La Vita e Bella

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-21T18:40:00.002-07:00

During a week of chaos & shopping for most of the civilized world, it is nice to take a moment & contemplate the things I am thankful for. Things that may often be over-looked, but that bring joy to the soul & remind me that life truly is beautiful.The first falling snow, pondering at sunrise, watching the tide come in, summers in Maine, Floridian winters, when a man opens my door, holding a

Lake Powell October 2011

2011-10-25T17:40:00.001-06:00

A little taste of Heaven... There is most definitely pure glass in my Heaven.

National Geographic Photo Contest: The Pyramid of Khafre

2011-10-04T14:28:00.002-06:00

If y'all have a moment, please go to the NG website and 'like' and 'recommend' this entry. Thanks!http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/photo-contest/2011/entries/81315/view/

Run Bike Swim

2011-09-29T16:31:00.006-06:00

Training for a tri...started while I was in Maine & New Hampshire. It's been so much fun--but my favorite times were with Livie! This is taken upside down while we're running. Liv wanted to listen to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song, It's a Small World & Baby Einstein the whole time... so those 3 songs on repeat for 90min or so... it was AWESOME :)She is the best ipod holder in the whole wide world!

Sand Turtles w/ Lil' Livie...

2011-09-29T16:31:00.002-06:00

Since parents don't really have time to blog all the awesome adventures... that's what aunts are for, right :) I love you liv & can't wait for you to come visit... we'll make our turtle farm in the snow next time!

A Walk Down MEMORY LANE!!!

2011-09-29T15:24:00.004-06:00

People I love from The Jerusalem Center. There really is nothing that can compare to the way I feel about these people. I love you guys. Each & every one of you.

"How to Save a Life..."

2011-09-29T15:03:00.004-06:00

From a well known song by The Fray... this lyric was on my mind for the rest of the day. This summer I went to Jackson Hole with a few guys. Ones dad, Ed, has a raft and took us white water rafting. With the ABNORMALLY high water year, Ed wasn't really looking forward to taking a bunch of amateurs down the most intense stretch of river. The ranger explained to us that rafts often get thrown with

Enter to Win a FREE MASSAGE

2011-09-27T15:13:00.003-06:00

In Honor of October being National Massage Therapy Awareness Month in the US, I am offering $20 off any full-price treatment & am holding a drawing for a FREE MASSAGE.For details go to:http://sunrisebeachmassage.blogspot.comCheers!Ashley

2011-09-21T15:32:00.002-06:00

‎"Blogging is not writing... it's graffiti with punctuation." -ContagionI know there are many who consider blogging to be prose... and while I agree it is something... I also believe that, in general, the stream of consciousness-poorly filtered writ that now spans the globe shall oft be considered "graffiti with punctuation."Something very similar to every soccer mom who now has a Costco DSLR &

'SKI YOUR HEART OUT'

2011-09-11T00:51:00.003-06:00

This summer has been a good return to a sport I love... I hadn't gone much while finishing up my degrees... but this summer with it's many trips to Powell, Willard, Pineview, Echo & Jordanelle have revived a love deeply embedded in the sinews of my soul. MANY THANKS to my Uncle Art for being the greatest teacher ever, for the KD 7000 & for the perfect pass today. Thanks mom for taking some sweet

Maine!!!

2011-08-23T20:37:00.003-06:00

Stockton's Baptism

2011-08-15T15:35:00.002-06:00

One of the happiest days of my life, seeing my brother's little boy enter the waters of baptism. My brother Brad was able to baptize him, and we got to spend time with Sydney, Stockton, Samantha & Hadyn--such a great weekend. I love you guys--all the way to Heaven & am so proud of you Stockton for deciding to follow the example of Jesus & be baptized. I know your daddy Scott would be very

Things Change in 5 years...

2011-06-15T17:53:00.003-06:00

So many things change in 5 years...I have completed 2 degrees, started 2 businesses, put in thousands of hours of volunteer work, lived in 2 states, paid off a car, travelled to 17 countries and all over the states... but one thing hasn't changed... I miss my brother. I got the chance to see his 3 little kids last week when his little boy was baptized and I can't help but see him in their little

Where, Doesn't Really Matter...

