my oh so lovely life...

The past few months have been pretty busy and life just got a little crazier...... Can I just say I can't WAIT to go on vacation!!! It will be a much needed vacation from all the chaos in my life.

In just the past few weeks work has gotten stressful.....with the environment and some co-workers. I absolutely love my job and my patient's but due to some circumstances I've actually started contemplating moving somewhere else.... but don't get too excited. I talked to my boss yesterday about a lot of my concerns and things are starting to look up so who knows. Good thing this blog is private because I only want family and close friends to know haha.

Besides work.... one my roommates is now leaving on less than good terms. Sometimes it's hard to be adult and have to be responsible and sadly she just didn't want to realize that living on your own and having a pet comes with some big responsibilities. I'm sad about how things have ended but she will always be a friend to me no matter what happened. We already have a new roommate lined up and I think overall it will be a good change.

Those are the two major things going on in my life....haha....that have taken up a lot of my time but I've still managed to go and do some fun things in the meantime :)

I've now seen FROZEN 3 times. Call me crazy but I SO LOVE that movie!!! I can't wait till it comes out on DVD so I can buy it haha.

In our stake, they have put together a YSA choir. We are actually scheduled to sing in stake conference next month which is a little intimidating but I think we will be okay :) Last saturday we went to the college here and sang some christmas tunes for about 30 minutes. It was FREEZING outside but it was fun. :)

Every year Farmington does a Festival of Trees where they have people decorate christmas trees and then raffle them off and people win and take them home. I wish I had gotten some pictures of the trees but oh well maybe next year haha. Heidi and I went with Jordan and Travis to check it out and then look at the pretty lights outside. We ran into some drunks while walking around outside...that was a fun adventure haha. And ended the night with pie and hot cocoa.

Travis, Me, Heidi and Jordan

So there you have it....my life in the past few weeks. Kinda crazy and with everything that's been going on I just say Bring it on haha. Honestly I'm just looking forward to seeing my family in like 10 days!!! and going to Paradise for a week ;)

Finishing Up Days of Thanks

Day 21: Happy Birthday Daddy!!! I'm so grateful that I have the best Dad ever even if he isn't with us physically anymore. I miss him every day but I know he is always near by.

Day 22: Laughter. Today I'm grateful for laughs. Especially with my co workers who make my work day more enjoyable by smiling and laughing.

Day 23: I'm grateful for Saturday's. Not only are they short days at work haha but it's also the day to start prepping for Sunday.

Day 24: Today I'm grateful for the Sacrament and the opportunity I have to partake of it each week and renew my covenants with my heavenly father.

Day 25: Scentsy!!! Anyone who knows me knows that I like things to smell good haha. There is scentsy all over my house and while my roommates may not necessarily enjoy the strong scents sometimes our house always smells good :)

Day 26: Today I'm grateful for the scriptures to read from and learn from. There are a lot of great teachings and lessons to be learned in there.

Day 27: text messaging is a blessing haha. Seriously I love that I can text the people I care about the most or call but when you have something quick to say it's nice to just send a quick text message. :)

Day 28: Happy Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for the opportunity to sit down with good friends and think about the past year and what I'm thankful for. (I spent Thanksgiving with the Hathenbrucks this year.... due to work had to stay close to home)

Day 29: As November comes to a close and Christmas approaches, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who died for me and made it possible for me to return and live with Him and Heavenly Father again someday.

Day 30: Last but not least  I'm grateful for the month of November where I can give thanks for what I have and remember to always give thanks not just this month :)

Happy Days of Thanks!!!

Days of Thanks Continued.....

Day 13: Grateful for true friends. Real friends are hard to find....you know the ones who through thick and thin are always there for you. Sure you can have loads of friends but how many of them will be there for you when you need it most? It's great to have lot's of friends but I'm more grateful for those who are there for you no matter what. Even if they are hundreds of miles aways.

Day 14: My car. Driving 45 minutes to and from work every day can be rough. Today was one of my super long days... but I'm grateful I had my own car that I could drive to and from work in and gets me to the places I need to go :)

Day 15: So so grateful for Netflix!! Wasn't feeling so hot today and yes I hate to admit it but spent almost the entire day in bed :( Pretty sure I caught a little bit of the flu or something but thank goodness for netflix!

