She's Here!

Alright. It's finally time I shared my birth story. I want to have it written down on my blog so I can refer to it as often as I want.

I had been feeling itchy for a few weeks. On Monday, February 20th, it finally got to the point that I just couldn't handle it. Matt and I had tried baths, cold cloths, and even resorted to essential oils to calm it down. Nothing worked! I had looked up, several times I might add, what the cause of my itchiness was. There didn't seem to be a specific reason. It just sort of happens when you're pregnant. Like so many other things. However, on Monday, I finally typed into google the areas I was experiencing the most itchiness. The palm of my hands and soles of my feet. It just didn't seem normal to me that these were the places the itchiness was severe. The results from google were terrifying! They talked about a condition called cholestasis that increased your risk of still birth. There were no other complications associated with this condition. Ummmm, that's pretty scary! I wanted to call my midwives right away, but it was eight o'clock at night. I had been counting baby girl's kicks for several weeks now. That next day, I noticed her movements were slower than normal. At around two o'clock, I decided to call the midwives and let them know what was going on. We talked about my symptoms and they sent me directly to the hospital for tests to check the bile levels in my blood.

We got the results back on Wednesday. I did, in fact, have cholestasis and would need to be induced. I came home from work that day and cried. I'm pretty sure I let every single emotion I was feeling out. Unprepared. Angry. Terrified. Excited. Anxious. Matt came home and just hugged me. He reminded me that no matter what would happen, this little girl was ours forever. We would get through this together. Since we already had an appointment scheduled for that Friday with the midwives, they didn't schedule me sooner. Though I was told we would need to do Non Stress Tests on baby girl to make sure she was doing fine.

Friday came and I went in for my appointment. Baby girl looked good. Her amniotic fluids were great. Her heartbeat was great. Her movements were on point. There are six midwives in the group. I met with one I had never seen before. This ended up being a tender mercy as this midwife was the one who delivered me. Had I not gone to the American Fork office for the NST, I would not have met her. At our visit, Mandy explained to me that women with cholestasis need to be induced at 37 weeks. I would be 37 weeks the following Saturday. Cholestasis can cause still birth at any time and there's really no way to tell when. One minute baby can be fine and the next, well, not so much. I was hesitant to do this because I was really hoping for a natural birth. But Mandy told me that cholestasis was a tricky condition. She told me they couldn't force me to get induced. It was still my choice. I appreciated knowing that I could make my own decision. We came home and after many prayers, decided that we should move forward with the induction date of Friday, March 3rd.

On Tuesday of the next week, I had another NST test done. This time, baby girl's movements weren't where they should be. The nurse came in and gave me some apple juice. It helped and before I knew it, baby girl was active again. Two days later, I picked up my parents from the airport. The nice thing about having an induction date was that my parents could come up and be with me for the whole birth. After picking them up from the airport, we headed down to the doctors again for the last NST test. Once again, baby girl looked great. Her movements were good.

Friday morning I woke up early. It was the big day and I couldn't sleep! My parents came over and we had a nice breakfast made by my mom. Matt came home early from work and spent time finishing up a few details for baby girl. My mom and I headed to a few stores to get last minute items for the birth. My goal from the moment I found out I was pregnant was to have an unmedicated birth. I wanted to go as natural as I could. Upon finding out that I needed to be induced, I began to do everything possible to help start my labor. I really didn't want to be given pitocin. I knew the surges (contractions) associated with pitocin were a lot harder to handle. I hoped that by going walking with my mom, it would help my body kick into gear. Matt and I had already tried everything, including essential oils! Matt was a gem and massaged my feet with clary sage every night. We did the "Come on Out" birthing script every night too! However, this little girl wants to stay put. I did walk that early afternoon. A lot. So much that my feet swelled up and I couldn't take one more step. My mom had to massage them in the aisle at Walmart. Talk about embarrassing moment😳. The walking didn't help. We came home and decided to head to Pier 49 for dinner. By this time it was five o'clock. We still hadn't heard from the hospital at eight thirty, so we decide to start heading down there anyway. Matt and my dad give me a blessing before we leave. On our  way down, the  hospital finally calls and tells us they are really busy and don't have room for us yet. They want us to wait another hour before heading in. We ended up at Mike and Jess's house until it was time to head to the hosp ital. Now, things are going to get good.


9:30 pm: We finally arrive at the hospital and I get checked in.

10:00 pm: They give me the first dose of Cytotec. It's to help soften my cervix and hopefully kickstart my labor. I also get a heplock placed. Dilated less than a one.

Saturday
5:45 am: Third dose of Cytotec. My cervix is softer (I can't  remember how effaced I am) but only dilated to a one.

8:30 am: The nurse comes in to do the fourth dose of Cytotec but my body is surging (contractions) on its own so I don't get it. I'm feeling pretty confident because all I feel is tightness. I think all the training from HypnoBirthing is working!

