Soccer Dance

This last Friday night I was able to attend another YSA dance in Spokane. We left Sandpoint around 7:30 and got to the dance around 9 pm. We were the first ones there, literally. The lights were still on, and they were making the play list for the dance...Needless to say we heard every song twice that night. A few of us played soccer for awhile before people really started showing up and they turned the lights off.

And so the dance begins. This is Minta Kramer with her Thriller dance. Ha - ha.

The dance theme was Soccer due to the World Cup. Most all the guys were wearing their mission jersey's and most all the girls were wearing something they found at a thrift store or borrowed from a friend. I was fortunate enough to borrow Adam's Jersey he got in Venezuela. The picture above is my friend Kyli Tompkins and I.

Megan Cohen, Kyli Tompkins and I.

I was also able to pick up my friend Kaynie Nelson from Post Falls, WA. She just relocated there and was free. We met up with Nicole Attridge at the dance who lives in Spokane, WA. These 2 ladies I met in Alaska summer of 2008 when I worked for Princess Tours. It was fun to have a mini reunion for a night. We also ran into another friend from Alaska that Summer Bethanie, but she took off before my camera had charged enough to get a photo!

Minta Kramer and I dancing!

Matthew Bouse, Jeff, Megan, Me and Kylie hanging out at the Stake center in Spokane.

Minta messing around. Funny thing is, she's not even touching me!!!

Kyli and I. We have so much fun together! Love her!

Taking time for a pyramid!

After the dance it's tradition for us to stop by Denny's on the way home. Our group of 9 had the best waitress ever. You could tell Carla had had a rough night. When we arrived there was 3 really drunk girls who didn't even tip her and had made a huge huge mess. So we made sure to tip her well:) All in all we had such a fun night! Kyli and I made it back to my apartment by 2 am, and headed to bed. Then we ended up talking till around 5 am as it started to get light. It was fun to talk about different things both of us are going through. It's nice to have new friends:)

An Act of Service

A few months back we went up to Libby, MT for a day of service, and dodge ball:) We met at the bishops house where he had a few projects laid out for us to begin. We tore out the front porch that was rotting, raked the lawn, built a ramp to the door, fertilized the lawn, and chopped wood. There was 6 of us total that went up together:) It was a lot of fun to work side by side, pull nails and boards, and chat with the Libby/Troy missionaries. Staci Leonard and the Bishop provided a lunch/meal for us and we headed to the church for dodge ball. We ended up playing soccer, which was way fun. Good friends, positive memories:)

Tearing out the deck.

Katie Curtiss and Rashell Trunell raking the lawn

fun fun fun with Kim!

Matthew Bouse and John Hull chopping wood

Rick had a health fair at work before the service project so he still had his outfit on!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

So as most everyone knows, last night mom and dad let Bodie out to go poddy at the usual time - 2 am. After waiting awhile mom had to leave him outside as he would not return home. In the morning they expected he'd be waiting to be let in, or bark. They heard nothing. Dad went out all morning in search for our missing dog. He searched the woods, talked to all the neighbors, went all directions and did not see one trace of Bodie. He came home to inform her of the lack of his findings. They called me at work. I had to step in the other room and shed a few tears. They posted it on facebook to let all the kids know, as well as the grand kids. I hear Maggie was beside herself! My little drama queen:) She was real attached to Bodie, and you'll see in the pictures below she LOVED Bodie. All the Grand kids did:) Over all Bodie was really good with kids, and was a fun puppy to have around. He was always aware of mom and dad's aches and pains, and would always be sensitive towards my feelings. He was my companion for the past few years in many ways spending long lonely nights with me while mom and dad traveled the globe:) I have loved Bodie, and although puppy-sitting in my apartment wasn't my favorite...I'm glad I got to be as close to him as I was:) I hope he's safe, and not in pain, and I hope it's true....the saying...

"All dogs go to Heaven"

Bodie playing and cleaning a pup from Pipers latest litter last February.

Bodie rides Shot-gun in mom's car!

