Erik, Jenn, Tyler & Mason

Ok, so I'm either depressed or I'm just lazy or something. I don't know what the heck is wrong with me today. Or this week. Christmas wasn't Christmas. There was nothing Christmasy about it. Every book I try to read (with one exception) is completely boring. I'm not hungry but I'm eating too much. At least that's what my stupid doctor told me yesterday..."Oh wow, you've put on some extra weight, haven't you?" Thanks. That's nice. I'm glad you are making thousands of dollars off me while simultaneously exploiting my insecurities. I've been on vacation for 2 weeks and I have accomplished nothing. I had grand plans. I was going to be productive and successful. So far, I'm still in my bathrobe. My favorite songs come on the radio and I just tell them to shut up and I turn the radio off. And what's the deal with going to the bathroom when you are pregnant. It is impossible to wipe. Ok that's gross but it...

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - Humane officers said a Pennsylvania woman marketed "gothic kittens" with ear piercings over the Internet. Officers with the SPCA of Luzerne County removed three kittens and a cat from a home outside Wilkes-Barre. Officer Carol Morrison said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raided the home on Wednesday after getting a tip that the woman was selling the pierced kittens on eBay. "It's unbelievable anybody would do this to kittens," Morrison said. Ok. This cracks me up. While I do not condone the piercing of kittens' ears I find it fascinating that we will throw a woman in jail for something like this. How many of us have our kids' ears pierced? But we are upset about some lady and her cat? Did the cat really get tortured here? I know I know, it's dumb to pierce your cat's ears but seriously! Why is it ok to do it to a baby and not a cat! What about cows? All cows have earrings and they also get br...

Good morning! It's snowing!!! Here are some pictures of our front yard: And the view from our backyard: I know everyone who reads this had snow at their house too...I just love looking at how pretty everything is when it's covered in white. I still can't believe they cancelled church!

It's Sunday night at 6:00pm and my phone just rang. It's Sharon Lindh calling to tell me to go look outside my kitchen window. The Seattle Christmas Ship (which I had never heard of) is parked out behind our house in front of the Lighthouse. They have a very large, loud and beautiful sounding choir caroling to the Browns Point residents. This is the coolest thing I have ever seen! Apparently they sail to 40 other Seattle neighborhoods on the water each year and carol for 30 minutes in each place. In anticipation, the neighbors build bonfires on the beach and listen to the choir. I can't wait to take Tyler next year!!!

For the last week or so, I have found myself craving more information on that night. I wondered what the car looked like before the crash and morbidly I wondered what it looked like after the crash too. I kept telling myself to dismiss those thoughts but I kept thinking that if she had to go through it, the least I could do is bring myself to look at it. Images of what her last moments must have been like constantly flash through my mind every time I blink for too long or when I am lying in bed at night before I fall asleep. Now at least I know for myself what really happened. Click here for the video It's not enough to say that I miss her every day. It's the holiday season and I find myself looking forward to seeing her again at Christmas and thinking about what I might get her for a gift. The last time we saw eachother was on Christmas last year and I just can't seem to make myself want to celebrate it this year. Like somehow if it's been less than a year since...

Why is it that so many women say they love being pregnant? I can't stand it! I guess it's fun decorating the nursery and buying little cute clothes, coming up with names and looking at ultrasounds. But what about the parts that aren't so fun? Being huge, bloated, fat and gross. Having indigestion. Having two chins. Bad hair when the book says you'll have great hair. Being so tired you can't even keep your eyes open. General laziness. How about the waiting? I mean 9 months!?! Are you kidding me? I've never waited for something so long in my life! Don't get me started on the headaches that can't be dealt with, back pain and nerve pinches. And I'm only 6 months along!! What about pushing it out? That won't be fun. The only good part there is that I'll automatically lose 12 lbs. I'm definitely looking forward to that. How have you all done this multiple times? And why does Heather Hunsaker love being pregnant! Girl, you are cra...

