...and she lived happily ever after!

What's worse than getting stuck in traffic?

2009-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

I'll tell you what's worse...

So I was headed up to work today and just about 2 miles before the exit to the 215 traffic comes to an absolute halt. After a while I realized I'd be there for awhile I turned off my car like everyone else and waited. I turned on the radio to see if there was any news. Well after a good 30 to 40 min. people started hopping back in their cars, engines turning all around me...but one fools car wouldn't start in the middle all this chaos. So now hundreds of cars are not only trying to maneuver past the accident, they now have to first maneuver past this stalled car with a girl looking completely baffled, what was she thinking. She was thinking...WHAT THE CRAP DO I DO NOW! Oh MY GOSH! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING TO ME! Yes folks, it was me, in all of my glory, sitting in the middle lane with cars cruising past me, honking, laughing, you name it, I got it. One guy yelled as he passed...just roll the car a bit and pop the clutch. I didn't have time to respond, but if I did, I would've yelled...HOW THE CRAP DO YOU POP THE CLUTCH?! AND, HELLO, I'M A GIRL, BY MYSELF...I CAN'T PUSH A CAR! Luckily two kind strangers saved the day, pulled in front of me and gave me a jump.

Then to top it off, shortly after in this traffic, this guy pulls up to me and starts waving and making eyes at me. He was in his 40's, hair slicked back, shirt unbottoned, and gold necklaces, braclettes and rings. SERIOUSLY! I waved back...and then I couldn't get rid of him, he follwed me forever. But finally gave up the chase.

Once I got to work I relaxed a bit and started doing paper work and one of the residents...DISCLAIMER...for those who are easily offended, please do not read on. As I was explaining what he'd be signing he interrupts me and says..."Honey, I don't want you to go on and on explaining all this, just show me where to sign, I trust you, I don't think you're going to screw me, but if you did, well then, I'd be a happy man" Did I hear him correctly, did he really just say he wanted to screw me? Wow...awesome! I bit my lip to keep from laughing at this elderly man and told him that that was not going to happen. He cleaned up a bit, but continued to tell me how beautiful I was.

Well...I guess a compliment is a compliment, right. Apparently I'm H-O-T :) Now if I could just get someone 50 or so years younger, to say that to me :)

This day ROCKS! :)

Finally an update...

2009-01-31T14:38:00.000-08:00

OK friends, I officially feel disconnected from society, and I'm back on the mainland. :) So I have been in and out of phone service, I know this has been frustrating. And I may be turning off my phone as I've got a new job and have a cell phone with them, so, if you want that new number, just give me a call on the old one, or email me. And now that I finally have internet at my apartment, I'll be able to respond :) I know...it's been killing me too.

Alright, details on the job...I am working at Wasatch Valley Rehabilitation, a nursing facility up in Salt Lake City, as an Admissions Coordinator. It's the same thing I was doing at Trinity. I really like this company and this facility in particular, but the commute is no fun. So I'm going to be looking at moving closer to SLC, if anyone has any suggestions let me know.

My camera is still not working, but as soon as it is I'll get some photos up.

Love to all!

Computer glich...

2008-10-13T08:33:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone...sorry I haven't updated lately. My computer is having internet problems and all my pics are on that computer. But the latest news, if you haven't already heard is that I moved back to Utah a few weeks ago and I'm helping my mom and dad out at their Bed and Breakfast. I got a job at JC Penney selling window coverings but I'm still applying for some admin positions in the meantime. I miss Hawaii but I'm trying to find the beauties of Utah to help me not feel too sad :) I got my car shipped back a few weeks ago and went down to Cali this past weekend to pick it up. it was an adventure! In fact I should just share that story soon.

Meet my friends...

2008-08-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

When I was on Big Island I was fortunate to meet some great friends in my Ke'ei Ward. Kaiwi and his girlfriend Krystal and Jaylene! Kaiwi is a long-timer in the ward, but Jaylene was just in the ward for a month, while she completed an internship in town. What a blessing! We became fast friends and had some many fun adventures together! So the next few posts will be from when I met these crazy kids!

