost her sister-in-law to cancer 2 years ago--I would post the link, but her blog is private but you can go to her sister-in-laws website that documented her journey. http://www.robingroff.com Absolutely heartbreaking and gut wrenching.

After the stories I hear day after day, whether close friends, or earthquakes and tsunamis halfway around the world, I hope we will remember and try not to complain about anything ever again! There is always someone who has it worse and they are our stuggles for a reason. Heavenly Father doesn't give them to those to can't completely handle them. (hard to believe sometimes, but yes life always has a bright side to it!).

Disney fun

2010-04-12T23:20:00.007-06:00

After a couple of months, I finally remembered to get these from Ty's parents this weekend. We made the best out of our trip down to San Diego for grandpapa's funeral and hit the happiest place on earth with the whole Bruford family. Except for the colds we were carrying around we had a great time. I'm still undecided whether kids make everything more fun or not. I don't know about you, but I still LOVE that place and feel like a little kid myself--my parents used to let me have a party with all my friends, or a trip to Disneyland with a single friend. I always ended up choosing Disneyland!

{Buzz Lightyear...possibly the coolest ride there is. For the record, I was Space Ranger 1-my score and look on my face is proof that I took my alien fighting seriously.}

{This is our sad face after Flik's Flyers ride in California Adventure broke down. Hate when that happens}

{R for Renee!}

After a long day I had to make it a little longer by meeting up with my family for dinner. After some chaotic deliberating about where to go for dinner, we all ended up a a local Pho place where my mom, brother (also named Tyler), his wife Jen and my darling niece and nephew met the Brufords for the first time. Way too short, and no pictures to show for it, but just thankful we were able to make it happen. I hate not being close to watch my cuties grow up...

It was such a nice, long weekend and already looking forward for a return trip soon. Ty and I really wanted to go down for Coachella this weekend, but the bank account wouldn't allow for it. (& I'm teaching my first lesson anyway so we're planning on next year. Everyone should go!)

Jada

2010-04-11T23:59:00.007-06:00

Rocky's sis and fam came up for the weekend and we celebrated Jada's belated birthday with some of Olane's yummy strawberry cupcakes.

Happy 7th girlie!

{Sissies...still wish I had sisters like these! Must be so awesome to be best friends and be so close. We are going to miss you so much Olane!}

Sentimental much?

2010-04-11T22:52:00.005-06:00

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and capture a moment with a photograph? Especially in the beginning of a relationship, hoping of somehow obtaining proof of the first few memories of each other?

Ty and I only met a few times before we started talking. First time at Seth's 28th birthday party at Mike & A's, and at my 26th birthday party at my house in 2008. Maybe it's silly, but we had talked about this before and were wishing we had pics of those memories of each other.

So we were so surprised and excited that Ty just happened to be in a few of those---I had no idea I had any of him at my house and just found them today. Funny that when you don't know someone very well, they just blend into the background. :)

The Soldier Who Wouldn't Quit

2010-04-04T23:22:00.002-06:00

Just thought this was extremely interesting! Original link here.

Written by Alan Bellows on 14 June 2006

This is a classic Damn Interesting article which originally appeared on 7 December 2005. We apologize for the re-run.

On December 17, 1944, the Japanese army sent a twenty-three year old soldier named Hiroo Onoda to the Philippines to join the Sugi Brigade. He was stationed on the small island of Lubang, approximately seventy-five miles southwest of Manila in the Philippines, and his orders were to lead the Lubang Garrison in guerrilla warfare.

As Onoda was departing to begin his mission, his division commander told him, “You are absolutely forbidden to die by your own hand. It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens, we’ll come back for you. Until then, so long as you have one soldier, you are to continue to lead him. You may have to live on coconuts. If that’s the case, live on coconuts! Under no circumstances are you to give up your life voluntarily.” It turns out that Onoda was exceptionally good at following orders, and it would be 29 years before he finally laid down his arms and surrendered.

In February of 1945, just a couple months after Onoda arrived on Lubang, the Allied forces attacked the island, and quickly overtook its defenses. As the Allies moved inland, Onoda and the other guerrilla soldiers split into groups and retreated into the dense jungle. Onoda’s group consisted of himself and three other men: Corporal Shoichi Shimada, Private Kinshichi Kozuka, and Private Yuichi Akatsu. They survived by rationing their rice supply, eating coconuts and green bananas from the jungle, and occasionally killing one of the locals’ cows for meat.

It was upon killing one of these cows that one of the soldiers found a note some months later. It was a leaflet left behind by a local resident, and it said, “The war ended on August 15. Come down from the mountains!” The Japanese guerrilla soldiers scrutinized the note, and decided that was an Allied propaganda trick to coax them out of hiding. It was not the only message they encountered; over the years, fliers were dropped from planes, newspapers were left, and letters from relatives with photos. Each attempt was viewed by the soldiers as a clever hoax constructed by the Allies.

