So many INCREDIBLE people.......

As I get older, I begin to realize the lasting importance of friendships and relationships. It is people, not things that matter in the end. We cannot take our possessions with us, but our love for those around us is something that will last forever. There has been so much on my mind, too many to list and not that I would even want to. These are things in life,trials, hurdles, whatever it is you consider them, they are there and real and apart of my everyday thinking. Our busy lives help us forget what is most important to each of us, finding true happiness. Heavenly Father places people in our lives to remind us of just how much he loves and cares for us, we are is children. These angels that seem to come into our lives at just the right time, when we seem to need them the most. We learn from them, we love, we trust, we are better individuals because of them. To these incredible people in my life, I love you and I am better because I know and associate with you.

President Monson once said, "Find someone that is having a hard time and do something for them." When we forget about our own issues and heartache and make it a priority to love and serve someone in need, we find our TRUE self. I learned this ever important lesson as a missionary. When you loose yourself in the service of others, our perspectives change. There was a man that I grew to love while I served in Texas years ago. We met Billy Gilger, a very humble man. I wish I had a picture to share of him and I....I guess it's time to scan some and post them. I pay tribute to him today. He is a man of true character, love, obedience, and kindness. He had nothing and lived below poverty, yet he never once complained. He would give you the shirt off his back. I will never forget the day of his baptism. What a humble experience it was to see him washed clean and given the chance to start over. Billy lived a great life, one full of optimism and love. I love him, I miss him. To Billy, thank you for teaching me how to be un-selfish and to truly love someone else. One day we will see each other again and what a glorious reunion it will be.

I am making it a daily goal to say thank you more, to be more grateful. Telling those you love that you love them is one of the best gifts we can give. If someone is on your mind, call them, write them, stop by and see them. Let that person know you are thinking of them, express how important they are to you. Don't let the time pass, do it today, you will be so thankful you did!

Life is good....

Sorry I have not posted in a month or so, life has been busy, but a good busy that is. Here are a few pictures to show what I have been up to. It has been filled with reunions with best friends, birthdays, spending time with family and so much more....

Thankful Tuesday....

Today I have been reflecting on those things I am thankful for, here they are....

1. My relationship with my Father in Heaven
2. My Savior Jesus Christ
3. Mother...Her unshaken faith, devotion and love! She will never turn down an opportunity to help someone in need.
4. Dad- his HUGE heart, sensitive personality and willingness to show and express love.
5. Rachel- Her support, laughter, sense of humor, for just being my sister! She is a GREAT mother, and wife. My life would be empty without her.
6. Melissa- Tenderness, seeing her raise three beautiful boys! Her desire to serve and live righteously.
7. Ava- My precious Ava..Her spirit brings a smile to my face.
8. Keaton- His sense of adventure!
9. Andrew- His persistence and strength to NEVER give-up, no matter how many times he has been told NO!
10. Owen- I am just getting to know this little guy. He is so pure and full of smiles. I love seeing how much he loves and admires his mother.
11. Krista- Wow, a smile comes to my face when I say her name. We have been through so much together. I can tell her ANYTHING and she will listen and offer the best possible advice. She loves me for who I am, I do not have to change when I am around her. She makes me laugh, oh and we do laugh a lot together. I miss this lady! So many secrets shared between the two of us...She knows me inside and out!
12. Elise- I have only known her a few years, but we are kindred spirits, her and I. Our similar taste in music amazes me, Carrie, Kris Allen, Mat Kearney, just to name a few. She always calls back and shares her appreciation. She makes me SMILE!! I knew we knew each other in Heaven and we made a pact that we would be best friends!
13. Derek...Where do I begin to describe this amazing guy. We met about three months ago through a mutual friend. I love his sense of adventure and love for the outdoors. He has a soft heart and HUGE personality. We can finish each other's sentences. Derek came into my life at just the right time. We get each other so well and I cherish the time I am blessed to spend with him. We will be friends for life and beyond!
14. Laughter- I LOVE TO LAUGH!!!! It is the best possible medicine, even if it give me Crow's Feet (thanks Derek for pointing this out!).
15. Lilly- My adorable Boxer. She never talks back, loves to snuggle and keep me company at night. I loose my patience with her, but I lover her!
16. My Home.. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of such a busy world.
17. SUNSHINE- It's endless warmth can always bring a smile to my face!
18. Madalyn- She came into our lives for just a short time, but she taught me the importance of LOVE. Holding her for a few short minutes has left a tender spot in my heart. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! Seeing her precious little spirit made me yearn to be better in every way possible.

I am making it a goal to be MORE THANKFUL!

Carrie Underwood...Even better the third time around!