2011-05-06T01:30:00.005-06:00

A reunion with good friends from Jerusalem yesterday, dates with a few good men this week, a party with a good friend and meeting some other good friends and having the chance to reach out and be that good person in the lives of some friends who needed it this week, drinking juice boxes while swinging on the swings with a good friend, following the promptings of the Spirit to help restore in

Change Has Been, Change Will Be...

2011-04-10T07:42:00.004-06:00

"Reunion"Change will comeChange is hereLove fades outThen love appearsNow my water's turned to wineAnd these thoughts I haveI now claim as mineI'm coming homeChange has been Change will be Time will tellThen time will easeNow my curtain has been drawnAnd my heart can goWhere my heart does belongI'm going home.That's right, the words of Collective Soul say it best this time around... it is time to

Sweet Lil' Sienna!!!

2011-03-29T08:45:00.003-06:00

Simply because I can't be there and post my own pictures yet... I am borrowing the awesome ones brabby shared with me today. I am so thankful for a happy and healthy mom and baby... welcome to the fam Sienna Elise!!! I love you!!! Love, Aunt Ashwee!

Yad Vashem...

2011-03-02T21:44:00.003-07:00

Really no words can adequately express the multitude of emotions that wash over you when seeing the atrocities of the Holocaust. The childrens museum hit me with particular significance because of the great love that I have for my nieces and nephew and the children here in Jerusalem... the candles are in the museum in honor of the 1.5 million children that suffered and died in the Holocaust. How

The Battle of a Lifetime...

2011-02-08T01:29:00.005-07:00

Although it was good... I'm not referring to the Packers & the Steelers I am definitely talking about the showdown between David & Goliath and the re-make we had here in that same valley yesterday... It drew my mind to the words of the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who said speaking of this battle:"David spoke these great words: “Thou comest

Photos from Egypt...

2011-01-31T21:01:00.003-07:00

I have more from the unrest, hiking Sinai... roughly 6,000 photos from our little adventure to Egypt but for now here are a few from the program.

Riots in Egypt

2011-01-31T00:17:00.004-07:00

Just to let everyone know I have enjoyed a safe and uneventful exodus from Egypt. The hand of the Lord was upon us each step of the way and I am more thankful than ever to live in a country with the religious and political freedoms I enjoy.We were never in harms way and can thank the directors of the Jerusalem Center and the Leaders of the LDS church for faith and prayers and for wise planning

I'M DONE! I'M DONE! I'M DONE!!!

2010-12-17T01:41:00.002-07:00

Today I finished my last exam at BYU--EVER!!! I feel like writing Pres. Samuelson a letter that says... I am no longer one of those statistics that didn't finish... I completed my degree!!! I also moved out of my house, packed for my holiday (on which I embark @6am), the next 5 months of world travels & put the rest of my stuff in storage.. it has truly been an adventure!When I left Provo 4 years

La Vita e BELLA!

2010-10-17T20:22:00.004-06:00

So good, so busy. All the things I love about Fall:Crisp apples, General Conference, Vegas w/ LC, 2-for-1 tickets to Snowbird, fall leaves, great hikes, apple crisps, college football, midterms, the golden hour, homecoming, all kinds of great things... my last Fall in Provo... I think it makes the cool crisp air even more appealing.Cheers!

Life Truly is Good!

2010-09-08T00:47:00.002-06:00

Ahead in all my classes... graduation in December, BYU-JC in January, great friends, the Caribbean this weekend, work that I love that makes a difference, classes th Iat enjoy, dating great men, traveling like it's going outta style, serving constantly... so much joy!

Eat Pray Love or Rather, Faith Hope Charity

2010-08-23T23:52:00.004-06:00

I must say that seeing Eat Pray Love this evening made me so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for something more substantial than fantastic food in Italy, marvelous meditation in India and luscious love in Bali. I empathized with Liz who sought more in her life, who at times felt empty and as though she had nothing left to give, no heartbeat if you will;

A Life of Many Opportunities...

