New Year

I am so excited for this upcoming year! Though I must say, I have really enjoyed 2009. I just know that 2010 will have some more great adventures for me to take. Let's just hope I can keep up this year! ;o) Happy New Year everyone!

My 2009 Christmas Letter

December 2009

Merry Christmas!!

What a year 2008 has been… I mean 2009!! Geesh time just goes right on by! This year has been pretty good for me. I just wish time could slow down just a little. I guess that is why we are told to enjoy every minute of everyday.

This year I had some really fun/hard classes. I took American History for the first part of the year. It was actually only an 8 week class. Yup, I learned all about America in just 8 weeks….. haha! Just kidding! I But I did learn a lot about our country and how it SHOULD be today. Unfortunately we are far from what our founding fathers had in mind for us. Anyway, I really loved the class. Then I took the summer off and started back up in the fall. I had 2 classes this last semester, which were Astronomy and Personal Finance. Both of my teachers were quite different. I didn’t really understand their method of teaching, but I somehow managed to make it through. Astronomy was great! I already have a fascination with our universe; it was exciting to learn more about it. One thing I didn’t like about the class was that scientists/astronomers take God out of the picture, when in all reality it is because of Him that we have so many magnificent things to ponder and study. My testimony of His Divinity was strengthened through this class. For my personal Finance class I realized how much money you need, and how much money I just don’t have!! (haha)

I still work for the Utah Department of Health. I’ve been here for 7 years now. We are still working four 10 hour days, which can be rough for me … since I live an hour away from home. I like having Friday off though; it’s nice to have 2 days to get things done at home.

My family is doing great! This year my cousin Stacey went camping with my Dad and Sharon (and myself). It was fun! There is something about being in the mountains that sooths my soul. I love it!

Mom just had her knee replaced last week. The surgery went well, and she is doing wonderful. I am so proud of her for FINALLY doing this. Hopefully in a few months she will feel the same way.

Jason and Tricia moved into their new house behind us in March. It has been an adjustment in some ways for me, but I absolutely love having them close by. Their kids are growing so fast. Payton is 7, Parker is 5, and Little miss Abbey is 2. I love getting my hugs and kisses from them. They are so dear to my heart.

Dan and Austyn are doing great. Austyn is quite the little dancer. She can do back-flips and all sorts of gymnastics. She is super smart and has a sweet and loving heart. Dan is working on his masters and still teaching English at a Junior High.

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful 2009 as well. It’s sad to see it end, but I am looking forward to this next year. I pray that it brings you joy, happiness, and strength to endure your trials. Find joy in your journey! That is what it’s all about! Happy Holidays!

All My Love,

Missi

Moments

lately I have been reflecting on certain moments in my life. Here are a few:
Most Recent:

• I went over to get "kisses" last night from the kids (Payton, Parker, and Abbey), I couldn't leave, because Abbey wanted me to read her every book that was in her room. When I would get up, she would command me to "sit", and then "wead".... I felt so needed and loved!
  
• Every Wednesday night when I leave my Grandma, she always tells me to not "run faster than I have strength"... I feel cared for and loved when I am with her.
• My brother Jason bought me breakfast on my way to work the other day. He always calls me and asks how I am doing... I feel like he cares for me and loves me.
• We turned our home into a restaurant for one night, just for Jason and Tricia (for their anniversary). We dressed up the kids as waiters, and mom was the hostess/chef, I was the chauffeur and chef. It was fun serving! I felt love!
  

Past:

• When I went camping with my Dad, Sharon, and my cousin Stacey, I would actually be quiet (well, for a few moments anyway), and soak in the Spirit and commune with the Lord. I felt peace, love, and joy!
• Some days when I am having a really hard time, I sit on my mom's lap and she just rocks me... We just cry together! I feel comforted and protected when she does that.
• Pouncer seriously follows me around everywhere! I love it! I feel so needed and depended upon. There are moments when I just lay with him, I really love that cute dog! ;o)

Well, that is enough for today! More moments to come in the future....

