Chris, Georgia, & McKenna

Memories

2011-05-22T20:47:00.001-07:00

An attitude of gratitude

2011-01-07T16:59:00.001-08:00

I've thought a lot about gratitude lately and how much it is lacking in this world. So I've tried to take some time everyday and work on showing gratitude. Things I am grateful for today:
-my job
-sweet baby smiles
-my reliable vehicle
-good friends
-good family
-good health
-the person who allowed me to merge on Yellowstone
-txt messages and phone calls from my brothers

2010 in Review

2011-01-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

What a year! Let's break it down:

January: Gained a testimony of fertility treatment (found out we were pregnant)
May: One more year of school done
July: Celebrated 6 years of marriage
August: I turned 26
October: Baby McKenna joined our family
December: Chris celebrated birthday #30 & our first Christmas as a little family

I can't express in words all of the many blessings we recieved in 2010. It was the greatest year of my life so far and I hope it is only the begining of many more to come. May 2011 bring joy to all of us and may we recognize tender mercies each day.

A few of my favorite things:

2010-12-15T15:10:00.000-08:00

McKenna's smile
Sleeping 8-10 hours a night!
Playing with McKenna
Not working
Hanging out with my cute little family
Watching McKenna sleep
Chris being done with finals
Christmas trees
The wonder of Christmas renewed

Just to name a few of my favorite things! :)

she's here!

2010-10-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

On October 1, 2010 at 9:16 am, McKenna Marie was born!! She weighed 7lbs 8 oz, 21 inches. So strange that this new little person exists and that she is my responsibility. She is a great baby; sleeps most of the time and is happy and alert when awake. I am looking forward to the day that she is on a schedule so I know what to expect every day though. She still has days and nights mixed up and that is really kicking my butt.
Overall, motherhood is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. Pictures will come soon!

Soon

2010-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

According to the ticker we have less than 5 weeks before Miss McKenna graces us with her presence. Hooray for that! I'm huge!

Strength from without...

2010-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment and send a little tribute. A close friend of my family's passed yesterday. We have known him and his family for 20+ years...amazing people who I have the great privilege to call friends. His daughters and I have grown up together and although much time has passed since I have seen them, they are still forever part of my "in-dopted" family. The daughter who is my age recently posted on facebook some of her feelings about her father's passing and her unwaivering faith and strength gives me strength as well. She shared the peace she feels at this time and knows that this is all part of our Heavenly Father's plan. What an amazing woman, such a testament to the life her father lived and the principles he taught her.

Forever in our hearts, we love you James Duchene.

Sunday Afternoon...

2010-08-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

I love the laziness of Sunday afternoons. I love kicking back and watching a movie, or taking a nap, eating and just being with Chris. Ahhh...

2010-07-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

Could whomever is posting comments in chinese/japanese please translate those to english and let me know who you are?

Hmmm...really?

2010-07-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today is our anniversary...6 years. Really? Where did the time go? I can't believe it went so fast!! What a great 6 years...never a dull moment, moving and grooving, growing, learning, and loving. Love you Chris!!

I melting...I'm melting!

2010-06-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

I know I've been super fortunate so far this summer that is has been so mild...we haven't even put in our AC yet. Basically the whole months of May and June have been tolerable but now that we are headed into July...
Wow I'm hot! My poor kid is cooking in here! Finally as I write this post a breeze comes through the window...ahh.
The funny thing is that I've waited and waited for summer to come and now I'm wishing for it to go! :)
My belly is growing ever larger...and McKenna is doing gymnastics or something in here. She is so active!! She is fiesty as heck too, which I can't figure out where that comes from...she punched the sonar the last time the Dr tried to find her heartbeat. Boy am I in for some fun!! She will be here in 100 days and I can't wait to finally meet her!

The verdict is...

2010-05-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

A GIRL!

We had an ultrasound on Friday and were told that this baby is a girl. Shock of my life! But it's a great adventure. Everything on the ultrasound looks awesome, the radiologist said that we couldn't have asked for anything better.
Due date stayed the same: October 7th. Her name is McKenna Marie Dudley.

A question of multiplication

2010-04-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Forgive the tender moment, I think it's the hormones!