2010-08-15T02:08:00.003-06:00

I feel so grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my life. Recently, as I've begun editing photos from Europe, spent time with old friends, enjoyed an evening with a new friend...and have reflected on the many great things I have been able to do with my life... I can't help but feel grateful to God for the many blessings in my life. Things I thank God for... they are in no particular

Great Times w/ The Fam!!!

2010-07-19T22:38:00.005-06:00

This past week we got a chance to see all three of Scott's kids, play w/ Matt in PC and I've decided to go to Maine to see Brad, Ab & livie w/ hammy... we've already taken 500 amazing pics and I'm sure there will be many more to come... I'll post them soon! Cheers!

Blogging: The Crazy Things You Discover

2010-07-19T22:14:00.001-06:00

One day last week I ran across this in the blog world... what a coincidence... I know them too... I'm happy that Sydney, Stockton & Samantha had a chance to go inside the temple.

2010-06-25T11:40:00.001-06:00

I Love Livie!

2010-06-22T17:23:00.004-06:00

This past week while my brother and his wife were at a work retreat in Texas... I got to help take care of my lil' niece Olivia. We had so much fun, we went to the park and went for walks and played with sidewalk chalk, read stories, watched Dora, ate Nielsen's Frozen Custard, helped hammy in the yard, took lots of great pictures... and Livie was so good at sharing that she even shared strep

Groupon is Fantastic!!!

2010-05-27T21:52:00.002-06:00

http://www.groupon.com/r/uu2535774For those of you who haven't read the reviews or seen Groupon in the Times, or on Good Morning America... it is a great deal for those of us who actually use gift certificates and coupons, they sell a certain number and if that many people buy then the group rate is offered (it usually reaches that amount sold by about 7:30 in the morning..) and the company makes

A Few My Favorite Things...

2010-05-17T23:28:00.000-06:00

Some of the things that I am thankful for:Fresh lilacs in my living room...Cherry Blossoms...Elder & Sister Bennion's safe return...A Miraculous reunion...BYU Jerusalem...Warm Summer nights...Falling asleep talking to a friend...Seeing the missionaries today...A clean car...More to come...

My Elephant...One Bite at a Time: Jerusalem!!!

2010-05-04T19:20:00.004-06:00

So I am going to attempt to get caught up on the past year (14,000 photos) of my life... but just like the elephant I am eating... or Old & New Testament I am reading... It has to be one step at a time... And thus... the one a day! AND just to preface: not all of these will be edited images--as this is not my professional blog ;) to see those... please go to http://ashleycrist.blogspot.com or

Snowshoe PC...

2010-05-03T14:58:00.003-06:00

Great trails in Park City... snowshoe, bbq, & hot tub!!!

Congratulations Liz!!!

2010-05-03T14:39:00.003-06:00

One of my best friends, Liz, moved here last October...her birthday was shortly after that and Erin and I decided to throw her a fabulous party--and fabulous it was!!! And... we made her a bucket list of things to do while she lived in Utah and one of the things on the list was to get baptized... and that Erin and I would sing at her baptism... well, we all know that you don't get baptized

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T18:40:00.003-06:00

A wonderful Easter Weekend and General Conference too! Things are great--really great--better than they have been in years. Hope y'all have felt the Love of God and gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ:http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages#p/a/1/9ddXNF29goo

65GB

2010-02-14T19:24:00.005-07:00

That's right... on top of finishing up a degree @ BYU and work as a massage therapist... I have been pursuing a love... and in the past few months I have had some incredible photo opportunities...AND with midterms have gotten a little backed up...that's right 65GB backed up. It's not really that bad considering that I shoot in raw--which is, in the words of Pulitzer Prize winning Brian Smith "the

Tendin' Liv... Love tendin'' Liv!

2010-02-14T19:13:00.002-07:00

A Great Birthday Surprise...

