Newly Discovered Truths

I feel like every so often I have few ah-ha moments.  Then a new day comes along and I forget that ah-ha moment.  Those moments that the light bulb goes off in your head or the wheels make a complete circle are supposed to in someway change something in your life.  Most of these moments are really insignificant, but if I remembered them I could have less arguments with myself about things that need to be done.

Here are a few moments that I have had recently:

• Eating a salad for lunch does NOT make it ok to eat a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies for dinner.
• If your dog goes for a swim in the ocean it does NOT count as a bath... the stink will still be there if not worse.
• Running the same distance every time you run will NOT help you progress.  You need to push yourself to run farther.
• J can finally pull off a surprise without spilling the beans so do NOT try and get him to.
• When J is gone the pup will try and take his place on the bed... and some. Enforce the NO dog on bed rule.
• When I have a grocery list... Stick to it. NO cookie dough, mini pizza's, or other junk I don't need.
• Talking about goals is NOT the same as working towards them.

Hopefully writing these thoughts down will help me remember them in the morning. Most importantly I need to start working on the last thing. 

My Old Man

I have noticed that most of my posts are pretty generic.  I will share what going on in life, but rarely do I share feelings or things that I have been thinking about.  Maybe I am trying to practice voicing my opinions and sharing my thoughts.  

Lately, I have been thinking about my old man.  It could have to do with it coming up on seven years since his passing.  I can pinpoint a few things that have sparked all of these thoughts and memories of my dad.  This last weekend my whole family traveled to New Mexico to celebrate my Grandma Brown's 90th Birthday.  A the day before I was on the road I swear every corner I turned I saw my dad's favorite flower, Birds of Paradise.  This sounds silly but every time that I see that flower I feel like its a reminder that he is watching over me and loves me.  

As we came closer to our destination I couldn't help but feel like my dad was right there with my sister and I.  I just felt peaceful and knew that my dad was so happy that all of his kids would be together.

On Saturday when we arrived at the party I was able to spend sometime with my uncles and my aunt.  Being surrounded by my dads siblings was such a sweet experience.  Each one of them has a quality that reminds me of my dad.  Their hugs, their smiles, the twinkle in their eyes, their humor, their chubby hands, their thick black fluffy hair, their kind hearts, and their love for story telling.  It makes me feel like heaven isn't too far away.

I always have such a hard time leaving my family because of the special feelings that I have when I am with them.  I treasure every moment that I get to spend with them.  I know how much they care for me.  I am truly grateful to be part of a family that is so loving.  Sometimes I feel sad that my dad hasn't met Jordan or that my future kids won't know their grandpa but its these sweet little reminders that help me know that he is still around.  I love you Daddy.

A "Bite" Of A Reality Check

Almost immediately after Jordan and I were married I was begging him to start a family with me.  I feel like almost everyone experiences it.  I would take it very personal when he would shut down at what I thought was the most wonderful idea ever.  I no longer let the thought of starting my family now consume my entire day.  I have realized that the time will come but now isn't our time.  

Yesterday was just another day.  I went to work and after I took Cider, our baby for now, to the dog park to let out some energy.  She loves it there and loves to play with other dogs.  After 20 minutes of being there this little French Bulldog snapped and started to attack her.  The dumb thing wouldn't let go of her foot.  Long story short her paw got bit open.  I took her home and helped clean out the bite.  I was bawling my eyes out.  I felt so bad that she was hurt.  As soon as J came home he helped me clean it out a little better and bandage her up.  The rest of the night I couldn't even stop crying.  Jordan gets a gold star for putting up with crying.  I spent the whole night playing out scenarios in my head about what I am going to say to the owner next time I see her.

The point of the story is as of yesterday I realized that I am going to be a wreck when I have kids.  That little incident brought out the mama bear in me and she is just a dog.  I can't imagine what it would feel like if I had a child and someone bit, hit, or made fun of them.  I would be livid.  So lets just say watch out for the day that I have kids.  On a side note I think that I am fine waiting a while longer since obviously a child would mean 1,000 times more than a dog.

2012

This year has gone by incredibly fast I can hardly believe it.  These are a few things that Highlighted my year. 

I chopped off my locks.

Cider is potty trained!

Went the the Sundance Film Festival. 

Sent Allie off the Peru.