The Lubang Islands, PhilippinesOnoda and his men lived in the jungle for years, occasionally engaging in skirmishes and carrying out acts of sabotage as part of their guerrilla activities. They were tormented by jungle heat, incessant rain, rats, insects, and the occasional armed search party. Any villagers they sighted were seen as spies, and attacked by the four men, and over the years a number of people were wounded or killed by the rogue soldiers.

In September of 1949, over four years after the four men went into hiding, one of Onoda’s fellow soldiers decided that he had had enough. Without a word to the others, Private Akatsu snuck away one day, and the Sugi Brigade was reduced to three men. Sometime in 1950 they found a note from Akatsu, which informed the others that he had been greeted by friendly troops when he left the jungle. To the remaining men, it was clear that Akatsu was being coerced into working for the enemy, and was not to be trusted. They continued their guerrilla attacks, but more cautiously.

Three years later, in 1953, Corporal Shimada was shot in the leg during a shootout with some fishermen. Onoda and Kozuka helped him back into the jungle, and without any medical supplies, they nursed him back to health over several months. Despite his recovery, Shimada became gloomy. About a year later, the men encountered a search party on a beach at Gontin, and Shimada was fatally wounded in the ensuing skirmish. He was 40 years old.

For nineteen years, Onoda and Kozuka continued their guerrilla activities together, living in the dense jungle in make-shift shelters. Every now and then they would kill another cow for meat, which alarmed the villagers and prompted the army to embark on yet another unsuccessful search for the men. The two remaining soldiers operated under the conviction that the Japanese army would eventually retake the island from the Allies, and that their guerrilla tactics would prove invaluable in that effort.

Nineteen years after Shimada was killed, on October of 1972, Onoda and Kozuka had snuck out of the jungle to burn some rice which had been collected by farmers, in an attempt to sabotage the “enemy’s” food supply. A Filipino police patrol spotted the men, and fired two shots. 51-year-old Kozuka was killed, ending his 27 years of hiding. Onoda escaped back into the jungle, now alone in his misguided mission.

News of Kozuka’s death traveled quickly to Japan. It was concluded that since Kozuka had survived all those years, then it was likely that Lt. Onoda was still alive, though he had been declared legally dead about thirteen years earlier. More search parties were sent in to find him, however he successfully evaded them each time. But in February of 1974, after Onoda had been alone in the jungle for a year and a half, a Japanese college student named Norio Suzuki managed to track him down.

When Suzuki had left Japan, he told his friends that he was “going to look for Lieutenant Onoda, a panda, and the abominable snowman, in that order.” Onoda and Suzuki became fast friends. Suzuki tried to convince him that the war had ended long ago, but Onoda explained that he would not surrender unless his commander ordered him to do so. Suzuki took photos of the two of them together, and convinced Onoda to meet him again about two weeks later, in a prearranged location.

When Onoda went to the meeting place, there was a note waiting from Suzuki. Suzuki had returned to the island with Onoda’s one-time superior officer, Major Taniguchi. When Onoda returned to meet with Suzuki and his old commander, he arrived in what was left of his dress uniform, wearing his sword and carrying his still-working Arisaka rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, and several hand grenades. Major Taniguchi, who had long since retired from the military and become a bookseller, read aloud the orders: Japan had lost the war, and all combat activity was to cease immediately. After a moment of quiet anger, Onoda pulled back the bolt on his rifle and unloaded the bullets, and then took off his pack and laid the rifle across it. When the reality of it sunk in, he wept openly.

By the time he formally surrendered to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in 1974, Onoda had spent twenty nine of his fifty two years hiding the jungle, fighting a war that had long been over for the rest of the world. He and his guerrilla soldiers had killed some thirty people unnecessarily, and wounded about a hundred others. But they had done so under the belief that they were at war, and consequently President Marcos granted him a full pardon for the crimes he had committed while in hiding.

He returned to a hero’s welcome in Japan, but found himself unable to adjust to modern life there. He received back pay from the Japanese government for his twenty-nine years on Lubang, but it amounted to very little. He recorded his story as a memoir, entitled “No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War,” then moved to Brazil for a calm life of raising cattle on a ranch.

In May of 1996, Hiroo Onoda returned to Lubang, and donated $10,000 to the school there. He then married a Japanese woman, and the two of them moved back to Japan to run a nature camp for kids, were Onoda could share what he learned about survival through resourcefulness and ingenuity. Reportedly, Onoda is still alive in Japan today.

Martha for a day

2010-04-03T18:20:00.005-06:00

I'd give anything to trade places with all of you (yes, including you babe) who get to stay home and play Martha Stewart on a regular basis. Working everyday and doing real estate at night leaves me craving for time to feel like a real homemaker. I see all these cute things I'd love to try but never seem to get around to it.

I was surfing the web this week and found a cute dessert idea for our family Easter dinner tomorrow. Since I was actually feeling creative and energized after my chiro and massage appt this morning, I gave it a go while we listened to Conference and Ty started on our assigned cheesy potato dish.

I even managed to put together some treat bags too! So proud of myself today....

These are my meringue bird nest cookies. Hopefully they bear some resemblance?