2010-02-14T16:39:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Mike! A group of us pitched in to send a friend home to see his family and be with his sister when she reports her mission--it was one of the highlights of the semester.

An Eternal Love, Olivia.

2010-01-19T00:12:00.004-07:00

Livie Leaves in Less Than 8 Hours...Sometimes I detest time. The finite measure that makes my heart pound during a timed exam, or makes my blood pressure rise during a race, the measurement that causes words like good-bye or time-to-go to have a place in our lives...it is what makes my heart ache knowing that our time is coming to a close.Learning from the past and living in the now Liv I thank

Ode to Olivia...

2010-01-13T23:42:00.048-07:00

Olivia when you were born you brought so much joy into my life...Just like fireworks that brighten the dark July night...How grateful I am for you and all the good-times we have shared together I have seen you grow from day oneWhen you were so tiny in my arms I was afraid I might break you-I'm not sure who was more nervous...me or your daddy ;) you were-so fragile and fresh from the presence of

Christmas w/ the Fam… 65 plus!!!

2010-01-02T14:24:00.008-07:00

We haven't gotten together with my extended family for way too long...and it must've been missin' my lil' red Grandma and Grandpa Royal that caused me to do something crazy... I organized a lil' chaos!!! We really missed those who weren't able to make it or have gone back to live with our Heavenly Father. Great to see the fam at something other than a funeral or wedding--at least not mine. These

Lil' Liv' is Growin' Up So Fast

2010-01-02T14:01:00.003-07:00

Look at my beautiful pearly whites & lovely long lashes.My beautiful Eyes.My beautiful glasses.My beautiful Aunt Ashwee.She is always this happy to see me...she kicks her legs and jumps around and wants to play :)I love you Livie and am going to miss you when you move to Maine.

Sweet Lil' Syd's Baptism Day...

2010-01-02T10:47:00.006-07:00

Congrats Sydney McCale, I am so happy for you to have chosen to be baptized. Hearing you talk about your faith in God has truly been an inspiration to me. I love you and know that Heavenly Father and your daddy Scott in Heaven love you too.Lil' Syd isn't quite so little anymore, all grown up and welcoming everyone to her baptism...A great big hug for the favorite Uncle Brad...Samantha so happy

BLACK FRIDAY

2010-01-02T10:43:00.004-07:00

I can't believe I actually went shopping on black Friday... only to Costco... and ONLY cause I knew they had something Abby wanted but wouldn't get herself... and to hook Brad up with his new friend Tom-Tom.And in case you haven't noticed today I have uploaded 16G of pictures... Enjoy!

I Love Mi Familia!!!

2010-01-02T10:37:00.002-07:00

Honestly, aren't we all so attractive...especially in this...all our true colors shine!More "Mexican" to come... love you mom!

A Day w/ the Girls!!!

2010-01-02T10:11:00.008-07:00

If only Livie and Hadyn had been with us, and we'd had time to paint our nails...it would've been perfect! Love you girls!It was a lil' colder than we'd thought but they stayed nice and warm like this...Samantha loved the Christmas Carol 3D--not a good show for kids...or anyone for that matter.Priceless...

A True Friend...

2009-12-02T12:17:00.007-07:00

In listening to the Mormon Channel--something I tend to do when I need hope or peace...one of the "music with a message" shared was about true friends... those who make it easier to feel the Love of God, to keep going when times are difficult, that help you to be the best you are...and this caused my mind to draw upon the many people in my life that I am thankful for--this includes--but is not

Cougars Take the Utes

2009-12-01T17:56:00.006-07:00

Cougars beat the Utes at home...By a miraculous turn of events...Samantha had her wish granted--with tickets on the third row and a great win. And as far as I am concerned Max Hall was the "classless" one the day.

Thanksgiving & Birthday Pics...

2009-12-01T16:08:00.004-07:00

What Are You Thankful For?