Here's the scoop...

2008-08-31T13:30:00.001-07:00

I moved to Oahu from Big Island and I am currently looking for a job. I decided to give it a few weeks, if I don't find the right situation, I will head back to the mainland for my next adventure! I know that a huge gap of time is missing in my blogging, so I have committed to update this week, which means I'm going to have like a million pictures and stories to post, so I hope you enjoy!

All my loves

Dolphins

2008-07-17T00:19:00.001-07:00

Dolphin Quest and Red Sail Sports share a hallway in the tunnels at the Hilton, which means I get to see the dolphins up close and personal everyday. It has been so fun to watch them play and see the training. The other day I was walking on the little path around the lagoon and one of the dolphins watched me, then stopped, so I stopped and smiled and he came right out of the water and waved , then and "stood up" like the dolphin being trained below. It was so cute! Another day I was passing and one of them kept trying to splash me when I went by...they are amazing animals!

Megan in the COUNTRY?!?!?

2008-07-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

So we all know how I feel about the "country" esp. the country at night...these pictures were taken while going to my neighbors' house...someone remind me how I ended up here?

Young Womens...after all these years!

2008-06-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

I finally got my church records transfered into the Ke'ei Ward and was given the most awesome calling ever! I was asked to serve in the Young Women's Program and have 7 amazing young girls that I get to work with and serve. I love them so much already and know that they are going to be such an enormous blessing in my life. So, I wanted to introduce them to you...

There is Janessa, Longee, Keena, Renee, Glenda, Kamalani, and Echo

Aren't they beautiful! Girls Camp is next month and I am so excited to go. The church owns a ranch up here so we'll be camping on the ranch then finishing it off with a Snorkel Sail trip up in Waikoloa. I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of my girls!

31st Birthday

2008-06-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

For my birthday this year, I got together with a few of my new friends and went sailing/snorkeling. The next day after I got off work we went swimming and had an amazing dinner of steak and fresh lobster! As you can see the odds were definitely in my favor, I was kind of a big deal! :) (Danny, Kelly, John, Me, Branden, and Mike)

Sandwiched between two beautiful men...Happy Birthday to ME!

Kona Temple

2008-06-15T19:06:00.001-07:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint, Kona, Hawaii Temple

I am so thankful that there is a temple on this island. That was one of the great comforts in my moving here and having to leave my assignment at the Provo temple. I know with all of my heart that the temples of God are truly the holiest places on earth and that if we are worthy we can enter in and participate in the most beautiful blessings our Heavenly Father has to offer us. I have felt so close to my Father and Savior as I have served in the temples and the Holy Spirit has confirmed to me time and time again that the work that is commencing is true and I am so grateful to be apart of it. I know that I am apart of something greater than I can comprehend. Christ's very church has been restored to the Earth . He has called Prophets and Apostles to guide us and blessed us with scriptures to teach us how to return to Him. Joseph Smith was truly called to be a prophet and bring forth God's work, and President Monson is truly God's prophet today called to help us return to the Father. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, to know that through the blessings of the priesthood, our families are eternal. I don't think I have adequate words to express my love and gratitude for the atonement. I know that Christ truly lived to bring us eternal salvation and that if we allow Him in our lives and have faith in Him and His teachings, we can reach our potential and become truly worthy to return to our Father. The Lord is merciful, kind, patient, and compassionate...I know He loves me. He proves His love for me every day! I love the gospel and am so grateful for all of the people in my life that has helped strengthen my testimony and faith. To all of my family, friends, church leaders, and others that I've simply observed having the light of Christ...I thank you, with all of my soul, I thank you for helping me come closer to Christ and strengthen my relationship with my Father. I know we can all be together in the life to come if we will trust in God. I love you all!

City of Refuge

2008-06-15T17:49:00.001-07:00

This is a really cool place just down the road from me in Captain Cook. Apparently this was a sacred place during times of was that gave people temporary sanctuary. Also, it was the port for the Kings and Queens. They have original lava walls, tikkis and huts. What I couldn't figure out is how Nacho Libre got there?