School

Well, this semester has been a bit rough for me. I have LOVED all my classes so far... but... there is a theory. You love your classes because your teachers are excited and help make the subject fun to learn. This semester has proven that to a "T". I am not really liking my classes, because my teachers are hard to understand. Oh well... I guess this is just an example for me to learn from.

I am super excited for this weekend. General Conference is the "booster-shot" that I need to endure! I am excited to listen and obey!

Love to all! ;o)

Bibwit - The Black Wild Bunny

So, I have seen this little fellow around our house a few times. He is a wild bunny that is all black. Where did he come from? My best answer is ... heaven! Other than that... you got me!! I have been feeding him my "lunch carrots". He seems to like them. Anyway, it's not everyday you see a wild black bunny hopping in your neighborhood! Enjoy! ;o)

Happy Birthday Abbey!!

Happy Birthday my sweet Abbey!!
You are so adorable, I love you so much!! This past year has been fun for me. You are my little sweet pea and always will be!! I love playing "Dun-dun-dun" and "Rock-a-bye" with you! I wish I was in more shape so I could do those ALL day with you! Happy Birthday! I love you~

Happy Birthday Parker!!

I know this post is late, but I didn't come to work on your birthday. You are such a sweet boy. I must say that I love your compliments to me. You are the only boy that tells me I look "pretty" or "beautiful". You are fun to play with and be around. I could watch you watch the water in the garden for hours!! I hope you had a special Birthday my little dude. XOXOXOX

Open Heart and Blessings

So, I am reading this little book that my dear friend Kaija is letting me borrow. It's called "A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life" by Virginia Hinckley Pearce. Already I have noticed a difference in my life! I am really trying to open my heart to let the love of the Lord shine through and heal me and others. It has been a wonderful blessing to me. I am happier all around because of this experiment.

Lately I have been really trying to get out of debt... meaning, keeping money in my account and not overspend... yes... I have that problem in my life. I tend to think that I am ok finanacially, then I balance my checkbook and PHEW! I am opposite of what I thought. I say this because spiritually, I am the same way. I get into "spiritual debt", if you will, and then when I balance my life, I see how far I am from where I need to be.

I was listening to Elder Bednar's talk on the way to work today. It was his one about "Praying Always". Let me back up. I have been saying quick, non-communal prayers. You know, the type where you do the basics and close. I haven't been listening... I haven't been making the time to expand on some of my feelings and desires, etc. Well, today for our family prayer, I asked for the normal safety while driving to and from work, and that those around me will be safe to. (Now I am caught up to the first of this paragraph). So, I was listening to Elder Bednar's talk, when this car/mini-suv swerved and spinned on the road, traveling from the right side of the freeway to the left. I think he wanted to exit on 500 South in Bountiful (which is to the left of the freeway instead of the right). Immediately I paused the talk and thanked my Father in Heaven. I thanked Him that the car did not hit any other car, nor did it rollover; and I thanked Him that I was not involved in any kind of crash. If I was yards closer, I would have been hit. It made me realize, that even if I am basic, and even if I don't feel like I am communing with Our Father, he still will bless me, and believe me, my faith has been strengthened in this. After this moment, I began to take the opportunity to commune with Him. I told him about some concerns, and it was a sweet moment!

Anyway, I am loving the "open heart" experiment, and I am grateful for God's love!
;o)

Coupon Savings!!

So, my brother Dan just introduced me to the world of Coupons on Friday. I must say, I am ready to get started!! I made a "Coupon Book" with sheet protectors to store the coupons in. We will see how this goes. Anyway, why am I sharing the love with you? Because I believe in saving money! Here is the website he sent me to (http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/). Click on State Forums - then go to Utah - then select the store you shop at for savings! Also be sure to coupon clip during the week from your newspapers! ;o)

"Seeing Redd" by Frank Beddor

I loved this book!! Seriously, this is a series that you HAVE to read, no matter your age. In "Seeing Redd" lots of things happen, but my favorite is that Alyss and Dodge..... well... you have to just read it! I cried, laughed, and just enjoyed this book so much! Enjoy!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Seriously, seriously funny... I haven't had a movie make me laugh out loud like that one did in a long time!! I recommend all women to see this...