Bodies favorite place for an evening winter nap:) Wrapped up in dad's blanket in his lap:)

He is so spoiled:)

Dad walks Bodie in the park in Issaquah, WA

Bodie plays with Deanna in the snow:) The first snowfall of 2009

Bodie, Piper and .... Oh my I can't even remember the other dogs name! Sorry Brandi and Adam! Oh wait, Bowser - that's right. Here Maggie playing with all the dogs.

He was king of the lawn:)

I love him so much. I even took my senior pictures with him:)
Look how tiny he was!

The dog-sitter:)

When you would talk to body, he would turn his head to the side - almost as if he was confused. If you turned your head to the other side, he would repeat the gesture. It'll be sad to talk to David on the phone when he'll ask me, "where's Bodie, Where's Piper?" He is always so concerned about his dogs. The family dog - is missing. We still don't know if he got taken by an animal or not. It is the best scenario though that we could come up with. Especially since he doesn't stay away from home this long, is never this quiet, there is no trace of him...

God be with you til' we meet again, Bodie!

I have the best Sister in the Whole Wide World

It's true:) It's been a rough few weeks! Especially with the news about Bodie today, it's just been kind of a lot to take on at once! But we're all strong, and we've put on our best smiles and are trying real hard to get through any trials that are thrown our way:) My sister must have known that I needed words of love and encouragement. I got off work today, and came home to grab a few things before heading over to mom and dad's. I saw on my doorstep a box from PRO FLOWERS or something. I thought they had delivered it to the wrong address. I skimmed over it, and it said San Diego, California. I don't know anyone in San Diego, so I opened it up:) They were from my sister. She and Andrew are the sweetest! I know I can always count on them even if they are 300 miles away from Sandpoint! Thanks Stephanie and Andrew, David and Hannah. I love and miss you!


BEAUTIFUL ROSES:)

The card that was inside:) Thanks David and Hannah, you made my week!

Weekly Routine

Many function best when a set schedule can be carried out. Early to bed - Early to rise. It also helps if you can tackle set meal times, set working hours, and daily exercise. I have come to realize - I eat whatever I really feel like . . . I in no way go to bed early (hence the hour of this here post) & I don't wake up early by choice (unless there is something to do). Also daily exercise? Uhh, it's not often that its "daily".

I've tried to stop eating after 7 pm. I've also started drinking LOTS AND LOTS of water. Sometimes to the point I think I'm going to drown my own body, but I know it's just cause I'm not used to it. Since I haven't been a soda person in the past, switching for any other beverage wasn't a hard change.

I have jogged everyday since Monday. Rain or shine. The route has changed, but I've gone down roads I didn't even know existed here in Ponderay/Kootenai.

I have not accomplished to "early to bed - early to rise," although I hope to very soon. I think going into summer it'll be important for me to remember that life is not all about work and play. There is a time for both yes, but I need to make sure I'm taking care of my own health. Another very important aspect I've implemented is some of the Sandpoint 7. Many of you don't know what the Sandpoint 7 are, so I'll help you out.

The Sandpoint Seven are guidelines the Sandpoint Stake gave to help bring families closer to Christ. The seven tasks if carried out - will help each and everyone of us be happy, and feel the and be more in tune with the spirit every hour of every day.

1. Daily Personal Scripture Study
2. Daily Personal Prayer
3. Daily Family Scripture Study
4. Daily Family Prayer
5. Weekly Family Home Evening
6. Regular Temple Attendance (as much as situations allow)
7. Service

My Daily routine has drastically changed since moving out on my own. I wake up each morning and immediately kneel. This week Bodie really tested my patience with this as he would claw at my legs to get me to get up and let him out poddy while dog sitting for mom and dad. After a prayer, and turn to the scriptures. I read for about a half hour, and then get ready for the day. After showering and preparing myself for work - I try and sit and read past General Conference addresses, Ensigns, and any other material. I search topics on LDS.ORG appropriate to what I'm going through, or what I might stand in need of. After that, I make myself something to eat, and head to work. After work - I usually make a phone call...sometimes two:) Then I grab my scriptures, and continue reading where I left off earlier in the morning. After finishing my reading, I kneel by my bedside and close the day with a prayer once more.