I don't know if you are like me, but when I want to prove myself to the Lord, I sometimes put my own faith to the test. Sort of like asking for a promotion--with it comes more responsibility, which I want so that I can be closer to Him. So about three months ago, the doctor asked me if I would like to get the Down Syndrome test. I wasn't sure if my insurance covered it so I told her I would check with them (make sure it isn't a $1000 test) and get back to her. I called the insurance and they cover most of the cost of the test, though we'd have to pay a small portion of the fee. I wasn't too concerned about the money, after all it wasn't very much. However, I remembered back to a blessing my wonderful priesthood honoring husband gave me when we found out I was pregnant promising me that the baby will be healthy and my pregnancy will be safe. I have a testimony that blessings given by worthy members of the priesthood are words of God and cannot be wrong. So I deci...

Yes I know, the resemblance is uncanny. At least Catherine was fat when she was pregnant, too.

WARNING: Do not read this if you do not like politics or strong opinions. Satan's Plan: Take away agency. Force everyone to do "what's right" all the time. Make sure everyone gets home to our Father in Heaven. Worship money and riches. Employ racism, hatred, hypocrisy and hypnotic speech to bind the masses. The Glory be to Satan. Communism: Take away agency. Force everyone to do what the Communist party thinks is right all the time. Make sure everyone has free health care and that wealth is redistributed. Raise taxes. Employ racism, hatred, hypocrisy and hypnotic speech to bind the masses. The glory be to the Communist party. Obamunism: Take away agency. Force everyone to do what Obama thinks is right all the time. Make sure everyone has free health care and that wealth is redistributed. Raise taxes. Employ racism, hatred, hypocrisy and hypnotic speech to bind the masses. Glory be to the Almighty Obama. Example: "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we ...

Here is a picture of Erik running his first 5k! I am so proud of him! He has been running almost every single day and working out every morning and night for about two months now. He eats cauliflower and radishes for lunch and drinks 8 glasses of water per day. He takes vitamins and watches his portions. It's amazing to watch him persevere and work towards his goal of 165 lbs. by January. Way to go honey! (While I just get bigger and bigger....) You can read more about Erik's running adventures on his blog by clicking here .

Some things you may not know: 1. I only like red, dark green and dark blue jelly bellies. And sometimes black. I will not eat the pastel colors. 2. I have never had a cavity. 3. I have dreams almost every night that I can't go to the temple because I accidentally watched a porno. Crazy because that is the furthest thing from what I would ever do. 4. I do not like when we aren't allowed to discuss certain "sensitive" topics. I should be allowed to tell you who I'm voting for and why and you should be allowed to disagree without getting all crazy-eyed. 5. I'm a conservative republican. 6. I don't like when people are "politically correct". 7. I have been confused for actress Rachel Bilson on more than one occasion.

A businessman walks into a bank in San Francisco and asks for the loan officer. He says he is going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $7,000. The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for such a loan. So the businessman hands over the keys to a Rolls Royce parked on the street in front of the bank. Everything checks out, and the bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee drives the Rolls into the bank's underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the businessman returns, repays the $7,000 and the interest, which comes to $19.67. The loan officer says, "We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little confused. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What confuses us is why would you bother to borrow $7,000?" The businessman replied, "Where else in San Francisco can I park my car f...

I realized I forgot to put the ultrasounds on here!!! So enjoy!

I was driving through Federal Way today admiring dramatically fire-red leaves on the trees that line the streets between my office and my home. A song came on that for some reason causes me to cry and deeply miss my sister. (I added it to my playlist so you should be listening to it as you read this post). I got to thinking as I wiped my stray tears that Heavenly Father causes some of His children to suffer with things like terminal illness, loss of a loved one, financial hardships and serious injuries so that they can stand as a witness to those more fortunate that He lives and that He cares. If someone with terminal cancer stood before you and told you that they have no fear and that they will never give up and that they are happy and blessed because of their testimony in the Lord and His blessings, wouldn't that make you want to be better? Wouldn't that make you want to be more helpful, grateful, gracious, and good? Wouldn't you feel guilty for getting upset over the sma...

