Pretty funny...and true

Okay so I found this blog that is quite hilarious and there was this post about being a single mormon and i just have to post it!! I'm not being bitter ;) but this really is so funny!!!

Mormons Like Setting Up Single Mormons


After high school, the only way for Mormons to avoid having other Mormons constantly try to set them up on blind dates is to get married, leave the church, or come out of the closet. Granted, there is a season of respite if a Mormon chooses to become a Mormon missionary because missionaries do not (or perhaps I should say "should not") date while on missions. However, once the missionary finishes his or her mission, he or she should prepare for the onslaught of reentering the dating pool as fresh meat.

Make no mistake about it. It is difficult to be a single Mormon. There are a number of reasons for this. Some of them stem from the import Mormons place on marriage and families. However, a big chunk of the difficulties experienced by single Mormons come from other Mormons inadvertently driving single Mormons absolutely loony. This occurs in many ways, but the persistence of Mormons in trying to set up Mormon singles certainly adds to the chances of single Mormons becoming clinically insane.

How does this happen? Imagine the following conversation between a Mormon married couple while eating dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Mormon Guy: "Boy, this snickers cheesecake sure is good."

Mormon Woman: "Yeah... I wish we could find someone for my friend DeAnne."

Mormon Guy: "Yeah. Can I have a bite of your cheesecake?"

Mormon Woman [shoveling a spoonful of cheesecake towards her husband]: "What do you think about lining her up with your friend Bill?"

Mormon Guy: "I don't know... I guess I can see that... Are you going to finish your--"

Mormon Woman [interrupting]: "I mean don't you think they would be perfect together. They are both such good members of the church. They would be so cute. Tell me something I don't know about him."

Mormon Guy: "Um, are you going to finish your cheesecake?"

Mormon Woman: "No, go ahead."

Mormon Guy: [Chewing... Swallowing...] "He really like sports."

Mormon Woman: "Oh, DeAnne hates sports."

Mormon Guy: "That is probably no big deal. He works so much, he can't watch them much anyways."

Mormon Woman: "It always drove DeAnne nuts how much her last boy friend worked. And, when he wasn't working, she complained that he often wanted to watch sports instead of do other things."

Mormon Guy: "Shwee ditted..."

Woman [interrupting]: "Honey, you know I can't understand you when you talk with your mouth full."

Mormon Guy: [Chewing... Swallowing...] "She dated a guy like that? It sounds like Bill really is her type."

Mormon Woman: "They would be so cute together! Let's set them up."

Given this story, it might be surprising that Mormons have very high standards when setting up other Mormons. The two people must meet three strict criteria: (1) both are Mormons; (2) both are single; and (3) the two are of the opposite sex. Beyond this, it doesn't really matter whether the two have anything in common, whether they live in the same state, or even whether they would actually be a good match. Granted, if the two would look cute together, Mormons would consider this a plus. I also note, that relatives--particularly grandparents or caring aunts--look to set up Mormon relatives with Mormon professionals. (If you don't get the gist, think "Matchmaker, matchmaker find me a mo.")

What should Mormons expect on blind dates? In many cultures, blind dates are nothing more than going out for coffee in the middle of the day. This is not the case for Mormons. Part of this is because Mormons don't drink coffee. But most of this comes from the fact that during high school, many Mormons come to see beauty in marathon dates. After a few years of really, really long dates, it is hard to revert to meeting for a half hour in the middle of the day. So, if you are on a blind date as a Mormon, get ready for a long ordeal. This may be great when the date is fun. However, when it is not so fun, Mormons will have the opportunity to develop patience.

What is the mood of Mormon blind dates? Ideally it would be a pretty casual deal. However, in reality it can be a bit of a pressure cooker. Those setting up other Mormons have expectations--namely that the two will fall immediately in love and find each other as eternal companions no later than the first date. And, those doing the setting up can even feel a little disappointed if it does not work out. I mean, it seemed so clear that the two that were set up would have made such a cute couple. In some cases, particularly in the case of the guy who was set up, Mormons can have some hard feelings if things don't work out.