Day 16: Sunshine. It's getting a lot colder now that winter has pretty much started but I'm grateful for the sun still shining and it's warmth it gives on a cold day.

Day 17: Tithing. Tithing has been a huge blessing in my life!!! I can't tell you how many times I've struggled financially but always paying tithing...things always seem to work out! You get lot's of blessings if you pay your tithing!

Day 18: Today I'm grateful for Mexican Food haha. What can I say I'm a Cali girl! And in New Mexico I've struggled because none of the mexican restaurants here are the same as in cali. Some are close but I miss my real mexican food :)

Day 19: Grateful for breakfast!!! It's the most important meal of the day! haha. And lately for work in the morning I've been doing my overnight oats and it's the best!!! Absolutely love it!! Thanks to my friend Natalie who gave me the idea.

Day 20: Today I'm thankful for sweet messages from general authorities like President Uchtdorf. As I get older it's hard to see when my happily ever after will come but I've come to realize that God has a plan for me and I just have to get through all the adversities first :)

Thankful Days Continued.....

Day 8: With the time change it's pretty dark in the morning still but the other day I was driving to work and in my rear view mirror I could see the beautiful sunrise beginning. The sunrises and sunsets in New Mexico are by far one of my favorite things about living here! I wish I could've gotten a picture of the one I saw but I'm posting one that I've taken here before. So grateful for beautiful sunrises that make my day start off wonderful :)

Day 9: Today I am grateful for the Word of Wisdom. Every year for work we have an annual dinner celebration that is paid for by the company. This year it was at St. Clair's Winery here in Farmington. I was reluctant to go for more than one reason but my biggest reason was that at this restaurant they offer free wine samples to go with you meal. I knew that most of my co-workers would be drinking wine and really I don't like being around those that drink. After much thought and even a little prayer, I decided that I needed to go. And it was actually a good experience. I had the opportunity to share with some of my co-workers why I don't drink. Talked a little about the word of wisdom with them and it was good.

Day 10: Grateful for hymns of praise :) I have the opportunity to be not only in one but TWO choirs and I'm kind of excited about it. My branch president was a little worried that I'm "spreading myself too thin" but I told him that I love singing and taking long naps on Sundays while sometimes is great....singing is greater. All day throughout church and choir practice we sang hymns and I just love them!! Each one is unique and special and a reminder to me that we can sometimes communicate to people better through song and the spirit touches them in a wonderful way. I'm excited for December when I get to sing hymns and melodies and be in the Christmas spirit. What a great opportunity and I'm so thankful for it!

Day 11: Happy Veterans Day!!! I know many wonderful people who have served or are still serving today. I am grateful for their service for our country and I'm proud of their choice to serve!

Day 12: Grateful for days off to catch up on some much needed rest and to update the blog haha. Plus I get to work on my crafts and projects for christmas that I'm excited about so it's all worth it!! :)

Thankful Days 5, 6, and 7

Day 5:

Today was a rough day at work. I had a patient who was upset and told me I needed to be more flexible (as in working with what he wanted) so I could be a great nurse not just a good one. I took it kind of hard because I try to be the best nurse I can possibly be but let's face it, no one is perfect and we all have hard days. Today though I am grateful for my job and the opportunity I have to serve my patients whether they like it or not and I know that I'm helping them and that's all that really matters. Besides...next work day will be better I just know it :)

Day 6:

Okay since I moved to Farmington it's been an adjustment trying to adjust to the weather. My allergies instead of getting better have actually gotten worse if you can believe it! Point in case.... it was 23 degrees this morning at 8!!! Like seriously!! That was too cold! And it's only the beginning of November!! I'm going to freeze this winter haha!!! So I made myself a cup of hot cocoa with my breakfast! I'm so grateful for hot cocoa and blankets haha! They definitely keep me warm!!

