Just Some Thoughts

I feel so very blessed today for the knowledge I have of our Savior Jesus Christ. I feel humbled before him of my nothingness without him and my ability to accomplish all with him. We all fall short sometimes and I've come to the point of finally being grateful for our weaknesses and trials because each one is an opportunity that he is allowing us to experience so that we can draw closer to him. When our heart and our mind are in the right place then no outside influence can take away our happiness. We truly are the master of our own souls.

(ENJOY)

I've watched this video over and over. It helps me to keep perspective and stay grateful even when life is frustrating or it feels like we're walking on a rocky path. Things happen and the thing to remember is our relationship with God. God always knows how to turn our weaknesses into strength and help us to overcome things that only he could make possible. I have so many personal experiences of this in my own life. One of the most recent being when I was sick on my mission and even after. While I was sick on my mission it was for the whole last year of it. It was literally through the enabling power of the atonement that I was able to make it through the mission. The Lord literally carried me through the day and blessed the lives of those I was able to serve. It wasn't me it was all him. Being sick allowed me to religh on him more then I would have been able to which in the end provided a lot of stretching and growing that I didn't even know was possible. After my mission with all the expectation of getting better it only got worse. From that point I experienced many hardships but as a result I've somehow ended up with more blessings then I could ever have imagined. I live in Provo, I have switched collages, I got an amazing job, and being in an other wise impossible to have relationship (because of distance). Would I trade any of these things? Of course not. The only thing that got me through those hard time were the many prayers that I said pleading "Dear Father, I don't know why I'm sick but please let it be worth it." It was worth it and it wasn't until I relaxed, trusted in him, and stop fighting myself (kicking against the pricks, figuratively speaking) that the Lord then said okay here you go. Literally my life changed for the better in the span of 1 week. It wasn’t just for one reasons but a lot of different reasons that I needed that experience.

I know that all the blessings in my life are a result of our loving Heavenly Father. Through our Savior Jesus Christ we will be able to return and live with Heavenly Father if that is what we choose. It does take effort and we can't make it back to him without using the beautiful gift of the atonement. That's the only real way to be happy. That is the only real way to live. "Any other way is chaos." -Elder Christopherson 

I just wanted to share my thoughts with anyone who may be interested. My heart is so full of gratitude! My Mother always taught me ever since I was a child that "there is something good that can be found in any hard experience." I believe this to be true with all my heart because it is a part promise of the atonement. Never give up and always keep pushing forward. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Pain is just for a moment. Life is about being happy where you are now and not waiting for some future point.

...For those of you who do not know. I haven't been sick lately with the same things from my mission. Fybromyalgia has been so much better. For the most part the only symptoms I get from that is when it is cold and my muscles get tense. That's nothing to complain about. Sometimes I get the common cold but I'd say most people do. Where I am now is a miracles and blessing from our tender and loving Heavenly Father. May we all recognize our blessings and say an extra prayer of gratitude each day.

The Start of Something New

For those of you who do not know who this is, this is my boy friend Josh Feriante. It's a long story so I will try and give you a somewhat brief update...

(The picture above is the first picture we ever took together when we started dating. We were at Flat Iron Park in Sandy Utah) Sunday, August 19, 2012.

Josh and I met on our missions while serving in The Ogden Utah Mission, both of us serving speaking Spanish. The first time I saw him he was in one of my district meetings for a day. His companion at the time was Elder Lautaha. My first impression was, well I couldn't figure him out. He seemed kinda distant yet was nice and kinda kept to himself. Little did I know he would become my district leader for the next two transfers. Not only that but he was also serving in the same ward as me for both of those transfers. His companion was Elder Morel and mine was Hermana Lundstrom. 

(The next 4 pictures are the only pictures I could get my hands on of us on our missions)

Family Home Evening Mondays at Hermana Bluvans house (in the Picture with us is Penelophe. She was here for a while from Mexico.) 

This picture is PRICELESS! I love these converts. One reason being is probably because we worked so hard and long with them. We saw miracles and these Elders were a big instrument in helping them progress as Hermana Lundstrom had countless visits and lessons.

