tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74058463359880166222024-03-13T06:53:13.366-07:00And also....sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-52472394880295105892015-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:002015-02-14T21:16:53.042-08:00Living the life in Sierra Vista<br />
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Many of you know that we moved to Fort Huachuca, Az. Many of you have asked to see pictures. I took these awhile ago, but felt uncomfortable posting our house, address and layout on Facebook. Even though I have my privacy settings set, I didn't feel comfortable. I am not sure this is any better, but at least it's not ALL my friends that can see it--just those who make the effort to ask for an invitation. In any case, here is our house. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the main living area looking at it from the Laundry room through the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another one. Audrey dancing. :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQj3sj0pkmQ/VN7NwkaerJI/AAAAAAAAATY/k33WwQyfwYw/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQj3sj0pkmQ/VN7NwkaerJI/AAAAAAAAATY/k33WwQyfwYw/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An awkward view into the "dining room" which may or may not be used as a dining room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYdz1McIWZA/VN7N5MeLBTI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Hs4nMtsnJpk/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYdz1McIWZA/VN7N5MeLBTI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Hs4nMtsnJpk/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the dining room into the entry way and into the "living room". The living room will be where all the couches and TV will live. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the main living area off of the Kitchen. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqSTvPFeMPc/VN7Nyg-TBzI/AAAAAAAAATg/OG7-biGE8yE/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqSTvPFeMPc/VN7Nyg-TBzI/AAAAAAAAATg/OG7-biGE8yE/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just around the corner from the picture above. Here you can see into the extra bathroom, bedroom number 2 and the Master bedroom which is the furthest to the left. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1HKBhNiHG8/VN7NzUDBbRI/AAAAAAAAATs/L57xP57tysM/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1HKBhNiHG8/VN7NzUDBbRI/AAAAAAAAATs/L57xP57tysM/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the Master Bedroom. That is one side. There is another opening to the closet on the other side of the room. The closet goes across the entire wall. It's pretty awesome. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KL21tAYm18A/VN7Nzcym1tI/AAAAAAAAATw/pmul2EyBWCI/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KL21tAYm18A/VN7Nzcym1tI/AAAAAAAAATw/pmul2EyBWCI/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Bedroom #2 which is going to be used as an office. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzMvtCO1SOY/VN7N0Zy-8_I/AAAAAAAAAUA/a0lPbYmizSw/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzMvtCO1SOY/VN7N0Zy-8_I/AAAAAAAAAUA/a0lPbYmizSw/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra bathroom. Not our shower curtain. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8umLncID9yk/VN7N1DuydvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Ax4nN3ZxnrQ/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8umLncID9yk/VN7N1DuydvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/Ax4nN3ZxnrQ/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom #3 which will be Audrey's bedroom. This is directly next to the bathroom. All the bedrooms are close together--which I wanted--since Audrey is learning how to sleep in her own bed/room. I didn't want her to have to navigate through an entire house to find us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbiGM3H6cM/VN7N2z-UMHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/2XM9LNVF3oE/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSbiGM3H6cM/VN7N2z-UMHI/AAAAAAAAAUE/2XM9LNVF3oE/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main living area looking into the Kitchen. The room off of the kitchen is the laundry room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQpj94J2YDc/VN7N3eiQWQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/waKe3rXw6UU/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQpj94J2YDc/VN7N3eiQWQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/waKe3rXw6UU/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the entry way. The door that you see actually belongs to the front hall closet there. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apM-UxGgSCo/VN7N4s4Y6OI/AAAAAAAAAUY/w0peO_5es5g/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apM-UxGgSCo/VN7N4s4Y6OI/AAAAAAAAAUY/w0peO_5es5g/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out back from the main area. Kitchen is to the left. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Arm5NZ_gyM8/VN7N5MHhrJI/AAAAAAAAAUg/aLYomnHGmbg/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Arm5NZ_gyM8/VN7N5MHhrJI/AAAAAAAAAUg/aLYomnHGmbg/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing outside. I didn't get a ton of pictures. The fence actually wraps around 3 sides of the house (all but the front), so it's a huge fenced in area. Yes that is a HOT TUB! Love it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3W0e1g3p0o/VN7N6FKGb3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/DxCnd12c-AQ/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3W0e1g3p0o/VN7N6FKGb3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/DxCnd12c-AQ/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bath. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNIW72bDag/VN7N6YwR1YI/AAAAAAAAAUs/w8XUttHQPWo/s1600/IMG_3433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNIW72bDag/VN7N6YwR1YI/AAAAAAAAAUs/w8XUttHQPWo/s1600/IMG_3433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bath. That door goes out back--which is nice when you are coming in from the hot tub. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJZ-yAWGdHs/VN7N6yRhBrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/mr-iWl_Fhbc/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJZ-yAWGdHs/VN7N6yRhBrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/mr-iWl_Fhbc/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is the front. We're on a corner lot, so we have plenty of space. I really love it. We also have a two car garage that gives us plenty of extra storage as well.<br /></td></tr>
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I hope you liked all the pictures. I'll try to post some once the house is actually put together, but we'll have to see if that ever really happens. I hope so, but when you are only somewhere for 6 months--the motivation isn't really there. ;)sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-21040611165978704902012-03-17T19:46:00.001-07:002012-03-17T19:46:22.023-07:00Aaron is BACK!!!!! (Note: This should have been posted right after Aaron got home from SERE)Yay, YAY, YAY!!!!!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly happy I am that my sweetheart is back home. I saw him come and I just ran and jumped on him. Yes, I jumped on him. lol. I didn't even care that he was in uniform or that I was in a skirt. I went for it. I held on tight and didn't let go for a while. I had on one of those big "statement" necklaces that was kind of digging into my chest, but I didn't care. My baby was back!<br />
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The FRG had put together a little snack table for all the guys/girls for when the arrived. Seeing as they hadn't had good food for a few days, it was a nice gesture. Aaron seemed happy to talk and eat, but I'll admit I just wanted him home so we could just be together without a big group of people.<br />