Well, it sure surprised me...but we're having a little Tyler Thomas!! The more I think about it, the happier I am. We are going to have so much fun. The cool part is, I was such a tomboy growing up--baseball, horseback riding, playing in the mud--and now I can do those things all over again with my little boy!!! I'll be posting some ultrasound pictures shortly...

So in about three hours, I am having my ultrasound to find out what gender the baby is! I am very, very excited. I even had a dream last night all about it. I dreamed I was 4 hours late and I didn't get to see any images and I forgot to ask the doctor what the gender was!!! In the end, I went back and found out that it was a girl... Anyway, I just wanted to post on here before I go how much I already love this baby and I can't wait to call it by name and know what it will be for the rest of my pregnancy!! I think we are leaning towards Tyler Thomas Miles for a boy and Sarah Joy Miles for a girl. We're still not positive but those are our picks so far.

I'm most excited when I see my grandma and grandpa. I feel very blessed when I think about my membership in the true church. I'm lonliest when I'm driving through Idaho listening to sad country music while Erik is asleep against the passenger window. I get all spiritual during yoga. I'm happiest when I'm making a multi-million dollar sale. (Don't worry, I don't actually get to keep the millions of dollars. I wish.) I'm most annoyed when I come home from a busy day at work to a big mess. I feel smart when I talk to the doctor and I can hold my own in the conversation. I'm saddest when I see white corvettes. Or any corvette for that matter. I'm overwhelmed when I have eight-billion things to do and no time to do them. I feel coolest when I am hanging out with my friends. I'm angry when I get woken up by birds outside my window at 4:00am. I'm filled with joy when I am in the temple with my handsome husband. I get nostalgic when I look at ol...

This post is not coming to you VIA Jennifer. This is her husband, Erik. I decided to hijack her blog (ah...the things you can do when in possession of another's password) and tell her how I feel about her. This will probably not be posted for long, I am sure as soon as she sees it she will remove it. HERE GOES! Jennifer, my dear, I love you oh so very much. On Monday is our 1 year anniversary! A whole year! That may not seem like much, but my oh my it has flown by quickly. Since you are a relative young'un that year actually represents around 4.76% of your entire lifespan(thus far). I still keep my eye out for things that represent 'US'. Who can forget the 'EJ' Truck? I have never stopped looking for, nor noting 28s as they pop up all over the place. I notice all of the little things you do. I notice the little faces you make. I notice the little noises you make. I notice the slight shifting of your posture in response to my incessant joking. This face was made...

My mom found my sister's journal. It only had three entries in it. The second of which reads: "I was driving home from my boyfriend's house tonight and the thought occurred to me, what if I get in a car accident? I know if I did, that my last thoughts would be of my mom, my sister and my boyfriend." Kind of interesting.

So if you read Jaime's blog then you already know we went to the Ape Caves. Jaime's camera took really good pictures in the dark, so I stole some of hers to put on here. Here we are decending into the caves. They are real live caves if you haven't been there, it's actually pretty cool. Here is my little boyfriend, Gunnar. I told him on the trip that if my daughter is cute he totally has to marry her. John says she has to be smart and nice too. Jaime said she only has to be nice.

I have so many blessings. Lately I have had more than I can count. Most recently, here are some of the blessings I have noticed: A loving husband Wonderful, caring friends The Atonement of Jesus Christ Faith in my Savior The perfect house dropped in our laps for dirt cheap A great career A very strong mother Loving and supportive grandparents A healthy pregnancy Success in my career A very supportive Young Women presidency and Mia Maid advisor Less migraines than usual Several non-member friends investigating the church because of my sister's funeral Enough money to have what I need and most of what I want A hunger for the scriptures' teachings Good memories of Sarah to lean on Wonderful in-laws A potty-trained dog who likes to cuddle when I need it A flexible work schedule The knowledge of where Sarah is and what she's doing right now The promise that we can be together forever (and will be) The many blessings and teachings of the holy temple A positive work environment Re...