This was our whole district that transfer. I can honestly say that Elder Feriante was the Elder that pushed me the most in my Spanish. It was frustrating at times and liberating at others. That was an emotional transfer for me. Those Elders put up a with a lot from us Sisters. 

This picture was taken the last day of my mission at the mission office when I was saying good bye to everyone. I had forgotten this picture had been taken.

Little fact about our missions. Josh started his mission exactly 3 months before my mission and his ended 3 months after I got off my mission. Wow, what are the odds?

(Hehe Josh is the only one that was looking at this camera. I wonder where the photo is from the other camera that I'm looking at. In the picture with us is the Perdomo Family, we love them!)

When Josh and I first started dating we both didn't admit that we were dating because we were still adjusting from being friends on a mission to liking each other and actually openingly dating. This was at the reception of Hermana Marcia Lundstrom (my companion at the time that Josh was our district leader). We got to see some people from the mission and we played games with Janae and Jaymes after the reception. This was the night Josh met Janae and Jaymes for the first time.

I still wasn't sure about dating him until I went to Salt Lake with Megan Judd for a session in the temple. We went out to dinner at a Peruvian restaurant after and Josh came along with us.

This is the only picture that we had taken that night that I remember. (Josh took this picture of us.) It was so much FUN! The music was loud, dancing fun, and the food well it took a long time to get to us.

Even with so much going on, this was the night I knew I wanted to get to know Josh better and I was certain that he was interested in me.

From here things just kept on getting better and better. We went on more dates and started spending more time together. We didn't take a lot of pictures of each thing but there is definitely a lot that happened. 

Josh came and spend General Conference weekend with me. He was able to see a different side to me and hear even crazier stories when he met Sara and Josh Foster that weekend of General Conference before they left to go back to Tennessee. We shared old stories, laughed a ton, and he got to learn so much more about me. The more he learned the better things got for us.

(This is a picture of us at the Conference Center for the Sunday afternoon session of conference.)

As I am going back over the our experiences in my head and trying to capture it all in writing it just isn't the same as when we lived it and where things are now. Things are so much better where they are now and explaining the events of the past doesn't do justice for how fun and exciting everything was in the moment. This boy came into my life out of no where and swept me off my feet. The week he got off of his mission he looked me up on facebook, some how got my number, and gave me a call. He called me that week and once a week every week until he came to visit me once he was in Utah. I sincerely thought I had called him once or twice but he has a clear memory and reminds me that I didn't call him back, not even once, woooops. I couldn't be more grateful that he wanted to keep in contact with me so much that he kept on calling. When he would call I would tell him all about the different guys that I was dating and he would tell me about his life and ask me for advice. It was nothing more then a genuine friendship. Which for me it had to be that way because there were honestly times that it was hard for me to make the change from being missionary friends, just friends, and then dating was a big step for me. Josh has been more then patient and one of the parts that I love the most is how well we communicate. Even from the beginning we've been way open with each other sharing our thoughts, hopes,fears, and everything else that falls in between  He knows whats on my mind and he is good at explaining his thoughts and how various experiences affect him. Could I ask for better, hmmm I highly doubt it. The type of relationship that we have is what people dream of their whole life's yet some rarely find...

Each one of these events mean something different and special for us. There are memories and moments that will not be forgotten. 

One of my favorite moments is when we first said "I love you." He said he had been waiting months to tell me those three words and me on the other hand I waited a few weeks. He's the type of guy that knows what he wants and I'm the one that knows but has to make sure 1, 2, or even 10 times that I'm sure of something before I dive in because once I jump I don't look back. Needless to say I love this boy. I am not sure where things are going to take us but I am look forward to taking our time in getting to know each other and enjoying each experience along the way.

I dedicate this to Josh who has been wanting me to keep on blogging and update my blog for a while since he knows I haven't blogged since we've started dating! I love you, ENJOY!

You can take the girl out of Tennessee but you can't take the Tennessee out of the girl.

To be honest I sometimes forget how much I love Tennessee until I get little reminders and then it feels so much like home.  I may have been born in Utah but I was raised in Tennessee. Now that I've spent a great deal of time in each of these places. I have two states that feel like home for me. I’d definitely rather live in Utah at this point in my life but I do miss the  greenery of Tennessee and the southern people.