2009-12-01T14:23:00.004-07:00

I must say I have not been as quick to thank God this year as I ought. It is not that my heart is not full--just broken and full.The words of Elder Dallin Oaks of the LDS church spoke to me, "let us give thanks for what we are and for the circumstances God has given us for our personal journey through mortality."I happened to be have my brother's blog up while reading that talk--and "God Bless

Some Favorite Halloween Pics!

2009-11-02T20:46:00.006-07:00

Help me decide what to enter in a best of Halloween photo contest...

A Lil' Update on Life...

2009-10-26T16:23:00.003-06:00

it has been quite a while since I blogged... in fact I have taken 1700 pictures since then. I may just post a pictoral journey of the past little while...Highlights:Sleep. I got sick and so I actually slept for the past few weeks!AFSP Event is over!!! $20,000.00 and 700+ participants--and still earning.Time. Time passes quickly when so much is happening the semester is half over.Love. I have

Suicide Prevention in SLC

2009-09-24T14:34:00.003-06:00

Join with us for the 2nd annual Out of Darkness Community Walk @ Wheeler Farm. Registration on-line or 8:15am @ Wheeler Farm. http://www.outofthedarkness.org

MT. TIMP!!!

2009-09-18T23:27:00.009-06:00

Pretty good weekend, week, month...life Rock.

Abby's Amazing Olympic Tri!!!

2009-08-22T22:36:00.005-06:00

Honestly... I can't say enough about how amazed I was by Abby today... an Olympic Tri 6mo old Olivia there to support! So... if a picture is worth a thousand words... let's hope these come close to a glimpse of how truly incredible my sister-in-law is... Brad you totally married up ;) ok... up or equal...

A Sampling of Sentimental Journey Photos..

2009-08-18T03:58:00.003-06:00

You know a lot of people go to college for seven years...

2009-08-14T04:06:00.003-06:00

Obviously I can't sleep...As I watch the rest of my friends graduatethis weekend... I am reminded of a quoteFrom Tommy Boy:Tommy: Did you hear I graduated? Richard Hayden: Yeah and just a shade under a decade. All right. Tommy: You know a lot of people go to college for seven years. Richard Hayden: I know, they're called doctors. I have applied for and am en route to graduate...Ironically when I

To Pursue A Dream...

2009-08-14T03:37:00.004-06:00

http://sentimentaljourneying.blogspot.com/I take steps along my sentimental journey.People I love. Far off places. World travels.Serving others. Sweet & simple things. And capture joy.

Some Family Favorites!!!

2009-07-01T01:20:00.003-06:00

Words clearly can't suffice the joy of having Scott's kids out to visit & the good memories we are making with them. From Samantha's prayer that the pool would warm up to pizza & rootbeer floats, Disney movies & popcorn, playing football with Stockton--as hard as we can--he is AMAZING! Sydney playing the piano--thanks to Grandma Sydney, Samantha & her determined look! Sweet lil' Livie being

I Love to See the Temple!!!

2009-07-01T01:19:00.003-06:00

From my window... it is absolutely beautiful!

My Love Affair with Little Cottonwood Canyon...

2009-07-01T01:19:00.002-06:00

Our Happy Lil' Garden...

2009-07-01T01:18:00.000-06:00

She's Gettin' Married!!!

2009-07-01T01:17:00.001-06:00

AFSP SLC 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention 5k

2009-06-12T14:40:00.002-06:00

Please join with us again this year for a community event even bigger & better than last year!http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=844&teamID=9981

Before & After...

2009-06-01T11:00:00.007-06:00

Before...After...

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T23:32:00.003-06:00

Originally to commemorate fallen soldiers... this holiday has spread to a remembrance of all loved ones now gone from mortality. My mom and I got flowers and visited the cemetery today. I'm glad we take the time to remember those we miss and the good memories we have together.That yellow balloon sure wanted to smile down on Scott's grave this year. We decided to take perennials and then plant

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA & STOCKTON!!!

2009-05-21T14:07:00.002-06:00

More to come... I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! We can't wait for you to get here for your pool party :) See you soon!