Day 7:

I am grateful for service!!! Last night I had the opportunity to go out and do visits with the branch here and visit some wonderful people in our branch. It was great! I love doing service and feeling like I've helped someone just by smiling at them or giving them a hug :)

Days of Thanks 2, 3 and 4 :)

Day 2:

I am grateful for crafts! Keep me busy and I love doing them!!! And now that it's starting to be Christmas time, I'm finding lot's of cute crafts to do and some to even send to missionaries but that will be a post for another time ;) For now, I'm just grateful for crafts and fun projects to do :)

Day 3:

I am grateful for the temple. I haven't been able to go in a while but I'm hoping to in a couple of weeks or at least by the end of month when I'm in Phoenix :)

Day 4:

I am grateful for emails!!! Seriously one of the best things about the start of every week is getting an email from all my favorite missionaries :)

30 Day of Thanks

Since I'm not posting on FB for the time being, I will be doing my 30 day of Thanks posts on the blog. Can't promise I will do it daily but I will get my 30 thanks' in :)

Today I am grateful for my family. It's hard being away from them because I am a super family oriented person and moving to a place where I knew absolutely knew no one, was WAY outside my comfort zone. But it really doesn't matter because no matter where I am, my family will always be there for me. And I hope they know that I am always there for them as well. :)

Some extended family members I feel a closer connection to than others but I love all of my family no matter what. And I love those who aren't "related" to me but are my family as well. Like the Hathenbrucks and Jacksons... their love for me is more than I ever asked for but I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

So thank you to all my family wherever you are for all you do for me. Even if you think you haven't done anything, or we haven't talked in a while... you have. I'm blessed to know you and so grateful to have you in my life! Love you all!

Life.....Always An Adventure :)

Due to some recent events, I am taking a break from facebook. Don't worry it's not anything major haha I just need to take a break from the things I see/read on facebook. In a way it's a good thing because now I can blog more :)

I had to take my car in to get fixed this week. I know I know a brand new car that already needs fixing... let's just say I had a fight with the garage and the garage won :( And it took me three months to finally get my roof fixed but the people are super helpful and friendly and I hopefully will have my car back in no time.

Being without a car all week definitely makes me even more grateful for a car! Kind of can't go anywhere far but walking places is good. It's nice that the gym is right behind my house now so to save on gas I just walk and it's really starting to pay off but that's a post for another time ;) Anyways, I am not one to ask for help very often. I like to be the one to provide help, not the other way around haha it's something I'm working on but I'm really grateful for the people in my life who have offered to take me the places I've needed to go while not having a car. It's been a huge blessing and those people truly were blessed helping me out.

Since I've been kind of stuck at the house, I've been working on some projects that I'm excited to share in later posts :) And I've been watching this new TV series that a good friend of mine got me interested in. Thank goodness for netflix to keep me busy while working on projects. Anyways...it's also given me time to evaluate my life. Yes, my life has been difficult the past while however I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and Christ's hand in my life. I have this saying that eventually will be up on the wall in my room it has all these words on it: Be Happy, Think Positively, Stay Strong, Work Hard, Have Faith, Eat Healthy, Exercise Daily, Love Freely, Live in the Moment, Read More, Relax, Laugh Out Loud, Worry Less, Forgive and Forget, Give Generously and Be Grateful.

Aren't those awesome words to live by?! What a great reminder I get to see each and every day. I can't wait to finally put those up on the wall next to my temple and Christ picture. It's going to be great! Anyhow, if you want updates on my life... don't bother checking facebook. I won't be on there. But I will post on here and hopefully post pictures soon.

When It Rains... It Pours

It's been a long time since I've blogged... I know... sadness. Truthfully I love blogging and just kind of got out of the habit of blogging all the time.... however now I need to get back into for a few reasons... One... it's calming and relaxing to write my thoughts down.... and besides my journal... I need to be better at documenting what's going on in my life or my thoughts rather because really it will be good for my posterity to read.

With that said, I am back to blogging...or trying to be haha. And I don't want this post to be a "Oh I'm so sorry for you"....I just need to write what's been on my mind and leave it at that.

I would say that for the most part, I'm a happy individual, loving life and trying to be everyone's friend. Granted when times of trial come upon me, I have a hard time continuing to be happy while going through the trial. I guess I never really noticed that I did that up until recently.

Now... here's where I don't want anyone to start feeling sorry for me

I really am not going to go into detail on anything I've been going through....mainly because I know that there are a lot of people out there going through even more difficult trials then I am currently experiencing. We all have problems... we all have trials that God has given us. We are here to be tried and tested. One thing that I've learned over the years is to never lose faith in Him. If He brought me to it, He will lead me through it.