The fresh breath of Tennessee came to me this time when two of my childhood and life long friends came to visit, Sara and Josh Foster.

(Hehe finally I'm not the whitest one in the picture)

The best part of being with these two is that we laugh all the time! We play so well off of each other and we enjoy the same sense of humor.  We have so many memories and the comments that are continually made that keep giving me a good ab work out. They truly do bring out who I really am and make me feel like my absolute and complete self.

As some of you know that since my mission I've felt really sick and have had little to no energy. With time it has slowly been coming back. Since Josh and Sara have gotten here they brought back out my adventurous side and we've been doing a lot of out door activities. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the out doors. Hiking, exploring, and trying new things. For example: I'm terrified of snakes but yet Josh has been wanting to go snake hunting. I find the idea thrilling to go snake hunting and would love watching from a distance the catch but I don't want to touch the thing myself, unless I'm curtain it can't bight me. Either way I love the adventure and the outdoors.

I'm having trouble getting a hold of more pictures so I can add more story and detail. I'll be sure to update it more later. There is definitely more to be posted. This weekend has been AMAZING!!!!

To Be Continued......

I'd like to welcome baby Luke to the family!

Baby Luke Arrived!

At about 5 this morning I received a text from Derek on Janel's phone that said "Baby Luke made his arrival early this morning. Baby and Mom are doing great! More details to come..." That was exciting news to wake up to.

Some more of the details are that his full name is Luke Derek Osborne. He weighs 7Ibs and 4oz and measures 19inches. He was born at 2:11 this morning. Here are a few pictures.

Soooo cute! I am so excited to be an Aunt again and meet this adorable child in August around Janaes wedding. I miss this fun family and we look forward to watching them grow!

Good job Janel and Derek. The family wants you to know we fully love and support you. We could not be more proud of who you are the and the wonderful parents that you are! We love you!

Janae's Bridal Shower 2 June 2012

Janae's Bridal Shower

Janae and Jymes drove up to Rexburg so my roommates and some friends could throw Janae a bridal shower. 

Here's the whole group! It was nice that even two of Jyme's cousins came to the Bridal shower. They are the ones on the left. Then it is Bailey, Megan, Janae, Me, Alicia, and Katie Stewart in front. It was such a fun group. We had games, food, and gifts. The three essentials for a fun party!

GAMES

Bridal Pictionary

FOOD 

Deliciousness 

GIFTS

Everyone was so good with the fun things that they gave her.

Here are some other fun shots...

Look how beautiful they are!!

We played a fun game that had to do with lots and lots of chewing gum. I made a list of a about 27 questions that I had Jymes fill out. Then I had the questions with his answers ready for the bridal shower. I had Janae put a piece of gum in her mouth for every question she got wrong. It was so entertaining to watch her keep having to shove piece after piece in her mouth. That wod of gum got HUGE (don't get me wrong but she did get a lot of the questions right but she got just enough wrong to make it very entertaining) 

I LOVE US!!!!

I'm so proud of my younger sister and the beautiful person that she has grown up to be. She is one of my best friends and I'm thankful that she is marrying such a great guy. They are the perfect match and will treat each other great throughout life. 

cardboard box+ toothless old woman= scared to death

This one's for Annabelle! :)

As most of you know. Annabelle is one of my best friends. When I  first met Annabelle this is pretty much how we looked at each other. We actually hated each other and we did in fact play soccer against each other. Not to mention the first time we met we literally got in a fight in a pool. Plus one of her friends at the time was paying Annabelle to not be my friend. It makes for entertaining stories.

When we met we weren't actually as old as these girls in this photos. She was more about the age in the picture below. (she's the one with the blue shirt on) I do know I was 6 years old when we met.