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After we got home we just talked and talked and talked. Haha. I am pretty sure neither one of us shut up until we went to bed that night. It was amazing. I missed him so much. It made me realized exactly what I have gotten myself into.<br />
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I married the most incredible man. He is strong both physically and spiritually. Listening to him tell me about his experiences from SERE (at least what he could tell me), I realized exactly how amazing he is.<br />
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I am so proud of my husband. I couldn't have asked for a better man in my life. He means the world to me and I am so glad and grateful that he decided to use his gifts for the good of all mankind.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-40173800235450009782012-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:002012-03-17T19:43:08.486-07:00Take me back to Manhattan......Spring Break just ended and I am looking at all the FaceBook statuses and pictures of all my friends who just got back from a week in New York.<br />
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*Sigh*<br />
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I miss New York City more than anything else from my "old" life. Before I decided to serve a full time mission for my church, I was literally living my dream. I was living in New York auditioning for shows and actually making them! :) However I turned them all down to serve a mission, <i>convinced</i> that the blessings I would receive from serving a mission would be more job opportunities than I could count when I got home. Unfortunately that wasn't the case.<br />
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I wish I understood why it wasn't in my plan to become a Broadway Star, especially since it seemed sooo much in my reach. I sincerely thought that because I made the "right" choice in serving a mission, I was guaranteed a spot in the performing world. Most of the time I have come to grips with the fact that there are other things God wants me to do with my life. But when I see my friends doing the things I so desperately want to do, it really breaks my heart and sometimes I wonder why that's fair. I know that God has a plan for me and He only has my best interest and happiness in mind, but it's sooooo hard giving something, that I love so much, up.<br />
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And it's not like I'm dying tomorrow (as far as I know), so I understand that there is still so much of my life to live, but I just can't seem to shake this dream. When I hear of professional auditions, my heart aches. I wish I could just move on and be happy with my current situation, but I can't seem to ever move on from the fact that <i>I could have done it</i>. I just know it!<br />
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Aaron keeps telling me that we'll make a trip to New York and I know that it will be bittersweet. I will feel so much at home and I will so happy to share all of the things that I love about New York with Aaron. However, I'm sure it'll give me the same feelings as I feel now looking at the pictures of my friends. Heartbroken that I'm not there doing what I always felt I was meant to be doing.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-18352131486085529372011-08-06T20:36:00.000-07:002011-08-06T20:36:02.500-07:00Saying Good-bye.I guess this is the safest place (minus my paperback journal) I can write my feelings about how I'm feeling about Aaron leaving in two days. Wow. What a rolar-coaster of emotions. I have always been the type of person to not get over emotional around good-byes. I can't explain it. I have no clue why I don't cry very often when I know I won't see someone I love for a long time. Most of the time I am far too excited for the adventure I'm going to have or the adventure they are going to have. I remember this one time when I was leaving to go to college for my sophomore year, and my bestie Cami was there to see me off. She started crying when I started to get in the car. I can't even begin to tell you how much that touched me. I felt somehow that because I wasn't crying, I wasn't letting her know that I felt exactly the same way. That experience has stayed with me and I think about it every time I have to say good bye to someone--especially someone I care about.<br />
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Aaron leaves on Monday for SERE (survive, evade, resist and escape). He'll be gone for 3 weeks. He has been moping all week long. He's been so depressed and while I can totally understand why he is NOT excited to go to this particular training, I hate that I can't quite grasp the same kind of feelings. It seems I put up a very large wall when Aaron needs to go away. I put all those feelings of loneliness and hurt and sadness and put them behind a wall so I can't access them until later. Then those feelings come and I sob for hours.<br />
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I'm not sure what is the best way of dealing with things, I just know that I don't remember ever feeling any different. When my boyfriend at the time left on his mission, I was so happy for him that I don't think I shed a tear when he left. However I bawled the night after I got off the phone with him when he was at the airport. I didn't cry (for homesickness) the whole time I was on MY mission, or when I left for college or even the first time the Aaron had to leave me for 3 weeks. In fact, I've only cried a few times that I can remember, in a good-bye setting. When I moved to Alabama and I realized I was leaving Utah and my family for good. I was moving on into a new era. And when I had to leave my dog at the Kennel while Aaron and I went to Disney World. That was so hard for me because I can't communicate with my dog. I can't assure him we'll be back in a week. But even still, I didn't cry until we got in the car. And when Aaron left last summer, I don't even think that I felt any of those depth of despair feelings until at least a week after he left.<br />
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So here I am again, watching him pack, while I type. He keeps saying how much he's going to miss me and how much he doesn't want to go and I keep thinking about how much this experience is going to bless him and how much a better person he is going to be. I will miss him terribly, but somehow my body doesn't react in the same way as most people do, in expressing it.<br />
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I ignore it. I don't want to feel it.<br />
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And so I don't.<br />
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Not until some time later. I'm guessing I'll really feel it the first night I sleep alone in bed or going to church without him (somehow THAT one is the worst). It's funny how I can be reduced to tears in less than a sec. when I see a something about a lost or fallen soldier, but when my own soldier leaves for training I'm like "sweet, well see ya later. Love ya!"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48r3MS80wqE/Tj4HHZ2KxiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/j_v9tnQVgPQ/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48r3MS80wqE/Tj4HHZ2KxiI/AAAAAAAAAFM/j_v9tnQVgPQ/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" width="320" /></a>I am positive that Aaron knows that I love him and that I'll miss him terribly. Even writing this post has gotten me teary eyed a few times, but sometimes I wish that I could express myself in the more traditional way. Make it obvious that my life is just not as complete without him in it. Instead I am left to writing my feelings into a machine and broadcasting it for all to read.<br />
