Top of Waikiki

More Hawaii pics

Hawaii Day 2

We had another fun day in Hawaii Saturday.  Of course I was up before the sun at about 5 am.  I sat outside on the balcony of our hotel and just enjoyed the breeze and warm enough to be outside in a tank top weather.  It was so relaxing.  We went to breakfast at a place Chris recommended and it was so good.  I had coconut pancakes with coconut syrup and all the fixings that should come with breakfast.  It was such a yummy treat after 7 weeks on "the diet".  After breakfast we just shopped around and I bought Ava, Cooper and Savannah the cutest matching shirts and towels.  After shopping we met up with Chris and few of his friends at Hunauma Bay for a day of snorkeling and hangin out at the beach.  I have never been snorkeling and it was great.  And it should be no surprise that the top of my head ended up sunburned and is still hurting today!  After the beach Sharon and I went to the nicest restaurant called Top of Waikiki that over looks the city and turns in a circle so you can see the sights in all directions.  The food was great!  We both got filet mignon wrapped in motzerella cheese and cooked in a type of pastry.  It was divine!  But the best part was the company and the laughter.  We got a really cute picture taken that I will have to scan and post really soon.  I only have a few pictures from Saturday on my camera so I will post a few more by tomorrow!

Hawaii Day 1

Best toenail polish color ever!

Me and Sharon at the beach

Pineapple Dole Whip, my favorite!

Shaved ice at Matsumotos, a definite must!

The Hawaii Temple

Our first day in Hawaii was a blast!  We didn't get in until late on Thursday night so we found our hotel got all checked in ate at Denny's cause we were starving and then crashed.  We started pretty early on Friday morning and headed to the North Shore. We saw a ton of stuff and just had fun being together.  It was so nice to just do whatever we wanted without any rushing!  It was the perfect way to unwind from a crazy few months.  Friday night I met Chris and went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  It was so much fun!  The day couldn't have been better

Sweet Success!

I finished my first semester today!  What a sigh of relief.  I made it and actually managed to pull it all off.  I know for sure that I got an A in both of my social work classes.  I should hopefully know my math grade by Friday and my grade in Biology by Monday.  I have never felt as good as when I walked out of my math final today.  I could not quit smiling.  I am just so glad that it is over and at the same time a little sad.  My schedule is changing again, just when I was getting used to everything.  I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have had to go back to school.  It was a hard choice to make and I was so close to backing out the first few weeks of school.  I am so thankful to all of you who have given me so much encouragement and support.  I could never do half of what I do with out the love and support of so many people.  It is humbling to think of all of the people who have been of service to me.  Thank you to my main supporters:  Katie, Ryan, Sharon, Brad, Dad, Nan, Mom, Rod, and all the many others who have given words of encouragement.  I have learned so much in the past 5 months it is overwhelming for me to even think about it.  I feel like part of me has started to live again and I have a new hope for the future.  This experience has increased my testimony that when we are doing the things that we are supposed to that our lives will be blessed in ways that we cannot even imagine.  All we have to do is take that leap of faith, do all we can and then leave everything else in God's hands.  Now, I am off to Hawaii for a weekend in the sand!  After the snow today I am extra ready to get away.

What Spice are You?

You Are Black Pepper

You may be considered ordinary by some, but you're far from boring. You elevate the mood of any discussion, and people miss you when you're not around. You are secretly very dominant and powerful. Most can only take you in small doses.

What Spice Are You?

Flash back friday

Aren't those feet precious!  

A new set of eyes

This semester I took a social welfare class.  I am so glad that it is a required class for my major! I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of this class and it has changed the way I look at myself, my family, my neighbors and basically people and the world in general.  I will openly admit that I have had a very apathetic attitude, until know.  I have never been actively involved in politics because honestly I just didn't think that it would make a difference in the world.  My teacher, Jen, has inspired me beyond words.  I knew that I was going to either have to step up or step out from the first day of class.  I took the challenge and decided to find my passion and find a way to stand up and make a change.  I think that biggest thing that I have learned about myself is that I have passion and that I have just never had the courage to embrace it.  I am still deciding what my passion will be in the field of social work but I have learned one thing and that is my passion right now is for my family.  And what better place to start changing the world!  I have the world of a beautiful and precious beyond the realm of my imagination 3 year old in my home.  I have the responsibility to teach her how to find her own passion and how to make a difference in the world she lives in.  That is the best way for me to make a difference in the world.  It is my belief that one of the most important things I can teach her is that she has the world at her feet and that she can do and be anything she wants and the best way for me to teach her that is for her to see me doing it! There have been many topics discussed in class that have stirred great emotions.  Racism, Social Justice, Social Reformers, Poverty, Policy, Immigration, Health Care and many more.  I was extremely moved by the lecture on immigration last week.  We watched a documentary "Mojado".  It has really given me a different perspective on so many things.  The documentary follows the plight of four men crossing the border into Texas.  It started with giving back ground on each of the men and the reason why they wanted to come the U.S. for work.  Then it followed them on their journey.  It was a four day journey through the desert through rain, freezing temperatures, drinking contaminated water, eating moldy bread, being pricked by cactuses, and not know if they would really reach their destination.  I can't even imagine what these men were willing to go through just for the chance of providing a better life for their families.  It kept showing one man thinking of the face of his daughter when things were getting tuff and every time her face came on the screen the only thing I could think of was the face of my sweet Ava.  I feel like I understood what this men where willing to sacrifice for their families.  I still don't have the solution to the problem of immigrants in our country but I do know one thing is that every single person we come into contact should be treated with integrity and respect.  That is the best place to start.  We all need to take a step back and take a walk in the shoes of someone else before we decide how we view them.  So, here is my question to you:  What would you be willing to walk through the dessert with no food or water for? What would you do for the chance to change the life of another?  What's your passion?