Recently I have come to realize how lucky I am. I have now stood on both sides of the perverbial fertility fence and how grateful I am for more than one perspective on this part of life. The quest of multiplying and replenishing the earth can really be a difficult thing for some to accomplish. My heart goes out to those who struggle with this.
My struggle was nearly 3 years and included tests that would make your hair curl, drugs that made me so sick I couldn't even stand, and countless hours of the day and night that I plead for comfort and answers. And I was one of the lucky ones!! My drugs worked, and worked earlier than they do for some others.
I talked with a sweet friend of mine a couple of weeks ago about my pregnancy, a friend who struggles with fertility. She knew of the struggle that Chris and I had and had a few questions about my experience. As I later related the conversation to Chris, my heart ached for this sweet woman and I sobbed. I remember the dark nights, the ever-growing void in my heart; I have walked that line, stood where she does now and I know how much it hurts. I still feel a little bit of that pain for those who yearn for this blessing.
I guess the purpose of this post is to send my love and hope and prayers out to those who struggle with this. Please know that you don't walk that path alone. If you have questions, would like to know more about my experience, or simply need an empathetic shoulder to cry on, I hope you know that I am here and I will share any and all knowledge I have acquired through this journey.

1 + 1 = 3

2010-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post...I've had some big things happening and knew if I posted I would spill it. And no my math isn't wrong...

After 2.5 years, lots of drugs and testing, baby Dudley #1 is due October 7, 2010.

I apologize to those to had to find out this way but I can't wait to tell you anymore and we're all so busy it's hard to catch up with eachother!!
But we are very excited. We got to hear the heart beat yesterday; 170 beats per minute. Dr is happy with my progress and I think she is as excited as we are. :)

A Storm

2009-12-24T07:17:00.001-08:00

You know that feeling...the calm before the storm...breath held in anticipation...no sound but the beating of your heart...
And then WHAM!! The storm hits and in it's wake is destruction... shattered pieces that resemble a life...
But...like any storm...the aftermath brings about new life...new perspective...hidden strength...and grace.
*no i won't expound on this; sometimes i like to be cryptic about my life :)*

On a brighter note: MERRY CHRISTMAS!! May the peace and wonder of the season permeate our hearts and homes. Have a great one and remember the reason for the season. Love you all!

I know, I'm a slacker

2009-11-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

In my defense though, I'm busy! However, I thought I would post an update on what we've been up to:
Chris is taking tests and studying all the time. I swear I never studied like that during my undergrad. He has taught me a whole new definition of studying.
I'm still working like it's going out of style. I've obtained a new attitude toward my job and I have regained a love of what I do that was lost for most of the summer.
Still doing our part at church...
We built a deck in the backyard for the hot tub, covered it by tearing down and extending the awning. It looks pretty much amazing. My hubby is probably the most amazing man I know.
This weekend we are skipping town. We need a break.
My older brother and his wife are here from AZ for the week, my dad will be coming in tomorrow from NM for the week, my sister-in-law and her family will be coming in on Sunday from WA for the week, and my grandparents will be here Monday for the week as well. Needless to say, we'll be busy for the holiday. But, nothing makes the holidays for me like spending countless hours talking with family and remembering why I'm so glad we are families for forever!
Have a great holiday everyone!!

Autumn

2009-10-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

I went to Twin Falls on Wednesday for a day business trip and got to experience one of my favorite types of fall mornings: crisp air, slight fog, the sun trying to break through. It was beautiful. I love this time of year! After a summer of fun in the sun and late summer nights, I love the fading light of the fall, crisp air, hot chocolate, sweaters and scarves, not to mention the boots get to come out!! YAY!! The buzz of the holidays is beginning and I love that too. I love living in a part of the world that has four seasons.

Definition

2009-09-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

I've been doing a little soul searching lately trying to decide what defines who I am. Of course all of the experiences I've had, from college to marriage to my family, all contribute to the definition of who I am. But what else? Does my church position define me? My marital status? My job?
After much searching and sifting, I've finally decided that it depends on the day as to what defines me. Sometimes I put on my loan officer face and that's who I am. Other times, my calling is all I am. Some days, when I don't keep it in check, my fertility defines me. But at the end of the day, I am more than all that, I hope. I'm not too naive to think that none of those things affect who I am; I don't believe that one defines me more than the others, but all of them adding to make the whole.

I know I am nerd.