4 egg whites

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 c sugar

pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla

Beat eggs, salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Slowly add the sugar and beat until glossy and stiff peaks form. Stir vanilla in. Drop a couple of spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment. Cover with shredded coconut and shape into "nests". Bake at 250 degrees for 60-75 minutes.

B-Day weekend

2010-03-30T22:27:00.000-06:00

Aeon, Jordan's gorgeous little boy was a little freaked during Ty's birthday party and found himself a nice hiding spot in our sink.

Sunday we went up for brunch at Sundance-Ty's all time fav. It was such a beautiful day!

Since coming here for the first time almost 10 years ago, I've never stopped loving the warm, earthy, organic atmosphere. Gotta thank Mr. Redford for making it the place it is today.

{I can always seem to make more room for a second helping of their warm bread pudding..OH so good!}

Lost needs to get lost...and a few other thoughts

2010-03-29T20:42:00.007-06:00

I don't know about you, but I'm so sick of Lost and I cannot wait for it to be done with for good! I have to watch only because I've loyally stuck by, season after season hoping that I'll get some darn answers. But alas, I'm still as lost as I was on episode 1. Blah...

Tyler is getting H-O-T....almost down 30 pounds now and still 2 weeks to go. He's still as cranky as ever but I'm hanging in there. :) I guess that's to be expected on a 500 calorie diet and having to poke yourself with a needle every day. A whole new wardrobe has opened up to him and we're both loving the variety.

I just got released Sunday from teaching Sunbeams with Ty and called to be a Relief Society instructor! Scared and nervous? Yep. The usual nauseous feeling I get when I have to get up and speak in front of a large audience? Suprisingly, not really. I knew this was coming. I've been in Primary for approx. 4 years I think--a good time for a change and Heavenly Father knew it's something I've been really needing to grow. I have NEVER giving a talk in church for the 10 years I've been a member. Crazy right? I guess it's time I stepped it up.
Hope that wanna throw up feeling doesn't come up in the middle of the lesson on the 18th...

Some good friends are putting in their notice at work tomorrow and are moving to California in less than two weeks. I can't believe it. It's seriously depressing. Everyone is leaving us. I'm really happy for them and it's a wonderful opportunity, but I'm being selfish here-I wish they were staying put. I hate saying goodbye.

I wish I had some exciting news to tell, like some exotic vacation planned, but that's about it with us. No news is good news I guess!

Why I'm Such an Awesome Wife

2010-03-21T21:26:00.007-06:00

Ty told me to write that. Happy 33rd Birthday baby!

We are seriously hooked. Hooked forever and looking forward to traveling the world and flying together! You've gotta try it. Point of the Mountain is one of the top world wide destinations for the sport and is literally in our backyard. Honestly I thought paraglidiing was for crazy, thrill seeking people, until I was airborne and it was the most peaceful, wonderful thing I've ever experienced. No butterflies in my stomach and no anxiety, only a calmness...it was the weirdest thing. We had such a fun time yesterday and can't wait until we take our second lesson!

Another us update

2010-03-17T20:16:00.003-06:00

This is a random/lame post. I apologize in advance...

As of today Ty has lost 23 pounds!

As for me, I'm not doing so hot with P90X.

I'm too tired all the time.

I like watching American Idol and Lost much more.

I prefer being lazy on my cozy brown couches and blogging instead.

I hate being sore every single day.

I have more excuses I could throw out but those are plenty for now.

Maybe tomorrow I'll finally go to Zumba with my friend Kierstin and hopefully next week I'll start up again! :)

Last weekend was great. Even with the storm on Sat, Ty and I managed to get out of the house to do a session at the Salt Lake Temple (my first time there!) and I had a girls night out (plus Corb) at Cafe Trio with Lindsay, a couple of her friends, and Audrey & Corban. I had the 3 cheese ravioli with butternut squash sauce--I'm so glad Linds suggested it. I love discovering new yummy places to eat! Sadly I forgot my camera and it was too wet to take Temple/Downtown pictures earlier.

Sunday we taught our cute sunbeams and then went down to the in-laws to watch the new drama series the Pacific. I'm learning a lot about post Pearl Harbor and about Grandpa Bruford fighting in Guadalcanal. Ty's parents even have the samurai sword he brought back from that island-pretty incredible I think.

The rest of the week has been uneventful besides my car battery dying, a crappy few days at work, and hating daylight savings time. I had an audition super early Monday and was really hating life. It felt like 6 in the morning and I wish I could have had a do-over. Of course the script was completely different than what I had practiced, and my lines sounded much better in the car and on the way to work. Of course.

Troop Beverly Hills made my week though. I heart this movie, I'm positive I've seen it at least 20 times- It's so good and it did its job by making me laugh and lifting my spirit! I am praying this work week to be over soon and can't wait for Ty's big birthday weekend!

We're taking paragliding lessons on Sat, having a paaaaarrrrrrrrty Sat night, and doing our usual birthday brunch up at Sundance. Should be awesome.

Happy 33rd Olane!

2010-03-15T21:28:00.005-06:00

Love you!