Haha I love this picture and this family. I grew up with them and met them probably a year or so after this picture was taken...Back to Annabelle :)

So I grew up with Annabelle and we only became friends because I pretty much lived at her house for a good 2 years. I don't remember the specific events that made us friends other then you were there the time I got in a bike wreck, broke my arm, fractured 3 ribs, and my spleen. Not to mention the other times I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia, a broken thumb, and Adam was nailed in the bed with a gold club. We are so blessed that your Mom was my doctor and your family is full of doctors and nurses.

Annabelle all grown up!

On to the stories!!!!!!

One cardboard box, one cane, one old woman and one scared little girl... PRICELESS

There are many many times that I had close call death experiences. This is one of them. Except I need to make a correction from the picture. I was a little scared but I definitely wasn't crying. This is what happened.

For a while growing up during the time I pretty much lived at the Fosters house there Grandma moved in to live with them. She wasn't your average kind, sweet, and gentle Grandma. She was large, crazy, a perfectionist, and in charge (I asked one of the Foster kids how to describe there Grandma? This is the response I got "scary, psychotic, social service handful, walking death, OCD nazi, creepy doll collector, and rapture queen!" She was determined to get those kids disciplined and if you were a friend visiting it didn't matter you became of one the kids. There are stories of her hitting, slapping, and yelling at us. Plus so much more. So when I was over there we turned it into a game. We'd challenge each other to run up to her door bang on it, run away, and be the quickest person to get out of the path of destruction (I assure you I rarely lost at that game). If you got caught the result was usually a slap or a punishment sentenced to cleaning.

During one particular night almost all the foster kids were there. They had a lot of dogs and those dogs had a LOT of puppies. They were cute, loud, and we loved playing with them. The Fosters happened to have a HUGE box in the middle of an empty room that was right next to  the Grandma's room. We had the brilliant idea to bring the puppies in the house, put them in the box, and climb in the box to play with them. It was really late at night so naturally when there Grandma heard us she came out yelling at us with her hair in curlers, cane in hand, and no teeth in. We ran away as quick as we could, laughing, and her yelling at us to go to bed. The puppies were still in the other room in the box. So once she went back into her room naturally we snuck back in the room and in this huge box there was only one hole on the top to get in and out about the size for kids to get into. A few times she came out to chase us away and each time a different kid would be stuck in the box. She would whack the box with her cane and yell "you git outta dare"(with her no teeth). I remember in specific Cody and maybe Jacob getting caught as we were all hiding and watching. She gave us warning that she was going to beat us if she caught us. So finally the last time I was like okay lets all get in the box this time. They put me in first and it wasn't two seconds later that she came storming out of her room. Everyone took of running for there life's. She was yelling "some one is in that box! (while hitting it with her cane) she's yelling COME OUT RIGHT NOW!" I was dead silent and all you could hear were the puppies scampering and whimpering. After she left I some how managed to climb out of the box and ran to get the guys to get the puppies out of there so we could be safe. We were all scared and laughing so hard at the same time. She was a force to be reckoned with. Maybe you just had to be there. Plus we have other memories of her putting a chain and lock on the fridge so we couldn't eat and times where she made us sit in the living room for about 3 hours. Each time she left we'd disappear to sneak into the other building to play dodge ball. We'd get caught every time. At least there was 5 or 6 of us in the three hour time out.

When he older twin brothers got there drivers license a whole new world of craziness opened up before us. We were about 13 and 14. As long as we game them has money we could go where ever we wanted. One night we were having a sleep over and her brother Joe had just gotten a bikini top Jeep. It was so nice. On the way to there house we took a lot of back roads. He'd go about 80mph and we'd stand up on the back seat with the wind in our hair holding on to the upper bar that goes to the back. I remember having to hold Seren in so that she wouldn't fly out of the car but it was awesome, dark, fast, and furious! I lived off of adrenaline. How we are still alive, only God knows!

