Goodbye to 2008

I can't believe it's 2009!! 2008 was a great year where I learned lot about myself and had some amazing things occur. Here are some of them:

1. I bought my beautiful Mac Laptop from which I am typing this blog.
2. President Hinckley passed away. He was the prophet throughout my teenage life and left a big impact on who I am. I still read his books and marvel at the kindness and insight he had into the world.
3. I attended some of my best friends' weddings and I watched them marry their best friends! Congrats you guys I love you thank you for being such amazing friends!
4. I traveled to Hawaii saw some of the beauty that this world holds. Plus I had a blast with two of my really good friends.
5. I traveled to Africa and was humbled by how some of the people survived--and yet were happy. I saw how my brother brought the gospel to their lives and how it had changed their lives. I had my eyes opened to what real faith and hope are--the Lord changes lives. I'm so excited to have you home Mark--a BIG highlight of this year. Plus I was able to see some amazing animals!
6. I had my heart broken for the first time. It was so much harder than I had thought it would be. But I came out stronger and wiser for it. I've watched so many of my friends go through divorce at young ages that I've learned my lesson and will be careful who I give my heart too.
7. I love my job! I have seen some of the saddest things and the funniest in my life in the ER. Everything from a 15yearold drunk of Listerine to cleaning up a 24 yearold whose body was shattered after a car accident. My nursing skills have improved and I've been able to handle things I never thought I would. I never know what to expect in the ER.
   
8. I went white water rafting with a bunch of friends and loved getting lost with them, watching friends get tossed out of the raft, and being plowed over by Levi.
9. I've watched my nephew grow and becoming an entertaining toddler. Seriously, I love this kid and can't explain how happy he makes me. He reminds me of all the good there is in the world.
10. I saw over and over how the people in my life have lifted me up and been there to support me. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and neighbors who have been there to listen to me cry, make me laugh, and put up with my craziness. I do not thank you enough or tell you how much I love you. You are the tender mercies the Lord sends to me on a daily basis.
11. I've learned the Lord is always there for me and loves me beyond my comprehension. He is there to strengthen me when I cannot take another step. He is there to teach me how to truly be happy and find hope despite all the horrific and tragic things that occur on a daily basis. He is there to guide me to those who I can touch and those who touch me. I've learned how important the little things are in the gospel. I am no where near perfect but I know the Lord is there to help me understand and help me to change. I know I am never alone with the Savior by my side. He is my hope for the future.

2008 was a great year for me. I've given up planning my life. I will be patient and see what happens in 2009! All I can say is bring it on! I can't wait to learn and to try new things which is my Resolution for this year.

Winter Wonderland

Can you tell I LOVE to take pictures. I also love snow.

My siblings and I went outside and played in the snow. I haven't done that in years! As always my brothers constructed a fort and began the destruction of Helm's Deep. Kevin and I attached Mark and the girls with snowballs. Buddy helped with the fort destruction. My favorite part was when Mark screamed retreat! I don't know where call mommy! Snow is the best!

New Family Pictures

This Christmas will be the last time before my family goes in a million different directions.
So here is my crazy family.

Funny Family Videos

Weston having fun on the bed

To not feel left out I bought a DS and joined in the fight

Jordan, my cousin, is in the middle of wrestling season
so everyone got put through the workout.

More Crazy Weston

Christmas 2008

For Christmas this year my family went to Palm Desert, CA. I loved the warm, sunny weather. Plus it was an excuse to wear sandals again for a few days. I drove all night with my brothers crammed in my car in addition to all the luggage. We passed the time by watching batman cartoons. Haha I even surprised my brothers with my vast Batman knowledge. I don't think they remember I watched those cartoons with them every Saturday morning. We got there at 0400, my normal time. I tried to be normal person this week with my sleep schedule--didn't work so well.

My favorite part of the trip was just chilling. I read books, sat in the sun, played with the ducks, and was involved in a massive tetras tournament. My favorite Aunt Amy and Uncle Dan plus cousins came to the party. I got pajama pants and chocolate on Christmas Eve. We actually drove home on Christmas and avoided most of the beasty storm. I loved the chance to get away from everything and play with my family.

Christmas Past & Present

With Christmas being in a few days I've been thinking of my many years past. It was also inspired by my mom bringing out our own pajama pants, a toy, and chocolate for each of us.

One of my favorite Christmas memories happened when I was five. "Santa Claus" had hidden our presents throughout the house. Sitting on the fireplace was a flashlight for Scott, Mark, and myself--Kevin was too young to run around with us. We also had our first clue. The rule was we couldn't open the present until we came back to the parents. The clues took us everywhere from the oven to the dryer to the garage. I don't remember exactly what I got, just the excitement of running and squealing around the house with my brothers.