11:00 am: I'm still only dilated to a one. My surges aren't strong enough. Mandy (my midwife) wants them to hurt more. She suggests breaking my water. Remember, the whole point of getting induced is to have baby girl come asap. I don't want her to break my water but know that if I don't dilate  they will have  to put me on pitocin. I decide to give it an hour and see where my body is at.

12:00 pm: Still only dilated to a one. 😒 Matt and I decide to go ahead and have my water broken. (I have since learned it's better to get on pitocin first and then break your water. Less painful.)

4:00 pm: No progress. I'm still at a one. Surges are manageable. Mandy decides I need to be given pitocin. First dose administered.

4:30 pm: HOLY CRAP. I'M GOING TO DIE.

6:00 pm: Contractions are coming quickly. Like every four minutes. I'm doing my HypnoBirthing techniques. Walking around the hospital. Relaxing my muscles. Matt reads me a script. Counter pressure. Light touch massage. Use the peanut ball. Use the yoga ball. Bounce up and down. Use stress away (essential oil). Laugh. Still only dilated to a one. No progress. 😒 I finally decide to get in the tub. This helps. I'm in the tub for an hour. Contractions are still coming. Matt has been amazing.

8:30 pm: Still no progress. The one is taunting me. Mandi says I'm at a one and a half. She probably says that to help me feel better. Matt and I talk about an epidural. I really don't one want one but I'm not dilating and I'm having contractions pretty consecutively and I don't know how much more my body can handle. The doses of pitocin keep getting upped to help me dilate. Mandi tells me getting an epidural doesn't make me weak. She reminds me we're forcing my body to do something it's not ready for. She talks me through my fears but mostly my disappointment that I can't handle the contractions. Matt comforts me too. He's my biggest supporter. He tells me it's okay to ask for an epidural. The important thing is to get baby here safely. I break down and request the epidural.

9:30 pm: Epidural is administered. It couldn't have gone more perfect. I don't feel the pain of the contractions. I feel butterflies. I can increase the dosage but I don't. Not necessary. I feel more relaxed. I try to get some sleep.

Midnight: I've dilated to a four. A FOUR! Hallelujah!!

Sunday
2:00 am: Baby girl's heart rate is dipping. The monitors on my belly are removed and are placed up in me on baby's head. Baby girl is strong. Her heart rate is back to normal but the monitors are being kept in place.

4:30 am: Dilated to a ten. 100% effaced. I made it! Time to get this show on the road.

5:45 am: I have a mirror and can see what is happening. I hope baby girl has hair. The top of her head pops out. There's hair!!! Mandi has me reach down and rub her little head. I'm in love! Baby girl is almost here.

6:15 am: Mandi suits up. Things are getting real. Baby girl is about to show up. My mom is holding my right leg. It's gone completely numb. Rachel, one of the nurses, holds the other. Matt is at the foot of the bed. He is helping to deliver baby girl.

6:21 am: One last push. Mandi maneuvers baby's shoulders out. Matt gets the rest of her. He gets the first skin to skin contact. He places her on my chest. She's perfect! Clara Elizabeth Allen is here.

As I've looked back on the day, my heart swells with gratitude for how things worked out. Sure, it wasn't the birth I wanted but we were still blessed. Clara remained healthy and strong during the entire labor. I had a patient midwife, who worked with me to help me have as much of the birth I originally wanted as I could. We consulted the Lord in each decision we made, as minute as some were, and each time the spirit revealed to us and confirmed the right thing to do.  I had an amazing support system. My dear husband, my mom, and my dad. The nurses were wonderful. I got the epidural, I was given pitocin, my water was broken but at the end of it all, I got the most wonderful gift. A perfectly healthy l, beautiful baby girl.

It's Hard

I always have the intention of blogging but other things come up and before I know it the day is over.

I really will try to be better at this.  Mostly because Matt and I will reach six months of marriage in a little less than two weeks and I have yet to document the story of our wedding day.

So here's to new beginnings in the blogging world!

Marriage

I know.  It's been almost a year since my last blog post.  I was engaged last time I wrote.  Now, I'm married.  Married.  M-A-R-R-I-E-D.  Married.

Where do I even begin with all that happened since July 18th.  Tomorrow it will be a year since meeting my husband.  My husband.  Gosh, those words get me every time.  I have a husband.  We're married.  Not just until death do us part but for all of eternity.  

Marriage is wonderful.  Matt is wonderful.  I never knew I could be this happy.  I'll try to rehash the last few months in the next few days.  In the mean time, enjoy some pictures from our "groomals".

Actually, if you want to just look at them go here and here

One Year

Tonight I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Pioneer Day Concert.  The music was inspiring, as it always is.  I know I've mentioned it before, but really one of the best things about living in Utah is getting to attend all of these events sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  These events are always wholesome and uplifting.  There are few places that truly allow you to feel the love of God.  I know in my life, music plays a big role.  It moves me.  In fact, there have been several times when music has spoken to my soul and brought the peace I've needed to move forward in decisions.  Lyrics to hymns have even been answers to my prayers.