Not Appropriate for People with Ornithophobia!...That's you Shoop

2008-06-11T00:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet, tiny Finches...or crazy, vicious, scavenger birds...

I was sitting on the grass watching the dolphins, while enjoying a few animal cookies, when I realized that little Finches were beginning to multiply around me at a very close proximity to myself. So I thought, "well aren't these brave little hungry birds, I'll throw them a crumb"...BIG MISTAKE! The Finches instantly doubled! And got a little uncomfortably closer to me, no joke, thought it might be the beginning of the sequel of The Birds. However, my curiosity got the best of me and I kept throwing food, they were all over that! These birds were attacking the food before it reached the ground and having little wrestling matches mid-air. In the picture below I actually threw an entire cookie, which by the way wasn't much smaller than the bird itself and that little guy on the left caught it in flight victoriously won the battle which you observe. You can't tell, but that bird is a good foot off the ground. He never lost that cookie. I only got about 1/4 of the birds in the photo. I was surrounded!

See how little they are compared to my foot!

We should really invest in signs at the resort...
DON'T FEED THE BIRDS! MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!!

HOLY HUGE welcome to my blog picture

2008-06-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

OK, did anyone even notice my new welcome pic? Is that a big enough picture of me...cause I really can't decide!

Ok, blogging friends, how the crap do I shrink that down :)

What to Post

2008-06-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

OK so I've gotten so many post request that I'm all anxious about posting something fabulous...I really don't want to disappoint you. SO then I thought, I should just put cute pictures of me up, that will make everyone happy!

Me being cute...

Me being fabulous...

More fabulous to come...i promise!

Anyone up for a sail?

2008-04-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

So one of the perks of my job is getting to go out on the sail boat...for free! I had Friday off so I went with my friends Sue and Toni and some others that were visiting from the mainland on the sailboat to go snorkeling. It was so relaxing, and to my great joy...I didn't get sick at all. I did take a little pink pill first and made sure I ate. We saw some beautiful fish and some amazing green and turquoise coral. Captain Jeff said it was a perfect afternoon for sailing, the wind was at 13 knots, whatever that means. All I know is I feel asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat, light breeze on my face and the sound of water. We finished off by going to the pool and riding on the slide. Not too bad of a way to spend a day off. Now remember that each and everyone of you are welcome to come visit and get access to my "perks". Here are a few pics of me. I know I haven't been good about getting me in the shots and some of you want to know how my tan is coming...well, I'm a white girl that loads up on sunscreen, so, the tan is coming slowly. But here I am! Do you like the braids, I think they take years off my age :)

Sunset at Hapuna Beach

2008-04-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Stages of a sunset...

Me...enjoying the sunset and wishing all of you were with me to enjoy it with

One Way Only???

2008-04-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know if all of you have seen Horton Hears a Who, if you haven't you must see it, 1. to truly understand what I'm about to tell you and 2. It was just a great movie. In fact, I'll just go ahead and let you experience Horton's little adventure, go to YouTube and type in Horton's Bridge Scene then continue on.

So I was told about a little beach located off the beaten path a bit. You go into one of the resorts and get a map, then you follow this map which interestingly enough only takes you as far as the resort property, once you reach the poorly kept road at the end of the property, you're on your own in guessing exactly which direction this secret beach is in. After, asking a nice old man on a golf cart, who looked at my car and smirched, then told me to go through the gates past the construction site over the two bridges then down the dirt road. Interesting...so I continue on my little adventure. And then there it was. The first of the two bridges. Now, granted, it wasn't as long as Horton's bridge. But I felt exactly as he did as I began to cross. The boards began to wobble under my tires and I couldn't get across fast enough, except that I was warned by the nice old man on the golf cart to go very slow. The boards struggled against the weight of my car and the wood bounced and creaked underneath me. I swear I could feel the boards buckling beneath the car as I inched forward. When I made is over the rickety bridge I jumped out and prayed thanks that I didn't plummet to certain death, then I took pictures. And as I thought, I realized that I still had yet another bridge to cross, so I sucked it up, held my breath, thought "light thoughts" and moved forward. Alas to the sad end of this story, I never made it to the beach. It was the dirt road that was more like a trip through Moab without a Jeep that stopped me. I had to turn back and go right back over bridge of death, without even the satisfaction of seeing Mauna Mae Beach.