Livie's Blessing Day...

2009-05-21T12:14:00.010-06:00

WE LOVE YOU LIVIE!!!Abby is such a wonderful & loving mom--not to mention absolutely beautiful! I think she's inspired me to do an Ironman triathlon...It's been so fun to watch Brad as a daddy--he loves & takes great care of Livie--and I'm not sure this pic does it justice--but he is so proud of her. Hammy Shan is so happy to have a grand baby close by--we miss having Sydney, Stockton, Samantha &

2009-05-20T23:56:00.004-06:00

Livie missed her friend Octopus while she was in Hawaii...And had some crazy hairdo's while I was experimenting...Livie sportin' her sweet lil' sunglasses...And suckin' on Hammy Shan's hand...And wondering why everyone says she looks like daddy...Livie kickin' it with Uncle Matt...And enjoyin' a nice long nap in her swing...I love Livie a whole lot. She smiled and laughed and played with me all

I Love Life!

2009-05-19T11:20:00.003-06:00

I love life! Today is a fabulous day--the Lord is so good to me!The End.

From New Snow to 94*

2009-05-07T11:25:00.002-06:00

Can life get better than skiing new powder on Monday and laying by the pool in 94* weather by the weekend..? I submit that it cannot! Although Brian Regan live in St. George with wonderful friends & 45-2 min. runs @ the Bird with no one there & 9" fresh powder in May sure do help...

Oh the Snow!!!

2009-05-05T22:39:00.002-06:00

So many things I am grateful for... but at the top of the list has to be the new snow received in Little Cottonwood Canyon! I skied 9" of new snow Monday with blue skies and sun until early afternoon when it began snowing enough to make new tracks each run--part of the world may celebrate Cinco de Mayo--but I got a head start with a HAPPY MAY 4th :)It made me very grateful for even the simplest

Good Memories!!!

2009-05-02T23:44:00.008-06:00

Recently I've been going through some old photos and reminiscing about all the good people God has placed in my path and all the truly wonderful experiences I have had and thought I'd post a few of these that make me laugh--like the one where I was teaching Stockton to ski and at the very top of a REALLY long run @ the 'Bird he informed me that he had to go to the bathroom... and we happened to

Joy... I Feel Joy!!!

2009-04-25T04:48:00.003-06:00

Now you may say it is sleep deprivation because it is 4:45 in the morning, or exhaustion because the semester is over... but it isn't that...I truly feel joy. It is wonderful and sweet and fills my heart. It is gratitude for the good people in my life, for great brothers who love their wives and family and me and my mother. For good friends near and far, in heaven and on Earth. For the blessing

AND I'M DONE!!!

2009-04-22T19:39:00.002-06:00

Aside from a few random assignments and some research--I AM FINISHED!!!

One More Left...

2009-04-21T22:09:00.002-06:00

Just finishing up my last paper... finished studying for my last exam. The semester is coming to a close!!!

Almost There...

2009-04-14T21:04:00.003-06:00

Ok... for those of you who have commented on my lack of blogging... today was the last day of class, my final choir concert, and my last step in the Jerusalem Center application! So... after finals are over... you may be hearing a little more from me :) Silly scheduled finals/make-up exams... 1 Friday, 2 Saturday, 1 Monday & 2 anytime. Many great & humerus things have happened recently... but the

2009-04-08T13:03:00.002-06:00

I think this is my favorite picture so far!!! Isn't she beautiful :)So happy to finally have her hands...it's been a long time in those lil' mittens!Who likes the toy more... daddy or livie? :)Olivia laughing at her mommys comment that her hair looks like hammys!It was a very long day for 'Livie... general conference, family dinner, having the missionaries over...after all looking so beautiful

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2009-03-31T22:39:00.003-06:00

...of the day...*spending time with lil' Olivia--she's so cute and smiles and talks and has the best personality ever.*the sun that came out later in the day*a good night of sleep*talking to someone who knows more than I do...*the new wallpaper on my phone--Livie smiling at me :)*dinner with Dayla--and almost getting towed... we outran the tow-man! in heels :)*talking with Hannah--good motivation

I Think I've Been Spoiled...