The past few weeks have been extremely trying and difficult. I've felt like I've failed at some things and other things I've asked myself "Why Me?". Yes, I will admit that I did ask that more than once the past few weeks. It's been rough but all I can say is that even though it's been difficult, I turned to the Lord and prayed hard for peace and comfort and for His help to get me through. Keeping the Faith is really what it's all about.  And He really has been there for me and given me peace and comfort.

I know that the Lord has a plan for me. I think my problem is I'm a little too impatient and want our timing to align haha but I've learned to trust in Him and I know everything will be okay. I also have to remember that while going through my hard times, I need to be happy despite what's happening to me. A really good friend of mine pointed that out to me this week. Actually now that I think about it, more than one individual told me to smile and keep on going. I guess I needed two people to remind me of that this time around haha. Don't worry I'm smiling and thanking Heavenly Father for my difficult times because it's made me into the person I am today.

I am proud to say that I love my Heavenly Father. I know He loves me. He has a plan for me. Through all my hard times and difficulties, He is there helping me through. He has also blessed me with people here physically to help me through. Without my family and good friends, my life wouldn't be the same.

I know that right now Farmington, New Mexico is where I need to be and like I always say it's an adventure worth taking :) Every single trial I've experienced or am experiencing is for my good and learning. I just hope that during my adventures... I can share with others what I've learned from them. I am who I am today because of my trials....and of course the good times that come with the hard times because really we do get good times also :)

So really when it rains....it pours in my life... BUT I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus love me. And I have great support all around me to get through it all.  It's like that song in the Prince of Egypt, there can be miracles when you believe, who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe..... maybe my trials are hard.... but miracles do happen when I believe and when I'm helping others.

Life is an adventure worth taking and as long as I have the Lord in my life, I know I can get through anything! Keeping the Faith. :)

New Beginnings...

It's kind of hard to believe that I haven't written a blog post since May but then again I'm not really surprised. Life has been extremely busy and lot's of things have happened.

In June I went home to California for about a week and a half. I left work after working a 12 hour shift and drove 6 1/2 hours to Scottsdale to my aunt and uncles. Stayed there for a day and got to hear my beautiful cousin Chelsea give her farewell talk before I headed out to California with my grandparents to my mom's. We spent the next week just chillin...mainly by the pool since it was SO hot! Chad graduated from high school which is kinda crazy that we are all growing up!

The next week Jeri and I left and headed up to Utah. It was great to spend a few days with Drew and Taylor and the kids. Then after a few days I drove the 6 hours back to Farmington since I had to work that weekend.

July was kind of a whirlwind month haha. My lease was ending at my condo and with two friends from the branch here I moved into a cute little three bedroom house. Nobody really believed how much stuff I have but I have a lot!! haha. When you live by yourself for over a year you do accumulate a lot. My room still isn't completely done....I downsized on closet space so I need a dresser still haha. When it finally gets finished I will post pictures I promise.

I celebrated my birthday.... well I tried not to haha. I'm not a fan of being in the spotlight but some special people decided it make it an ordeal haha. It was great. My wonderful 2nd family the Hathenbrucks made me dinner and a cake. It was so nice. And my mom sent me the prettiest flowers which totally made my day because I never get flowers!

Pretty much the month of July though I spent it working and moving and unpacking and cleaning the condo. It's hard to believe that now it's almost September!!!! This summer went by way too fast!

It is kind of interesting to see where life takes you sometimes. I never even thought of moving to New Mexico nor had ever heard of Shiprock or Farmington before I moved here. Life is an adventure and while it's been an adjustment from living alone to living with two other people it's been great. Work has been crazy busy and while that's good, I also hurt my back so I'm trying to be careful and take it easy.

Now that fall is coming, I've made some goals that I want to excel at by the end of the year. I'm hoping I can reach my goals and I'm excited to do it. Maybe I will share those in another blog post ;)

Anyhow for now...those are the updates. Not much to tell haha but life is good. My new motto is Live every moment, laugh every day and love beyond words.