Although I didn't find the hidden beach, I found a beach named Hapuna, shown below. And I am so glad I did, it is my favorite beach so far. It had powdery white sand and clear blue water with hardly any rocks and no coral...great for tanning and swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. So, when you come to visit me, Hapuna is one of the places I will be taking you.

Black Sand Beach

2008-04-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

So last week on my day off I decided to go to the Black Sand Beaches about an hour south of me. It was so awesome. it wasn't a big beach and the sand started corse but then quickly got very fine. I was so amazed by the intensity of the view, but I couldn't quite catch it on film.

If you didn't know, which I didn't, white sand comes from coral reefs and black sand comes from...volcanic rock. And since I am living on an island that is still being created by a volcano, we get a lot of black sand. Something else I recently learned. There is a green sand beach, which I need to hike to. This green sand comes from the minerals found in the volcanic rock that forms the gem Peridot. My mothers birth stone. There is a lot of Peridot jewelery. Now, my mom never really liked her birth stone, but I think she would change her mind after she saw how creative they are with the stone here. I hope to have pictures of this beach for you soon.

On this trip, however, I did come across something else spectacular. I was blessed to see 2 sea turtles resting on the beach. They were huge! I got to walk right up to them and take pictures, it wasn't until I turned around that I saw the huge sign that said "Turtles resting, please stay 15 feet away and do not touch." Luckily, I hadn't touched them. I had already learned that touching them with our yucky human hands can make them very sick.

It was a very beautiful day and I was glad to have been there and to have seen the turtles!

Easter

2008-04-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

New Nephew!

2008-04-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Maryellen was due to have her baby, my new nephew, a few days after I would've already left for Hawaii. But he wanted to be sure to meet his Aunt Megara. So he came two weeks early...just for me! Maryellen said if it was a girl they would've named her after me just for the occasion. So I said, since my nickname Megara came from the movie Hercules, it's only fitting that since he is a boy that that should be his name. Well, the name on the birth certificate isn't Hercules, but I decided that's what his Aunt Megara will call him regardless, my little Hercules! His given name however is Alexander Matthew Rowe. He was born on March 20.

Reunited!

2008-04-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

I got my car today! I was so excited, I was given an estimation of about a month for arrival and then everyone I spoke to said they got their car in anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks. I got mine in a week and a half! Hooray for me!!!

Things I will do now that I have my car...

1. Go anywhere I want to on my day off

2. Drive the entire distance of the island

3. Search out hidden beaches

4. Drive to the southern most point of the United States

5. Look hot just sitting in my car at the beach with the top down

More High School Musical

2008-04-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

Real Entertainment

2008-04-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Before I left, I was with 2 of my nieces and asked them to do a performance for me so that I could watch it while I was in Hawaii and remember them, this was the result...

Finally...Me at the Beach

2008-04-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

My view from the Lava Java (a must go to if you come to visit me)

Me starting my tan, below is the beach I found, not many people go here and it has a bathroom!

After a week in Hawaii, I finally got to go to a beach. I started working right away, so I've been driving up and down the coast but hadn't set foot on it yet. Saturday I went to the International Shops, lunch at Lava Java's (excellent fish tacos) and then went and laid on the beach for awhile. I went with Lola, she is married to Sue's son, they live in the back of the house. It was a perfect day.

Sue and Marvin Danielson's House, My New Hawaiian Home

2008-04-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

Front of the house...Kinue Rd. in Captain Cook, HI

The living room has 3 sets of French doors that we keep open all day to enjoy the breeze.

This is a view from the back porch, it's a little hazy in this picture, but on a good day, you can sea the ocean glistening.

This is Shadow and Midnight...we don't know which is which

Whale Watching April 2008

2008-04-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

This is the infamous whale watching excursion, where I learned I lost my sea legs...