Thanks Jen for helping me to see myself in a different light.  And even more importantly thank you for helping to see the world in a different light!

IF IT IS SANITY YOU ARE AFTER LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

I truly believe that a good laugh is essential to the survival of ones spirit.  It makes me FEEL better.  It keeps me going.  I NEED to laugh at least once a day.  I truly believe that being able to laugh at oneself is one of the best qualities a person can have.  If I could not laugh at myself I would be one pretty frustrated person.  I do some of the stupidest things sometimes that if I couldn't just shrug off with a laugh they could ruin my whole day.  I probably laugh the most when hanging out with my two sisters and my mom.  When me and Katie get going we can't stop some times.  We get under control take one look at each other and start up again.  I love moments like these, they literally keep me sane. Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place.  Have you had a good laugh today?  This picture is dedicated to Becca, she is the queen of taking silly pictures, this one never fails to make me laugh at least a little.

I WANT:  a perfectly sculpted and tan body, no stretch marks please

I HAVE:  big plans for a much needed girls night out with Katie, thanks Ryan

I WISH:  i didn't have to study for my finals all weekend

I HATE:  when people don't use there signals when driving

I MISS:  my friend Tricia

I HEAR:  Shoop by Salt-n-Pepa, and Ava talking to herself in the kitchen

I WONDER:  if I will actually pull off passing my math class, it is close people!

I REGRET:  too many things, but the past is just that, the past

I AM NOT:  good at my current jogb, in fact I pretty much suck at it

I DANCE:  I have no skills in this department

I SING:  in my car

I CRY:  when I watch the movie Hope Floats 

I AM NOT ALWAYS:  on top of things the way I should be

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS:  pretty much nothing, not a creative bone in this body

I WRITE:  for the past four months I have written 6 papers for school, got A's on all them too thank you very much

I CONFUSE:  myself

I NEED:  a personal assistant and a maid, oh yeah and a sugar daddy :)

I SHOULD:  do better at keeping up with my house work and laundry

I START:  everyday with checking my email and everyone's blogs

I FINISH:  with kissing my sweet girl and telling her how much she needs and giving thanks for all my many, many blessings!

I love this......

This is inspiring me today:

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn't serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.  It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -- Nelson Mandela

New Shoes

I know this is random but I got these new shoes at Costco on Saturday.  I love them!  So comfortable and cute.  Seriously they are pink and grey, how could they not be cute.  This is my view of them while doing my morning work out!  

The Fam

This is my family.  Well part of it, just missing my mom and and all the step family.  But really these people are my family.  It is too rare that we are all together and even actually stop the chatter to capture the moment.  It was so fun to see my family this week.  Thursday was definitely the best part of my week.  

I love you because.......

A few Sundays ago there was the most impressing talk given in sacrament meeting.  It was given by one of the High Council men in my stake.  It has really stuck with me.  He talked about an experience he had as a bishop at age 26.  There was a woman in his ward that had come to him with marital problems.  She was very angry with her husband and asked if they could come see him together.  He agreed and when the couple came to see him before doing anything he asked them to do what seemed like a pretty simple task.  He asked them to look at each other and list all the reasons they loved each other.  That was all it took, all anger and tension left the room. The woman in the story ran into him several years later and expressed her thanks to him for helping so save her marriage.  The funny thing is that he didn't even remember the experience until she told him the story.  He then when on to express how important it is that we share with the people in our lives why we love them.  He said that his family takes the time to have each member in the family sit in a chair and then everyone takes a turn say "I love you because...."  He then went on to encourage us to do the same thing when we pray and express our love specifically to our Father in Heaven.  "I love you because....."  This phrase has really stuck in my head.  It is so simple yet so profound.  I think mostly because lately it has occurred to me just how much I love my family.  Every single one of them for very different reasons!  I strongly believe that they are all in my life to teach me very specific lessons and to help me make it through life.  I have been able to spend some really fun days with my two sisters in the the last few weeks.  They are so AWESOME and words can never explain all the ways that I love them!  No two people can make me laugh so hard.  We have seriously laughed ourselves to tears every time we have been together lately.  I am thankful for their sisterhood and friendship to me.  I love you Katie and Becca!