Looking back the best part of Christmas was really the anticipation of it all. After watching Muppet Christmas Carol and drinking our eggnog, we would congregate and plan our "meeting time and place." Often at 2:00am, carefully to avoid the squeeky spots in the floor and stairs, would meet down by the tree and go through our stockings. After showing off what was in there and shaking all our presents we carefully placed everything back and would play games in someone's room until morning. I loved it when my sisters were old enough to walk and talk because we could send them to knock on the parents' door and not get yelled at. Oh how mean we were.

When I was 14 my parents took all 6 of us to DisneyWorld/Florida for 2 weeks. I am now only beginning to understand the planning that went into that adventure. We hit every ride and saw all the characters. Our hotel had this GIANT gingerbread village in the front room. I still remember all the decorations and the parade. The dancing princesses were my favorite to this day. The 2000 celebration was going on as well and the firework celebration was amazing. On Christmas Day itself we went to Ron Jon's Surf Shop and played at the beach.

There was also the year my Grandma gave us all Barney socks. I love my Grandma! I think I was twelve or thirteen when I opened my present to find bright purple barney socks with sticky bottoms. I looked up to find that each of my siblings had a similar pair. Oh the looks on our faces :D.

The last few years we have changed directions a bit and started traveling to California. It becomes a mini family reunion when cousins join us. I love the chance to get away from life and play just with my family. One year we rode California Scream'n forever and took the best pictures. The trip counts as our Christmas Present, so instead we shop for Angel Tree presents. I love shopping for other people!

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the smells and sounds. Christmas music starts the day after Halloween for me. I love putting up the tree and decorations. The bests treats come out this time of year. I'm not going to lie. I still sneak down to the Christmas tree at 3am and go through my snowman stocking. But now instead of going to play games I sit by the tree and look at the lights. The meaning of Christmas has changed for me. While waiting for my family to wake up I sit and read Christmas stories while I listen to my favorite Christmas songs. I often sneak out in my boots ans coat to walk around the town. One year was particularly beautiful--it was snowing and the moon was shining. I walked around just enjoying the peace and the spirit. Christmas has changed for me since I was little. It really has become more about the Savior and becoming more Christlike. More about reaching and uplifting other people and helping them to feel Christ's love. Christmas now has become about Christ for me.

My Newest Adventure

So I've decided I need to try new things. My newest adventure would be snowboarding. Levi and Crystal are amazing and took me up to Sundance this morning. Gina loaned me the gear and all the stuff I needed.

I'm not quite sure what I expected but that wasn't it. I'm not a coordinated person so getting the boots on was adventure and moving around on one foot was entertaining to watch. I successfully did get on the lift though and didn't even drop anything! The first run was humiliating. I can't even begin to describe how many times I fell on my rear-end. I would get going, lose my balance, and fall to much pain. The worst ones happened going down an icy patch where I landed right on my knees and cause much bruising and pain. Later in the run I somehow flipped forward and twisted rolling over my shoulder, landing on my back. That crash knocked my goggles and hat off. I'm glad I have good self-esteem or some of the things I did would have been horrible. Its one of those moments I want to see in Heaven. Yes, I believe we will be given the opportunity to go back and see moments in our lives. By the end I was able to hold my own and finally figured out which movements made me go back and forth. I ended my last run standing up and looking like a pro! I would have gone again had my body not been screaming at me. I can't wait to go again. Even though I will not be able to walk tomorrow and my rear-end is still numb--so much snow down my pants! Seriously, I have the best bruises!

Thanks Levi for catching this beautiful face.

The Gorgeous Mountains I Love

Being the proud aunt I am I have to post more pictures of Weston--I know I'm obsessed. I am seeking counseling for it promise.

He was just as tired as I was; but he couldn't help but smile for the camera

He loves to read stories; he backs up with a book and opens it--so cute!

This is his sign for more, he did it every time we closed the book.

Birthday Endings

I decided to sleep in on my birthday :D It was a hard decision trust me! Okay not really. I headed home to play with my family. My sisters sent me about 50 text messages to make sure I was coming over. Scott's birthday is in a few days so we celebrated together while everyone was together. Scott took the LSAT earlier and needed some detox time--poor guy. I seriously ate my weight in chocolate cake this weekend, but it was so good!! My parents are the best and bought me a sweater which I love and my own piece of luggage ( I guess I should give theirs back and plan a few more trips now huh :D). I even got a birthday girl balloon!! I guess I never will really grow up. I got another sweater from my grandparents and the best Charlie Brown t-shirt from Scott and Amber. Plus a scarf and hat from Levi & Crystal, an ornament from Gina, the best sign from Cressie, and a toy bag from Rachel and Becky!