I wrote this email to Romi, Jaime's sister today, and I like how it came out. So instead of rewriting my feelings, I'll just post them on here. I miss my sister with a passion I've never felt toward any other person. I loved and continue to love her more than I have ever loved anyone else on earth. I would have happily gotten in that car if it could have been me instead of her. My heart breaks to know that she died in pain and fear. However, somehow I am making it through this. I feel the prayers of hundreds behind me and the arms of Heavenly Father holding me up when all I want to do is lie down. Coupled with the knowledge of the atonement, I am surprisingly able to "hang in there" knowing what I know about where she is, who she's with and what she's doing right this minute. I only hope she can forgive me for all the dumb big sister things I did to her and the bad choices I made when I was younger. I still find myself believing that she's no...

So many have reached out to us with love and support. I want to thank you all. I still have no words but I want you to see what others have to say: Click here to see Sarah's Guest Book

Sarah, if you can read this, I love you. I miss you. I will live my life for you. I will never forget you. I forgive you. I can't wait to be with you again. I know you are in a better place now. Please know that I love you and that none of us blame you for this. I dreamed about you last night. After you died. It was around 1:00am, before I found out you were gone. I dreamed we were in church together, sitting in Young Women's class. You looked beautiful, happy. I want to remember us like that. Together and happy. I'm still in shock. I'm at the airport right now going home for the first time in over a year so I can be with my mom. My cousin sent me this article a few minutes ago which just makes it all seem even more real. Click here to see the article

My poor mom-- I sent her to read my blog yesterday so she could see pix of the ultrasound. She'd never seen my blog before, so she read most of it. And of course, in all my haste I've never once posted anything about her. It's not because I don't love her, quite the opposite in fact. I'm just always focused on whatever it is I want to write about, that I fail to mention some of the most important people in my life. Well I want you to know, my mom is an incredible woman. No, really. She is the most intelligent person I've ever met. She speaks like she majored in English and can do math like a wiz. She's an excellent attorney--always giving me free legal advice and helping me clean up any potential litigious actions I get myself into ;). She's gorgeous, always has been. She's always had the guys falling all over themselves for her. She has a testimony of the Gospel and she's very strong willed. She's the best interior decorator I...

Here is our beautiful little baby!!! Isn't he/she gorgeous? Yes, we are having only one, there are no twins in there. We even got to hear the heartbeat! It was so loud and fast! It was 170 BPM. Pretty sure it's a girlie!! It was so amazing to hear it and know it's inside me, growing and living. This is a picture of the umbilical chord. It's amazing to see it--it's a lot more real when you can see it. The coolest part was when I would breathe in and out and you could see the baby move a little with each breath I took. I can't wait to go back again-- they want me to do 2 more ultra sounds in the next month!! Everyone wants to know why they want me to do 2 more ultra sounds... Apparently when they screen for Down Syndrome they like to do an ultra sound and then they like to do one 2 weeks later when they screen for some other abnormality. We won't find out if it's a boy or girl until the first week of October. It's ok, I like having a lot of ultra so...

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted anything in forever. I probably lose readers every week I don't post something. Good thing these aren't paid subscriptions. Oh hold on. I have to pee again. And probably throw up too. Be right back. So. If only I was this sick when I wasn't pregnant! Maybe I would have lost weight more quickly. JUST KIDDING! I am really excited to have this baby. But along with the excitement of course, comes a lot of unsurety (is that a word?) and nervousness. Nope, I just spell-checked and unsurety is not a word. How can I be a mom? I can't even speak English. Do you capitalize the word English??? ARGH!!! There is so much unknown. I know the Lord has a plan for us though, and he won't cause us to go through anything we can't handle. In 1 Corinthians he says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptati...