Happy Birthday Sharon!

Happy Birthday Sharon!!! Thank you so much for all you do for me and Ava. I can't imagine my life without you and I am so thankful that you are part of mine and Ava's family. You are amazing and we LOVE you so, so much! Here are a few reasons why I love you:

1. You are seriously the STRONGEST person I know
2. Your smile always warms my heart
3. You love Ava and I know that you would do anything for her
4. You never hesitate to serve others
5. You laugh and cry with me

Here are a few reason why Ava loves her ( I did not edit these answers)

1. Its her birthday
2. she lets us come over and eat
3. she reads me books
4. she comes to church
5. we let her come over to our house

Part of me in 100

1. I have no middle name

2. I am a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend

3. I hate oranges and bananas, with a passion

4. I have never broken a bone

5. I shave my arms (I hate body hair!)

6. My favorite color to wear is black

7. I will be 27 this year :(

8. I am only 5'1"

9. I love to get pedicures

10. My favorite movie is Steel Magnolia's

11. I listen to the Morning Zoo on 97.1 zht every morning.  It never fails to make me laugh out loud at least once!

12. I finally joined the 21st century in December!  I now have an i-pod, cable, a computer, and the internet.  Yeah!

13. I pray every day for my "prince charming" to find me or for me to find him. 

14. I am excellent at multi-tasking

15. I have two sisters who are completely fab!

16. I also have 9 step brothers and sisters

17 I am the oldest single grand child on my Dad's side of the family

18. I hate wearing dresses and shorts

19. I wear make up everyday

20. I have two tattoos

21. I really, really want to do the Amazing Race with Katie

22. I peed on the 50 yard line of the football field when I was in High School. Stupid, huh?

23. I have been to the Apollo theatre in harlem

24. I cannot sing, not at all.  If you don't believe me ask my fam

25. I HATE cats

26. I love Coca Cola, haven't a had the real thing in weeks!  

27. I have learned the hard way that there really is life after love, and it is even better than I imagined it would be

28. I have a serious love of junk food

29. I prefer veggies over fruit

30. I am very uncorrdinated

31.  I hate crying in front of people and avoid it at all costs

32. I love the beach, but I love it more at night when you can mostly just hear the waves and the sand is cold on your feet

33. cereal is one of my favorite foods

34. I could eat "breakfast" food for every meal

35. I don't like left overs, ewww

36. I am a wimp when it comes to pain

37. As a child I would tell people I was allergic to work when asked if I had an allergies

38. I have been present at the birth of my niece and one of my nephews

39. I was in labor with Ava for 22 hours.  22 very long hours for every one involved, remember I am a wimp

40. There is almost nothing better than a home cooked meal at my Moms table

41. I love to swim

42. I got my tonsils out when I was 12 and really thought I would die from it

43. My sisters call me "the brother"

44. I tend to be a push over sometimes

45. I am genuine

46. Other girls scare me

47. I can be both really smart and very air headed at the same time

48. I am really good at multi-tasking

49. I hate being barefoot and always have shoes, socks or slippers on

50. I am currently a college student, for the second time

51. I will hopefully get a degree in Social Work

52. Plan B is a sociology degree

53. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to become a mother

54. That being said it has been the most rewarding thing to ever happen to me

55. My favorite store to shop at is Express

56. I love to read and have a stack of books that are calling my name

57. I was a cheerleader in high school

58. I hate rules 

59.  I am very independent

60. I am terrible at math

61. My favorite perfume is Breath Romance from bath and body works

62. I probably kiss Ava's cheeks at least a 100 times everyday

63. I have the worst habit of hitting the snooze button for an hour before finally dragging myself out of bed

64. I went to San Diego State right after high school and it was one of the best years of my life

65. I look just like my Dad

66. I am sentimental

67. All of my friends are older than me

68. I am right handed

69. I have super thick hair, seriously enough for two people

70. I am very messy, my mom says that I leave a trail behind me where ever I go, and just the other day I realized she is right

71. If I had more money I would so pay someone to clean up after me

72. I have never met a doughnut I didn't like

73. I am shy when I first meet people, it usually takes me a while to warm up

74. Most of my friends and family call me Jewels

75. My worst fear is spending the rest of my life alone

76. Someone once told me to remember the three B's = the bad, the bold, and the beautiful, and still to this day I do

77. If I could go back to any time in my life I would probably pick living in HB with Tricia, we had some good times together and she is one of the few people who really "get me"