I was kinda bummed to leave the family party a bit early but I had tickets for Kalli and I to the Nutcracker. In orchestra for 5 years in a row I went to this ballet and have been going through withdrawls the last few years. Kalli is the big dancer of the family and I knew she would like it. I'm still trying to figure out when she got to be so old! The ballerinas were gorgeous and very graceful--the opposite of my skills! I loved it though!

So that ends my birthday celebrations--I have to admit this is one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I am surrounded by people that love me and played with me all weekend! Thank you to everyone it means a lot to me!!

Kalli & I on the way to the Ballet

And of course it's not a party without Wes doing something cute

Celebrating 23 years of Life

Looking back my experiences in my life have shaped who I am. My life has been blessed and I've had some amazing experiences! I don't have pictures for all of them sorry.

Dec 6, 1985--The best day ever I was born three days before my brother's 3 birthday. 6lbs 13oz with fuzzy blonde hair. My mom told me that all the nurses loved me because of my big blue eyes.

1986--I learned to walk, talk and eat like a human being--I don't actually remember anything from this year.

1987--Mark was born; I think I dropped on him on his head a few things--sorry Mark!

1988--I fell into a campfire and have multiple burn scars to prove it. I still remember screaming my little head off while my mom scrubbed my burned blacked skin off. I love my cabin!!

1989--Started preschool, I remember running down the street cause I thought I was late, when in reality my brother lied to me.

1990--My family moved into our current house two weeks before Christmas, I remember running through that empty house jumping for joy looking for Christmas presents; Kevin was born.

1991--Started Kindergarten. I remember getting lost while trying to find the bathroom, I went wandering around the hallway until my teacher found me :D.

1992--First grade with Miss Mack who let us practice spelling with chocolate pudding. I used to get it all over the place.

1993--I got my first little sister--Kristi. I remember my mom sitting me down and showing me the ultrasound. I danced around the house for a week knowing I would have a little sister.

1994--I got my second little sister--Kalli. I started the violin--which became and still is my lifeline for many things. I was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At my baptism they filled the font to high so my dad had to come pick me up and carry me to the middle of the font. Yeah in case you didn't know I was a tiny little thing.

1995--Started the Flute and Gymnastics, playing in the mound of dirt in our back yard

1996--Made it into the A.L.L class and was squished by Mr. Faulk during a basketball game! my soccer team took first in our region--I was the smallest but fastest member of the team.

1997--Was finally able to get out of Primary and start the Young Womens program

1998--Started Mountain Ridge Jr High and all the horror associated with that mess.

1999--Went to DisneyWorld for the first time with my family for 2 weeks--this trip was amazing!

2000--Was attacked by a skunk at girls camp and smelled like one for days.

2001--Started Lone Peak High School; Reached 5'0'' yes, this was an accomplishment! Turned Sweet 16. Sat in Seminary as I watched over and over the horror of September 11.

2002--Had my first date at prom; got my license of much convicing that I could reach the gas pedal, Made All-State Orchestra; had my first car accident where a man pulled a superman over the top of my car;

2003--Played Symphonie Espanole and won the highest rating possible; Went to Hawaii with my parents; Caught a 62lb King Salmond with my dad in Alaska--seriously I slept, ate, and dreamt fish for a week with my dad, it was amazing! Passed my AP Biology test after sucking up many a fruit flies!

2004--Graduated High School 28th in my class; Won the Local Jr. Miss Program and went to the state competition--okay for any of those that really know me this was so not me. I had to dance--seriously scary--play my talent, and walk in front of hundreds of people in my high heels!! Started the Nursing Program at Brigham Young University Idaho; Met Dani--one of my best friends; Had my first Kiss; Went on Heritage Tours--one of the most spiritual experiences I have had in my life.


2005--Complete my first year of nursing school and had the ceremony to prove it. Attended the best Orchestra Halloween Concert ever! Worked at Maui tacos for a summer. Seriously I just considered it a miracle that I survived that first year of nursing school in one piece! Watched my brother get married to Amber. Got my wisdom teeth out over the Thanksgiving Holiday break and found out I am Allergic to pencillin.


2006--Graduated Nursing School; Passed my boards--yes many tears were shed afterword; Started working at Primary Children's Medical Center on the NeuroScience Trauma Unit; Started my Bachlor Degree online; Sent Mark to Mozambique Africa on his mission.



2007--Got my first nephew Weston who is so ADORABLE; Graduated with my Bachelor Degree; changed jobs to the Emergency Department at UVRMC; did a jig once my braces came off! Went to Florida to vacation with my family once again. Bought my very first gorgeous blue Honda Accord!


2008--This summation will come later but it has been an amazing year!

So there is my life in a very brief picture. Each year and been different from the last and not what I expected--but hey I guess that's life right! I've gained so respect and confidence in myself each year and know I can do anything I set my mind too! I am a confident, beautiful, intelligent, vertically challenged woman and can take on anything that is thrown at me-- so bring it on!!