Well, it's officially announced. Erik and I are having a baby!!!!! This picture shows the 6th - 7th week of pregnancy which is about where I am now. (It's not my baby in the above picture, my baby is much cuter I assure you). So I am totally freaking out. It hasn't even hit me yet. Well except for the hot flashes (am I having menopause???), the heightened sense of smell (I almost barfed when I smelled ciggarettes in Seattle today), the constant hunger (even 3 pieces of pizza couldn't satisfy me last night), and of course the not sleeping (I am WAY too excited). Erik seems pretty happy. I think he was expecting it to happen later, and not so soon. We only just stopped birth control 3 months ago. That was quick! All I can think is that I hope and pray the baby is going to be healthy. It's weird how I'm already thinking like a mom. Like I don't care about anything else as long as I know he/she is born healthy. My biggest fear is something going wrong. ...

...In the gospel of Jesus Christ ...America is the best country to live in ...I have the best job in the world ...In jumping on the bed ...A tree makes NO sound if it falls in the forest and no one is around ...Superstitions are ridiculous ...Lightning is scary ...Teachers should be paid more ...Green is God's favorite color ...Babies remember the pre-existence...until they can talk ...Dinosaurs never walked the earth but ruled other planets before earth was created ...Christ will come again in the next 100 years ...If someone tells you to leave them alone they want more attention ...Bears are just another species of dogs...big dogs ...Our pets will be with us in Heaven ...Everyone should break a bone, just once ...Professional sports players are overpaid and tickets are overpriced ...American Idol is a sign of the last days ...Vegetarian pizza is cheating ...Most comedians are very angry yet creative people ...Everyone has a soul mate and I found mine!

So it's time to face facts. I've gained just about 15 lbs. since I got married. It might have been the cheesecake. Maybe it was the burgers. It certainly couldn't have been the french fries dipped in ranch. I've been complaining for months about my disappearing flat tummy. I'm done whining. I'm ready to start doing something about it! Hey, if I lost 60 lbs. last year, I know I can lose 15 lbs. now! I just needed to get motivated and set some goals for myself. And keep them. And avoid pizza. And popcorn. So. I spent about 2 hours talking with beautiful Alyssa the other night about dieting. She thinks she's crazy because she counts calories. I wouldn't call it crazy. That girl just had a baby and she's already the hottest chick on the block. So I joined www.caloriecount.about.com (it's free) and I'm already on my way to losing 15 lbs. in 3 months. I am writing about it because I know once I tell you about it, I will have to do i...

The Amazing Kell Bjorn decided to start keeping track of everything Brandt Gibson said. Here are a select few: “I’m a horse of a different color!” “No Pain…No Pain.” “Nobody corrals me!” “Die!” “But on the other hand, you have different fingers.” “I’m not stressed, I’m not stressed; if you tell me I’m stressed…I’ll kill you.” “I parked around back in the shade, so it doesn’t get 65,000 degrees in my car.” “Yeah, things you don’t want to hear from your bank…‘Oops’.” "You've been tasered!" "Click-click-a-click...booyah!" “Blame it on Kell, it’s all his fault…It was either Kell or Canada and you’re closer.” “Girls just want to have Lu-unch…” “I have been Dudded.” (After receiving some Milk Duds) “Get out of my Chaaiirrr.” (Said with a low raspy evil voice) “Gloria’s here…ruuunnn!” “That is highly possible…just not probable.” “Gift of tongues Kell, enjoy it.” “Revenge is a dish that is best served cold.” “Don't you think? Please use this well. Marriage becomes...

We have had a really eventful week. As you know, we were sealed on Saturday. That was awesome. Then on Tuesday I had an opportunity to share the gospel with a lady who has invited Erik and me to teach her every week in her home. And then tonight, Erik is going to be speaking to a very large group of mission leaders, apostles and leaders of the church and they've asked me to come and sit on the stand with him!! I am way excited. We are so blessed (and so busy!!!). But I know one thing, when we put the Lord's work first and focus on building up the kingdom, everything else gets taken care of!!!

Erik and I were sealed in the Seattle Temple on June 14, 2008. Our friends were with us, my grandparents were with us, and the Spirit was with us. It was amazing and I can't wait to go back again and again.