78. I never wear jewelry

79. I love being at home

80. I go to the movies alone sometimes and I am totally okay with it

81. I wish that my mom lived close by

82.  My big sister is my best friend and it is rare that a day passes where we don't talk

83. One of the best memories I have of my child hood is the day my little sister Becca was born

84. I never really understood what love was until the birth of my niece Savannah

85. I really, really want to have another child

86. I love wearing lipstick, but hate the way it taste, so I am a brand snob when it comes to buying it

87. I can spend insane amounts of money at the Mac counter

88. I take a HOT bath every night, except when there is no hot water

89. I was a waitress for 4 years and really miss it

90. I still cry at least once a month when I drop Ava off in the morning

91. I always wear pajamas when I am home

92. Me and Ava get a family picture taken every year 

93. My birthday is the time of year I make my resolutions for the new year

94. I need to get better at sticking up for myself

95. I am patiently waiting for August to get here so I can read the next book in the Twilight series, and I would pick the vampire 

96. I am impatient

97. I have naturally curly hair but I have never worn it that way and straighten it everyday

98. I am starting to feel "old"

99. I try not to take myself too seriously

100. I learn new things about myself everyday 

THIS is my JOY!

Ava came home today!  I can't even describe what it is like to hug and kiss her after 10 days. It is always hard when we make the switch but she is a trooper.  She did cry when she said good bye to her Dad but seems to be perfectly fine now.  I have flown a lot with Ava these past few months and it has been pretty interesting.  She seems to have a hard time with the whole taking off and landing thing.  Today was the second time that she threw a kicking screaming fit when it was time to land.  And what is even worse is what she freaks out about.  She lays on the floor screaming that she is going to poop in her pants!  It is so embarrassing!  The first time I was totally stressed cause what if she really did have to poop, but what can I do when the plane is landing!  The first time she did this I rushed of the plane as quickly as I could to get her to the bathroom and then she was like "oh I don't have to go to the bathroom,"  like she had never even expressed the need. Today when she pulled the same stunt I was not stressed cause I will not be fooled twice.  But it was still a bit on the humiliating side.  Katie got her some goggles for summer and she was so excited that she wanted to wear them in the tub tonight.  When I put them on her I seriously laughed so hard that I cried, she look so funny in them!  What did I do for entertainment before her?  She is definitely the JOY of my life everyday.

Just for fun!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. I was sixteen and a sophomore in high school

2. Swim team, so I was in the water everyday for 2 hours

3. Prom with Jody Roark

4. I was a lifeguard that summer at the YMCA

5. Best tan of my life!

5 things on my to do list today

1. Breakfast date a Jamba Juice with two friends I haven't seen in over a month (used to see them everyday and I miss them so much)

2. Math class this morning, temple prep class, and then off to biology

3. Work in between all those classes

4. Picking up Becca at the airport!!!! So excited to see her 

5. Some kind of exercise ?

5 Snacks I enjoy

1. Granola bars

2. coke (haven't had a "real" one in at least a month)

3. 100 calorie packs (only 2 points)

4. carrots (okay not really but I do eat some everyday about 3 pm when I get hungry)

5. French Fries

3 bad habits

1. Hitting the snooze button for an hour every morning

2. I am a major procrastinator

3. I never ever make my bed

5 jobs I have had

1. I was a server at Black Angus for 3 years

2. Jamba Juice 

3. NRCHA

4. Vicortia Secret 

5. Subway

5 things you probably don't know about me

1. My favorite color is black. It is the perfect color, it goes with everything! I just never tell people cause it is a little weird

2. I used to tell people I was allergic to work when I was a kid

3.I hate being bare foot and always have something on my feet

4. I watch Everybody loves Raymond every night before bed, it cracks me up!

5. I hate crying in front of people

Flash Back Friday

Well I figured that since I never got around to posting easter pictures last year that I would post some today! I won't have any for this year, cause I didn't even celebrate early with Ava this year. There was no easter basket, no new toys, and no new dress. We did do the disney on ice thing and we did dye some easter eggs last weekend. I just feel like she doesn't need to get everything twice. She will be spoiled enough by her California family and I just have to get used to the fact that I have to share some things and that it is okay. I can still be a good mom if I don't do every single thing bigger and better. I think that I have been trying to compensate for our situation with things and the fact of the matter is that we are great with out them. I do want to share with her the message of why we have this beautiful holiday. It is the celebration of an event that gives us all hope! We all need the atonement and without it nothing else would matter. It is an amazing gift that I never want to take for granted and most of all I don't want my beautiful little girl to take it for granted. The gifts that we have been given by a loving Heavenly Father are truly the most important and I am so thankful that he loved us enough to sacrifice his son so that we all have the chance to return one day!

I'll be missing you!

Ava went to her Dad's yesterday.  I flew to Long Beach with her early in the morning and dropped her.  The whole way there she was very excited and couldn't wait to see her Dad.  When the time came to say good bye she was getting a little more wishy washy about it.  We said our good byes and she drove away.  It is always the strangest feeling to watch her go.  It is nice to have a break, for a day.  But seriously I start missing her by the end of the first day.  I wonder how she is doing, what she ate for dinner?  Did somebody sing to her today?  What questions is she asking?  What are the answers to these questions?  Did she get enough hugs?  Enough kisses?  What did she play today?  I walked by her room today and just looked in.  It was so cute to see the way things were left.  She was having a tea party with Dora on Tuesday afternoon (while I was attempting beauty) and everything was still set up just the way she had it.  It made me happy and sad all at the same time.  I am sitting here now and the best way I can think to describe how I feel is like a stranger in my own house.  It is way to quiet around here!  I miss my friend.  