It should also be noted that Mormons do not feel any social awkwardness in setting up other Mormons. Does it matter that the person wanting to set you up is a church leader? No. What if he or she was was a boss at work? No. But a gynecologist would never set up a patient, right? Wrong. If the person doing the setting up and those being set up acknowledge each other's Mormonism, that is about all that matters.

* I would like to thank a couple of people who gave me advice for this post. Particularly, I thank a friend in business school in New York and an online friend, WhiteEyebrows, for their collective advice regarding this post. It was helpful to get the perspective of single Mormons, particularly because one is a girl and one is guy. Actually, now that I think about it... How would the two of you feel about me setting the two of you up? I mean seriously, you two would make a really cute couple!

"Business Time"

This is so hilarious!! Enjoy!

Boredom, oranges, and everything else in my head

So apparently since my blog entries have been so bitter lately, I'm going to write about something else tonight. Although it might come off sounding bitter too...I was going to write about how I'm here at work at 4 am and really really bored, and yet putting off things that I need to do and I'm eating a couple mandarin oranges but the first one seems to have like a million seeds!! Now while it was quite juicy and perfectly sweet I have a hard time enjoying it because I have to keep spitting out the seeds!!! Grrrr.... Hopefully my next one will be better!
Not much has been going on in my life lately. I'm trying to help Todd and Kath plan their wedding (and since I have so many plans for my own wedding I'm having trouble remembering whose wedding this really is and I'm constantly biting my tongue so I don't plan the whole thing by myself!!) Really its not a problem but I find myself planning my own nuptuals. And once again I'm going to have to get married like 10 times (or at least have 10 vow renewals). I keep coming up with different themes and ideas for receptions and everything.
My new favorite album right now is the new Britney Spears. I know, I know...people think she's crazy. But I don't really. I think she has some severe issues to work out in her life and it doesn't help that she probably feels very lonely for someone always having a million people around her. It sure makes me grateful for the gospel in my life. I'm grateful that I was raised in the home I was and have the parents I have. And while my own life isn't perfect and I certainly have my own issues to work on, I feel that I at least have a foundation of knowledge to figure out how to start working on them and though I feel lost sometimes, I know I'm never alone. I fell sorry for her, but I really do like her new cd! She actually sings in it and it doesn't sound all digitally enhanced like the past couple have.
Well that's about all I can come up with right now....hi-ho-hi-ho, its back to work I go.

New Favorite Quote

I'm changing my name to Bridget Jones and this is my new favorite quote,

"The only thing worse than one smug married couple, lots of smug married couples."

Finally

Well it finally happened...Todd and Kathleen are officially engaged!! Yep. I'll try to post the video of the proposal...which was so perfect!! Kath was so surprised it was awesome!! If I can't then you'll just have to see it sometime soon. I'll also get some pictures of them too. I am so excited for them. So hold the date of March 6th!!!

SOLD

Alrighty....all the VHS tapes are sold. THanks so much!! I'll get them to you all ASAP.

FOR SALE

So while setting up our Christmas decorations we came across some old VHS tapes that were put away under the stairs. Since we don't watch them anymore we are trying to get rid of them and will sell them for $1 each or $45 for all of them. They are listed below...let me know if you're interested in any or all of them.

Disney:
A Little Princess
The Great Mouse Detective
Gordy
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Bambi
Free Willy
The Big Green
Aladdin
The Little Mermaid
Lion King 2
Tarzan
Beauty and the Beast 2
Fantasia
Hercules
Free Willy 2
Beauty and the Beast
Jungle Book
Anastasia
Pinocchio
The Lion King
Sing Along Songs—Pocahontas “Colors of the Wind”
OTHER:
Black Beauty
The Puzzle Place
Babysitters Club
Harriet the Spy
Les Miserables
Dances with Wolves
The Emperor’s New Clothes
President Abraham Lincoln
Cinderella
The Princess Who had never laughed
Little Heroes
Anne of Avonlea
Koluk & Kiska 2
Solo
Benjamin Franklin
Religious:
Thurl- Forward with New Power
Daniel (animated bible story)
Miracles of Love Music Video (animated scriptures)
Music Video form the living scriptures (animated)
Living Scriptures:
The Conversion of Alma the Younger
Nephi and the Brass Plates
Journey to the Promised Land
John the Baptist (animated bible stories)

PS....I accidently deleted all my links to your blogs, so if you would be so nice as to let me know your address, that would be sooo great so I can re-add them!! THANKS!!!