Last night I went to the Carrie Underwood concert, and what a total blast it was! I went with Derek, Mikayla, Elise, Heather and Courtney. This was Derek's very first concert ever, and he had a blast, in fact we all did! She is stunning, gorgeous, fun on stage and sounds great live! Here are some pictures from last night's outing.

Why I love this girl......

Me dear friend Elise was married a few weeks back and I was honored to be apart of it. Where do I even begin in expressing how much love and respect I have for this girl, my girl Elise. We met a few years back and have been close, I mean really close, I adore everything about her! She has stood beside me through good and bad, sad and happy. I owe so much to her, she has enriched and blessed my life in so many ways, too many to possibly list. To Elise, thank you for being so incredible, loving and compassionate. My life would not be that same without you! Here is to many more years, may they be as great as the past few, I LOVE YOU!

Lilly and so much more!

I just realized it has been a month since my last post. I apologize to those who visit my blog and have been looking for a new post, new stories, new pictures to see. Life is constantly changing. Heartache, rejoicing, new experiences and learning who and what I am.

I have a recent addition to my family, meet Lilly. She is a purebred female, Boxer and she is the love of my life. I rescued her from a rough home and now she is a part of my life. I am not used to cleaning up after someone else. She is teaching me LOTS of patience. It is like raising a kid, having to take her out to go potty almost every 15 min while she is a puppy. I adore her sweet little face, her energetic personality and her spunk! To my little Lilly, I sure do love ya!

With the exiting of old friends, time welcomes in new ones. Friends that you find and swear you have known them from somewhere else, another place in time. Here is to Derek and Tim, my two amazing friends, who I love dearly. We relate in so many ways, we laugh, we cry, we share experiences that have brought us close together. I am so thankful for the true friends in my life!

Happy Birthday Mom!

It has been a few days since my Mother's birthday, but I wanted to offer a tribute to her. She is a wonderful and incredible person, sister, mother, friend. Her laughter and sense of humor light up the room and people flock to where she is. I would say that I get my loudness and fun personality from her. She is amazing in every sense of the word. Her faith is unwavering, unshakable, fearless.

I remember a time on my mission, I had been out about a month and I called home. I was ready to come home. I was frustrated with a sick companion, being locked-up in our apartment and with the work. I know I was not supposed to call home, but I did, just to hear my mother's voice. She re-assured me I would be okay, that I would be able to work miracles and to forget myself and serve others.

Her willingness to serve others astounds me. She is a woman of great pride, and will NEVER turn down an opportunity to help another in need. She is a true leader in every aspect of the word. She has a huge heart. These are just some of the many reasons I LOVE my mother!

Old Photos hidden, friends remembered!

Most of you know, I bought a new house over a year ago. I am still sorting through old boxes and hidden treasures. I came across this picture cd two of my best friends had given me back on 2005 for my birthday. I am so glad I found it. Here are some of the memories I uncovered. I was amazed at how young I look! Trina, Melanie, Michelle and Brian I sure do love you guys. Thanks again for all of the great memories we have had. It is funny, looking at these pictures and I can remember what my life was like then, where I was working, what my social life was like. A picture does really speak a thousand words!

My 3 little angels

Life has been rough, and I mean very rough at times. Lots of crying, worrying, confusion, you name it, just down right tough. It is amazing how just one person can come into your life and change all of that crap and loneliness felt. That one person makes life worth living, brings you happiness, makes the sting of fear depart. I have three of these people in my life, my adorable nephews, Keaton, Andrew and Owen. I am eternally grateful for these little faces, these incredible Spirits I live among. They have gotten me through a lot of ugliness in my life, they make me laugh, they make me want to be better.

I am content just being with them and nobody else. They are judge-free, easy to love and quick to love in return. Perhaps it is the care-free lives they are currently living, or maybe they really are my guardian angels sent just for me. This is what I believe and will continue to feel. They are for me, to help me get back on track. Each of them has such a unique perspective. Keaton leads, Andrew for now follows and Owen is just beginning to find his place among these two giant brothers. To these three, I LOVE YOU. One day you will know just how much you have saved me.

Ava turns 3!

Back on March 13th, Ava turned 3! She is getting so big, and I just love her to death! She wanted "Bolt," the dog as her birthday theme, but perhaps the biggest hit was the cake my sister had made, it was a Hamster! I have never seen so many presents for one kid, she is spoiled, yet so worth it! It was a joy seeing her open presents and play with her friends. We love you Ava and thank you for being a unique part of our family!

Cade & Courtney's Wedding

Saturday was a very busy day for me. At 10:30 am, I went to the Boise Temple and waited for two of my best friends to get married. Followed my their luncheon at Johnny Carinos and the reception that night. After the reception we went downtown to eat at Old Chicago. What a great day, spent with amazing people.