2009-08-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Just a side note before I start: I'm sitting here updating my blog enjoying a day off and my favorite song "Red Light" by David Hale is playing on the radio. Love it!!
Anyway, when I graduated from college my older brother gave me a book titled The Enoch Letters and inside was a bookmark with this on it: 78% of college graduates never finish another book after graduation. I laughed of course because my major was english/poli sci so reading is just something I did, kind of a necessity for those two majors and I was sure this would never happen to me. I taught myself how to speed read when I was studying for the LSAT my senior year and I thoroughly enjoy that I have that ability.
So, a year after graduation I realized that I had started to become part of that statistic because I hadn't finished a book in a year! I had been used to burning through 18 novels per semester and in that process I had burned myself out of reading. So, like any true english nerd, I decided I needed to read again. Since then I have read lots and lots! I was laying in bed the other night and looked over at my nightstand and realized just how big of a nerd I am. I have a stack of 12 books on my nightstand. The following are the books found on my nightstand:
The Wealthy Barber
My Sister's Keeper
Women of Destiny
The Enoch Letters (again)
Running for Women
Take Two Chocolates and Call Me in the Morning
Between Husband and Wife
The 5 Love Languages
You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don't Need
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The Alchemist
The Psychology of Winning
And this doesn't include the standard works that I read every day or the two business books I'm reading at work.
I know, I'm a nerd. But at least I'm diversified!! HA! I read bits of each one every day so needless to say it takes me a while to finish one but eventually I'll finish them all, at least once.

Updated favorite quotes...

2009-07-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Excellence belongs to those who let their actions rise above their excuses.
Business book

One with passion is better than 40 who are merely interested.
Business book

Fight like a girl.
Bombshell

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. Ingrid Bergman

Every man dies. Not every man really lives.
William Wallace

Work like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on the Lord.
Dad

A Milestone

2009-07-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was a milestone in my life: it was our fifth anniversary. I know! I'm impressed too! Just kidding...

In looking at the pictures I can't believe how young we were! Here's a little snapshot from the special day.

To celebrate the special occasion, we had dinner and stayed at a very nice theme suite. It was great.

Strange to think that it's been 5 years already. But when I stop to reflect on all that has been packed into those 5 short years, I'm pretty satisfied. What more could I possibly have expected on my 5th anniversary than to spend time with the man I am more deeply and completely in love with now than I was when I said yes 5 years ago?

Lalala...

2009-06-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

Ho hum...
I feel like my life has kind of crashed into a rut...same thing day after day. Yawn...sad, I'm making myself tired just thinking about how lame my life is these days. Ever feel like your life is the calm before the storm? I do. In fact, the last time I felt the "calm" this bad was right before I met Chris! HA! That gives me hope that something amazing is about to happen...:)
Things are pretty uneventful at the Dudley home...just workin' and schoolin' and churchin'. The three things we do best around here. Ahhh...yawn...time for bed. Lame. I'm officially old when 9:30 is late to me. Bleck...

Yummy...sugar

2009-06-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I love sugar! Any kind really, I'm not picky. From cake to cookies to brownies, hohos to ding-dongs, donuts, chocolate bars, Idaho Spud bars, pudding, cream puffs, Pepsi...you name it. As long as it doesn't have nuts I'll eat it.
Well, I decided that since there must be moderation in all things, I started last Monday to eat sugar in moderation. Ok, mostly I just cut it cold turkey. Anything that didn't have sugar already in it (cinnimon toast, cereal, fruits, etc) I stopped eating. When I started this I decided that Friday would be my day for sugar (that's the moderation thing). So I made it four whole days without sugar! Go me!! I don't know if it's completely psychological or not, but I feel like my clothes are fitting differently already...maybe there's more to cutting back on the sugar than just the health part! Fabulous!!
Like I said, since today is Friday, I am eating sugar in moderation by enjoying a couple of indulgences: chocolate milk and a Spud Bar. Breakfast of champions!! YA! HAPPY FRIDAY!

Alright alright...

2009-05-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

So I've been getting contact from some of my friends lately who are worried about me because it seems that I've fallen off the cyber-planet. Seems to be true...
Well friends, I'm good, not dead, but crazy busy. It seems that my months are already gone before they start. Between working insane hours (somewhere between 50-60 hours a week and it's supposed to be 40!), my calling at church, and keeping up with all my other obligations I'm so busy I can't see straight. I need about 12 more hours in the day and maybe I'll be able to get everything done. My phone is constantly ringing with messages and phone calls, most of which I don't get answered. Sorry friends!! I'm very neglectful. I'll repent. Sometimes when a plate is this full some things fall off...
I'm doing fine though, just busy. So don't worry and please forgive me!! :) Love your faces.

Survival of the fittest!