Annabelle was there for a lot of firsts. First time spewing grape juice out from laughter out all over her and staining her new cloths (I guess that's what she gets from being so funny). First time I ended up in the hospital for a billion reasons and many times after that. First time I had a major life crisis and broke down. First time I needed to have a best friend to have my back when people were talking behind my back at school when I moved away (she got them good. They looked up to her so when she stood up for me and proved them all wrong it rocked there world and made mine awesome!). First friend I've ever heard of screaming in the middle of a class just to get reactions from people and to see if she could get away with it...she totally did :) ENTERTAINMENT! First time someone told me they can't eat apples because they didn't want to keep the doctor away, because the doctor is her mom. First time we stole a parents car and hog tied Janae in the back of it. First time I did some of the worst things of my life and the best. First time I know the church was true and was converted. First time I learned how to stand up for myself. First time I knew I could trust someone as much as I trusted myself. First time I had a friend that would do anything for me, she has my back ALWAYS!

Seriously Annabelle is such a good friend! When I was 15 I moved to Sandy, Utah to live with my Aunt Kathy. I was going through a hard time because I had Mono. That didn't stop her. She called my Aunt and planned the perfect surprise. She bought a plane ticket herself and showed up on the door of my Aunts house on the day of my 16th Birthday. When she opened the door I had been in the kitchen. I looked down and saw her at the bottom of the stairs. I didn't even think, I jumped and cleared all the stairs landing at the bottom, gave her a hug, and then started laughing because I was in such shock I didn't know what to do with my self.

I can't find a picture of Annabelle and me but I found one of her and Janae :) Hehehe EVEN BETTER!

This is a picture of me and Annabelle's 2 kids (From left to right: Kali, Maleah, and Me)

Here is Annabelle and her Kids, so cute! There eyes are all AMAZING! There are 8 kids in her family and all 8 have blue eyes. It runs in the family.

Here is a more recent picture of the Foster family children. They definitely look different since the last picture that I found. (Try and find the twin brothers...)

One of the first times I went over to the Fosters house I was about 7. Micheal was about 15(the one in the picture with the white shirt, he is the oldest sibling). He had an old truck to drive around there property since they have about 70 or so acres of land. Me and most of the boys got in the back of the truck as he floored the truck and sped off  over hills trying to get some air and do three sixties. We were all in the back of the truck being flung around having the time of our lives. When all the sudden the truck took an unexpected sharp turn. Josh (the one with the suit on in the middle) had been caught off guard and was going over the edge right in front of the tire. It was my instant reaction to try and save him. I managed to get a hold of him by his boxers somehow and pulled him back in the truck. He wasn't wearing a shirt but he was literally saved by his underwear. I don't remember much but making fun of him for getting the biggest wedgie of his life when in reality he was just about slaughtered. Josh was another one of my best friends growing. I haven't talked to him in years but if you want to hear someone tell funny stories of me growing up he'd be the man.

I hope you enjoyed that Annabelle! This was done at your request. There is so much more I can add and maybe I will but for now enjoy!

The Big Change!

So here is an update of my life...

Since I've gotten off my mission I did a lot of resting, then traveling, and visiting friends and family. I finally started school again at Brigham Young University in Idaho. School had just barely started and it didn't take long for me to see that things were going down hill fast. I couldn't focus in class and I was growing increasingly in more pain daily.

After much prayer and thought I thought it best to take a semester off of school to re cooperate from my mission. I felt good about it and even more relief when I actually did it. As time as gone by I've just been living up here with my wonderful roommates and now I have some more news...I am going to be living with these wonderful people. (I only have access to this picture of us from my mission right now.)

Yes its true. I'M MOVING TO PROVO!!!!!

I am so thankful for wonderful Grand Parents that are so loving and invested in helping me get better. I love getting to spend time with them and I look forward to feeling better. They have been with my and family through think and thin. I love them and I am excited for this change. I'll be moving there this weekend. This is a big change but I am looking forward to it!!

Family Reunion Summer 2012

Last Saturday 21 June 2012

One of the family reunion traditions is that a few of the cousins get in a prank war with Uncle Bob. It usually involves water or some sort of food. Bob had done really well ganging up on a few that he got super wet. In revenge all the older boy cousins got together and this was the end result.

The initial attack!

Look how many people it took to get him down.

They're getting him good...

Notice the duck tape...He's going to be stuck for good.

Haha Just kidding. It took him like 5 seconds to get out of a hog tie done with duck tape. Who ever said that duck tape is good for anything. Uncle Bob proved them wrong! I'm a proud niece...For future warning: if you ever attempt to get in a prank war with Uncle Bob YOU WILL LOSE!!! 