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At least everyone can be assured that I don't do emotional goodbyes. I just can't.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-40903098209973214312011-07-06T11:22:00.000-07:002011-07-06T11:22:18.072-07:00I'm proud to be an American<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence Day Fireworks at Fort Rucker</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Independence day has always been one of my all time favorite holidays. I mean it has food (good food), parades, dances, concerts, crafts and of course fireworks. It's just a big party--and the reason we party is even better. Because we're FREE!! I remember when I was in highschool and Cami Jo and I would scout out good parade locations. Sometimes we were lucky---other times, not so much. haha. But we were ALWAYS decked out and ready to rock 'n' roll. I think my favorite memory is when we finally found the perfect spot---it might have been at 3 or 4 am and we laid out our sleeping bags and then got soaked like 30 mins later because all the sprinklers came on. Other good memories was watching fireworks explode over Lady Liberty, Stadium of Fire and of course our homemade rootbeer, baseball game and a BBQ in Paris, France. There is just nothing better than celebrating what means to be an American.<br />
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</div><div>Then I married Aaron Isom, the love of my life and things got even better. It seems that the 4th of July is HIS favorite holiday too. YAY. Since this is the first year we've actually been able to be together, we wanted to live it up. I must say that Military celebrations are fantastic. They really understand the whole "proud to be an American" thing and therefore put forth some effort for a big deal celebration. That being said, we're STILL in the middle of nowhere, and it's not going to be as big as other places or long standing events (such as the freedom festival in Provo or fireworks in NYC). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Still, they had a fair and a fun center for the kids (didn't get any pictures of that, sorry) and a big deal concert with a big deal name. It was a lot of fun. They had all the aircraft out so you could take a closer look of what they fly around here. Aaron and I didn't spend of ton of time over in that area, because we had done that already at the Utah National Guard Family day last summer. But we did eat some fried 'gator and fried Oreos and fried Snickers. We ate a bb q pulled pork sandwich that was terrible and we watched Gary Sinise and the LT Dan Band. They were fun. Then afterwards we watched the fireworks. I believe the BEST part of this celebration was, even though it was crowded, it wasn't overbearing. On top of that, it threatened to rain all day and so it was nice and cool--not that hot. Here are some pictures from our day--although for the life of me I can't get them in chronological order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddwBKvl6ng/ThSi0airLUI/AAAAAAAAADU/OcdkKs-Ap10/s1600/DSCN1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddwBKvl6ng/ThSi0airLUI/AAAAAAAAADU/OcdkKs-Ap10/s400/DSCN1155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gary Sinise and the LT Dan Band. They were actually pretty good. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIC5J693itw/ThSi4aM9iXI/AAAAAAAAADY/RAbaEk02mLY/s1600/DSCN1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIC5J693itw/ThSi4aM9iXI/AAAAAAAAADY/RAbaEk02mLY/s400/DSCN1159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron and I chilin' waiting for the fireworks to start. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqnefx3OYBo/ThSjB6ZhEQI/AAAAAAAAADg/q2TeJMZjvz0/s1600/DSCN1118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqnefx3OYBo/ThSjB6ZhEQI/AAAAAAAAADg/q2TeJMZjvz0/s400/DSCN1118.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the little fair thing before the concert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiMf758l-To/ThSjFuvFuXI/AAAAAAAAADk/u-CDfMWvijc/s1600/DSCN1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiMf758l-To/ThSjFuvFuXI/AAAAAAAAADk/u-CDfMWvijc/s400/DSCN1120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup you read it right. <br />
"tastes like chicken, but more rubbery" Aaron Isom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2toW0qlj7JA/ThSjJ7tKSYI/AAAAAAAAADo/tVKWwXs61Fo/s1600/DSCN1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2toW0qlj7JA/ThSjJ7tKSYI/AAAAAAAAADo/tVKWwXs61Fo/s400/DSCN1121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get past the mental aspect of what I was eating...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VpH9Y0nG6g/ThSjgk0pJdI/AAAAAAAAAD4/OPP9DQnt95o/s1600/DSCN1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VpH9Y0nG6g/ThSjgk0pJdI/AAAAAAAAAD4/OPP9DQnt95o/s400/DSCN1132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of a fried Oreo. Pretty good, but a little dry. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYQxlKXV5Q/ThSjcGJn1AI/AAAAAAAAAD0/Kdi4QmIWwAk/s1600/DSCN1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYQxlKXV5Q/ThSjcGJn1AI/AAAAAAAAAD0/Kdi4QmIWwAk/s400/DSCN1127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training helicopter. It's what Aaron will fly first.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-vNkI4QXvc/ThSjW5SRZ3I/AAAAAAAAADw/4y4_vsOXDtY/s1600/DSCN1126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-vNkI4QXvc/ThSjW5SRZ3I/AAAAAAAAADw/4y4_vsOXDtY/s400/DSCN1126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinook <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR7oai3NG-w/ThSjlXkX7lI/AAAAAAAAAD8/nXW-s3yn-00/s1600/DSCN1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR7oai3NG-w/ThSjlXkX7lI/AAAAAAAAAD8/nXW-s3yn-00/s400/DSCN1133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A remote control type airplane that they actually use in battle. These are pretty cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvENBstUvro/ThSjp_dz51I/AAAAAAAAAEA/Iyo5GZOY2NQ/s1600/DSCN1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvENBstUvro/ThSjp_dz51I/AAAAAAAAAEA/Iyo5GZOY2NQ/s400/DSCN1135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd gathering for the concert<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLp3QmihFw/ThSjusT3AaI/AAAAAAAAAEE/KJeyC1L3PXo/s1600/DSCN1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KLp3QmihFw/ThSjusT3AaI/AAAAAAAAAEE/KJeyC1L3PXo/s400/DSCN1136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palmers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXhAgKN8_Fk/ThSj94vH3FI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/vx_fKImtjYA/s1600/DSCN1143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXhAgKN8_Fk/ThSj94vH3FI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/vx_fKImtjYA/s400/DSCN1143.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron and I having fun during the concert<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rEOBUXvqwE/ThSj4Ta7xrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/JCQl6-rqCIs/s1600/DSCN1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rEOBUXvqwE/ThSj4Ta7xrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/JCQl6-rqCIs/s400/DSCN1140.