Well we certainly are blessed. Erik has been looking for a new job for quite some time now and we have been praying that the right opportunity would come along. Over the past year or so we have thought about how cool it would be if we could work together, but we never thought that would happen. So Erik starts tomorrow morning at Alta Trust Company, which is the sister company of Compass Investment Partners where I work. We will be working together--quite literally--and I am so excited about it. Erik will be doing trust accounting, systems management and probably some IT stuff too. I'm not too clear on exactly what he'll be doing-- but I know it will be awesome! It just goes to show you how much the Lord blesses us when we put our lives in His hands. Heavenly Father knows the desires of our hearts and when we are obedient He gives us what we need. It is so cool to know that we can get what we want too, not just what we need, when it is in accordance with His will. And wh...

I have it all, I really do. A loving husband who honors his priesthood Beautiful, awesome friends who love me The sweetest young women in the world to serve and learn from The most supportive, loving grandparents in the earth A great house with a very cute yard and awesome patio Washington state which I love very much A career that just seems to keep getting better and better My health A pretty good couple of talents The scriptures to lead and guide me A very awesome ward Enough money to get everything I need (and a lot of what I want) Cool inlaws who respect me (even though I'm Mormon) A nice car A nice jeep A lot of really fun hobbies (even if I don't have time to do them!!!) Great co-workers (especially that guy upstairs...you know who you are and I know you read my blog) The extensive blessings of paying tithing A temple recommend This list is not in order and I typed it really fast because I have to get back to work because of course I'm SLAMMED right now-- but I am so...

Well, it's official. I am a licensed investment advisor rep! I passed the Series 65 with an 83%. I needed 68.5% to pass! It was so awesome to know that I had the knowledge needed to pass the test. I was nervous all morning and I kept praying for help-- but deep down I knew I'd pass because I gave it my all and studied by butt off! The Lord has truly blessed me and I know I couldn't have done it without Him. I am so excited! And the weird thing is, I have nothing to be worried or stressed about anymore and so I don't hardly even know what to do with myself!

Yes, the post before this was post 28. How cool is that. So I know I am supposed to be studying right now, my test is in 12 hours and 10 minutes. But I just have to take a break from the cramming to say that I just had the best time with the best group of women. It is so nice for a change to have a group of girls I can be myself with and fit in with and say anything with. They are all so spiritual and funny and smart and beautiful. I am so blessed. And we ate french fries which makes everything even better! Well I hope I pass my test tomorrow. Wish me luck. If I don't pass you'll know because you will find me at Burger King. If I do pass I'll probably be at the gym. :)

I consider myself a "convert" to the church because I was baptized at age 11 instead of age eight. However, I was blessed as a baby in sacrament meeting and went to church with my grandparents at least 200 times between the ages of 4 and 11. I didn't have an active LDS mother or father. Because of that, I missed out on Family Home Evening, scripture study, keeping the Sabbath day holy, honoring all of the commandments and seeing a good example at home. I certainly never felt the Spirit at home in the contentious environment my parents provided. But things were different at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. There was a calming effect as soon as I walked in the door. There was an air of love and kindness, charity and hope: intangible—however recognizable—feelings. Before I had the Gift of the Holy Ghost, I may have on occasion felt "the voice of God in music" or acted "beyond [my] ability" (quoted from a talk given by Truman G. Madsen). But those were r...

You ever notice sometimes that you just don't have a certain ability? Like for some people, they just aren't that great at public speaking. Others maybe can't do math too well. I have a lot of shortcomings. But it seems like every time I uncover one, Heavenly Father helps me make it work. For instance, I've never been that great at being "cool, calm & collected". I've always been a bit in a rush, sorta hyper and not so even keeled. But lately, as I've been meeting with CEO's of corporations around Seattle, I don't feel as small around them as I thought I would. And I'm pretty sure I'm coming across as someone who actually understands what she's talking about. And I'm actually getting some of them to follow my advice. That's not me. I'm a kid. I'm a rambler. I'm disorganized. I'm unknowledgeable. But Heavenly Father is bridging my gaps. He's making me completely (and surprisingly) capable of do...