Ankle Update

Here's a quick update about my lovely ankle injury. The good news is that I didn't break my foot like originally suspected! Thank goodness!!! The bad news is the I do have a torn ligament.

:( But its not fully ruptured so that it also good news. This means no surgery. Its still slightly swollen and sore. It probably will take a good 3-6 weeks for it to be back to normal, but I can at least walk now...with it wrapped up or with a brace on. Still no surgery, no crutches, or cast, or boot..that is all good news to me. For now I guess gel ice packs and ibuprofen will be my best friends.

PS...Yes Melissa, I wish Edward would have been there to carry me into the theatre instead of me hobbling like a dork....except that if Edward would have been there he would have caught me before I fell ;)

My Thanksgiving Day Narrative

So yesterday wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. I actaully enjoyed dinner this year, probably mostly to the fact that I hadn't eaten all day so by the time Thanksgiving dinner actually came around I was starving. So I ate and ate. Good thing I haven't cancelled my gym membership, eh? So the first part of the day was quite good. My mom, Tate, Holly, and I had plans in the afternoon to go see Twilight. My cousins decided to join us (my dad stayed home to take a nap while we were all gone) so we went to the Megaplex in Ogden. So on our way in, I was walking down some stairs in the parking garage and when I got to the bottom, there was this little inch lip on the sidewalk, well thanks to my stupid shoes that have no support, my ankle rolled, I felt a pop and went down. My foot hurt so bad, but I wasn't going to miss the movie, so I limped my way in, crying the whole way, barely making it. The theatre staff gave me some ice and I sat through Twilight icing my ankle and trying to pay attention to the movie and not my pain. I made it through the movie, which wasn't as good as I predicted, but that I loved anyway. (I'm more excited for #2, which will have a bigger budget and I suspect much better). After the movie I could barely walk, but I slowly made it back to my car. Tate had to drive because I couldn't. When I got home I iced it again and put it up. I've rolled my ankles before, but nothing as compared to this time. After contemplating whether to suck it up and go to work like I was supposed to or call in sick and go get it checked out, I decided to call in, but wait to see if it got worse. So here I am at 7:30am, typing this blog up. I didn't sleep really well all night because it was aching all night long. Now I'm deciding if I need to go to the doctor or not. Not a lot of swelling, but its been up all night. It still hurts horribly though, not in my ankle, but in my metatarsals where I felt the pop. So I guess for now, I'll just watch it, so don't be surprised if you see me hobbling around with or without a foot cast on. ;)

Thought on Thanksgiving

So I'm not trying to sound like an ornery bitter person here. But as much as I really do like Thanskgiving...I really could do without all the food. I mean, its a lot of preparation and time, to sit down for a 30 minute meal, where I eat my normal amount (sometimes less). I realize Thanksgiving is technically not about the food. But here I am 1 am...still making food for tomorrow...no- for later today. :( So as grateful as I am for family and all the other things I should be grateful for...Thanksgiving really is not my most favorite holiday.

Service Project!

So its beginning to be that time of year where everyone starts showing their love and charity around the community. Well here I am asking for your help already!

The young single adults of my stake are in the process of collecting items to be put into Humanitarian Kits. So if you are willing to help to those in need, start early this season and help us out!!! I'll even personally drive to your home to pick up the items (you don't need to use your own gas, I'll use mine!!!!!)

These are the items we are in need of:

Bars of Soap (must be 3 1/2 by 5 oz size)

Hand Towels (15 X 25 inches, no dishtowels or washcloths)

Our goal as YSA is to create 500 kits, so any of those two things that you might be willing to help out with would be soooo great! If you have any questions, please call me!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!