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron finally getting around to eating his fried snickers. It was really yummy. I really liked how the chocolate was all melted, but it didn't get all over your hands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpkguFRdW5w/ThSjyiGU3uI/AAAAAAAAAEI/A_sdtZ9-W5E/s1600/DSCN1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpkguFRdW5w/ThSjyiGU3uI/AAAAAAAAAEI/A_sdtZ9-W5E/s400/DSCN1139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">At the concert</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-32947443760475399592011-07-06T08:57:00.000-07:002011-07-06T08:57:44.625-07:00Girls CampWow, what a week. Girls camp was so much fun. The young woman in this ward are amazing. Seriously, I have never met more fantastic woman. However I'm not going to lie and say that it wasn't hard at first. You see, I got called into this calling 3 weeks before they left for camp. Very little preparations had been made for camp and even less communication. It was if no one knew how to take charge. The problem was...this didn't really manifest it's self until it was too late. The first young woman's meeting I went to I was late because I had been told the wrong time. It was at 6, but I was told to come at 7pm....that was until I got a phone call at 6:20 asking where I was. Then when I got there, no one spoke to me, no one told me what was going on etc. I didn't know what I was supposed to be doing--if anything--and no one was filling me in. I'm so shy that I didn't really get in people's faces to try and find out, I just kind of sat there and didn't say anything for an hour and a half. Later when it was time to go to girls camp, it was another round of mis-communications or non-communication. There were mis-communications about the certifications our ward was supposed to teach, where our girls were supposed to be, etc. I finally had to push myself out of my comfort/shy zone and put myself in charge and get things done. I must say it was awkward and hard, but in the end it worth it. The girls were just so responsive, once they had someone in charge. Things went a lot smoother after that. I made some great friends--both young and old. I even conquered a bit of my spider fear.....well I learned to co-exsist with them. Here are a few pictures from our camping fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqXVMb5RaM/ThR2oMxAL3I/AAAAAAAAAB0/cGpaRA9oeM0/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqXVMb5RaM/ThR2oMxAL3I/AAAAAAAAAB0/cGpaRA9oeM0/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes they made at girls camp. ALL of our meals were like this. They were amazing!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-TKUgSAJX8/ThR2sOprhfI/AAAAAAAAAB4/JllXKZ1AMxI/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-TKUgSAJX8/ThR2sOprhfI/AAAAAAAAAB4/JllXKZ1AMxI/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the YCL's prank's us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxbzqtBcMc/ThR2zA-LVRI/AAAAAAAAAB8/GD3kAO5sNRg/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxbzqtBcMc/ThR2zA-LVRI/AAAAAAAAAB8/GD3kAO5sNRg/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Alf5BTRLwM4/ThR25Gj7g8I/AAAAAAAAACA/v9w_9hXsWi0/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Alf5BTRLwM4/ThR25Gj7g8I/AAAAAAAAACA/v9w_9hXsWi0/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cabins at our campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbRvikuhdqY/ThSDhU8VreI/AAAAAAAAACQ/V-QKBKKCeFI/s1600/DSCN1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbRvikuhdqY/ThSDhU8VreI/AAAAAAAAACQ/V-QKBKKCeFI/s320/DSCN1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the end of our hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ws7Y30wxsjA/ThSDmKMSkII/AAAAAAAAACY/fg1Ths9YKk8/s1600/DSCN1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ws7Y30wxsjA/ThSDmKMSkII/AAAAAAAAACY/fg1Ths9YKk8/s320/DSCN1108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The majority of our girls during our hike. Only our YCL's were missing. We left at 5:00am. The girls were troopers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNHwxLTrc-E/ThSDqTWfw3I/AAAAAAAAACc/z3CLWxODvbI/s1600/DSCN1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNHwxLTrc-E/ThSDqTWfw3I/AAAAAAAAACc/z3CLWxODvbI/s320/DSCN1114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night at camp, they were all dressed up for the Bishoprics</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ1JQy4lO-Q/ThSDuLfCUnI/AAAAAAAAACg/eSKz-tSoFHg/s1600/DSCN1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ1JQy4lO-Q/ThSDuLfCUnI/AAAAAAAAACg/eSKz-tSoFHg/s320/DSCN1116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-59592634791383119462011-06-20T21:55:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:55:42.381-07:00who could ask for anything more?You know those days when things just seem to fall into place? Anytime that happens, it amazes me. Today just happened to be one of those days. Mondays are, on average, disastrous....and they are notorious for it. So I'm sure you can image my surprise when I woke up this morning ON MY OWN at 7:00am. I needed to be up by 7:30, so I just laid in bed half awake. It was nice. Afterwards I got up thinking I was going running with a new found friend, only to find out that she was still out of town. :( Well, I wasn't going to let the fact that I had gotten up early, dressed in running clothes, found my nano AND had actually remembered to eat breakfast go to waste, so I decided to go running by myself. Now, it must be clear that the last time I went running in Ala BAM a, I almost died. Seriously, I couldn't even make it 2 miles. Sad. I was ready to go---out the door even--when I realized my nano was on 2% battery life. Inside I went. AND to not let my energy down while charging my nano, I decided to call my life long gal pal, cami nurray murray jo heaton. The one and only. It's amazing the things you can get down when you actually decide to get out of bed. By now the nano is charged and I'm out the door running to "I'm a believer" covered by smashmouth. With my new found exhilaration, I not only go for a run, but I go through the parts of the neighborhood formally banned in my mind because of spiders and snakes. (or course I was praying constantly that I wouldn't find any surprises) and to make things even better, it actually felt nice out. There was a slight breeze and because it had been raining, it was a little cooler. An unlikely surprise. I come home and give Kuma a bath..outside. SUCCESS. Afterwards I take him for a walk and brush and blow-dry his hair and get in a phone call with my mommy. It's now time for my bath, brush and blow-dry and I'm done just in time to hang out with Aaron for his lunch break---leaving at the same time he does to meet up for lunch with one of my new friends for SUSHI!!! YUM! Who knew you could find good sushi in Daleville, Al? Next a productive hour of cleaning and talking with my other friend, Lacee, ending with Aaron getting off early from class. What joy!! I send him to take a nap and even though I was tempted to join him, I amaze myself by accomplishing more in my living room and I come up with a brilliant idea of how I want to decorate it, clearing out empty boxes and conquer more spider fears by going into our storage units. Aaron is now up and we make a yummy healthy dinner together, clean the kitchen--going "virtual" shopping with my non-biological sister and end the evening with an amazing FHE, and now actually updating my blog...which in effect, is very much like a journal today.<br />