This is me smiling...before the mighty ocean got a hold of me :)

This was a mommy and baby whale starting their migration to Alaska

This is the escort whale (they get a new escort about every 8 hours)

This big guy just wanted to make the captain nervous and get real close to the boat...

He said by the way he was acting, he was mistaking the boat for a female whale. It went right under the boat and we all hung on tight in case he decided to give us a little smooch. After a while we found a pod of about 5 males fighting for 1 female. They we jumping and bumping into each other trying to show off. It was spectacular, unfortunately that's when I lost all strength to hold up my camera any longer. At least I'll have a mental image. :)

Even with getting sick though, I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who might get the chance. It was amazing!

I made it!

2008-04-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

So, I am officially all settled in. I got to Kona on Monday, if you haven't heard, Aloha Airlines went bankrupt on Sunday and I was on the very last flight to Kona. It was crazy! Most passengers flights were canceled and the staff was sad. But our flight crew made the most of it. One of the attendants sang and played the ukalele and one went up and down the aisle doing a hula dance. I spend Tuesday getting settled and I started work today. For training I got to go out on the boat for a whale watching trip. It was quite and experience. I never thought I had any problems with water, then I went whale watching. I got so sea-sick. Luckily I didn't get "too" sick, but I stayed right near the bucket and tried to think calming, steady thoughts. It was really cool though. The times that I could stand without a wave of sickness I saw whales jumping out of the water and waving at us. It was really hard to get close up pictures, but I got a few good ones. One time the whale came right up next to us. However, when they were jumping and showing off is when I was feeling the worst and I did see them but couldn't bring myself to stand up and take a picture. And unfortunately, I don't think I'll be going out anytime soon, at least until I buy some Dramamine. I live about 45 min. from work. We're at a little higher elevation so it's a bit cooler and we get rain every night. It is so serene and peaceful. I'm trying to adjust to the laid back culture. It's a bit of a process for me. Well, that's what's been going on so far. I'll get some pics up soon. Love you all!

Hawaii or Bust

2008-03-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so if you haven't heard...I'm moving to Kona, HI! I leave for Cali tomorrow! My car is getting on the boat on Friday and I fly out on Monday. I am so excited. I promise that I will blog lots of pictures and keep everyone updated on my adventure! I love you all!

Vegas 2008! No Turning Back!

2008-03-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

VEGAS 2008 BABY! So my friend Hilary and I decided that it would be a good idea to go to an LDS singles conference down in Vegas. We both needed time away and we knew a few others that were going, sounds fun right...Vegas, singles, dancing, keynote speakers...well had we paid close enough attention we would have realized that nowhere did it say "mid-singles". I am here to testify that you must look for those words or you may just regret your decision...no I take that back, GO, I think everyone needs to have an experience like this once in their single life. We were getting picked up on left and right by men twice our age and no joke, Santa Clause was there on the dance floor; red outfit, real white beard...But, ultimately we did have a blast. We met a couple of our friends down there and made some new friends and ended up hanging out on the strip, going to dinner and laughing a ton. Especially when all of us girls went down to breakfast and were so impressed by the spread and went a little crazy, then some guy comes to our table and says "will this all be on one bill?" WHAT?! It's not included, aren't all hotel breakfasts included? This is what went through each of our minds as we stared at him dumbfoundedly (not sure that's actually a word?) and slack jawed for at least 10 sec. Then we all looked at each other, bust up laughing and told him to put it on our rooms. It wasn't a cheap breakfast either. It was a very fun, relaxing trip and I actually wouldn't trade it for anything.

Audrey's Birthday, Jan. 2008

2008-02-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Audrey wanted to go bowling for her birthday this year and it was so much fun. She loved pushing the ball down the ramp. Mikey was determined to play like a big kid and not us the ramp and actually did quite well. Cameron was more interested in dancing and so was Dorothy with her cute and unique little weeble wobble.