This routine has 1. Help me feel comfort in all the trials I've been going through. 2. Help me feel the spirit continually. 3. boosted my mood and self confidence. 4. Enlightens me that my Savior loves me, and is with me.

So not only am I trying to change some things about my weekly routine, but I'm always looking for ways to better myself. If I have learned one thing from Ryan, It's been that I can achieve greatness. I don't have to settle for anything less that what I truly deserve. I deserve happiness and self-fulfillment. I get that daily by how I choose to live my life. I could choose to sit and watch TV all day . . . But I'm not going too:) Not anymore at least. I hardly check Facebook anymore. Although it looks like I post alot, I used to be on facebook for hours after work, catching up with friends. Not that that is not important anymore, I just need to take more time caring for my own "self" and Facebook in no way, shape or form can actively do that:)

This week I will implement another Sandpoint Seven, service. I have become aware of local organizations that are in need of a weekly helping hand. I have contacted a few individuals who have sent me paperwork to look over. I felt that in devoting free time I had to help out a cause that would better not only my community - but myself to, I should actively seek that out.

Another Sandpoint Seven guideline I've been trying my hardest to work into my schedule is weekly Family Home Evening. Usually this is with the Sandpoint Young Single Adults, and that has really been great. We do FHE on Sunday nights, and most young adults are off work and school on Sunday's. It is difficult to do them on Monday nights. Usually attendance goes down, and it's "thrown together". I look forward to FHE with the YSA. We are a strong group of people, and we are able to uplift each other through scripture, and spiritual thoughts. Following a lesson we play games, eat dinner and/or dessert and mingle until we've overstayed our welcome at a Stake Members home.

All these steps I've been taking to alter my weekly and daily routines have helped me have more energy, feel the spirit more, receive answers and blessings. I have so much to be grateful for:) My family has been a huge support for me this past few months. I love each and everyone of my brothers and sisters so much, and feel I don't express my appreciation towards them enough. Last night my sister commented on my Facebook with:

"I just called to say I love you! I just called to tell you that I care!....(I am singing to you)..."

What a sweet thought it was for her to think of me. Growing up I remember mom always calling my older siblings and leaving them voicemail recordings of that very song. It's a simple reminder that we don't always have to have a reason to call one another. I think I have that flaw. I can't remember the last time I called any brother of mine or their spouses to just say I love them, and I appreciate them. I really should do it more often. I'm more of a silent lover. But it's something I want to do better. Living at home with mom and dad is entertaining on Sunday nights. That is the night that most all of the kids call home:) The phone rings off the hook as each child takes their turn through the evening, putting their kids on the phone, talking about their past week, and then their upcoming week. Sometimes on Sunday night, I miss that...Living with mom and dad I had an excuse to talk to my brothers and sisters more. Primarily because I'd answer the phone:) I'm not complaining, I'm perfectly able to pick up the phone and call to say hello - just like they are, but our lives or so busy sometimes. I set a goal (just now) to make sure I don't only call my siblings when I need something... Because I don't only want to talk to them at that point in time, I want to talk to them all the time:) I don't have enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do. Maybe I should be more like Sulet Hiatt and get up at 4 am to do my running, so that I have enough minutes in everyday to get done all the things I see fit.

Well No pictures, once again on this post:) Just an update. I'm happy, I'm healthy (minus the occasionally head pains - but survivable) I'm doing good!

Hello, Mister Heartache - I've been expecting you.

I'll be okay:) Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and I'll seek his guidance in this. We shall see what time shall bring.

I'm a survivor, I'm going to make it!

Keep me in your prayers? Thanks!

Game Nights:)

Recently we've been able to get together as YSA and play games:) It's been so fun. I've noticed a pattern in the pictures though - apparently I get really intense, and really into it. haha - and Matt Bouse still always wins.

Me Planning my next Chess move.
(Note: I've never played Chess ever)

So fun, but i'm still losing!

Why do I look so serious all the time!