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It may not make sense why I felt the need to log my entire day's activities, but I was so happy to have accomplished so much of what I wanted to do today. I believe that this was because of something I failed to mention that I should have...the actual start of my day, last night. I prayed last night that I would have a productive day today. It may seem silly to people, but I believe that God answers prayers and He loves us enough to care about the small and simple things of our daily lives. He answers our prayers if we care to enough to look for His answers. We just need to take action. I know that sometimes answers come in life-changing events, but mostly---especially me, they come so subtly that I hardly even know they are there at all. I love that how having a productive day and a clean house can bring the spirit into a home. It amazes me at how much a simple hymn before praying can change the course of what you pray for. I love how much God guides our lives and our families. I know this gospel is true. I love it with all my heart. I am so grateful for a wonderful husband who is a priesthood leader and loves the Lord. I am grateful for the scriptures and how they are examples to us, and how going to church can touch you in ways that are so incredibly unique and personal---even when everyone is hearing the same lesson. I know that I won't always feel this way, but I believe it's important to record the times that you do. It's important to write down your testimony and what you are thankful for. It's for this reason I write today for me. For the future me who may wonder if I have what it takes. I can look back and read this and be amazed and think.......if she can do it, so can I !!sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-9865451634288994592011-06-19T22:57:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:57:38.339-07:00My Daddy, My HERO!It being Father's Day and all, I thought I would write a little somethin', somethin' about my daddy. Not to mention his birthday is later on this week. I just adore that man! He is everything I hope I can be one day. Cheesy? Ha, who cares, this is MY blog. haha. Anyway, what I thought I would do is share some of my favorite memories about my daddy and some qualities about him that everyone should aspire for. So here we go, even though a list could never be complete and I KNOW I will miss some of them, here is my TOP TEN reasons why I love my daddy in no particular order.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-yrTvqg_sU/Tf7AlEtcweI/AAAAAAAAABc/E_OPxFhLfVg/s1600/DSC_5866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-yrTvqg_sU/Tf7AlEtcweI/AAAAAAAAABc/E_OPxFhLfVg/s320/DSC_5866.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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<i>10. He is quietly hilarious</i>.<br />
People have told me before that my dad can be intimidating because he is so quiet. He can look quite serious when he wants to and has these piercing beautiful eyes that really just demand that you be honest and truthful to him. However, once you get him going, he so quite witty and can outsmart you on pretty much anything. There are several "witty" stories that I could tell about my daddy, but really it's something you have to experience, like when little kids think he's Santa Clause and he plays along, or when you don't realize he's been listening to a conversation and then BURNS you. He's wonderful...and for all those who don't know him, he may be quiet, but watch out....he's usually got something up his sleeve.<br />
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<i>9. He unconditionally loves his wife.</i><br />
Growing up in my house, the sure-fire way to upset Daddy was to disrespect our mother. He could listen to us arguing our case to our mom, and mostly he would let her handle it ( cause Heaven knows, she can handle herself in an argument), but as soon as you let a "that's stupid" or an "I hate you" or any other sentence that was disrespectful, my daddy got mad. I can still remember him saying very strongly and firmly, "You NEVER disrespect your mother"! Maybe it is for this reason that I see my brothers treat their wives with such sweetness. Growing up, I never doubted that my dad loved my mom. As a child, I took that for granted, but now I see how incredibly lucky I was. Here is a cute story about my mom and dad.... when we were traveling to Montana to visit my mom's side of the family. My mom is from Montana, so we traveled this way often. On one occasion we came across some baby foxes traveling with their mom. As I remember they were in the middle part of the highway (not in the middle of the highway, but there was this grassy part, with some trees and such). My mom and I both saw them and perhaps someone else, but my daddy was driving and so I turned to him and said, "Dad, did you see those Montana foxes?" and he said " What do you mean? I already have a Montana fox." I giggled and thought my dad was BRILLIANT. My mom blushed and swatted him playfully on the arm and said "JAK!" hahah! I love it. Even now, I love hearing their stories of how they went to the movies, or seeing them hold hands. I love it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHmnY1wsP6E/Tf7Gim6ucmI/AAAAAAAAABg/EAtDOZBfVu0/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHmnY1wsP6E/Tf7Gim6ucmI/AAAAAAAAABg/EAtDOZBfVu0/s200/IMG_2379.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom is giving my dad a thumbs up! ;) </td></tr>
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8. <i>He is always levelheaded.</i><br />
I asked Aaron what he thought about my daddy and this is one that he came up with and I 100% agree. In times of drama/turmoil or confusion, my daddy always seems to know what to say and what to do. He always keeps his calm and understands the situation. He's probably the only reason our family has any common sense with all of us stubborn and opinionated yahoos!<br />
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7. <i>He is the smartest man I know</i> (although Aaron's catching up! ;) )<br />
For this one I wish I had a picture of my daddy reading a book. I have absolutely no idea how many books he's read, but I know it could fill an entire library. I asked him what he wanted for Father's Day and he said "a good book". I love him! People come to him for advice and knowledge, his resume is extremely impressive and on top of all that, he volunteers for a historical museum, just because it interests him. I've seen him read biographies of some of the greatest men alive, several of our Church's prophets, as well past presidents and other figures of authority. I am pretty sure I have never asked him a question that he couldn't answer. When I grow up, I want to be just like him. Seriously.<br />
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6. <i>He LOVES The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints</i><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."</span></blockquote><i><b>Elder Boyd K. Packer </b></i><br />
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This is what I know about my dad. He has always been a faithful servant of the Lord. I watched him study his scriptures, teach lessons, fulfill callings, go to meetings, give blessings, heal the sick, give selfless service. In fact, I am pretty sure my dad is more like our Savior than anyone else I know. He has dedicated his life in bringing up an amazing family and I know that all his children thank him for the testimony he has given us. For me, I wouldn't be the person I am today without the love that my dad has for his Heavenly Father, the Son, Jesus Christ and for the gospel. I remember he bore his testimony at my niece's confirmation and he spoke about how he wanted all of his children and grandchildren to know that he loves them and that he has a testimony. It was amazing. Also, when I was on my mission, my dad's letters were always SO profound. Looking back, I wish I would have kept them. Maybe I will have to go onto my old email account and print them all off. I want my kids to benefit from my daddy's wisdom.<br />