Visit from Matt's Family, Christmas 2008

2008-02-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

Matt and Maryellen came over later in the afternoon on Christmas to celebrate with us. The kids were so cute and loved getting more presents. Rebekah, Taylor and Zachary are my little buddies. Rebekah is growing up so much, she is such a little princess. Taylor cracks me up. He always says the funniest things and Zachary just melts me with his smiles. I'm excited to meet the upcoming new nephew...just a few more months.

Christmas, December 2008

2008-02-19T20:16:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was a lot different than most, Matt and Maryellen had Christmas out in Lehi and Mike and Rachel were in Georgia, so you can imagine without the older kids it much quieter. But we still had a blast. Aunt Rhonda came up with Kandyce and Kristyn came down from park City. Michelle, Mike and Rowen came and so did Meredith, Nathan and Hibbin. And of course mom, dad and I :) We all stayed at the Hines Mansion and picked our favorite rooms to use. I go the Seaside Retreat. We still got up early and opened presents, had breakfast, lounged all day in our jammies and played games. I love making memories with the fam!

Pre-Christmas, December 2007

2008-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

This year my brother Mike and his wife Rachel went to Georgia for Christmas, so Mom, Dad and I went over before they left and had an early Christmas with them. It was a lot of fun! The kids were so excited to have Christmas presents early, if you can imagine that. I just love all of my babies!

Date Night with Aunt Megara! December 2007

2008-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

Since my nieces and nephews are probably the greatest joy in my life, I've made a tradition of having date nights with them every now and then. It started with me having a sleep-over with Mikey and taking him to the Nickelcade and getting pizza. From then on it's been sleep-over, pizza, miniature golf, movie, you name it. So as the kids get old enough we start having these special dates. On this particular date, I took Rebekah and Taylor to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. They had a blast, except Taylor said after the movie that he was mad because the girl behind him "kept kicking his chair that, it was just so rude of her". We ate lots of popcorn, candy and soda. Then we played on the rocks out front of the theater. It was a fun day!

Winter Wonderland, December 2007

2008-01-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

I was watching the kids for Mike and Rachel one afternoon while they finished Christmas shopping and we got the most beautiful snow storm with perfect fluffy snow! So, I got the kids all bundled up and we were off! I taught Mikey, Cameron and Audrey the art of proper snow man making and they taught me how to have a snowball fight. We had a blast! We finished off the day with hot cocoa, warm pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Christmas movies. They said I was the best babysitter ever! Years of experience...and it helps being the only single aunt that can spoil her nieces and nephews rotten.

Too Cute! December 2007

2008-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

This is my sweet little nephew Zachary! This face is too cute not to blog!

Wakeboarding Isn't For Everyone...

2007-11-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

...BUT IT IS FOR ME! Brandon and his buddy Jeff took Kristyn, Kandyce and I wakeboarding after the wedding, everyone knew what they were doing except me :) Jeff was a very patient teacher! And I had a very supportive cheering section of cousins! So, I listened, I tried, I failed, then...I got up!

Cousin Chris's Wedding! November 2007

2007-11-29T22:20:00.000-08:00

My cousin Chris and his girlfriend Shannon got married on November 9th back home in southern California, this meant...ROAD TRIP! My cousins Kristyn and Brandon, one of Brandon's friends and I made the trek south for a wonderful weekend. We left Provo about 4:30pm on Wednesday and only stopped for gas and dinner at Inn and Out in Vegas, which put us in about 2am at Aunt Shelly's house. We got up early the next morning and after getting cleaned up Kristyn, Mom, Dad and I got to help do the flowers for the wedding, they were gorgeous deep red roses. We worked all day on that then had dinner and hit the sack. The next morning we were up and out the door at 8am to start setting up. We had a blast just being together and helping out. Kristyn and I went out to lunch with Uncle Lyle which was fabulous since I haven't seen him in ages. We prettied ourselves up and headed to the wedding. Chris and Shannon looked beautiful and the ceremony was beautiful as well. Almost all the Aunts and Uncles were there! It was so wonderful to see everyone again...just like back in the day. Bryce, Brad, Brandon, Adam, and I went to Walmart and picked up stuff to decorate the car. Then while the boys took care of that business, Kristyn, Kandyce and I got the party started on the dance floor. We danced all night, till the DJ packed up. It was so much fun. Everyone took a turn on the floor! The next morning a few of us went wakeboarding and then went to Sushi then we played "Ultimate Spoons". All I can say about game night is that I think Kristyn broke her baby toe and I limped for a week. :) The next day we drove home. The best way to spend a weekend is with family and friends! I don't know if I just really needed a break from work or if I just really missed my family, but that weekend was one of the funnest, happiest weekends I've had!