2009-03-27T11:29:00.003-06:00

It's not even noon and there are so many things that I want to share with someone...and I think I've been spoiled. Having roommates like Rebecca, Stephanie, Christianne (practically a roommate ;) Courtney, Monica, Nicole, Kim, Suzy, Tara, Cassia, Kim, Jayne, Riley and serving a mission with Emryn, Kaila, Stefanie, Andrea, Jennifer & Emily taught me about companionship. Having someone there to

Peace--A Triumph of Principles

2009-03-26T13:29:00.002-06:00

"It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who declared the mighty truth, “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but a triumph of principles.” (“Self-Reliance,” in Ralph Waldo Emerson: Essays and Lectures, New York: The Library of America, 1983, p. 282.) Peace is not a purchase away. Peace is not when the final installment is paid. Peace is not when marriage comes nor when all

Life Update...

2009-03-25T15:49:00.003-06:00

Life is good. The days of sunlight are starting to be more frequent than not. Running outside is becoming a more common occurrence for me. Work is going well. I am surrounded by so many good people. Enjoying good friends--weddings, babies homecomings and other wonderful events. Dating good men. Learning. Growing. Sharing the gospel. Loving my new niece. Spending time with my mom. Learning to can

Dating...

2009-03-20T22:49:00.004-06:00

So... I had to attend a concert choir performance tonight to make up for missing our retreat--to attend Rebecca's wedding--which was totally worth it by the way! And the wonderful date just continued--great conversation--good dinner--and out for ice cream. Oh yeah, and being hit on at Rumbi and by the man at the ice cream shop... I will protect his identity and not tell you which one. It gave us

Ever Just Have One of Those Days...weeks...mortalities?

2009-03-19T20:21:00.004-06:00

Shocking that I would blog about emotions, eh? I just recently had the same adult--who I respect and look up to very much--tell me twice that I think too often about my brother and that I need to move on with my life.I guess it stings mostly because I really am trying my best and it saddens me to think that there are those around me--who "know" and "love" me--that think I am not doing a very good

My Love Hate Relationship with the Y

2009-03-18T21:14:00.006-06:00

Why? Well, a couple of reasons... I have been running more and enjoying the sunshine rather than the gym. Today I was going for a short 2-3mi run when I ran into a really good old friend--Love you Camille! It gave me a second wind, so I headed north and ran a few sets of stairs, then ran back home still wasn't tired and decided that since the Jerusalem packet instructs us that we should be in

A Bright New Day!!!

2009-03-17T12:30:00.007-06:00

I was just notified that this photo "Enduring Hope" is being published by photo laureates, in the Best of year anthology. That's exciting. I've always wanted to pursue photography and haven't ever had the courage in myself or my work to do so...I'd like to thank my family and Christianne for not only hanging my artwork--but for giving it as gifts :) It is pretty encouraging when you see it in 15

How much have you changed in 15 years?

2009-03-14T13:23:00.005-06:00

****15 YEARS AGO (1994)****1) Age? 10-112) Dating? What was that? oh... maybe the Oak Lane boys...?3) Work? Crist,Cathcart & Peterson; a few paper routes4) Residence? Bountiful Utah5) Hang out? Bigelows, Grandma Spikers, School, anywhere but home.6) Contacts/glasses? yes, but only to be cool like Diane Cutler :)7) Best friends? Enu, Scott, Brad, Grandma Spiker, Emily, Riley, Spencer.8) Tattoos? 0

The Blessings of the Temple...

2009-03-12T15:48:00.001-06:00

"The Publicity Dilemma - LDS NewsroomSource: newsroom.lds.orgSALT LAKE CITY 9 March 2009 Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. ..." For all those inviting to random groups & boycotts I've chosen to do as exemplified by the

Reflections

2009-03-11T15:42:00.012-06:00

Thanks so much!!! You've helped me to narrow the first round before submission (March 31st) on the subject of reflections...now please comment and leave your top choice, and why it is your top choice.*And yes, the numbering is intentionally non-sequitur so they match the results of the first round as well.#1#2#3#4#6#7#8#9#10#13#15#18#22#23#24#25#26#27#28

The Things I Love About Provo...