2009-05-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

At 8:39 am yesterday I stumbled across the finish line after running 5K. I somehow managed to finish the race without throwing up or passing out. My legs are still very tired. My family and some friends were at the finish line to cheer us on and boy did I need that little extra support! There is a serious sense of accomplishment when you cross that finish line and realize what you've just done. Now, I know that to a lot of people 5K isn't far but it is for this fat girl! I never in my whole life thought that I would complete that distance running. But I am so glad it's done. My next race is June 6th and it's mostly up hill so I'm taking a week off from running and then I'm going to hit it again.
Also, yesterday marked 2 months that I had gone without Pepsi. Most of you know that I love a nice cold Pepsi more than any other beverage and when I crossed that line, I pounded one! And boy was it amazing!!

Just a quick update

2009-04-20T07:32:00.001-07:00

This will be brief because I have only a few more minutes to kill before I have to leave for work.
Since my last post, we have been to Arizona and back, managed to continue training for my race in less than 2 weeks, maintained my sanity with my calling, and barely kept things together in general. Some days I wish I could split myself into 5 people and then I would be able to get everything done. The last two weeks I have barely seen Chris and this week isn't looking much better. Between my meetings and Chris's study schedule we hardly see each other. But school will be out in a couple of weeks so hopefully things will slow down and we can get back to being us. Other than that we are kind of boring...

I'll post Arizona pics soon...

To the women...

2009-03-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

I hope you'll forgive me for the following post...and remember, just because you aren't name specifically doesn't mean that I don't love you just the same!!
This morning at my workout (the women in my ward started a workout group and today was the first day) I was reminded at the amazing power of women. I have the priviledge to serve over 60 women in my ward and each week I learn more about each one. They are strong women who have conviction in their beliefs, drive in their lives, love their spouses and strive to be better each day. They serve and love one another.
In my personal life I am blessed with amazing women, not the least of whom is my mother. She is an amazing woman, strong and beautiful. She teaches me every day and I love her. She gives me direction and isn't afraid to tell me what more I can do! :) She teaches me to love, live, and lead. She shows me that it's not a bad thing to be a woman who is educated and intelligent and that each person needs to rise to their potential. I'm totally lucky as far as mothers-in-law go because mine is awesome. She's a great friend and always makes me laugh. My sisters-in-law are awesome. Strong, intelligent and I have grown to love each of them.
I am so blessed with crazy, hilarious, intelligent friends. You know who you are so just think of a funny memory with me and I hope you laugh!!
So, to you amazing women in my life, I hope you know the impact you have on my life and how blessed I am to know you. You make me want to be a better person, you teach me how, and never fail to amaze me. Here's to you!!

YEAH BABY!

2009-03-02T08:10:00.001-08:00

For those of you who don't know, last November I got fed up with being fluffy so I decided to do something about it. I started working out with a circuit training DVD with Jillian from the Biggest Loser and I did that for a month (and saw some serious results) and then in January I kinda slacked off a little and then in February I changed my focus and now I'm training for a 5K and my first race is May 2. And today I did my first 10-minute mile!!! YEAH!!!
You have to understand, I hate to run but I need to get healthy and lose some weight so this is my new "thing". My brother Jesse and his wife Becky have been super supportive of my new goal and they are my "trainers" via phone calls and email. Running is an interesting thing and it's still a struggle to get up everyday to do this but I'm beginning to get past my hatred for running. Wish me luck!!

All these things shall give thee experience...

2009-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

We know that experience is knowledge learned too late, but I still struggle with experience. I hate learning the hard way. I missed a lot of difficult life lessons by watching others and not repeating their mistakes. Many, many hard lessons I've learned simply because they could not be avoided and I had to go through them to actually learn the lesson for myself.
But, some of the most trying experiences I've had I hope to help others avoid. It can be such a breath of fresh air when you realize that by sharing what you've learned, someone else's heartache has been mended, prevented, or eased. I suppose that's all I want. From those trials that cause me the most heartache, I hope that someone else will see me and learn from me. Then I will know that what I've gone through may not have all been in vain, but that I have learned, grown and progressed, and maybe along the way, I've been able to bless the lives of others with my new found knowledge.