Thanksgiving, November 2007

2007-11-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

This year Matt and Maryellen hosted Thanksgiving dinner at there house out in Lehi. It was a lot of fun. We were fortunate enough to be able to have the entire family there. Maryellen made adorable place mats for each of the kids. We had some of our traditional dishes, but had some variations on others. Meredith experimented with the yams and cranberry sauce and it was a huge success. Michelle and Mike brought their sausage stuffing which was also very tasty. Mike and Rachel brought some heavenly potatoes and Maryellen and Matt provided the turkey. I unfortunately made Aunt Shelly's now famous creamed corn, which is usually the biggest hit, but...something went wrong and lets just say no one had seconds this year and the remaining corn was dumped. Mom and I made a new memory this year. She was raising her delicious "Melt-In-Your-Mouth" rolls in the oven, and I not aware of this turned on the oven to 450 degrees to bake something else and ended up melting her extra large Tuperware bowl that she has had for only about 30 years, and ruining her rolls. We had to start all over at about 9:00 at night. :) Anyone know where to buy replacement Tuperware in time for Christmas? It was a great Thanksgiving and I am so grateful for my family. Each and everyone of them mean so very much to me. And each new addition brings so very much joy to my life. I am thankful that through the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ families are eternal and our love can withstand time. I am so thankful for each day, moment and memory I have with my family.

Yummy Birthday Treats, October 2007

2007-11-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

For Cameron's 5th birthday, my cousin Kristyn made these darling chocolate cupcakes with homemade marshmellow swirl and sprinkles. We are so proud of Kristyn, she recently graduated from the French Culinary Institute in NYC and landed a job at the famous Mariposa at Deer Valley Resort! Congratulations Kristyn we know you are going to be a success!

New York Adventure, September 2007

2007-11-08T17:45:00.001-08:00

So, I got a crazy idea in my pretty little head that I was done living in Utah and that I should move somewhere fun and have a new adventure. So I packed my suitcase, bought a plane ticket...3,000 miles later I was in New York City. I stayed with my friend Shalauna and started looking for a job. I had such an amazing time. I walked all over the city, rode the subway, and saw as many sites as I could. Ultimately, I came to understand that New York is not where the Lord would have me go. I was disappointed but at the same time, felt a great sense of peace knowing that I was able to hear the answers that were coming and I knew that to know true joy is to be able to completely put my faith in my Heavenly Father and align my will with His will for me. He will guide me to the path of greatest happiness and if I will follow I won't be disappointed. So, I came back to Utah and am happily following a bit different path than I had anticipated.

New Nephew! September 2007

2007-10-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

My little sister Meredith just had her first baby! He makes number 9 grandbaby in the family. He was born on September 26, 2007 and weighed in at 8.14lbs, and named Hibbin. He is so cute! We were all over at the parents for dinner on Sunday and got a picture of all the grandbabies, then stuffed the whole family in. Quite a unique moment, we haven't had a family picture in a few years. And since we've pretty much doubled in grandbabies in the last year it was very exciting!

Mexican Get-A-Way! August 2007

2007-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

So I finally took a real vacation! My friend Marcia from D.C. sent out an email and asked if anyone was interested in a trip to Cancun, I immediately responded. We had such a great time! We went snorkeling, and slept on the beach. I read the last Harry Potter while sitting on a lounge chair over looking the Caribbean, which I picked up on my way to the airport. We saw Mayan ruins, ate great food, swam in the ocean, and of course went shopping. It was a much needed trip and I loved every second of it!