Updates in 2013

Okay okay..... I KNOW it's been a LONG time since I've last blogged. Kind of crazy really because I love it but life just kind of got busy ya know? That's still no excuse.... I need to blog and write down my thoughts and life so my friends and family can keep in touch ;)

So anyways....here's what is happening or has happened in the past months since I last blogged.....warning...it might be a lot to read but there are pictures to keep you entertained as well :)



October 2012:

Had to work on Halloween.... don't worry it wasn't too exciting. I did stop by my adopted family afterwards to see the kids all dressed up. Nothing really to report other than spending time with friends and working a ton ;)

 I've been blessed to be able to go to the temple at least once a month now and it's just so great that I can actually go!!! It's hard moving from having the temple 10 minutes from your house to 3 hours away. But it definitely makes me appreciate the temple more and the blessings that come from going!

I spent Thanksgiving with the Hathenbrucks. They are my adopted family here and I just love them! I wasn't able to go home for the holidays so it was nice to be able to have somewhere to go.

I also spent Christmas with them and I just love these two! Not going to lie....Thanksgiving was hard not being with family...my first time ever by the way away from family (extended included) for the holidays and it was rough but I felt so loved. They made me feel right at home. Christmas was even harder but I am so grateful for the love and kindness this family has show me.

Also spent New Years with them....surprised don't be haha. This isn't the greatest picture but it shows you we like to have a good time ;)

It's always nice to feel appreciated and that's exactly what the Elders Quorum in our Branch did for us! We had a women's appreciation night it was awesome. Of course with friends like Brittney it always is a blast! I just love her!

 This guy is still going strong on the mission and I just love hearing from him and getting pictures!!! I had to add one just so you know he is doing well and having a good time. I just sent him a care package and I'm dying to hear how he liked it. According to Auntie he loved it though so that's good ;)

 I hit my one year mark at work. Weird how fast time has flown by.... I miss these lovely ladies though! I think a little reunion is much needed and soon!

 We've gotten snow... not as much as other places but enough for this Cali girl! This was at work one day.... the most I've ever seen at work and it was falling hard. It was pretty though...just didn't like driving in it!

Okay I hate to admit it but I was sick ALOT this winter. First I got a cold, then got over it and would get another one. Then....got even sicker before I got better. And then something else hit and it was like a never ending process of bad health. Don't worry though I'm doing ALOT better! Minus the allergies but they are under control for the time being. :)

 Got to go tubing with the Branch and it was loads of fun. Next time though I need to remember to bring gloves!! That was a mistake haha but it was fun!

 Went shooting and had a blast!!! Shot my first shot gun ever and it was so cool!!! I'm a newbie at it but it was a blast! I want to go again!

 This lovely lady got her mission call to the Birmingham Alabama mission. I just love her she is fantastic! Our good friend Alissa took pictures of us and we had a blast! Steph kept saying the camera loved her more than me but we all know it was pretty much equal ;)

 I FINALLY got to see my mom and Bret!! They came out for like two days and it was so great just to have them here to visit!! We went to the Four Corners Monument and Bret thought that was pretty neat to stand in 4 places at once!

 I just love this kid! He makes me smile!! I miss him....BUT I get to see him soon so it will be awesome!!

 Breakfast at IHOP before Steph left to report to the MTC. I miss her ALOT but I hear from her weekly so it's good :) I just love her so much!! And I'm so proud of her decision to serve and teach others the Gospel!

 Had a lovely girls night down in Albuquerque. I had a blast with these two. And of course I loved doing two temple sessions while we were there :)

 Okay....I just can't believe my little brother is 18 and his papers are IN! We are just waiting for a call! How crazy is that?! I just love him and he is going to be an awesome missionary!

 I recently went to my first carnival ever.... I know I know. Crazy right?! We have them in Cali all the time and I have never gone!! It was so much fun though! We had a blast!! And I caught some fish!!  It was a blast and of course I was with some pretty awesome people which made it so much fun!!

 That's pretty much the happenings right now. I am in the works of moving into another place with two friends of mine. It's a work in progress only because I may not be able to get out of my lease early but I'm trying to....so we will see what happens :)


In less than 3 weeks I will be going home for a week and a half and I'm SO excited!!! It's been 9 months since I've been home and seen my family all together so I'm EXCITED!!! It will be awesome!!! And I will try to be better at blogging. This blog is probably still going to go private so make sure I know you read this so I can add you to the list when I do make it private! Now it's time for me to clean and get ready for the rest of my day :)