Tomato Soup Spice Cake

I FOUND IT!!! So while I was on my mission, a member made this cake. And it was the most delicious cake I had ever tasted in my life! When I asked what made it so moist and yummy she said.."Tomato Soup." I couldn't believe that tomato soup was actually in the cake because you couldn't taste anything like tomatoes. But I absolutely loved it!! So I'm dumb and never asked for the recipe. But lately I've been craving it soo badly. Then last night I caught the end of some show on Food Network and they talked about Tomato Soup Spice Cake, but didn't give a recipe. Well I researched online....didn't take long....and I found it!! So I suggest (even if it sound gross) that you all try this delicious recipe. Not only does it taste divine, but it also will make your home smell all holiday-ish. Enjoy!

Tomato Soup Spice Cake

2 c. flour

1 1/3 c. sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 can tomato soup

1/2 c. vegetable shortening

2 eggs

1/4 c. water

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 13 X 9 pan. Mix all dry ingredients, then add soup, shortening, eggs and water. Beat on low until mixed, then for 4 min on high speed. Bake for 40 min (or until done). Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1 pkg. cream cheese

2 Tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 pkg (160z) powdered sugar

Cream 1st three ingredients together, then slowy add sugar and beat until smooth.

Capturing A Legacy

So I've had a few requests lately about my prices for wedding videos and such. So I'm in the process of making either a blog or website for my company. Websites are a pain in the butt to design I've decided, so I'm leaning towards a blog. But if any of you know how to a design a website and knows a place where I can have one for free or really really cheap, let me know and we'll talk! Anyway, until then questions can be sent to my email.... Capturingalegacy@yahoo.com.

Also, sorry for no posts lately...I really do lead a boring and uneventful life. Of course I could have this whole long spill about how I want to just be done with school, how my wire from my braces is making a nice hole in my cheek and the orthodontist is out of town, my biggest pet peeves lately, how I can't find my stethoscope anywhere!!!, how I HATE when people feel the need to give me advice on getting married (when they themselves are only 19 years old and have no clue what life really is), having no money, etc. Now that I'm reading this back it seems like I'm really having a crappy life. Just so you know, my life isn't all bad, its really good actually. I'm not trying to sound pessimistic there. I love my life and wouldn't change it for anything...except the being done with school part and having no money part. But I guess I just need to get used to both of those because they aren't going to change anytime soon!!!

Girls Night Out

Friday night, Mom, Holly, and I went to the Reba & Kelly concert at the ESA. It was sooooooo much fun!!!!! I was personally kind of skeptical about how good it could be because Kelly and Reba are totally opposite types of music. But surprisingly it was seriously amazing. Their differences were only compliments to each other. The harmonies were beautiful. Many of the songs I found myself having the chills from the sound and emotion they were able to portray. So these are some pics from our fun night!



For those of you who have ever watched the sitcom "Reba"...which is so hilarious....we had a surprise visit from "Barbara Jean"!! We were laughing sooo hard!

Family Pictures

We recently had family pictures done. I actually was the photographer...haha. It was certainly an adventure trying to keep everyone of your own family happy. I thought I'd just share some.

Mission Reunion

So Friday I had my first mission reunion. My mission president, President Godfrey, just got home in July, so we kind of had a little reunion at his homecoming. But Friday we had the "official" reunion. It was so much fun to see everyone that I had such a good time with out in Tennessee. Pretty much everyday I think of my mission, so I really enjoyed getting to gether with old companions, fellow missionaries, and all the friends I made. Reminiscing and laughing (who knew the president was so hilarous!) But I was dumb and forgot my camera, so instead of sharing reunion pictures, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite moments on the mission!! Enjoy!

At the MTC...my favorite companion and elders in our district!!

Me, Sister Brown, and Sid Collier (my first baptism). An amazing man, that gave up EVERYTHING, including his life, for the gospel.

FABREEZE!!! A DEFINATE MUST-HAVE in the south, thanks to all the tobacco smoke.