Too long to wait!

About 2 pm today Ava and I were at Katie's.  We had been there a few hours and I had decided it was finally time to go home and grab a shower and clean up for the day.  I tried to earlier in the day but due to hot water issues I decided to wait.  I am usually showered and dressed by 2 in the afternoon.  I was yelling for Ava to come down and to hurry up a little, please.  She asked if she could just stay while I went, Katie agreed.  As I was getting ready to leave Ava yelled down and asked how long I was going to be gone.  My reply was simply I don't know as long as it takes me to shower and get beautiful.  Ava replied well that will take TOO long for you to get beautiful so maybe I will just come with you.  Me and Katie cracked up!  Maybe you just had to be there but it was pretty funny.  

Disney on Ice

On Saturday we had a special girls day out.  Me, Sharon, and Ava went to Disney Princesses on Ice.  It was so fun!  Ava loved every minute of it and seriously asked when she was going to see Cinderella like every five minutes.  I just love watching her face as she takes everything.  She had fun and as we were walking out after the show was over she was singing her little heart out.  It was so cute, I love to hear her sing because she will just sing the same line of a song over and over and then randomly throw stuff in the mix.   There was also all of my favorite things involved : cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn.  In my opinion if you are gonna do it, do it all the way!

Catching up and a few other random thoughts!

How is it that a week has all ready passed since my last post!  I don't just quit posting on purpose I just tend to be easily distracted at times.  I need to find some structure!  I have never really been good at this, but most of you all ready now this.  Yes there are some parts of my routine that never change, but not enough.   School is keeping me stressed out.  Mostly cause I procrastinate and I am finding that I am not as good at winging it in the class room as I used to be!  It used to be that I could just show up to class and do well, not so much any more.  Consequently I need to develop a few study skills.  Any suggestions?  I am open to them.  I have spring break next week and cant wait!  It will be nice to just have a few days "off" to spend with Ava.  Hopefully the weather will be nice again by next week cause I have really been feeling the need to take her to the zoo.  Then miss thing is off to her Dad's for 10 days.  She hasn't gone for a visit since January so I am honestly looking forward to some down time.  I now that I will be missing her like crazy after a few days, but that is just the way it is. I have really been reflecting on how blessed my life is this past week. Here are few that have really been on my mind:

1. Answered prayers:  one morning last week was starting off all wrong from the start.  I can usually tell within a minute of Ava waking up what kind of morning we will have.  Well, this one was bad from second 1.  I just sat there and thought "I can't do this today, I just can't" and then thought came to ask for help.  A quick prayer was offered and within one minute her whole demeanor changed and everything went smoothly.  The man upstairs hears us, he knows us and he WILL help us.  I know this, with out a doubt.

2. Second chances

3. My freedom.  We have been discussing a lot of stuff on this topic in my Social Welfare class, and it has really hit me.

4. The people in my ward.  They are awesome people who help me probably more than I will ever really now.  But I got a note in the mail from one of them this week and it has really had an affect on me this week.

5.  My family.  I think that my relationships with each one of them have grown a little the past few weeks.  I am thankful for each one of them and the lessons that they teach me.  

I have also learned a small lesson this week.  Check the preschool calendar the teacher gives you, it can possibly save you from a few stressful situations.  Here a few examples

Tuesday morning:  Ava is laying in bed and yells "mom it is my turn for snack today."  Me thinking what and then checking the calendar and realizing that yes indeed it is our turn for snack this week.  Luckily I was able to throw one together without to much craziness!

Wednesday morning: Ava "mom today is bowling day, right?" Me, "yes sweety, today is finally bowling day."  Ava "I need a 5 dollar bill."  Me thinking okay wasn't expecting that then checking the calendar and yes there was the instruction, send your child with $2.50.  Oh, crap I have no cash, not even $2.50.  Had to stop at the grocery store and get some cash.  Glad she mentioned this small detail!

This morning : Ava "what am I doing at pre school today?"  Me " I don't know, lets check the calendar"  Oh it is pajama day!  Yeah, now I don't have to fight the battle of what is acceptable to wear in public and what is not!  

I will read the calendar in advance from now on!

Hot Water

I have lived in my current apartment for a year now!  I love it here and plan and staying for awhile, but I do have one compliant.  A BIG one.  There is only one water heater for all three apartments.  If you are wondering if you read that right I will say it again, there is only ONE water heater for all THREE apartments. There are 8 of us, sharing one water heater.  Seriously people, do you know how bad that can suck on certain days.  Like today, when I had to take freezing cold shower!  Not a great way to start out a day, and I will admit there were not choice words going through my head.  I usually try and get a shower in at night cause there is usually not a problem getting some hot water, but it just doesn't always work out that way.  Okay, complaining is over. 

