Today was a wonderful day. I got home after being gone for a week and got to see happy and excited children whom I know love me, with a wonderful sister-in-law(Debra), whom I know needs a long vacation now. Then, an hour later my wonderful sister showed up and I had no idea she was in town. I was starting to really miss her too. You should have seen Sam. He was doing somersaults and yelling with delight because his "Nanni" and Aunt "Ticole" were here. He just could not stop hugging and loving them and following them around. Any time we get in the car now he asks if we are going to Las "Begas" to see his other family. They are missed deeply. I guess breaking ties as a twin is hard. Especially since my kids consider Nicole their second mother. My niece stayed with us for 3 weeks and it was the greatest experience I have ever had. She is wonderful. Isn't family great.

I just got back from Youth Conference with 200+ young women and young men, and 2 weeks ago from girls camp. It is always a privilege to spend time with some of God's children and experience nature and share our testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It is awesome to watch them catch sparks of the light of the gospel. We had several non-members and inactive girls attend and it was the most incredible missionary experience I have ever been a part of. We witnessed miracles, discussed scriptures, enjoyed God's creations, and most of all stayed up late and had fun. My young women are incredible. We had no drama. We loved and enjoyed each for other for 5 days and then again for 4 days 2 weeks later. Spending time together creates a bond that you cannot get anywhere else. Especially when no showers or makeup are allowed, So you get to see the true inner beauty.

Our theme for Youth Conference was to be a Defender of ZION. It made me realize how I do not stand up for things I believe enough. I guess I have been too tolerant. But my aim is to now stand as a witness of God, no matter what the result. Whether it be not tolerating fowl language, or inappropriate talk, or standing up for someone when no one else does. I am a Defender of Zion and I will help his work to go on. The Lord has blessed me to learn so much more from these things then I could ever give. I am greatful.

My friends at work talked me in to running the Wasatch Back Relay. It was a very challenging course. I ran friday at 3:00pm, again at 2:00 am to 3:00 am, and again Saturday at 1:00 pm. I was nauseous and had diarrhea and did not get any sleep. I am not quite sure how people call that fun. I ran a total of 15 miles and I felt it was harder than my marathon of 26.2 miles. I was asked to run it 3 weeks before the race, so I was not prepared like I would have liked to have been. I think it was harder because of that. We got to sit in a car with 5 other women and 1 man for 36 hours and bond and smell stinky together. It sure makes you appreciate the finer things in life, like flushing toilets, a bed to sleep in and showers. I am glad that I can say I did it, but next time I think I would prefer a marathon again. At least you can do that in 4-5 hours and be done. But hey life is about new experiences right.

This is my wonderful dad with his little Sammy 2 years ago. I think that we often do not appreciate things in our lives, until we are faced with losing them. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia last week. Even though this is a long diagnosis, it is one that is life changing. It has been very hard on him and our family. We all love and admire him. He is strong and kind and would give anything to anyone. He is a person who eminates the pure love of Christ. This last year my parents have experienced a lot of stresses. My dad says "I just keep praying and having faith that things will be well eventually. Do you think the Lord gets tired of hearing my pleas." He is great man and I could never ask for a better, kinder, more loving dad. Henry B Eyring tells us " The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of Their infinite love. " and "We will become able to want what God wants, to think as He thinks, and thus be prepared for the trust of an endless posterity to teach and to lead through tests to be raised up to qualify to live forever in eternal life." Dad we love you and are always here for you. ALWAYS.

After reading my sister's blog and crying through it. I have realized that blogging can become more personel. She is an inspiration to me. Wise beyond her years. I got the opportunity to attend her graduation of her Master's Degree in Social Work. I can honestly say she will be the best counselor in the world. She has all ready helped solved problems in my life with my kids and friends, and etc. Which has in turn blessed their lives. She said as she started going back to school that she felt the Lord was leading her down this path, after having suffered from severe postpartum depression, she felt she needed to help others who were suffering. She does not realize but she touches every person she meets and inspires everyone to be better and helps them know that they have great worth. THANKS SIS! YOU ARE THE BEST.
Today also being mother's day. I wanted to pay tribute to those mother's in my life who are special.
1. Of course my mom:
She always has something positive to say to us. She always encourages us to be better. She gives everything she has and more to her children and grandchildren, never asking in return. She always has words of wisdom to share when we ask 'Mom, what should I do?'. She loves us unconditionally and our families too. She loves the Lord and taught us to be faithful, giving, loving people and to always leave others better then when we left them. She can tell when your struggling and always knows when we need a good cry, by just saying 'Are you doing okay?'. Not only that but she is beautiful. Always well dressed and someone worth admiring. Obviously I do becuase I always wanted to be just like her and became a nurse. Mom thanks for being there ALWAYS. YOU ARE THE BEST MOM.
2. My mother-in-law:
Some people say that they do not get along with their mother-in-laws, because they are overbearing, nosy, or unkind. But my mother-in-law is nothing but kind, loving, and giving. She raised 5 wonderful children (Especially 1 named Steve). She showed them by example how to be a wonderful parent. Things I learned through parenting books or classes, Steve naturally knows and does. She has dedicated her life to teach them how to serve others through fulfilling her callings and serving neighboors. She has time to help others. I think that everyone that knows her loves her. She makes her home comfortable to be at. I remember when I dated Steve that I always felt at home with her. She shows love instantly. I know Steve's cousins always wanted to stay at her house when they came in town, because her home was one you could call your own. Thanks Marsha for making us always feeled loved. YOU ARE THE BEST MOTHER-IN-LAW.
3. My sister I all ready payed tribute to. Love ya sis!
4. Steve's grandma:
You took us in when we first got married. You helped us in so many ways. I was so greatful for that time and getting to know you. You instantly love everyone and make them feel loved. It is undeniable that you love your family more then anything in this world. You have wonderful words of wisdom to always share. I feel love and like I am the most important person in this world when I am with you. You give us soooooo much by your example and kindness. I have learned that you helped with all of your grandchildrens missions. You have a wonderful testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I thank you for sharing your life with me. YOU ARE THE BEST GRANDMA.
5.My own grandmas:
I can say that I did not know them very well, but I always felt loved by them and if it were not for them, I would not be here and be a member of this church. I know they raised wonderful children whom happen to be my parents. I miss seeing them and will be excited to see them again.


I could go on and list more women whom are examples of good moms, but that would take for ever. I am truelly greatful though to have these women in my life. Thank you for being a part of mine.

Sam turned 2 on April 29th and enjoyed getting dinosaurs, cars, balls, and eating cake. Happy birthday big 2 year old. Everyone says Sam is so animated and you never wonder what he is thinking because he is always talking about it.

My sister and I took the kids to 'tiptoe through the tulips' at the tulip festival at Thanksgiving point. We had a blast. We all enjoy a good dose of being outdoors, especially when it has been such a cold and wet last month.