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5. <i>He's always a good sport and up for an adventure.</i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Most people when they go away for the weekend it's about the comfort and connivence of a hotel. Where people pamper YOU for once. haha, well my mom loves camping and because it's cheaper, they would go camping a lot. How's that for out of the ordinary adventure. Or the fact that he married a very spontaneous woman, who likes to visit her kids on a moment's notice. My daddy was alway up for it. But I think this video shows his free-spirit! :) </span></i></span></i><br />
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4. <i>He supports his children</i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I can't remember anything that was a big deal to me that my parents weren't a part of. I am pretty sure they were at every choir concert, every performance, every soccer game...and on top of that, I'm pretty sure that I went to all of my brother's football games and soccer games and anything else. And if our friends had things going on, they'd go to that too! haha. I love it. This memory, I really wish I had a picture of. I was in <i>Music Man</i> at the Scera Shell Outdoor theater and it was POURING rain. I mean seriously buckets of water. However, someone thought that "the show must go on" and so we did. We danced and sang our hearts out, while it was coming down cats and dogs. I remember looking out into the audience and seeing my dad, there all by himself, with his own chair, his coat, umbrella and a tarp. I'm sure it's not true, but in my memory he was the only one in the audience (I'm pretty sure if only one person had shown up, they would have canceled that performance, but still....in my memory). Another memory that sticks out in my mind, I was dating another guy (I know... shocking) and no one liked us together, it's easy to look back now and see it wasn't right, but in the middle of it all, I was very confused and I was sick of people telling me what I should do, instead of listening to how I felt. Except my dad. He listened and told me that he trusted me to make the right decision, and if that meant to marry this guy, he would support. I can't tell you what that meant to me. My daddy had my back! </div><br />
3. <i>He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him.</i><br />
It amazes me the amount of people that love and respect my dad. I know it shouldn't, but I have never met anyone that didn't like him. Most of the time when someone hears that I am "Jak's daughter", they sing his praises. It's fun to hear things about my dad that I normally wouldn't know. Some people have even claimed they learned all they need to know from my daddy. It's ok folks, I say the same thing! My daddy is so humble and I think that is why people flock to him. However, I think the thing that has become the most touching for me, is watching my dad get older. His body isn't working as well, and because of health issues he's been in and out of the hospital more than he ever was in the past. As his body has become less reliable, I have seen others step up. My mom, serving him endlessly...spending nights in the hospital and making sure he has every comfort that he could need, my brothers all jumping up for the chance to help him out to the car or getting him a plate of food. I can only imagine the kind of life he would have to lead to have people jump at the chance to serve him now. I want to be like that!<br />
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2.<i> He can cook too, on top of the rest</i>.<br />
I think something my daddy is most famous for is his cooking. Almost all of us kids have picked it up. In fact, as a child, I don't remember ever eating leftovers....that could have been that fact that I have four brothers...maybe there just wasn't any leftovers....but I'm pretty sure it was just because he could make anything out of nothing. We had some serious gourmet meals. Most of my friends say they miss my daddy's cooking. Heck, I miss my daddy's cooking. I have called him several times for several different recipes, and I know my brothers have done the same. However, my dad doesn't cook from a recipe. So what happens when you call to get a recipe from a man who doesn't cook that way? Usually a lot of experimenting. haha. Some of my favorite meals include, but are not limited to: Taco salad--probably his most famous, meatloaf, baked beans, beef stroganoff, pinto bean casserole, spaghetti, ck divine and his thanksgiving spread.<br />
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1. <i>Because he's my daddy!</i><br />
I have so many wonderful memories of my daddy, from watching old <i>AMC</i> movies and having him point out the actors, or volunteering with him at the museum, working on scripts, sets and other theater projects, cooking, going on road trips, long talks when I lived far away, helping me pack my entire house, watching endless games of football with him (on TV or live), teaching moments, his never ending perfect advice, but most importantly his priesthood influence he's had. I am so grateful that he is a strong member of the church so that he can give me blessings and watch out for my spiritual well being, as well as my physical. I am so grateful that he was there when I went through the temple for the first time and also when I was married. Families ARE forever and so I'm glad he's mine to keep! He's my daddy and I will always love him for it. I always wanted to sing a song with my dad--the one from <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> the musical. (lyrics at the bottom)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMoi1NNLZ0/Tf7bRcUlCtI/AAAAAAAAABk/8rYs7UmkPqI/s1600/n581266853_1077212_1607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSMoi1NNLZ0/Tf7bRcUlCtI/AAAAAAAAABk/8rYs7UmkPqI/s320/n581266853_1077212_1607.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daddy playing "Ishmael" in <i>The Promised Land</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtY0mCjjyXM/Tf7binA00wI/AAAAAAAAABo/V8I8Nn26dPY/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtY0mCjjyXM/Tf7binA00wI/AAAAAAAAABo/V8I8Nn26dPY/s320/IMG_0753.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitting the rides at Disneyland!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lbwJ8_hJVc/Tf7cP5ZirlI/AAAAAAAAABw/TwDxNxjfV8s/s1600/DSC_6132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lbwJ8_hJVc/Tf7cP5ZirlI/AAAAAAAAABw/TwDxNxjfV8s/s320/DSC_6132.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching me how to dance!</td></tr>
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Here you go: "No Matter What"<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Papa, do you think I'm...odd?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter odd? Where did you get an idea like that?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know. It's just that, well, people talk.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They talk about me, too.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, we're not odd, its true</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No fam'ly ever saner</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Except one uncle who...well, maybe let that pass</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all you say or do</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You couldn't make it plainer</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are your mother's daughter; therefore you are class</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I should just accept</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm simply not like them</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are the common herd</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you should take my word</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are unique: creme de la creme</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what you do</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm on your side</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And if my point of view</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is somewhat misty-eyed</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's nothing clearer in my life</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Than what I wish and feel for you</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's a lot...