The guy who is teaching my investment advisory class said today: “We are going to talk about insider trading. I had a guest speaker lined up to talk to you about this today but Martha Stewert is unavailable.” Haha.

Well, it's official. I am once again studying to pass the Series 65 Investment Advisor Exam. I took it once before and failed (not by much) but my boss has asked me to take it again (and pass it this time). It's really heavy stuff and I'm a little nervous about it. Ok, a lot nervous. I know I can do it though. I know Heavenly Father wants me to pass and He will give me all the help of Heaven (which I totally need). Last time I took the test, I was inexperienced in investing and going through a very stressful time in my life. Now things are much better and I have faith that I can get through it.Last time I also procrastinated a little bit. This time I am not going to do that. I am going to make studying a priority, besides my calling of course. I know if I put as much time as possible and ask a lot of questions (especially on the math sections) I can pass this test with flying colors. I really only need a 65% to pass. Last time I took it I got 63%.Well, keep your fingers cro...

Go to Pogo to play 100s of Fun Games !

I never want to be one of those people who is constantly hot/cold hot/cold hot/cold on the gospel. I don't feel that I am. I think I am pretty consistent with my testimony and the choices I make in my life. However, I must say: HALLELUJAH! Heavenly Father has done it again! He blesses me so much every day, it's incredible to think that I could deserve these amazing blessings he pours out on me. In fact, I really don't deserve them and He does it anyway! God gives me all that I need and mostly all that I want. And when He doesn't give me what I think I want, He always gives me something better and more timely. God is real and His hand in my life is so visible. If I saw any more miracles I'd have to be translated. He is so good to me and I want to make sure I am always doing everything I can to repay him for the love he shows me daily. I always want to do good unto others, serve others, be honest, be charitable and be humble so that He can see that I am try...

If cloning and crossbreeding to create new species is wrong, why do we have tangelos and why are they so tasty? Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway? Why is it ok for black people to call eachother the "N" word? If we only have 5 fingers on each hand, why are there 6 when I count backwards from 10? Why are we our age for one whole year? How can you be 25 for one whole year? Why do people leave their Christmas lights up (and turned on) until July? How hard is it not to hit the mailbox with your car? Why do people try to use the Bible to "prove" there is no God when He clearly had his prophets write it? Why do people think God is made up when billions of people from thousands of cultures all independently know of Him? Does that mean the Lock Ness Monster exists too? Bigfoot? How come we can see clouds? Do the people in the front of the traffic understand that there would be no traffic jams if they would just drive the speed limit? Why does everyone get ...

Don't touch my mustache.

Take your head around the world See what you get From your mind Write your soul down word for word See who's your friend Who is kind It's almost like a disease I know soon you will be Over the lies, you'll be strong You'll be rich in love and you will carry on But no - Oh no No you won't be mine Take your straight line for a curve Make it stretch, the same old line Try to find if it was worth what you spent Why you're guilty for the way You're feeling now It's almost like being free And I know soon you will be Take yourself out to the curb Sit and wait A fool for life It's almost like a disease I know soon you will be

Actually, He wants me for a first counselor in the Young Women Presidency. Yay! I had a pretty cool spiritual experience the other day. I was in the kitchen pondering the fact that I knew a new calling was on the way for me. I was thinking about what it might be and the thought kinda hit me... it's going to be in Young Women . I hadn't even considered that as a possibility, it just came out of nowhere. So I dismissed it, thinking it was just another random thought. Then the next morning I was doing dishes thinking about my calling and the thought hit me again, unmistakably by the Holy Ghost. You will be in the Young Women presidency. So the phone rang that evening around 5pm and I was asked to go down to the church for a meeting with a member of the bishopric. I got down there and he told me, "We've called you to be the first counselor in the Young Women Presidency." Of course the tears streamed and I said, "I knew it!" He wasn't too surprised, appa...