Tagged

My cousin Kori tagged me forever ago and I am just barley getting to it.  Sorry Kori!

Attached or Single -  Single

Cake or Pie -  Definitely pie

Day of Choice - any day with no school and no work, or days when I get even an hour all to myself and don't have to answer one question ;)

Essential item - my make up bag, or you could call it my "bag of tricks"

Favorite color - black or blue 

Gummy bears or worms - bears (white and red ones)

Hometown - Corcoran CA

January or July - July

Kids - Ava Illene age 3 going on 23

Life isn't complete without - hugs and kissed from my sweet girl

Anniversary - see question 1, I am single 

Siblings - one little sis and one older sis, and 9 steps

Oranges or Apples - honestly neither, but if I had to pick it would be apples

Phobia or Fear - being alone forever

Quote - "There are two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein

Reason to Smile - the semester is half way over

Season of Choice - Spring

Unknown fact about me - hmmm can't think of anything interesting

Veggies - asparagus, brocoli, squash, peas, green beans, peas..... I guess you could say I an a veggie kind of girl

Worst habbit - biting my nails

X Rays or Ultrasound - ultrasound with Ava

Favorite Food - I can't decide

Zodiac Sign - Virgo 

An AHA! moment

It is 4 am and I just cannot sleep!  Have a lot on my mind which is not unusual it just doesn't usually keep me up at night!  I started school two months ago.  I can't believe how the time has gone by so quickly, but as usual I woke up yesterday and it was all ready March 1.  I was driving home from Provo last night and I was just kind of doing a recap on everything that has been going on in my life since making this big life change.  And the light suddenly went on.  Everything is working out and not only it working out but I am HAPPY!  See when I started school I was a nervous wreck.  My first day of classes I went to Jamba in the morning to help the new manager out with some scheduling stuff and while I was there I picked up my last "full" check.  Can I just tell you what kind of anxiety over took me as I walked out of there!  I just kept thinking, What are you doing?  You can't possibly believe that you are going to live with out this money?  I am never going to be able to make this work, What was I thinking when I quit my job?  I was really freaked out.  Then I went to all my classes over the next few days, and the anxiety just kept building.  I just kept thinking, I CANT DO THIS!  I was driving home one day really struggling with the decision when this still small voice whispered to me " these thoughts are not yours, they are coming from the adversary and he wants you to fail."  Isn't that amazing, I immediately felt peace.  Even though it was short lived, I felt it.  I have really been struggling this past year with feeling at peace with my life!  I am constantly worrying about how I am supposed to make everything work out for my family.  Financially, spiritually, emotionally.  How am I supposed to do all of this alone!  It can be overwhelming.  I guess the point of all this is that I think in the last two months I have finally been at peace.  I am right were I need to be!  Yes, I am a single mother putting herself through school, but I am not alone!  There are so many wonderful people who are on this journey with me.  I am so truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who help bear my burdens and lift me up.  Yesterday I was at Katie's house about to leave for the airport.  Before leaving Katie offered a prayer and blessed that Ava and I would be watched over while they were gone. Isn't that amazing.  It was just a reminder to me that Katie and Ryan really do help watch out for me.  I have really missed them since they moved across town.  I don't get to just stop in for a few minutes everyday and I really miss seeing all of them. I am so thankful for the relationship that I have with my big sis, and her family.  I am so thankful for my family.  My parents, my sisters, and my brother in law have all been so supportive. Hope some of that made sense, it is 4 in the morning.

Last Weekend

Ava and I were lucky enough to spend last weekend in Arizona visiting my Mom, Rod, Becca and Nick.  It was so much fun to be there!  I miss my Mom so much.  I moved to Utah so I could live closer to her and then she up and moved to Arizona!  The weather was fabulous and Ava had so much fun playing at the park and drawing with sidewalk chalk!  She loves to be outside so it was a great treat for her to get to play outside after a long and snowy winter.  Her are few pics from our trip, I wish that I would have taken a few more :(

What does your name mean

What Julie Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

AVA

My first post on family(see prior post) is of course about my Ava.  What a special child of God she is!  She has made my life so full of love and happiness.  I am lucky and proud to be her Mother.  It is my prayer everyday that I will do the best I can to help her be the best she can be.  It is the hardest job I have ever had.  I had no idea how broad the scope of Motherhood, but I am thankful for the opportunity to experience it, as well as learn and grow through it.  I just want to share some things that I love about Ava:  she loves to cuddle, she is very social and talks to everyone (I hope that she doesn't outgrow this), her dance moves make me laugh, and her smell.  She has the cutest vocabulary.  Here are a few of the cute things she says:

fridge =  fridger

donkey = honkey

toilet paper = paper paper

cup cakes = pup cakes

shadow = eye shadow

Emily = Elomy

Marshmellow = Farfellow

Cooper = Coop (in her earlier day it was pooper)

Everybody = all a body

Pre School = pe school

And her most used word is Why?