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what they say</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You make me proud</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the funny way</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You stand out from the crowd</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's my intention my invention</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shows the world out there one day</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just what we've got...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That ev'ry daughter's great?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She pulls out all the stops</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To praise him</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And quite rightly!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what the pain</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've come this far</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray that you remain</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exactly as you are</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This really is a case of father knowing best</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And daughter too!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maurice:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're never strange</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belle:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't ever change</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're all I've got</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**hmm, two songs from the same show, is it possible I'd like to play this role someday?</span></span></div></span>sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-83477646904547184892011-06-16T19:28:00.000-07:002011-06-16T19:28:50.207-07:00I'm amazed at how it's so easy to forget things. Something remain engrained in our brian forever, like when Alex paid Lyra a dollar to squirt toothpaste up her nose and all she kept saying was "it tingles, tingles". haha. Yeah, you don't forget things like that. However, I was looking at my old mission journals. Wow. I don't remember half the people I taught. That is sad to me, those people used to be part of my daily prayers and now I can't even seem to put a face to their name, let alone any sort of personality. I also came across all my other journals. I think by the time I had unloaded all of my books, I had something like 15 journals spread across my shelf. And I'm pretty sure there are a couple that have gotten lost of the years. Wow, I used to be so good at writing. I skimmed through them and floods of memories came rushing over me. There were some entries that I found myself blushing that I thought it was worth a whole journal entry. Boys seemed to be a topic of great interest to me. Hahah, however as I grew older, my journals grew thinner and thinner and the entries are sometimes years apart. :( Sad, now I don't even have a description of the boy that means the world to me! So I'm thinking the next couple of posts will be about our story and we came to be the incredible couple that we are. Complete with the dating story, the engagement and the wedding. If I intend for this to be a journal of some sorts, than I feel it would be best for me to include some of those life changing events.<br />
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</tbody></table> Here are all my journals randomly on the floor. I guess there weren't exactly 15, but it seemed like a ton when I was pulling them out. Aaron also had his mission journal (all 10 pages that he wrote...lol), but his entries were so much more intelligent than mine. *sigh* Well, maybe it'll help "humanize" me to my girls when they are going through the same age groups.---if I have little girls.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-26766012633622369152011-06-07T21:40:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:40:52.825-07:00When I grow up...I had a moment today when I remember all I ever wanted in life. And that was to perform. Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a performer. For a short time I did want to be a professional soccer player, but I realized my talents were far greater in Musical Theater than in Soccer. So today when I was watching the show "The Voice" and I'm hearing people talk about how they've wanted this all their lives, I cried. I knew how they felt. While I am in no way unhappy with my life right now, it just hit me how much I gave up. I never thought my theater career would ever take a back seat. Aaron has always supported me, even encouraged me to continue to do theater, but sometimes I don't think he understands that if I do theater, I don't do anything else. I get to do theater again this fall. I'm really not sure how things will play out. It's hard to do something I love so much, only half-way. I want to finish my degree, but I wonder where the road will lead after that.<br />
<br />
It's hard to give up the dreams you've had since you were a little girl. The best way I can think to describe how I feel is through song...a musical one at that.<br />
<br />
"A Change in Me" from <i>Beauty and the Beast </i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's been a change in me<br />
A kind of moving on<br />
Though what I used to be<br />
I still depend on<br />
For now I realize<br />
That good can come from bad<br />
That may not make me wise<br />
But oh it makes me glad<br />
<br />
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind<br />
My childhood dreams<br />
But I don't mind<br />
For now I love the world I see<br />
No change of heart a change in me<br />
<br />
For in my dark despair<br />
I slowly understood<br />
My perfect world out there<br />
Had disappeared for good<br />
But in it's place I feel<br />
A truer life begin<br />
And it's so good and real<br />
It must come from within<br />
<br />
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind<br />
My childhood dreams but I don't mind<br />
I'm where and who I want to be<br />
No change of heart<br />
A change in me<br />
<br />
No change of heart<br />
A change in me</span></span></i>sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-71608424423189515772011-06-07T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:16:17.692-07:00what makes a productive day?I'm a list person. I like my days organized and thought out. I like, no, I LOVE the feeling of accomplishment. Crossing things off my list. So when I have a list, but then only parts of it get done, but other things get done that were good, but not on the list....which is better?<br />
<br />
I'm taking these classes on Post helping us to become better leaders/spouses/family members and people, and we were talking about time management and how it's good to have your day planned and to watch out for time wasters and to be flexible. I'm pretty sure I could fit into each one of those today.<br />
<br />
Here was my plan:<br />
finish organizing my room<br />
do insanity<br />
read french BOM<br />
clear out all the boxes that I have unpacked<br />
go swimming<br />
<br />
Well, here's what happened.<br />
I forgot I had an appointment to take Kuma to the vet today. (btw, he was AMAZING. Dog training is working. Gosh, I just love him)<br />