There is a bus with 7 children inside. Each child has 7 bags. Inside each bag there are 7 big cats. Each big cat has 7 small cats. All cats have 4 legs each. How many legs are inside the bus? By way of explanation for those who need it - 7 kids x 7 bags = 49 bags 49 bags x 7 big cats each = 343 big cats 343 big cats x 4 legs each = 1372 big cat legs 343 big cats x 7 kittens = 2401 kittens 2401 kittens x 4 legs = 9604 kitten legs 7 kids x 2 legs = 14 kids legs 1372 big cat legs + 9604 kitten legs + 14 kids legs = 10990 legs. There is a driver too so there would be 10992 legs.

I think it's time for another list. How about stuff I want to do before I am 30.... Get sealed to Erik (September 2008) Have at least 4 kids Own a home Have over $100,000.00 in the bank at one time Go rollerskating at the rink on middleschool night when all the crazy kids are there and they have the UV lights on Assist in some way during a major disaster Own way more costume jewelry than I can match to all my outfits Go on a game show (and win) Go to General Conference in Utah Go to Italy Go to Portugal Actually earn enough airline miles to fly somewhere for free Get 0% interest on a car loan Work very part time from home Own one of those gas powered or ethenol powered remote control cars Go to a professional football game Go to a professional basketball game Go to a professional hockey game Go to a Brad Paisley concert Have a well behaved, obedient, loyal dog Coach a soccer team Meet an apostle (these are NOT in order of importance!) Get really good at bowling Set or beat a world ...

Daddy: I would hold you in my arms I would take the pain away Thank you for all you've done Forgive all your mistakes There's nothing I wouldn't do To hear your voice again Sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do And I've hurt myself by hurting you Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit Sometimes I just want to hide 'cause it's you I miss You know it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this Would you tell me I was wrong? Would you help me understand? Are you looking down upon me? Are you proud of who I am? There's nothing I wouldn't do To have just one more chance To look into your eyes and see you looking back -Your little girl

I cried at work today. Its not even myself I work so hard for. Its everyone else. I'm always pushing myself to make everyone else happy or to make their burdens lighter and that's fine, I don't mind but it would be nice to be fully appreciated for the things I do. And when I push myself to the point of breaking it would be nice to not have more and more piled on top of me. Gee, Jennifer sure is good at getting everything done on time and accurately, lets just keep giving her more and more. Well there is a point when I just can't do it anymore. Then I do it anyway and I get even more to do. There's got to be a limit. I just don't know what my limits are yet. Not to mention that I don't get the credit when I do something right and I always get blamed for stuff that other people do wrong.

Who knows what the final products will be...but these are the names I like the most. Girls' names Mason Sienna Grace Jordan Ashlyn Boys' names Tyler Ryan Erik Jr. Matthew Cody Jesse

If I just vanished, disappeared, disapperated or ran away...how long would I be looked for? Who would look for me? I know my husband would. Probably my mom too. My grandparents would probably pray for my safe return. My sister would freak out. Who else? Would there be search parties? And would I come back? What if I was kidnapped? Would I be able to break away from my attacker and crawl 36 miles out of the forest with all broken bones to the nearest hospital? Would I even remember my name? Do they use Amber Alerts for adults? I wonder if it would be in the paper. Would any of the kids I went to high school with even care? How long would I be missing before I was presumed dead? Don't worry I'm not going anywhere.

Saving money. Telling customer service agents they are wrong. Getting an unexpected instant rebate. Pressing all the buttons in a very long elevator ride and getting off at the first floor it comes to. Blowing bubbles with kids. Popping my gum. Typing really fast with long fingernails. Telling someone to "shush" at the movies. Eating peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon. Going home 5 minutes early from work...every day. Blatantly ignoring the Mexicans at Winco who are so desperate for female attention. Chasing the DHL driver 16 blocks to give him a package. Driving home from the gym late at night with the windows down and the hip hop up. Smelling Home Depot when I first walk into the store. Making it through the QFC self-scan without cussing or asking for assistance. Putting in a new lightbulb and having that new bulb work for years and years inexplicably. Must be my expertise in choosing lightbulbs. Listening to XM Radio at work. Receiving medical bills or other bills I...