A touch of nostalgia...

Okay, so one of my classes this semester is Creative Non-Fiction writing (aka: Memoirs). At first I was really excited about this class. But, the more we are getting into it, I am nervous about being able to recall some of my memories. So I decided to pull out my scrapbook and look at some pictures to see if I was able to bring back some memories. I am posting some pictures that were some of the good days. I did get a laugh out of most of these. Some of which my not so frequent bloggers might get a kick out of. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Me and Grandma Stella circa 1980.

I always thought it was cool that we had matching coats. I soon lost that coat and was bummed out.

Dennis and I in 1982.

We had these Fisher Price Skis that we decided to go play. I think it was this day that he started calling me Geneology. It was easy for him to remember my name I guess. He still calls me that sometimes.

Me, Dad, Ryan, and Christina(in front). 1983

Some time in the summer. Notice the orange rocker that my dad is sitting in. We had those chairs for the longest time. They were a blast to play in.

First Day of Kindgergarten. 1981

I wouldn't get on the bus in the morning. I was terrified. But then when it was time to get off the bus in the afternoon, I wouldn't get off. LOL. I was such a fickle little girl. I was shy and somewhat stubborn and always felt self concious. But if you notice on my pants the little fruit applicate. Those were my favorite pants ever!





Uncle Sam & Miss Liberty Float in the Perry 4th of July Parade. 1981
there is me, Jed Simper (behind me), Tracy Stack (behind Amie), Amie Jo Walker, Tyler Wagstaff, Steven Francis (I think), and I think its either Brett Hillam or Travis Nielsen behind him. I am not sure. Tracy was Miss Liberty, Steven was Uncle Sam. Good times, eh?

My 5th Birthday Party. July 21, 1981

Front Row: Kassie Reese, Me, Kevin Tams, Robert, Andrus Twin (probably Robbie), Amie Jo Walker, Jeff NelsonBack Row: Suzanne Stewart, Steven Francis, Andrus Twin (Richie), and Travis Nielsen

And the fiest d'resistance....

Girls Party 6th Grade!!!!

MaShel Berguson had a party for all the girls in the 6th Grade. It was way to fun, scary, hilarious, and crazy!

Front Row: Amie Jo Walker, Stacy Hansen, Kalani Moss

Back Row: Shelley Johnson, Me (don't ask...those were the beginning of my awkward stages, I didn't get out of it until college), Jennifer Dorius, MaShel Berguson, and Karie Grube.

Confession...

Thanks to Annie, I have been inspired! So here it goes...

• I went to church yesterday, but promptly came home and got in my jammies and I stayed in bed ALL DAY! No naps, just movies, BOND movies!
• I don't like winter and I like to tan from January to April or until the sun comes out.
• I hate embarrassing moments! But even worse, I hate remembering embarassing moments.
• I love food!
• I always dream of being able to fly. I want to be Supergirl!
• I spend a lot of time wishing and not very much time doing.
• I hate doing my hair, but love when its done.
• I love doing my makeup but don't do it often.
• I am addicted to HGTV!
• I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit me.
• I hate homework, but love school.
• I think I am one weird duck!!

Hi Y'all!

A few words for thought:

Courage
Fear
Happiness
Joy
Talent
Skill
Ability
Wants
Needs
Pain
Sorrow
Trials
Strength

and finally consider this revelation received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the final days of Liberty Jail.

D&C 122:7

And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

resolutions and reunions

Wow, so its the new year and a new decade. To be honest, I never thought I would live this long. As a child, I could only imagine myself to be 24. So every year I live beyond that is amazing to me. As with each year I have made resolutions. However, I have found it difficult to make them concrete. I know what I want to do, but to phrase each goal into words that I really could live by has been difficult. I have thought about just keeping the personal as a paper in my journal, but since I don't open my journal that doesn't work. What if I kept them on my wall by my bed. I would see them each morning, but then it becomes another fixture on the wall that I would have to make a conscious effort in the morning to look at. So I have decided to leave it open wide for the world to see and I am going to blog my resolutions.

Resolution #1:
As with every year, I am making a resolution to lose some ###'s. Why is it that every year, most people will make this resolution. If we kept the resolutions we make, this would be a one time deal right? This has been a difficult one for me to wrap my head around; but here it is: I am resolving to lose a significant amount of wieght this year. I give myself until September to meet my goal wieght. Because this is such a significant amount of wieght I am not going to reveal the amount to lose until it starts coming off. How mean am I? But, I do have a plan this time. My sweet SIL, who is a personal trainer, has put me on a program that seems to be working for me so far. For those interested, it basically has much to do with the "Body-for-LIFE" program. It has been difficult to start with the holidays and life, but I am taking one day at a time.

As a part B of this resolution, I am working toward competing in an Olympic Triathlon. Swim 1 mile, bike 25 miles, and run 6.2 miles. I hope to do this by September, so wish me luck!

Resolution #2:
The last couple of years have been crazy, stressful, and very UNlucky. So this year, I would like to live one day at a time. I would like to live it to the very most that I can and I would like to not take life so seriously. I know that sounds pretty cliche, but I am ready to relax, have fun and enjoy each day and not worry about life.

Resolution #3:
Since returning from my mission, I have been on the down hill slide as far as spirituallity. Don't get me wrong, I have had my moments. But moments is all that it has been. I would like to get closer to HF by studying MORE, praying more EARNESTLY, and putting more INTO my callings. I have had a few miracles in my life that 100% proves that HF knows me and loves me. I know what to do, I know how to do it, and its time to get off my sorry butt and do it! So to start, I have a challenge from Annie (thanks Annie) to read the entire BOM by April 1st. Then I would like to move on to the rest of the standard works and so forth.

Resolution #4:
Being inspired by the movie Julie and Julia, I would like to start the "100 Book Project". I have a list to the right of 100 books of all time. I want to be able to read these 100 books in one year. I will blog about my progress and periodically give a "book report" when I finish. I am excited and frightened as I have never been a very good reader. I read slow and steady so I am sure to comprehend it all, which usually results in not being able to finish a book before a months time. I hope this will improve my reading and writing skills and that I become a better person for this.

Resolution #5:
To make contact with everyone in my family at least once this year either by email, phone, or mail. I know this seems easy, however, my family is GIANORMOUS!!!!! So far, I have 180 people on the calendar this year. Thats just sibs, nieces, and nephews. Its incredible as I have filled my planner pages with birthdays its a bit overwhelming, but I CAN do this!

So these are my resolutions. Typical? Yes. Practical? Maybe.

For all you out there writing down resolutions, I wish you all, from the bottom of my heart, the very best in sticking with your goals. WE CAN DO THIS!!!! WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!