I got to watch Joshy Promenade.

I experience The Color Festival. I still don't get all the hype.

Finally, I got my associates degree.

Cider went swimming for her first time.
Moved in with Janessa and Tyson for a month.

I successfully made the move to San Clemente by myself

My blue eyed boy came home from deployment! HALLELUJAH! Longest six months of my life. 

J and I celebrated our one year anniversary. 

J and I went skydiving for Mariah's birthday.

I got a new job watching these kids.  Seriously, I love them.

J and I got a new nephew Jaxon and a new niece Penelope.

I finally made it to a DMB concert.  I thought I had died and went to heaven.

J and I went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Celebrated Thanksgiving with the Parkers.

Went to the Happiest Place on Earth with ma best gal pal.

 J and I took Cider to the Beach for her first time.  She hated it.

 J and I put up our first Christmas tree.

In this year I feel like I learned so much. 

I learned:

how to be a little less dependent on my blue eyed boy.

how important it is to always express your love for those in your life.

My family is my biggest fan.

It feels good to get good grades.

California is expensive.

  It's ok to make new friends.

trouble making puppies can turn into well behaved dogs

Learning how to do things on Youtube can save you $.

Exercise is as important as sleep.

No matter what the day will end and a new day begins.

Thankful Thursday

I have loved reading everyones thoughts on the things they are thankful for this month.   It has made me think a lot about what I am thankful for.  It's never too late to show gratitude.  Here is the list of things that I am most thankful for to catch me up to date.

• My Mom -  She is amazing at sewing and I love all the things she had made throughout the years for me.  If I ever have a question with cooking she is my go-to-girl.  I love our daily phone calls.  She has become my best friend and she is babe.

• My Dad - He has given me so many great memories.  He always showed such an interest in the things I was involved in.  He was always there to help me with Softball or improve on my skiing.   He had such a great laugh and knew how to have fun.

• Jordan - He knows how to keep me happy.  He knows how to make me laugh and smile even when I get mad at him.  He makes me want to better myself.  He is always so willing to help make dinner and he is the first one on dishes.  He will play card games with me all night even if he would rather do something else.

• My Brothers - They always knew how to make me cry when I was little, but I like to think now I'm pretty tough because of it.  They are such big supporters now.  So glad I always had them to look out for me.  They are incredibly talented.  Everyone of them makes me proud to be their sister. (this picture really shows their personalities)

• My Sisters - They have always been there for me.  They always call, text, or Skype to chat.  I know that they would do anything for me without even thinking twice. I love that they always listen and give me the best advice.

• Nieces and Nephews - They always bring happiness to me.  I love them to pieces.  Hearing their sweet little voices and receiving their hugs and kisses melt my heart. 

• The In-Laws - I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into.  Since day one they have always made me feel welcomed.  I know that they would do anything for Jordan and me.  They are a great example of love for me. (This picture is too good not to share.)

• Cider - She is the joy of my home.  Coming home to her everyday is a highlight.  She is always happy to see me and ready to play.  She will cuddle with me anytime I am hanging out on the couch.  It's the simple things that keep her happy.

• Friends - So grateful that throughout my life I have always had a friends.  Some are old, some are new, and some are only for a season.  Knowing that you always have people standing behind you and to help you keep going is such a blessing in this life.  

• Temples - I have been so blessed to live so close to temples.  The blessing that temples are able to bring people are amazing.  I have received so much peace, comfort, and happiness knowing what I do.

• My body - Thinking about the human body really makes me want to throw up, but it really is amazing they way it is able to work.  I am so grateful that my body can run, jump, skip, and wriggle my fingers and toes.  Loosing the function of a tiny pinky could be a game changer.

• Good books - There is nothing better than losing yourself in a good book.  I love when you are able to learn something new, get a good laugh, or simply escape into a world a little less stressful than you believe yours is.

• Hot water - There is nothing better than taking a hot shower to warm up.  I couldn't imagine washing dishes in cold water.  That just doesn't work.  Relaxing in a hot tub is great. 

• Home Cooking - I love comfort foods of home.  Being able to leave the dinner table with a full belly is something is always be thankful for.

• Smiles - Sometimes all you need to see is an unexpected smile to change your mood.  I am thankful for the kind people that will smile and say hi even if they don't know me.