2009-01-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

It's 2009?!
Here's a tag to sum up the year 2008:

2008: In The Beginning
Did you kiss anyone at midnight?: married people stay up till midnight? :) we were sleeping at midnight!
Did you make any resolutions?: lose weight and get a little stronger, mentally, physically and emotionally

2008: Your Love Life
Did you break up with anyone?: negative.
Were you broken up with?: negative.
Did you get anything for Valentine's day?: lots of love...
Did you meet anyone special?: i met lots of "special" people
Did you fall in love?: over and over again

2008: Friends and Enemies
Did you meet any new friends this year?: some of the best
Did you dislike anyone?: Yes
Did you make any new enemies?: probably....
Did you resolve any fights?: yes
Who was your closest friend?: My hubby and several amazing women
Who did you grow apart from?: a couple of people
Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships?: the only regret i have is that it took us so long to become friends

2008: Your BIRTHDAY!
Did you have a cake? heck yes!
What did you do for your birthday? Went to work, had dinner with chris, and some of my family came over for cake and ice cream
Did you have a party?: sort of.
Did you get any presents?: Yes.
If so what was the best thing you got?: I liked everything that I got but the one gift that I really love is my new set of twigs.

2008: All about YOU.
Did you change at all this year?: yes.
Did you dye your hair?: I highlighted it blonde and brown
Did you get your hair cut?: yes but not dramatically; I did that right before the end of 2007.
Did you change your style?: yes I did after spending a week in Boise on business.
Were you in school?: nope!! haha!
Did you get good grades?:
Did you have a job?: yes
Did you drive?: yes
Did you own a car?: yes.
Did anyone close to you give birth?: yes, several women close to me.
Did you move at all?: nope.
Did you go on any vacations? a few small ones
Did you leave the country at all?: No
Would you change anything about yourself now?: my weight

2008: Wrap Up.
Was 2008 a good year?: yes. i learned and grew and changed so yes, it was a good year.
Did 2008 bring any new insights?: the strength of husband and wife, my inner strength and much more.
Do you think 2009 will top 2008?: i sure hope so. that means that i will grow and learn more!

Angels

2008-12-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

I know people are put in our lives to be who we need at the very moment in which we need them. I call these people angels. I have seen, or maybe the correct word is recognized, more angels in my life in the last couple weeks than ever before. They some how appear out of nowhere, or were they always there? It's hard to tell. I think a little bit of both. I believe in angels, the kind who know the right things to say when you're aching, the right service to render when you are in need, and all the right things when you need them most. These angels are friends, people at church, family, and complete strangers. How blessed we are for these amazing every day angels.

What do I say?

2008-12-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying for the last half hour to write a post that expresses my feelings about my day. I am at a loss for words. I know! Shocking!
All I will say is that I'm scared, humbled, and feel so inadequate. Yup. That about sums it all up.

I got tagged!

2008-12-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

Tag from my friend Alicia (a little delayed! Sorry!!)

My 5 favorite restaurants:
Texas Roadhouse
Spaghetti Factory
Olive Garden
Good Wood
Rodizio's

5 things I did yesterday:
went to breakfast
took a nap
visited by a few friends
talked to 2 of my brothers
enjoyed some chinese food

5 things I look forward to:
being with family at Christmas
my new nephew being born this week
Christmas season
Chris being one semester closer to graduation
being over this stupid cold!

5 things I love about fall:
the colors
the crisp air
soups
the buzz for the coming holiday season
sweaters

5 things on my wish list:
kids
full-body massage
new clothes
scrapping stuff
snow!

5 favorite things to do:
read
watch movies
spend time with Chris
shop!
scrap

Now I tag...
Sarah
Kira
Melonie

Limitations

2008-11-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

I hate my limitations. I can't jump as high, run as fast, process as quickly as many people. And simple tasks, like locating a stupid picture that I down loaded from my camera to my PC so I can up load it to my blog. Yeah, another one of my stupid limitations. RAR!!

On a happier note: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

You learn something new everyday.

2008-11-20T22:18:00.000-08:00

I have had another one of those super busy weeks and I'm just starting to slow down.
But tonight I was attending a ward function and learned something about myself. A woman approached me whom I have known and been in the ward with for over 3 years. She and I have not been what you would call friends, but more of the kind of acquaintances who say hi in passing and that is the extent of our relationship.
Tonight she approached me and said, "Georgia, why have you been avoiding me all your life?" It was only said in fun and she and I both laughed about it. Until that moment in time, I did not realize that she had perceived our relationship as one of my lack of interest in being her friend. Her simple, fun question spurred a lenghtly conversation in which we shared much of ourselves and in that simple conversation a friendship was born. A friendship, lacked and neglected and far past due, one that should have so long ago been kindled.
To her I apologize. To the many others who I hold so dear now, who at one point I avoided for fear that they would be offended by my sometimes abrasive and blunt candor. As with this new friend, I have missed so many opportunities to get to know someone who is much like me, who could have shared much laughter and from whom I stood to learn so much.
I look back now and wonder how many more fabulous, stunning, super-mormon-moms I have missed out knowing and what sweet friends I have passed by because of my own insecurities.
My sincere thanks to this sweet new friend. You're so amazing and teach me so much. Thanks for teaching me such a sweet, simple, and utterly important lesson.

