Fantastic Couple of Weeks!

So.....

It's been a few weeks since I posted on my blog. I guess I have kind of been dreading this post-since it means a lot for my future. I have had to postpone my mission due to three bulging discs in my lower back. When I went to Dallas a few weeks ago, I was fine. On the way home, in the Salt Lake airport I started to have back spasms. By the time I got home, I was in so much pain I had my mom take me to insta-care.

After x-rays, an MRI, and lots of tears, I found out I have these bulging discs in my back. I have indefinitely postponed my mission based on what happens with my back...as well as other things. I go tomorrow-well pretty much today to St. George to receive four steroid shots in my back to see if that will help with the remainder of the pain. I am a little nervous, but know that the Lord knows what's best for me, and will help me through it.

As for me-I am again in a limbo in my life. There are many good things that have come from this experience. Here's a list of my latest blessings:

1. I am not headed to the MTC with a back problem that could have sent me home from my mission early.
2. I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend the last week and a half with my sister Stephanie and niece Eliza from Texas.
3. I got to give 2...count them 2 farewell talks, both of which were a success, and both of which I learned a TON from.
4. My family and good friends have been entirely supportive of everything I have done, and will continue to support me no matter what. That is a HUGE blessing in my life!
5. I got to sing with all of my siblings and my dad with my mom at the piano-what a cool thing to be able to do.
6. I got to go up the canyon with Steve and Steph and Ellie-a beautiful and fun afternoon! Followed by Starbucks of course.
7. I got to sing with Steve yesterday in church. What a talented and wonderful guy. Thanks for singing with me. :)
8. My cousin Charisse got sealed in the St. George temple-and I was able to be there.
   

I could go on and on....even though I have had trials in my life lately, I know my Heavenly Father loves me. He has provided me with countless blessings through all these trials. My testimony has grown so much, and the knowledge that I have gained that I am being led in the direction I am supposed to go, and that the Lord honestly and truly has a hand in my life has been incredibly evident to me.


Here are just a few pictures of the last couple weeks.

Steve, Addy and Dawson-what good lookin' people!

Lucky Aunt Nanny!

The Kid Pond at Wood's Ranch

Steve and Ellie-great smiles!

Steph and Ellie on the Canyon Trail

Steve, Ellie and I-we had such a fun time!

Good Times in Dallas!

I got to spend this last week at my sister's house in Texas. We ate delicious food, played Settlers, did LOTS of shopping, and got our toes done. And last, but definitely not least, we went to the Dallas Temple on Saturday. I had a great time playing with Eliza, and I appreciate so much my sis. and bro. in law having me stay and hang out with them. I love them all so much! Here's a few pics. from the week.

Labor Day Fun!!

Over Labor Day Weekend, I got to spend lots of time with family and friends. On Monday, Steve, Katie and I drove out to Parowan for the big Labor Day Parade. It was fun to laugh at some of the entries, and listen to the bands play...you see...we're all a bunch of BAND NERDS! There is no denying the fact that we all played in the band at Cedar High, and I can't speak for Steve and Katie, but I loved every minute of it.

We then all went up to my Grandparents cabin at Brian Head and played cards, had some lunch and just plain hung out. I am so lucky to be blessed with such an awesome family. I had a really good weekend, and since I'm leaving so soon, I truly value the time I get to spend with the people I love.

Steve...chillin' at the parade.

Katie....gotta love this girl!

Katie and Me cheesy grinning at the parade.