Me and Sister Bills and Kody. He was just an awesome 16 year old that was baptized. He was always smiling!

Road kill!! Gross...a typical scene.

Sigh...I miss the green (sorry i couldn't get the picture turned right)

The aftermath of getting caught in a downpour while tracting.

Good News!

This week I got a new job!! YEAH!! I wasn't really actively looking for a new job, but I was keeping and eye out for anything that might interest me. Why was I looking for a new job? Well when you're only getting maybe 10 hours a week, then its probably time to start looking for something that is a little better. So what is my new job?

I'm going to be a CNA in Maternity!! What fun! I get to hold and cuddle little newborns all night long! And of course, I'll help with the new moms as well. My duties will be anything from helping in the nursery to bathing babies or helping with breast feeding or whatever is needing to be done to help moms and babies be happy!

I am so excited! This actually works out very well, because the job is nights. So to be full-time I only have to work 3 nights a week. I can go to school during the day. Plus, since I am considering becoming an OB/GYN, this will put me on a good path. At least it will give me some experience dealing with that kind of stuff. Anyway, just thought I'd let you all know of my good news! YEAH!

The Single Life

I don't know how many of you read the main Ensign article from August...I can probably safely bet that not many of you did because you're all married and it was about being young and single in the church. I highly suggest you read it even (or especially) if you are married.
I know that to many of you I am not that old, but in "Mormon World"...I'm only 9 months away from being a menace to society. Anyway....there were some very good suggestions to the married population of how to support singles and give them hope or how to help them stay positive in a world full of cynicism about marriage.
Honestly, this is one thing I've found that I'm becoming quite good at....being cynical about marriage/relationships.....and really about all of the mormon culture. To illustrate my point, let me share a story that happened not too long ago.
I had come home one sunday, from West Jordan, to go to my parents ward. In Relief Society, they welcomed me "back", asked where I was living then and what I was up to. I thought that was good. I was happy and enjoying life. It was good. Then after church....a woman came up to me and said "Where are you living now?" I answered, "West Jordan. I love it out there." To which she replied.. "Well don't worry, my son didn't get married until he was 28." My initial reaction was to play it off. But I couldn't believe that someone would go out of their way to say that! So instead of hitting her, like I really wanted, I just walked away and let my mom finish the conversation.
Its little insensitive comments like that that makes young single adults feel like crap or whatever. Who said I was worried about it!!? I'm certainly not. Of course I would love to be married and have the opportunity to start a family, but that is not the path Heavenly Father has in store for me at the moment. I HATE that in the mormon culture, if you aren't married before 23 years old, then something must be wrong with you AND/OR you are just terribly worried that it will never happen.
The Ensign article said last month, "When friends or family send messages to singles that they should "try harder", that they aren't doing enough to promote dating opportunities, or that they should think about happier things, singles may feel blocked rather than helped in their efforts to move forward to positive goals and interests." I would like to add my AMEN to that. In the article it also says, "Getting married is not the sole definition of success for singles." Amen to that too.
I know I'm going off on a tangent here, but as I read the article it really struck me that probably more NON-SINGLES need to read it instead of singles. I would also like to say once more, while I agree whole hearted with this article, my ornery-ness (is that a word) about it, doesn't mean I'm completely happy being single. I do hope to find a man to marry and start a family with. Some days I wish it was sooner than later. But I do know that I'm in a place where God wants and needs me to be, that is no ones business but my own and God's. But...while I'm happy with my life...it doesn't mean that I'm not open to being set up or having help in that department. Lol. So thanks for being supportive and for all that everyone does for me. I really appreciated your love and friendships.

A word about school

This semester I'm taking some more difficult classes that are the beginning of my medical career. Now I'm pretty smart...some days....but I've struggled with school the last few years. And this semester is no exception. Now....I just have to vent for a minute because this semester I'm taking Human Anatomy and the first day of class we're told that 10% of the class will get an A, 60% probably won't pass, and the rest will sqeak by! Now what the &*#! am I supposed to take from that. This is a hard class...well duh! But I just think that maybe it wouldn't be so hard if the flippin' class in one test didn't include half of the body.