One part that had me rolling was when he bought her a fan, and while she danced with him and the fan she kept hitting him in the face with it... too funny!

LOVE

Here is a list of things I love:

I love Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Parents, and the Holy Ghost

My Mother, Father, and Step-Mother

My Brothers and Sister-in-Law

Payton, Austyn, Parker, and Abbey

My dog, Pouncer

Even Jade (the stray cat)

My Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles & Cousins

Friends

Laughing so hard my tummy and cheeks hurt

Crying (like in good books and movies)

I enjoy the first part of gardening, when you plant the seeds and wait anxiously for anything other than weeds to grow

Eating.... food is good! I mean seriously...GOOD! I enjoy and love it!

I love being busy at work. I really like my job and the people (friends) I work with!

Reading / Imagining - I LOVE using my imagination.... I hope I never get too old to use it! ;o)

Crafts (mostly creating my own stuff) - I love seeing the finished project and giving it away... and I love the look on the faces of those who receive.

School (yes, I love school!) I love learning and look forward to learning for the rest of my life!

I love blue sky's on Sunday. This means I get to lay out on the grass and look up while pondering God's plan for me.

I love the Temple. I have been going once a week, and it has truly been uplifting and a treasure for me.

I love good music... the kind that you can dance to!

I love and miss the Special Needs Mutual kids.... they will always hold a dear place in my heart.

I love plays. I am so excited because 2010 season tickets for the Hale Theater came on sale today!!

I love blankets! I love being all warm and wrapped by them.

I love you! ;o)

Dreams

I really hate when I dream about people from the past (or present) that I really didn't ever want to think about again... because after I wake up, they are all I think about... and I just don't want to think about them! Do you ever have that problem?
Sometimes when I pray at night, I pray that I will have dreamless nights.....

Blogging....

Well, I was told today that if you do not post often... then people will not read what you have to say... SO, I am going to recommit myself to being better at writing what I feel and think.


I just finished a really good book called 'The Looking Glass Wars' by Frank Beddor. Can I just say that I LOVED it?!?! It is a story about Alyss Heart and the Wonderland Kingdom... I spell it that way, because that is the true way to spell it (according to the book). Anyway, it is a great read, full of imagination, laughter and tears. I have just started to read the second book in the series... 'Seeing Redd'. Already I am hooked!

Another series I love dearly is 'Fablehaven'. Right before 'The Looking Glass Wars', I finished the 4th 'Fablehaven' book. I love this book because it is an easy read, and yet I feel like I am in the book. I was right there with Kendra when.... wait... I probably shouldn't reviel things for those who have not read this fantastic series.

Well, enjoy! That is my post for today! ;o)

Birthday and things....

So, I turn the big 29 today. I thought I would be depressed or something... you know... getting closer to 30 and all... but I am actually feeling great! Something that has been on my mind a lot this morning (well a couple of things), is that 29 years ago this morning I was saying goodbye to my Heavenly family. To think that 29 years ago from this moment I saw them and remembered them, and I felt their love for me. I wonder if our goodbyes were like those on this earthly life? I am sure we embraced... for Our Father and Mother knew what I was going to experience here, and they knew I loved them. What of that of my family in Heaven? I mean, Our Savior would have been there, prophets from the past... even some ancestors. Hey, even some of my family now was there (Tricia, and my nieces and nephews). I wonder what our goodbyes were like.

On a different note... 29 years ago my mom and dad were in the hospital looking forward to my debut! I left one realm full of love, and entered into this one with the same love waiting for me. My parents have been supportive of me my whole life... in everything I do. I cannot imagine my life without them, or without my brothers... though at times I wished they would join the circus! ;o) No really, my family has been everything to me.