Stopped by the Arts and Crafts building and got prices for doing, well, arts and crafts.<br />
Came home and updated blogs<br />
Was surprised that Aaron came home for lunch, so we just hung out.<br />
Probably wasted time on Facebook<br />
Went to the pool, read BOM and started a new book, "Crucial Conversations" and planned meals for the week, made groceries list. and also, swam some laps.<br />
Came home and got ready to go to my classes, while watching a new TV show Nate told me about, "The Voice", which I loved/hated--more on that later.<br />
Went to class and LOVED it (see sjarmywife.blogspot.com)<br />
Came home, realized Aaron has become addicted to Magic the gathering on the computer, and therefore didn't get anything else done...like putting away groceries (found a gallon of milk on the kitchen floor..lol) or feeding the dog.<br />
Put stuff away, cleaned kitchen, fed dog<br />
INSANITY<br />
<br />
and now I'm in bed wondering if I really got anything accomplished today. As I look through that list, I think, wow, I did do a lot today, but what I really wanted to do was, get organized. I'm sick of living out of boxes/disorganization. I hate the task, so I'm putting it off, by doing other things that are also good. I should probably revisit Elder Oaks talk <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng&query=good+better+best">Good, Better, Best</a>, and get my priorities straight. This happens to me a lot, because there is a task I don't want to do, I think of EVERYTHING I can possibly do--that's good, so I keep myself busy enough that I don't have time to do what I want/should do.<br />
<br />
OK goal tomorrow. Organize room. I cannot leave the house, unless that task is done. :(<br />
<br />
oh, crap.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-64245624965490572172011-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:002011-06-06T08:07:19.800-07:00"Goals reflect the desires of our heart and our vision of what we can accomplish"That quote is from Preach My Gospel. Such a worthy reading. <div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, each year I set goals, and in the summer I set goals for just the summer. I am so excited to be in a new place and to experience new adventures and have the opportunity to set goals I just wouldn't have the chance to do otherwise. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Aaron and I have some goals together, but mainly it's just me, cause, well, I'm the one here all day, every day all summer. It's the perfect time for me to do things I have never done and to refine/revisit things I have already started. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A couple of my first goals was to start blogging. I really wanted to start one because of something my cute sister-in-law Brittney showed me. She prints a book of their family blog each year. How cool is that??? Scrap-booking done! I thought, I want to be like her and here I am. I have read other people's blogs and I really loved being able to hear about their lives, even if I wasn't an active part of it anymore. Once I decide to do something, I usually go after it right away, so here I am, blogging about my goal to blog.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The next couple goals on my list were: finally finish the Book of Mormon: in French (don't judge me) and to do some sort of fitness thing in conjunction with my brother-in-law Josh. (ps, Josh and Brittney are married, look how much they've influenced me this summer!) So, I must say, my reading has been so fun so far. I don't understand all of it, there is a lot I've forgotten and BOM french is HARD. But, it isn't too bad. I plan to finish the end of August and so I have to read roughly 2 pages a day. C'est simple. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The fitness program Aaron and I are doing is INSANITY by beachbody. It's one of those infomercials--get you in the best shape of your lives in 60 days. It looks intense, but we're super excited. We're going full out and looked through the meal plan they have set up and wrote down our goals and whatnot. wow. Can't wait. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Some of the other goals I have:</div><div>sewing project (with the amazing sewing machine aaron got me)</div><div>swimming once a week</div><div>riding my bike once a week</div><div>cooking 2 new recipes a month</div><div>go to these Army wive classes they have here on post. </div><div>Exploring the post/Alabama:</div><div> Do you know they have so much to do on Post? You can make your own picture frames, do pottery, learn how to fix a car (the basics) etc. Plus I have a whole list of things to do in this area. Yup. It's going to be pretty cool. </div><div>Reading a book from our "library" each month. Aaron has some of the coolest books that I discovered while unpacking. </div><div>Get my dog really well trained</div><div>family history! :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, I better get going since I have classes tonight and need to get stuff done before I need to make Aaron lunch. Here's to a productive summer! </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7405846335988016622.post-58398129350005322482011-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:002011-06-06T07:31:28.037-07:00to blog...Blog:<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">a</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/web" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">web</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">site</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">containing</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/the" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">the</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">writer's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">group</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">writers'</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">own </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">experiences,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">observations,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">opinions,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">etc.,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">often</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">having </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/images" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">images</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">links</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">other</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">Web</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">sites.</span></span></span></blockquote><br />
So, here I am. Blog number two in just a few days. I never knew I had it in me. I think my brother Alex might disown me for choosing to go with a free type blogging site, when he much prefers the cooler options of full on websites. I, however, am not that cool and need: free, plain and simple.<br />
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I've always like journaling. In fact my first journals date back to when I could first write. Age 6 or 7, I suppose. I stopped as I got older and my life got busier and ironically more interesting. When it used to take me a year to fill up a journal, it now takes me years. Oh well, I'm hoping this will help. I do plan on expressing all my feelings here. Good, bad, religious, patriotic and private. This will, in fact, become the outlet for my journalling desires. It will, also, include our day to day experiences. In fact, my goal for this blog is to have pictures up from our little home. Well, that's it for now.sara janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05999810609220642316noreply@blogger.com0