There is a little girl in Ava's class named Tuesday.  Gail told me that for the first two weeks of class Ava called her Sunday! When learning the song the Farmer in the Dale, Ava would sing the Farmer in the Desk!  She is such a crack up.

She loves all the people in her family and when asked who is in her family and who loves her she will give you this list: Katie, Ryan, Cooper, Savannah, Luka, you (as in me, the mom), Becca, Grammy, Rod, Nick, Gail (her babysitter), Grandpa Scott and Grandma Nan, Sharon, Brad, Tyler, Elomy, Nathan, her Dad and Clarissa, her sister Alexa, her uncles Sergio, Alex, and Arthur, Kika and Big Butch (her step grandparents), Carly, Jenna, Mike, Cole, Noah, Heidi, Josh, Lilli, Mary, Bubba, Big Josh, Ronnie, and seriously she will go on and on with the list of names.  It is quite the list!  But hey, at least she now she is loved.  She loves being in her Sunbeam class at church and every time we drive by the church she says "is today church day?"  She love pre school and looks forward to seeing all her friends everyday.  She is such a cute little girl.  It is such a privilege to be her mother and her friend.  Lately, at bedtime she will tell me "Mom I love you so much" and " you are so cute mom".  It is the best part of my day.

On Family

Family is defined as: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household: a group of persons of common ancestry : clan : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family family>  spouse and childrenfamily>the staff of a high official (as the President).  I though all of these were quite accurate. Now, you might be thinking okay this is random, but last week in one of my social work classes we discussed families.  My teacher asked many questions like:  Who is in your family? Describe your family?  What do you do with your families?  My family is great because? Sometimes my family is?  The biggest problem facing American families today?  These questions have really been on my mind all week. Family.  It is such a wonderful blessing and sometimes our greatest challenge.  I have been thinking about all the people who make up my family.  I am so truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who I consider "family".  Here are a few interesting fact about family from on of my social work books.  The family is recognized as humanity's basic institutions.  Sociologists, social workers, psychiatrists, anthropologists, lay leaders, and average citizens agree that the family is fundamental to society.  No other established patten has been found more effective in molding the personality of children and adults.  Social, personal, and emotional ties inhere more intimately in this relationship than in any other social dimension.  I thought these were pretty powerful facts!  I agree with them completely.  My new goal is to do an entry about all the people in my "family" and what they mean to me and how they contribute to my life.  I think that it will be fun and interesting.  Who is in your family and what do they mean to you?

Somebody SHOOT ME!!!!

I just looked out the window and saw that it was snowing yet again!  Seriously people I can't take it any more.  NO MORE SNOW!!!! Especially Mon-Thurs when I have to walk to class.  It is the worst to be walking up hill on snow.  It is slippery and I know that very soon I will actually fall and look like a total idiot.  I slipped so bad last Wednesday that the guy walking behinde me asked if I was okay.  I was okay, but my ego was not.  Somebody please, make the snow stop!  I need a Hawaiian vacation.  Anyone want to run away with me?

Sleeping Beauty

This is my cute little sleeping beauty.  I think that most parents will agree with me that there is just something special about seeing your kids sleeping soundly.  This picture gives you a pretty good idea about how close Ava sleeps to me all night.  Right on the edge of my pillow and keeps her hand on me pretty much all night.  When we go to bed she insists on cuddling and that I squeeze her really tight.  Last night she was getting mad because I wasn't squeezing tight enough! She is such a joy to have around.  The down side to having her sleep with me is that I can't get a good nights sleep when she is in California!  I know I need to start working on getting her to sleep in her own bed, but I have to admit I just like having her with me.  Last night she was up crying with an ear ache so we will be heading to Kids Care right after I go to my math class.  I have a mid term on Thursday so there is no way I am missing class today.  Wish me luck, cause if you know much about my math skills I really need a miracle on this one :)

Food for Thought

I have been thinking about how President Hinckley has had an affect on my life through out the past week and the biggest thing that I could think of to share is the book Stand a Little Taller. Three years ago I made the choice to become an active Latter Day Saint and it was a HUGE change for me.   Not only was I changing the way I lived my life on a day to day basis but I had changed my surroundings as well and add to that a 2 month old baby.  WOW, talk about identity crisis!  I found this book in my Grandpa's office and was really drawn to it.  It became a part of my daily life.  I was spiritually hungry and this fed my hunger and gave me something to ponder the teachings of the gospel.  We are so blessed to live in time where we have the teachings of a latter day prophet and the many wonderful prophets who where here on the earth before us right at our finger tips.  This book has truly made a difference in my life and my testimony.  If you don't have your own copy I recommend you put it on your list of must haves. I want to share the thought from yesterday, cause it is one of my favorites.

