Mission!!

I leave for my mission in 1 week....yep that's right....ONE WEEK!!!

I am so excited to go. I am trying to get all my last minute things together...like skirts ANY other color but black, and trying not to leave my room in total and utter craziness.

As I think about leaving, I realize what has happened over the last several months to get me to the place I'm at. I won't say that it has been easy, but I will say that I am grateful for the experiences I've had, and the opportunity I have to serve a mission. I do know the Lord has a plan for me and that I need to serve the people of Sweden.

Here are a few things I'll miss while I'm gone:

My nieces and nephews-they will grow up so much while I'm gone...I love them all so much! I will miss getting to see Addy, Dawson and Kyler all the time, and watch the little things they learn. I'll miss Eliza, her cute teethy grin and her infectious laugh. I can't describe how lucky I feel to get to be Aunt Nanny. I am also so excited to get to be an example to them while I'm on my mission.

My dad, what can I say. I will miss him so much! He has always worked so hard to provide well for us. He's a wonderful man, and I couldn't ask for a better father!


My sis Where do I begin with my brothers and my sisters. All I can say is that I have been so blessed with wonderful siblings. I won't say that we have always gotten along...all the time, BUT I love them all. I'm grateful for their examples, and knowing that I can count on them whenever I need anything. I love you all, and will miss you! Richard and Melissa-I love you both so much...there's no in-law in my book. :)

My mom-words can't describe how much I'll miss my mom. She is my best friend. She has always been there for me. I love to spend time with her, and I am so blessed to have her as my mother. I honestly can't think of a better person than my mom. I will miss her terribly. I will say that it is such a help to know that she is proud of me and my decision to serve and that does make leaving a bit easier.

I know this has been a lengthy post. Not to mention I have SO many friends who I will miss and didn't mention...I will post about you in the next couple days. :) I am so grateful for my family. I love them all!!

Dallas Trip

This last weekend I took a trip to Dallas to see Steph, Rich and Eliza one more time before I go on my mission. It was so wonderful to see all of them and spend time with them. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. My niece Eliza (Ellie) is hysterical. She has such an infectious laugh. We get giggling pretty easily when I'm around. I love her so very much and will miss watching her grow.

Here's a quick run down of the trip: lunch and shopping with my awesome cousin Julianne and a couple of her kids, rehearsing with a choir Steph sings in called Evening Song, going to Canton I think it's called for the biggest flea market/craft fair I've ever seen, getting to be at the finish line after my sister ran a half marathon (13.1 miles-SO impressive), recording with Evening Song, dinner at Pappasito's....some stinking good fajitas, and just chillaxing after that until I came home. I am so glad I could see them one more time. I love you Stephanie! I love you Richard! I love you Ellie! I will miss you all.

I love to see the Temple!

I'm leaving soon, and wanted to just do a couple posts for the things I've done the last couple weeks before I leave.

Angie and I went to Provo to visit Jor one last time a couple weekends ago and we went up to Salt Lake for the Draper Temple open house. It is such a beautiful building. From the stained glass windows to the chandeliers, it's all so beautiful. It's no surprise to me, for it will be dedicated as a House of the Lord. I am so grateful for the work that happens in the temple. I know that sometimes it's knowing that someday I'll be sealed in the temple and have an eternal family that keeps me motivated.

Disneyland on a whim...what could be better??

Tristan called me Tuesday and asked if I wanted to go to Disneyland on Thursday for the weekend. I of course said, "YES!" We had a great time. I went with Tristan, Jens, and Erika. Then we met up with Sara in California and it was a great time.

Jens, Sara, Tristan, Erika and Me taking a break.

At Rainforest Cafe. So fun!

At the new Toy Story Mania ride. It's SO awesome!!!

I think the funniest thing that happened while I was on the trip is that I was waiting in line for a Pineapple Dole Whip...one of the best things EVER! (I ate it for you Steph.) This random guy came behind me in line telling his family how delicious this treat is. I agreed with him and we started to chat....with Dole Whip and the big dill pickles you can get in Disneyland in common, he asked me to be his Valentine. It was hilarious!! Even more fun was his sister's comment, "Well you have never had a hard time getting a valentine, we just wonder when you will be able to keep one for more than 48 hours!" Hahaha....after a minute we hugged, said goodbye, and it made my very single Valentines Day way better!

Quilting Fun!

So, some of you may be wondering what I have been doing with my time until I leave on my mission. Well, let's see...I substitute teach sometimes, I work out everyday, and the best thing of all is that I quilt. A LOT. I quilt all the time. Here's the one I finished in memory of Steve Hodson. I'll post some more of my projects in a few days.

Bowling Fun!!!

A couple of weeks ago, before Taylor left for Boot Camps (Marines) we went bowling as a family. Here are just a couple pictures from our adventure:

Mom, Tay and Jenny

Dawson getting ready to bowl!

Cute little Addy...smiling away.

Happy New Year!

My last post was kind of depressing I must admit. I think it is completely important that I share some of my thoughts about this season, and how blessed I feel on a daily basis for the blessings I have in my life.

Going back to Christmas, I love the Christmas season. I love that it's a time to celebrate our Savior's birth. I am blessed to have the gospel in my life. I know that as complicated and difficult my life may seem right now, it will all work out. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that there is a plan for me, and that as long as I try my best, the Lord will make up for the rest.

I am so grateful for my family and friends. I was going to be home alone for Christmas and the Lewis Family so kindly took me in so that I would have a family to be with. Thank you guys so much...and thanks to all of the other friends I had offers from to spend the holidays with them.

I am grateful that my back is getting better, and that I will hopefully be able to leave on my mission in February. I might need surgery, but I'm thinking I'll go without the surgery and hope that I will be able to get through my mission without need of surgery. All in all things are going well.

This post was kind of long, sorry about that, I just wanted to express my appreciation for the things I have that are so wonderful in my life!!