Isn't life interesting?

2008-11-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

As you can tell from my side bar, I follow a few blogs...each of these people have touched my life in one way or another and I enjoy checking up on them once in a while to see what they're up to.
Tonight, I find myself reflecting on the last few years. When I think back to my senior year of high school, which is absolutely one of the most pivital points of my life, I realize how differently each of our lives turned out. From those who got married earlier or later, who had children right away, those who stuggle with having children, those who finished college or didn't go at all, and how each of us never thought we would end up where we have.
For example:
At 17, when I began my senior year, I thought that, after high school graduation, I would stay single, major in secondary education, serve a mission for my church at 21, buy a house and a truck and a dog when I got home and teach high school.
But:
When I was 19, my plan was drastically altered and I got married, bought a home a year later, finished school two years after that in a field slightly different than the one I started, still got the dogs, and ended up being a career woman by circumstance, rather than choice.
Several of those things were not in my plan, but life has a way of turning out better than a 17 year old kid could plan, with a few adventures woven into the fabric of time.
I know life hasn't turned out to be what those optimistic high school graduates reflected in their hopeful eyes that spring of 2002, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Each of our choices led us to different places and experiences, molding and refining, changing and growing. The choice that each of us now face is if we will be happy with the unexpected life we now lead. I hope that happiness has reached each of you, my readers, in every way you dreamed. While some days are easier for me to be happy, ultimately I am so blessed...and happy!

To the men

2008-11-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was filled with so many emotions, from great heart ache, to side splitting laughter, to sorrow, and don't forget the panic attacks.
But, on the brighter side of things, I got to spend a great deal of time with my brother, Jake. He's such a stud!! He makes me laugh so hard! We had a good time just talking and hanging out and doing our favorite thing: eating my grandmother's amazing cooking!! Love it! I have to say that my brothers are some of my greatest heros and best friends. They're all such amazing men and great examples to me. I'm so lucky to be blessed with such awesome men in my life, from my hilarious grandfather, to my dad to each of my brothers and to my fabulous husband. Here's to you!

2008-10-21T20:28:00.001-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'

2008-10-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have a favorite new saying:
"It's not a matter of wanting, because sometimes wanting isn't enough."
This covers so many things in my life right now, like:
I want Chris to be done with school, but it's not a matter of wanting.
I want a new house and a new car and new furniture, but it's not a matter of wanting.
I want my long hair back (I cut 11 inches off last November so it was super short!), but it's not a matter of wanting.
I want to be the size I was when I got married, but it's not a matter of wanting.
When I make the statement that it's not a matter of wanting, these are things that I have no control over, some of which only time will deliver, and other things that I may never have, regardless of time, effort, or wanting. Isn't it a versatile phrase?!

Just a quick update

2008-10-18T09:51:00.001-07:00

The last week has been a whirl wind for me, but a blast none the less. Let's start with Monday night: we had two couples from our ward over for FHE. It was absolutely hilarious as usual with these two couples. :) Tuesday was steak night at the Pressbox sports bar so we went with my little brother and enjoyed steak while our Boston Red Sox were getting schooled (who ended up coming back in the 7th inning! Woo Woo!). Wedneday night was my monthly scrapping party with some of my friends. We get together every month on the third Wednesday to scrap. There's quite a large group and we get together and eat and scrap and laugh and have a great time. Thursday night was a blast! Three of my best friends from high school met me at Applebees for dessert. We try to get together once a month but the last few months have been hit and miss and so this time it actually worked out that we could all be there. We had a great time laughing and catching up and enjoying some chocolate along the way. It's so awesome to be able to still keep in touch with these amazing women, and while we are all at different stages in our lives, we can still be friends and have a great time. Last night (Friday) Chris and I saw Poky high get their butts kicked against Highland. For all of you Poky high fans, you can understand what I mean when I say that it was a "typical" Black and Blue bowl. I'll give a quick shout out to all the PHS players. Highland may have won according to the score, but I have yet to see another high school team play with the heart that the Indians do.
Needless to say, it was a busy week but it was one of those that I wake up on Saturday morning with a sigh of relief but also with some amazing new memories made.

Done!

