Bring on the Heat!

Here's the weather forecast (from weather.com) for Phoenix for the days we'll be there. It's going to be nice and TOASTY! I love the heat. I can't say I've experienced 110 degree plus temps very much in my life, so we'll see how it feels. But, I'd MUCH rather be hot than cold! That's for sure!

Gospel Thoughts

I just wanted to share tonight how grateful I am for the Savior and His atonement. I've been thinking about the fact that He always knows exactly how I feel and exactly what I'm going through in my life. That brings me so much comfort.

Also, I was reading about prayer in the Bible dictionary tonight. I have always loved what it says about prayer. I like the part that says,"the object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them." That hit me in a new light tonight. How many more blessings could I have in my life if I just ask for them! That's amazing! I'm living way beneath my privileges! It also talks about praying for others. I believe there is great power in that. Today I asked many people to pray for me as I have something on Thursday that is very important to me/my life (can't go into details right now). I'd really like the faith and strength of others with this.

The Gospel's true! That's all. Good night. :)

Happiness

On my way home yesterday I listened to a bunch of church talks. I don't remember who the speaker was, but the following quote has resonated with me: "Happiness is a city in the state of mind." I love it so much that I printed it out and taped it on my desk at work, along with a picture of my nephew who makes me so happy (as I was there this weekend, I looked at the kids and thought "how could looking at their smiles not make someone happy?").

That quote is so true. We control our thoughts and actions. We can choose to be happy. We can choose to create a good day. Now, I know firsthand that there are people with chemical imbalances. I, in fact have been dealing with this trial for many years. It is very real. It hurts me so much when people take it lightly and expect someone to just "snap out of it." So, I am trying to figure out how that ties in to this. But, I am going to make more of an effort to choose to be happy- to do everything in my power to be happy.

Life is too short to not be happy.

Weekend in St. George

I made a quick trip to St.George this weekend. Christi and I left after I got off work on Friday night.

I spent a lot of time playing "cars" with my cute nephew. The kids have a play room. It seemed like every time I stepped out of the play room he'd come get me and say, "want to go in there and play cars?" How could I tell him no?! So, I really spent hours this weekend playing cars with him. :)

We went outside for a little bit yesterday. Of course it was very hot. The kids started playing with the hose. They "washed" my car for me. :)"A" started washing it with just a watering jug, but then they upgraded to the hose. Before we knew it, we were all wet from the hose. But, it felt really good and was fun!

I also made a quick trip to the outlets. I got some shirts at the GAP outlet for good prices.

In the evening we went to a birthday party for the kids' 4-year-old friend.

This morning we hung out and played. This afternoon I went to Sacrament Meeting with them. My sister and brother-in-law gave talks today. So, Christi and I sat with the kids in the pew. The kids were pretty good.

And then... I drove home. It was nice to get away! It was a fun weekend. Now, back to reality! Luckily for me, though, I'm going to Arizona in a week and a half, and we're stopping back through.

4th of July "Camping" Adventure!

The whole family was together for the 4th. My sister got us a campsite at a park near our house and we had dinner and s'mores over there and just relaxed. I hosted a bubble party for the nieces and nephews. It didn't quite turn out how I wanted it to, but we had such a blast! It was A LOT foamier than I expected. But, the kids were able to blow bubbles and had a good time. We also ended up throwing foam on eachother. It really was SO fun! (If I wasn't the favorite Aunt before, I surely am now!)

While at the campsite, we got a bit of a 4th of July fire show. My brother saw flames in the distance. The flames were actually really close to where we were- just on the other side of the river. With all of the fires going on around here these days, we took it seriously. Mom called 911 and shortly thereafter the firetrucks arrived. As it turns out, it was a guy burning some of his farm. Dumb, dumb, dumb! Who does that on the evening of the 4th AND when there have been horribly fires all around us?! Apparently the fire department has had trouble with him before.

We were able to enjoy the rest of our evening after that settled down. We went to an open field nearby to see fireworks. I didn't stay very long, as I had to go to work the next day. I "camped" in my own bed. :)

Freedom Run #2

Before

Before

After

After

Somehow my mom talked me into doing the Freedom Run 5K again this year. As I recall, last year she said she was never doing it again. Hmm.

I actually trained for it this time (which I thought was a good idea). The race did seem shorter and easier than last year. However, I was kind of bummed that I actually did worse than last year (by 27 seconds!). Oh well.

All in all, it is a great accomplishment... even if it is only 3.1 miles. I saw a quote on Pinterest that said, "No matter how slow you are going, you are still lapping everyone on the couch." True, true.

We just signed up for another 5K in January in... DISNEYLAND! Like, running through the park and they entertain you along the way as you run. It should actually be really fun!

Grandma's Funeral

Grandma's funeral was held Friday, June 29th in American Fork. It was a nice service- filled with music, stories, and memories. It was about an hour, which is what Grandma wanted. There was no luncheon held afterward, which was also per her request.

I know Grandma is so much happier now. I'm so grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever. Here is a link to her obituary.

So Much to Blog About, So Little Time!

Wow, July has officially been my worst blogging month ever! I'm usually pretty good about keeping up. Oh well.

I'll start with what's been going on most recently and maybe catch up later.

Last night Dad, Christi and I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Day concert. It was amazing! Loved it. Afterward (while traffic subsided) we got cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory in City Creek. Now, I'm not a big fan of cheesecake, but this stuff was good (and oh so healthy, right?)!

Yesterday was really a nice Saturday. I got a much-needed nap and got a few things done I needed to get done.

In other news, work's been a little rough for me... not going to lie. I am SO looking forward to a little vacation down to AZ next month!

Also, I found out one of my roommates from BYU-I is moving to Lehi and will be in my ward! I am really excited. I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father knew I needed this.

So... that's that. Stayed tuned for more posts in the near future.

Time for another post about my mission!

Today a recently returned sister missionary spoke in Sacrament meeting. Also, the lesson in RS was about missionary work. So, my mission and missionary work has been on my mind.

I read part of my mission journal tonight. It's amazing how happy I was and how I loved the people- despite how cold it was and how difficult it was in general.

Going on a mission was the best thing I have ever done. Time is passing, but it still means the world to me.

Currently in my life, my calling has given me opportunities to serve and fellowship. I can testify that happiness comes when we forget about ourselves.

On another note- five years ago this week I entered the Mt. Timpanogos temple and received my endowment. I'm so grateful for that. Being endowed really has given me power, strength and knowledge beyond my own. The temple is a wonderful place.

The Church is true!

Blog Updating Needed!

June was certainly full of unexpected events... friends coming into town, Grandma passing away, family coming into town. My life has been a little crazy lately (but mostly in a good way!).

Thus, I have some serious blogging updating to do. But, it will have to wait. I am going out of town for the weekend right after work tonight. Nicole and I are driving down to the Malloy's cabin near Cedar City to spend some time with Kelley and co, who are here from PA. It should be fun.

The (weird) picture above is a little preview of the fun bubble party we had last night. The kids LOVED it. Can't wait to tell you all about it!