I love you Uncle Bob!

After the prank war, a family home evening full of stories, and reminiscing. Uncle Brent got a lot of the grand kids together for games. Egg toss, hula hoop contest, and something I've never seen before the tire jump (I don't know what to call it but basically it is half a tire tube. One end is completely tied off and the other end tied off connected to a hose. They then take turns jumping on the water and let all the kids take turns running around and jumping on it. The one that it busts on wins.) Here are a few pictures of the event.

This is Megan Pettey giving it a try.

Ben Hale getting some good air.

Jump Jump Jump Jump!!!

Jon Lund taking it out with his body.

Jessica Pettey getting some good air.

Jessica Pettey hitting a title wave. SHE WON!!

I didn't capture many more pictures then these few but there were many more games, fun, and food. I want to say a big THANK YOU for everyone that helped make the family reunion so great. All the Aunt, Uncles, and Cousins chipped it to make it great. Plus getting to see family that we rarely get to see is always a job! I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!

A little overview, post mission...

The adventure begins of returning home off a mission!

The first 3 weeks off the mission I literally slept. I thought it would end there but I'll have to update you with my current status and if I've gotten better since the mission and where I'm at in life.

I got to spend time with my sweet sister Julia Hale. I probably get to spend the least amount of time with her but she is definitely entertaining. She always has lots of questions to ask and she will be open and honest with her opinions. She is so sincere you gotta love her.

I spent the first 3 days back off my mission with my Mom (JoLayne Wood). She was great to be with and rest. We did go spend a Sunday afternoon with my Brother Aaron, Sister-in-Law Haley, and their 2 kids. They are so fun. I wish I had more pictures of us.

The next 3 picture are from when I spent a week in Michigan with Janel, Derek, and their 2 kids. It was so fun being with them. Janel and I went shopping a lot and I was able to get some new cloths that were much needed. Thank you Janel and Derek for having me in your home! They were so good to me and I enjoyed being with them.

They're so CUTE!

I love the picture below. It is of Kate playing with the hose. I told her to take a drink and I snapped this picture. Personally I love it! I got so close to Kate while I was there that there were times that she would accidentally call Mom. I love it! She reminds me of a little Janel. No wonder we got along so well. When we were younger Janel and I shared a room and had a blast while we were at it!

The 2 picture below is first of Grace and then Jack!

Ammon and Jillian let me spend a few days in their home. I also wish I had more pictures with these cute little kids. I also met Matthew for the first time but I don't have a picture of that. I think Ammon does. I'll try to get it from him. There kids are adorable!

Aileen Clotet was my trainer on the mission. She was known to as Hermana Clotet. Now she has a new name, Hermana Aileen Clotet Tadd. SHE GOT MARRIED!!!!

This was the first wedding I went to and reception after my mission. All her companions were  her brides maids. We are all in the picture below (except it is missing Hermana Jessica Castenada.) 

Let me just say that she had one of the funnest wedding receptions I've ever been to. They had good food, guests, but the best part was the dancing! Hermana Clotet promised me she was going to get me dancing after the mission and Ohhhh did she EVER!!! There is a Peruvian tradition at dances to have La Hora Loca (Translation: CRAZY HOUR!) No one is allowed to stop dancing for a whole hour straight. It was crazy, it was fun, and one of the best dances I've ever been to!!!

Since I was just in Tennessee I was able to get some good tickets for General Conference that weren't being used and bring them back to Utah so I could help some Sister Missionaries bring a recent convert to General Conference. 

(From left to right is: Hermana Newton, Galaviz, me, and BicquiFernandez) 

It was such a good experience and well worth it. Bicqui had just been baptized the week before. It was an incredible experience. Hermana Galaviz had been my last companion in the mission. We had been teaching Bicqui. I may not have been able to be at the baptism but it was a great experience to see a recent convert see the prophet for the first time. She was so excited! 

I LOVE YOU BICQUI!

It wasn't long after General Conference I started school at Brigham Young University in Idaho!!!

With more updates to come....