2008-10-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I am just hanging out at my house, enjoying being by myself, listening to the radio, enjoying the lovely Idaho weather (it snowed today), peace. The last few days have been a whirlwind, that started Wednesday.
Wednesday, my mom and I drove to Provo to stay with Kirsten Bybee, my sister-in-law-to-be's sister. Thursday morning we got up and drove to SLC to witness the sealing of my brother Jesse to his wife, Rebecca Bybee. The sealing was amazing, unlike any I have ever before witnessed. After we hurried back to Poky for family dinner. Friday morning we were up and getting ready for the reception by 10. The ring ceremony, dinner, reception were fabulous; they both did an amazing job of planning. We are so happy for Jess and Becky and wish them all the best. This morning we loaded a Uhaul for them and they are en route to their new home: Tuscon. Rebecca had to be the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. This wedding has been a long time coming and I have been blessed to have been a witness to their relationship growing and now their marriage beginning. Best of luck to them! We love you!

Things aren't always what they seem...

2008-09-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

I just want to comment about my life a little, hopefully to shed a little light on what outsiders may see as "lack of adventurous" or "boring" or "fearful".
I hope that those who read my blog are friends, people I've met, or simply people who have heard of me. I hope that by reading my blog you get special glimpses into my life. And while I know my life isn't as dramatic as others, I'm not one that seeks drama. I try to appreciate the simplicity of my life, the simple pleasures and the small things that make me happy.
I grew up with three brothers, one older and two younger. They are some of the most amazing men I have ever known. I love and admire each of them in their strength, intelligence and charm. I am married, have been to the love of my life for four years. He makes me laugh every day and I would be totally lost without him.
Now to some of things that I have done in my life:
Traveled! traveled to NY, DC, Boston, Seattle, Portland, Boise, Atlanta, Orlando, SF, LV, Phoenix, SLC, Chicago (for a few hours a couple of times), seen shows on Broadway, been to the capital, Niagra Falls, Vermont, several places in Maine.
I graduated in May 2007 with a BA in English and Political Science
I have taken and passed the LSAT in the top 10th percentile.
My husband and I own a home
We have two dogs
We own our vehicles outright
I was married in the Idaho Falls temple
I have worked in a law office, insurance claims and in lending
So, to sum all of this up: while outsiders looking in may think that I have not moved on to experience anything new, and though my life may not be super glamorous, it's my life. What more could I ask for at this stage in my life? I have a degree, a great job that I love, and I am married to my best friend. Aside from having children, which is a matter beyond my control, does it get any better than this?

Ahhh...

2008-09-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to be said for a day off in the middle of the week. I worked last Saturday and because of that, I get a comp day the following week and today is my comp day. Truly, if I have to work on a Saturday, the day off in the middle of the next week somehow makes it easier to stomach. It's nice to have the day off without feeling guilty about taking vacation or sick leave. I only work one Saturday in four or five so it's not like it's every weekend.
Today, I got to sleep in, spend the morning working on my house (cleaning and laundry, etc) and this afternoon I get to have lunch with a couple of the most important men in my life: Chris and my brother Jake. After that I get to run some of my errands and then just chill...it's so nice!! Then I work one more day and then get the weekend! Ha!

My Husband...

2008-09-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

So, I hope you will forgive me and allow my little indulgence to pay a small tribute to my hubby...

Chris and I have been married for over four years. We met and were married in five months. It was very fast and as I look back, I just shake my head in awe. I was so freaking young!! I was married July 9, 2004, a month shy of my 20th birthday. Chris and I made some serious covenants that day, both to each other and personally. It was quite possibly the best day of my life so far, practically a day for story books.

Since then, we have bought a home, acquired two monsters (my labs), I graduated college, we have traveled from coast to coast and many places in between, changed jobs, faced challenges we never thought we could survive, and grown more and more in love every day of those four years.

I received one of the highest compliments I think I ever could recently: that Chris and I look like eternal sweethearts. I hope this is true; I hope that everyone who sees us can see that; I hope that we make it evident in every action, every word spoken, every glance, and every breath that we are husband and wife, lovers, and best friends. There is no one on this earth that I would rather spend my time with than him.

While there are days that I want to punch him, he is and will forever be the love of my life. I love him more today than I did that day in July four years ago, and at the time, I didn't think that was possible. Our love has evolved and changed, grown in height and depth and every other way imaginable. We are best friends, madly in love, two halves to make the whole.

Thank goodness for good friends...

2008-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for good friends, laughter shared, shoulders offered in support, and love that binds us as friends. Friends who love you without limits, allow you to cry till the tears won't come, yell until you're blue in the face, laugh until your sides hurt and forgive your faults. Thanks to all those who are my friends and for all you do for me. May I return the friendship to you that you render to me.