Seriously, the first test covers not only basic anatomy, but tissues/membranes, the integumentary(skin) system & the skeletal system. Now that doesn't really seem like a lot, but if any of you have every taken this class, you will realize that the skeletal system alone covers like 4 Chapters!!! And this isn't just knowing which bone is which (which is what I already know and like to know) but it covers everything about bones.....all the way down to the atoms that make up bones.
I know I know...I'm going to be a doctor so I need to know this stuff, but maybe the class wouldn't be failed so much (and retaken so much, which means more people paying tuition AGAIN to a place that is ripping you off anyway) if they would make it like a year long class that covers the same amount of information in a longer time period, which would make it easier to learn plus easier to retain.
Anyway, I think I'm just stressed and frustrated with the whole college experience right now and am thinking what the h@!# did I get myself into! Hopefully it will get better....or worse. I'm not sure which. Okay, I'm done now!

Tomatoes EVERYWHERE!!

This year my dad had a goal to fill every bottle and every space in our food storage. So he started with tomatoes. How many plants did he plant? 4? No. 10? NO! 20?! NOPE!....40 tomato plants!!!!! Needless to say we have tomatoes coming out our ears. Last weekend mom and dad bottled many tomatoes, salsa, and tomato juice and last night alone we picked 7 boxes full, and there are plenty still on the vines!!! Its craziness!!! I think our next few

weekends will be full of finishing the canning of them.

Luckily we go through our bottled tomatoes and salsa like its going to run away...so instead of running out this year we might actaully make it til next fall with some left over!!!(I'm praying it freezes soon so that they won't grow anymore!)

One more thing to do....

So I've been trying to come up with something that I could do that would make me a little more income. After much thought I came up with something I used to do, but haven't done since I haven't lived at home in a while and haven't had a piano so.....I'm going to start teaching piano lessons again. If anyone is interested...young or old...I want to start teaching soon so give me a call. I know a lot of you will think I'm crazy because I'm already way too busy...but I really have missed the piano and hope to fulfill an emptiness I've had since I haven't played as much as I used to! YEAH!

Coming soon.....

I've been informed that I need to update my blog, well I know I haven't updated anything in a long time, but things have been sooo sooo crazy with me lately. So I promise that there is a quite a bit that I will post here sometime soon!!

Coming soon....
More family vacation pictures
My San Diego Trip
Carrie's Wedding
Any other info I feel so inclined to give!

Baxter Family Vacation

After many years (okay like 2, but I was on my mission and didn't get to go then) we finally got to take our family vacation to Bear Lake. (The water got so low a few years ago, we stopped going). But this year the water level was up a lot so it was a lot more fun. This is the whole family. I think this picture was taken at the end of the vacation, when we were all sunburned and miserable, ready to get home!
The highlight of Bear Lake is trying to eat "Old Ephraim". Its this humongous pizza.
You can't really tell how big this is, but one piece is like 3 of a normal size pizza. And lets just put it this way- we only got one for our whole family....that was 17 people and we each only ate 1 piece because we were stuffed!
Todd and Kathleen at the Montpelier fireworks. (the fireworks are another story in itself). The thing we did the most. Ever played "Lasso Golf". Who would have ever thought that the 12 kids all 15 years and older would have spent most of our time playing this silly game of trying to lasso golf balls around some PVC pipe. But it really is soooooo fun! This picture doesn't give the game justice.

Of course we spent a lot of time at the lake. Our family rented a boat and jet ski. So there are pictures of water skiing and wake boarding and such, but I was in an old-fashion mood and took most of them with my film camera so I haven't gotten those back yet (well I haven't taken them in to get developed yet), so maybe I'll post those another day.

The Doctor Will See You Now....well not quite

Ok, so don't laugh. I know that I have probably taken the most time ever by one person to decide on a career. Well I've finally made the decision. Its one that has plagued me since I graduated high school. No--since I was a little girl. So here it goes....I'm going to be a doctor.