Life in Christ

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

The Lord declared: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 10:39).  These words have something more than a cold theological meaning.  They are a statement of a law of life - that as we lose ourselves in a great cause we find ourselves - and there is no greater cause than that of the Master. 

Wow!  Isn't that an amazing and true concept.  I want to thank the many people who have taken the opportunity to give service to me and Ava.  Our lives have truly been enriched by your service and I could not make it without the many act of love and kindness that have been offered on our behalf.

Long Over Due!

I can't believe that it has really been more than two months since my last post!  I can't believe how quickly time flies by.  I have been a busy girl.  My life is in the process of some MAJOR changes and I am feeling really overwhelmed.  I quit my job at Jamba Juice (well my official last day is next week, but I have only been working 1 or 2 days a week ) and started back to college at the University of Utah.  I am officially a Ute! I have been in school for three weeks and I am wondering what I got myself into.  I am definitely out of my element.  College seemed so much easier right out of high school than it does now.  I am not in the learning mode any more and I feel really out of my league.  I am hoping that things start coming back to me, but I am having to spend a lot of time re learning a lot of stuff (ex: math).  I have no clue what APA format is and have to write all my research papers using it ( i used MLA in my writing class at SDSU, not that i would remember it now!).  I am amazed at how quickly I made this decision and just jumped into this new life.  I am so excited for the adventures that are waiting in the future.  I am going to apply to the social work program and get my BSW.  If all goes according to plan I will be a college graduate in May 2011.  Mark your calendars for one big party, cause you know I will be having one!

Happy Birthday Ava !

Ava i s 3 years old today! I can't believe how fast the time has flown by! She is the joy of my life and definitely keeps my life interesting . I love her with all my heart. Happy Birthday Ava!

Flashback Friday

Belly shot before heading to the hospital

Me and my nurse. She checked me in stayed with me all day, went home and came back 12 hours later just in time to help with Ava's delivery

Giving somebody an update, don't I look enthusiastic?

3 years ago today I checked into Fountain Valley Hospital to have labor induced. I was 5 day over due with Ava and very anxious to be done with pregnancy and move onto mother hood. Little did I know what I was getting into! I definitely didn't expect to not have a baby on November 16th, but after close to 23 long hours of labor I delivered a beautiful baby girl on the November 17th. More on that tomorrow......

Frosting

Monday morning as Ava and I were pulling out of the drive way to start our day I noticed all the frost on the grass and commented to Ava "look, it must have been really cold last night there is frost on the grass!" Ava immediately replied "mom, you are so silly, frosting is for cookies!" It made me laugh all day.

Tag a long

My cousin Kori tagged me to get me out of my blogging rut, so here goes!

Tag #1 3 facts/habits about me

#1. I LOVE to read! I am always reading something. My mom says its cause I feel the need to escape my own life and I totally agree. It is so nice to just get wrapped up in another world for awhile. I just finished the 3 books of the twilight series and I can't wait until the next book is out. I also like John Grisham, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, David Baldacci.... anything that sucks me in!

#2. I bite my fingernails! Still at age 26, I just can't seem to kick this bad habit once and for all. I have quit periodically for months at a time, but I always start back up again. I try not to bite in public though because I do know that it is a dirty disgusting habit!

#3. I am a cokaholic(if that is even a word)! Seriously I usually have my first one by 7am. We role through the Jardine drive thru and filler up. I just have to have it. It makes my day all that much better. I try and drink the diet stuff as much as I can, but it just doesn't cut my craving as much as the real thing. So, if anybody is wondering why I am holding on to an extra 30lbs this is the reason. I LOVE COKE!!!!

Tag #2 The Senses

Favorite Smell: I will try and keep this one to a minimum :) Ava, she just has a smell all her own and it is so comforting to me. I really miss her when she is away and I always sleep with her blankie cause it smells like her. A few other favorites: my grandma Clarks house, Warm Vanilla Sugar and Breathe Romance from Bath and Body, Sunsilk shampoo, and Body by Victoria Secret and they have a new scent it is awesome too, it is called Desire.

Favorite Site: There is this place in Southern California on the drive from Long Beach to San Diego were you come around this bend and there is the ocean, right their in front of you. It is amazing! I remember the first time that I saw it and thought WOW! that is my favorite place in California. I love it and just got to see it in August. I wanted to stop and take a picture but Ava was sleeping and I didn't want to wake her up

Favorite Taste: This is a hard one too! Here is a short list: Lemon Sour Cream pie from Marie Calendars, company potatoes, carmel (especially from Grandma Clark), COKE, homemade orange rolls (and I don't even like oranges), anything that qualifies as candy

Favorite Sound: I love to hear Ava talking or singing to herself when she plays. I just sit in the other room and crack up!

Favorite Touch: cuddles from my girl, warm fuzzy socks, flannel sheets (clean ones are the best), and hugs!

Katie, Carly Blasco, and Becca it your turn. Tag your it!