Random quotes that I love...

2008-09-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes it is necessary to unstring your bow for a short time..."
-Joseph Smith

"I don't believe in carma...I believe in justice."
-Brooke Davis 'One Tree Hill'

"'I told you so' has a brother and his name is 'Shut the hell up'"
-Bella Swan 'Breaking Dawn'

Sorry if I offended anyone with my quotes but I love them...

Things I have learned recently...

2008-09-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

1. No matter what you do, you can't please everyone
2. No matter what you do, someone will be prettier, smarter, better educated, have more money, a faster car, and from what you see, a better life.
3. Remember that things aren't always as they appear.
4. Words are our most powerful weapon and can be used for good or ill.
5. No matter how much I wish for time to speed up and that it will be 3 years from now when I wake in the morning, nothing is going to change that tomorrow is only going to be tomorrow.
6. I need to live in the present, remember the past and look forward with optimism to the future.
7. I can not control the actions of others, even my husband.
8. Perception is reality.
9. How blessed I am, regardless of my challenges.
10. You are only as happy as you choose to be.

The final thing that I have learned in the last month is that I need to appreciate the blessings I have been given, live in the moment, love with all I have to give, and laugh.

2008-08-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wary and worn, tattered and torn.
The pain, once hidden, now shows itself
Upon her pale skin.

No smile replicates the spark
That once shone in her eyes,
Now dark and empty.

The heart with so much to give,
So willing to share,
Now torn beyond repair.

The memory of a dream
Never realized
Echos on the forsaken soul.

Sometimes there are strokes of genius and flashes of inspiration, but they seem to be nothing more than that, strokes and flashes.

Be true to those not present.

2008-08-24T18:43:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am pretty good at admitting my faults and short comings. I can deal with the fact that not everyone likes me...That's fine. I will admit that I was not perfect when I was in high school (and I am still a work in progress). To those I hurt, I am truly sorry. I had no excuse to act in such a manner and I know this is no kind of way to apologize, but please accept my apology.
I have spent the last seven years trying to evaluate and change my attitude, and more importantly, the way I treat people.
Lately, however, my efforts have been shattered. So many lies and half-truths are circulating about me that I will never have the time nor the opportunity to correct. I have tried to better myself and be true to those not present and I hope we can all do that; that we may remember the power of our words.

My Birthday...

2008-08-07T21:35:00.001-07:00

I am now 24...sad. I don't think this age is old for anyone other than me but this has been one of those birthdays that are hard for people to take. For most it's 30 or 40 but for me, it's 24. While I realize a lot of the accomplishments I've already achieved, I still feel like there are one or two that lie just beyond my grasp. It's frustrating to say the least. These one or two things are the only two over which I have no control. I hate that, when I lack control. But, once again humbled, I start another year. I am eager to find what I will learn and experience and how I will grow in this next year. As I look back over the last five years, I have experienced things I never thought I would and missed opportunties that I thought would always be there. But, I sigh and look forward to the light of another day and sieze it will all the vigor I can muster and dare it to come!

Life Goes On...

2008-07-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Things seem to be rapidly changing around me and here I stand in the middle with it swirling ever faster around me and I am powerless to stop it.
I know that probably sounds somewhat random but the last month has brought changes in my life that I could never have expected. My dad got remarried, my little brother Jake came home from his mission unexpectedly (at least for me), my older brother got engaged and is moving to Tuscon next week...
I stop to wonder sometimes why life seems so random and out of order but when I finish with my little wonderment, I realize none of those things is random, there is a plan and what beautiful order there is to all of it. I am grateful for my knowledge of the order and plan for me. While there are days that I scream to a seemingly silent Heaven, I am humbled by the times that I am able to feel the windows of Heaven pour down blessings that I haven't room enough to receive them; the world again seems to make sense and I am reminded of all the wonderful blessings I have in my life...not the least of which is my sweet, kind, loving, and fabulous husband. I'm grateful for those blessings of my brothers and my dad and the caos. Where would I be without it?

2008-07-23T18:13:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Katie's blog and thought it might be funny to see what you remember about me!

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

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. I will revisit your blog and leave a memory as well!! Happy Memory making!!

I can't believe this...

2008-07-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I now have a blog...what is this world coming to? Honestly! I have been reading others' blogs for weeks and I guess it's about time they should be allowed to check up on me. My life is pretty uneventful but sometimes it's nice to just check up on people once in a while. I hope you all find what you're looking for on here...