You see, my whole life whenever someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up I always said a doctor. Even as a little girl when playing dollies, I'd be the doctor that would fix them and make them better. Then when I graduated and started Weber State, my major was actually declared as Zoology/Pre-Med. But for reasons I don't even understand to this day, I never followed through with it. Instead I started working on the nursing thing and that wasn't working out like I planned, then I went on a mission, now I'm here, back to where I started!!! The sad thing is, is that if I would have stuck to my original plan I could have been in my 2nd year of medical school!!!!! ARG!

Well now is not the time to look back with regrets, but look forward with hope right?! I can apply to medical school probably in 3 years. Then another 4 of med school. Oh joy! So that's the latest...you can all stop laughing and rolling your eyes now. :-)

What are you worth?

Have you ever wondered how much you're worth monetary wise? Like if someone were to buy your body, how much would they pay for you? Well I found this ridiculous quiz that tells you what your body will be worth when you're dead. Me? Well I'm worth $3855. I figure thats when I'm dead, so when now while I'm alive I've gotta be a worth at least a little more than that. Maybe I would go for like $5000 or something while alive. Hmm....interesting. So what are you worth?
$3855.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth.

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Closure

December 3, 2007 my cousin Kevin Carter and two of his buddies went missing while snowboarding on Crystal Mountain in Seattle. There were at least a dozen avalanches on the same mountain they had been on, so we knew that they must have gotten caught in one and not been able to get out alive.

We have been saddened by this tragedy and yet we have also found peace in the fact that Kevin was doing something he absolutely loved. But we were never able to have much closure, because at the time this happened there was so much snow that the rescuers were never able to find their bodies.

This past Saturday we were able finally gain some knowledge of what might have happened and find their bodies. They were found in their tent, so we are hoping that the avalanche happened while they were sleeping and they never even knew what happened. So there was little if any suffering. This brings much peace to our family. This article explains more of the recovery of their bodies if you are interested.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2008011225&zsection_id=2003925728&slug=snowboarders22m&date=20080622

I must say that I am very grateful to have the background of the gospel to know that he is in a better place surrounded by our family and other heavenly beings. I am grateful that families can be sealed in the temple and that the Lord takes care of us especially in difficult circumstances such as these. Even though I didn't know Kevin very well, I am still sad for this to have happened, but am filled with peace and the love of my Savior.

My Dad Is The Greatest

I love that we get to specifically celebrate having parents in our lives. Today was Father's day. I'm so grateful for my Dad! He really is the best father I could have ever hoped for. I always think I want to marry someone with a lot of my dad's qualities. He is trustworthy, hard working, honest, funny, a worthy preisthood holder, etc. I hope that I will find someone that can be as good of father to my own children as my dad has been to me and my siblings. I am so blessed! Happy Father's Day!

IPOD Must Have

So this week I went on a date to this concert at Thanksgiving Point. Because I'm not with the times I wasn't sure who "Secondhand Serenade" really was....and this was who we were going to see. Duh Katie! As soon as I heard the first song I realized I knew the group, but now that I listened to them live, I had to run home and buy every song of theirs from ITunes. So I highly reccomend you listen to them. They are simply aweseome. Nothing really original, they fit into the current music fad. But the lyrics and melodies and just everything is just great! Not to mention the lead singer, John Vessley is a hottie! Anyway, take my advice and buy their music. It will do your soul good.

Another One Bites The Dust

Well Friday was spent watching my younger cousin Ryan get married to Reanna. Congratualtions to them. It was a great day. The sealing ceremony was beautiful and I think everything went very smoothly. They make a cute couple, even if they only look like they are 16 years old. I spent the day taking video for the wedding video. And barely got it done in time for the reception. Then once I got to the reception we couldn't get the tv and dvd player to work, there was much stress and frustration, but eventually it came together and everything was great.

Todd and Kathleen below. Do you think they are next?! I'm betting so, but we'll have to see. (Todd's trying to hide I think)
The Newlyweds. They are so cute! Again Congrats to them both. I hope they have a happy marriage and life together!