I have experienced many things in this life. Some I thought would never happen to me, some I expected would play out. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about my life. Each moment has been a growing experience for me. Have I always been positive? No! Most of the time I complain to the Lord about those events, and ask the question, "why?" But many times I feel him comfort me, and everything is ok! I am grateful for my relationship with Them. They truly strengthen me, as do those of my earthly family. "The Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord..." Happy Birthday to me, the day I received my physical body to progress and become like Them. ;o)

The Eagles Concert

Holy Cow!! That is all I have to say!! We were 30 rows back in section A on the floor. Our seats were more towards the side of the stage, but I could still see them, and it was a blast!! I have to admit, I was worried, because I thought they were going to sing songs from their new album only (being "The Long Road Out of Eden" tour).... and I really wanted to hear some of their older stuff. They sang my two favorite songs from their new album, then it was PARTY time!! We stood the WHOLE time. Mom and I sang aloud and danced the night away. It was crazy! I still think it is a dream. The night is one I'll never forget! ;o)

Happy Birthday Payton!!

I cannot believe you are turning the BIG 7 years old today. You have been such a joy to Nana and me. I am so excited for you to move next door to us, then we can play tether ball ALL the time! Have a super happy day! I love you so much!
;o)

General Conference

What can I say, that was such an inspiring conference. The talks that really hit me were, Elder Hales, Elder Holland, and President Monson's. I enjoyed all of them, but those three hit home. Needless to say, we are not going into debt to remodel the kitchen, which is helping me sleep better at nights. I am so grateful that the Lord answers our prayers through conference talks. How I value those days!!
;o)

Play's and Such...

Ok, so last night mom and I went to a play at the Hale Theater.... I loved it. It's a musical by Maury Yeston called 'Phantom'. I am such a weirdo when it comes to this story, because I am a die-hard fan of the book. I did enjoy this play though! I wish I could make a movie of this book (the book by Gaston Leroux). That is one thing that ticks me off about the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.... it's wrong. I mean... I understand that there is only so much you can do for the stage.... but.... the book is 10 times better! More intense...more mystical... just better! How I hate Erik, and yet love him at the same time... I always felt that Christine is a wishy-washy child! And Roule, don't even get me started!! I can't stand him. But there is something that draws me to re-read it.... I just love it!
;O)

108.1%

Well, I passed my American Civilizations Class.....PARTY!! It was so cute, because for our family St. Patrick's Day party, the kids all had pom-poms and were cheering for me when I walked in the door. Too cute! Anyway, I survived the 8 week class, and I am already missing it! I really enjoyed learning about our Nation.

Happy Birthday Austyn!!

I sure love you sweet-pea! I hope you have a very happy day!! I want you to know how special you are to me, I miss you dearly!! Hugs and Kisses!!
;o)

Tomas Kubinek

Ok, so... I went and saw this guy over the weekend. He is my all time favorite performer! I was so amazed and impressed by his talent!! Seriously, check out his website!

http://www.kubinek.com/index2.htm

Next time he comes, I am so taking all my family.... and I mean ALL!!

;o)

American Civilization

Ok, can I just say that I LOVE my class this semester!! I am so grateful for our Founding Fathers, who had the courage and wisdom to form this country. The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution are valuable documents that should truly be studied by every American. I can see where the Constitution is hanging by a thread. I won't get started... I could talk History for hours and never get sick of it... just ask my parents!! Anyway, it's a great class....quick (because it is only 8 weeks) but very educational!!

New Blog Layout

Ok, if you cannot tell... I am so super stoked about my new blog layout. Why? Because I am horrible at these things... you know, making them pretty and all... but Ms. Mik at So Dazzling Blogs did this for me! I totally recommend her if you are looking for a change... she is wonderful! Thanks Ms. Mik, you are amazing!! *me making a huge smiley face, because I am so happy*

http://sodazzlingblogs.blogspot.com/