2009-03-09T12:37:00.007-06:00

The sunrises over Y-mountain and light radiating through my window to wake me up.The view of Timp in the twilight as the sun sets over Utah Lake.The old man who plays the accordion at Ottavios.The sweet woman that lives across the street from our apartment. The family next door that speaks almost no English.The fact that I am only an hour flight from Steph & Kim,and a 4 hour drive (if you don't

Welcome Back Stephy!!!

2009-03-08T00:02:00.002-07:00

I love Steph.She's home.Boise home that is.Love her long time.She is like my better half.

To Become Like Christ...

2009-03-04T22:15:00.003-07:00

A little something that has been on my mind throughout my personal study for a time... I don't have time to write about it tonight...but figure that in starting this it will increase the probability that I get around to processing my thoughts :)Some things I am grateful for today...A beautiful sunny day--as the sun rose--Mt. Timp looked incredibleSun pouring in my window to wake me upThe

Humility

2009-02-26T19:48:00.002-07:00

HumilityNoun:the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.Origin: 1275–1325; ME humilite < L humilitās. See humble, -ty Synonyms:lowliness, meekness, submissiveness.Lowliness–adjective 1. humble in station, condition, or nature: a lowly cottage. 2. low in growth or position. 3. humble in attitude, behavior, or spirit; meek. –adverb 4. in

Impressions of the Spirit...

2009-02-25T17:09:00.003-07:00

Following impressions of the spirit today proved very beneficial... I was on campus attending class, studying for midterms, doing finance homework and trying to get on top of things... and after my last class I just felt like I needed to go home.As I walked in the door it smelled hot, like something burning... but remembering that Michelle had destroyed her toast this morning I tried to dismiss

Sweetest Smiles Ever!!!

2009-02-25T10:46:00.002-07:00

Patience is a Virtue...

2009-02-23T15:09:00.002-07:00

It has been a while... Many things both good and not-so-good have happened, but I am alive and learning and fighting a good fight. Some blessings:The gift of agency.Running into an old friend--I love Ruthie!Eating Raspberries & blackberries for breakfast.The opportunity to help someone.The 3 days of sunshine last week :) Kind of an idealist...I'd be ok if we had sunshine everyday!Tending Olivia

Growth Through Adversity...

2009-02-05T09:52:00.004-07:00

This is my cactus... it was actually an old roommates and she couldn't make it grow--in her defense, she was never home and never really cared about it. When she moved it had 2 leaves and was brown and nearly dead. I decided I would take on the challenge and see if I couldn't bring it back to life... In the beginning (like is my nature...) I was over zealous. Watering it too often, smothering it

Joy

2009-02-01T22:41:00.002-07:00

"Joy: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation."There is no more acurate way to describe the events of the day. Thanks be to God, faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and my family!

25 Random Things...

2009-01-31T22:27:00.002-07:00

Apparently I give into peer pressure... or just want these posts to stop ;)50. I want to go sky-diving49. I'm going to publish a cookbook entitled 'Our Family Secrets"48. I ate shrimp for the first time in the mission field47. I never broke a rule while serving as a full-time missionary46. I have 26 cousins on one side and one on the other45. If I weren't LDS I would drink a glass of wine every

Reasons to Rejoice!

2009-01-30T00:08:00.003-07:00

1. Olivia Jayne [I already bought her an 'Olivia' book so I really hoped for this one!]2. sunshine3. laughter4. Zelig's runinwiththelawstory5. Christianne 6. mia mamma following an impression to check in on me7. my cousin's blog8. discernment9. 300 thread count sheets10. clients11. a really long hot shower12. an inspired call from Lori P.13. permission to be sad14. telling Christi I wanted to go