Happy Birthday!

Well folks, its official. I'm 24 years old. And as Travis was so kind to remind me...I'm almost half way to 50! Thanks Trav!

Kathleen decorated my cake...and then Tate and Holly decided to add to it with their own decorations. (this was the before shot) Thanks Kath!

I invited pretty much everyone I knew to a bowling party to celebrate.

Travis and Michelle Butler

Me and cousin Melissa
Dad on his way to a STRIKE!
Tiffany (MTC companion) and her cousin Austin.

THANKS so much for the wonderful time. I appreciate all your love and friendships! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

The David's

Well, what can I say. I didn't vote for either, but I was hoping that D. Archuleta would take the title. If we were voting for the better singer it was Archie, if we were voting for the better performer it was Cook.

I have to agree with what Simon said about this one, I didn't really care which David won since both were very talented and such nice people. So I'm not worried about little David he'll still have a good career I believe and congrats to the new American Idol-David Cook!

The Decision...

Well folks, the decision has been made. After that poll of my career choice, and thanks to my cousin Steve (who voted more than once and after the poll was actually closed) my new career choice is......Professional Bum. Thanks to Steve and Melissa I was invited to bum around their place. I really appreciate the offer guys. You'll be seeing me around that's for sure. Thanks for everyone's input, wish me well in my new life path!

Prom Night

This weekend my brother Tate went to his Junior Prom. He begged me not to put him on my blog...but how can I not when he's looking so good. ;-) It brought back memories from my high school days. Its hard to believe that I've been graduated for 6 years now. WOW! Time flies!

Lookin' good ;-)

Oh how cute!!!

Finals Week!

Well after many years of procrastination and just plain avoidance, I went back to school this semester. After about the first month....I realized why I quit going to school and hadn't come back in the first place. But alas, I have made it to finals week. This past weekend was sent cramming and pulling my hair out!! I have come to wonder what the United States Educational system is thinking. What is the point in charging us an arm and a leg (next year it will be two arms and a leg) to learn about things that really make no difference in my life or that will be beneficial to me as I finish my major classes. I mean really....who cares if I know the difference between the Baroque and Romantic periods of music. Who cares if I took an Ethics and Values class. I'm pretty sure no one will ask me if I know who was the most famous composer during the Middle Ages when I'm nursing them back to health or taking their pictures. (Those would be the two majors I'm trying to choose between- Nursing or Photography). So here I sit typing on my blog after at least 48 hours of almost complete studying....well not really, but you get my drift, complaining of something that will be over in another 48 hours. THANK GOODNESS!!! And then in the fall I will start learning the stuff that is what I actually want to do for my career. So wish my luck in taking these tests of completely pointless facts of the past and of things I just don't plain care if I know or not!!! ;-) Ya gotta love college!

Conference Weekend!!!

I love conference weekend!!! This one was no exception! I was touched by many of the apostles talks and am so excited for our new prophet! President Monson is and will continue to be a great leader. Its amazing to be able to see that the mantle has fallen upon him and that the Savior is with him. I feel so blessed to be a member of the Lord's kingdom here on earth and pray I can continue to learn and grow in the spirit!
I was sent this link to a beautiful video called "Reflections of Christ". Its apparently going around the country playing at some temple visitors centers. I highly suggest you take a look at it and feel the spirit that the photographer wanted to display!!!

http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/blog.cfm?postID=31

Egg Dyeing

Every year the fam colors Easter eggs. The past few years have been different since Todd and I were on missions...although I still made sure I colored some while in the mission field. But Todd didn't get that opportunity. So we planned this whole evening to color eggs with Todd, and then...he ditched us to go to some YSA function....oh well...he can color his own later I guess!!!

Of course we usually compete to see who does the funniest or the strangest drawing on one of their eggs.

Tate of course could only show his humble nature by making his say "Super Star"! (We all just rolled our eyes)

I think I totally won with my 'playboy' bunny!! (Todd was the only one that guessed it right...hmmm)