I've been reflecting today on where I was a year ago.  One year ago today, I attended this same concert.  I went with great friends and enjoyed hearing Santino Fontana perform with the Choir.  This was my last official activity in the great state of Utah.  I moved to Arizona the next day.  

In one year so much has happened.  None of it could have prepared me for what today brought.

Tonight, I spent the evening listening to beautiful music with the most incredible guy I know.  But that's not the best part.

The best part is that after the concert ended, I walked the temple grounds with this guy, and he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.  

I said YES!  

Here's a little excerpt of a previous journal entry:

I love Matt.  I’ve loved Matt since the day we went to Temple Square together with my parents for General Conference.  I knew that day that I was going to marry him.  I was sitting between him and my mom.  I looked to my left and I looked to my right.  And instantly I could see that it wouldn’t be the last time the four of us would be seated together.  The feeling caught me off guard.  My breath became shallow and all I wanted to do was run away as fast as I could.  I didn’t.  Instead, I held on to Matt and I’ve been holding on to him ever since.  I love Matt and I want to spend the rest of my life with him.  

I'm so excited for what my future holds!  

Memorial Day 2015

My life has turned out nothing like I anticipated it would.  Today, I've never been more grateful for the path it has taken.  I'm right where I should be.  I think this means my running days are over.

Wedding Day!

My little sister is married.

Can you believe it?  It's like she grew up overnight.  Her status from single to married aged her.  In a good way.  I see her a little more mature than before.  Ha!  Did I just say that?

The wedding turned out beautiful.  Everything was perfect.  From the food to the guests to the music and dancing.

It still feels surreal.  I took their wedding gifts over to their apartment and it hit me.  It hit me.  My little sister is married!

I was pretty proud of myself because I hadn't been a blubbering mess.  Stress, yes.  But no crying.  Not even at her bachelorette party.  Then, she had me go down the aisle first at the ceremony.  I was not prepared for that.  I stood at the front and waited for the other bridesmaids.  Before I knew it, my little Linda-the girl who used to steal my clothes, try on my shoes, talk about diarrhea with me, smell peoples armpits, stick pants on her head and call it her hair, shared a bed with me, I taught how to not breathe heavily to, laughed with me, cried with me, argued with me, shopped with me, fought with me, and so many other things was walking in a beautiful white dress-handmade by our talented mother, holding on to my dad's arm.  The sight of two of the people I love most in this world caught me off guard and the tears just rolled down my face.  21 years of memories flashed before my eyes.  They were tears of sadness and happiness.  My little Linda now a married woman.

I'm so excited for this new phase in her life.  My sister is a remarkable young lady.  She has endured so much.  Her trials have not been easy but her strength and determination never cease to amaze me.

I don't remember but the story goes that I wanted a little sister.  So my mom in her motherly wisdom encouraged me to pray for a sister.  That's exactly what I did.  That prayer was answered.  And Linda is my living proof that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.

Life's What You Make It

You guys, let me just share a few highlights from the last few weeks.

• I threw my sister a lovely bridal shower!  

We had a good turn out and I was happy with the way things went.

• I had a doctors appointment and left my house earlier than normal.  I opened the garage and saw this glorious sight.

• I wore green on St. Patrick's day and ran into Ethan.  Awkward encounter.  I met his girlfriend for the first time.  She said, "I've heard so much about you."  This literally went through my mind, "Great, I've heard nothing about you."  Thankfully, I had some tact and didn't voice that thought aloud.

• We had Marianne's birthday party where we made airplane sugar cookies

• I went wedding dress shopping with Lynette.  She's engaged and I'm so happy for her.  To think about where she was a year ago...man.  The Lord is so great and his timing is perfect.  I felt so special having her ask me to accompany her.  

• I had my wisdom teeth taken out and my parents came up to take care of me.  It happened to fall during General Conference weekend so we hung out for one session up on Temple Square.

Getting my wisdom teeth taken out wasn't that bad, truthfully.  I mean yeah, it sucked and I had bruised and swollen cheeks but there were so many wonderful people who took care of me.  My parents for one.  They are amazing people.  I'm so blessed to be their daughter.  A pretty cute boy brought me Jamba Juice and a flower.  If I could like these pictures I would.

• Had Stephanie's birthday dinner at one of my new favorite restaurants in downtown Salt Lake.

• I CUT MY HAIR!  
  
  
  
  

• My sister got married!!  That will be a whole post in and of itself.  Bear with me.  This weekend I hope to catch up.

• Last but definitely not least....I started dating this guy.  How did it happen?  When did it happen?  All great questions.  

More on that to come soon...

xoxo,

Me

Jumping the Gun

I'm going to jump the gun and share a recent story.

While I do have a lot to say about the recent weeks, especially after that Sunday night I invited people to eat my tamales, I just want to share my favorite picture from the weekend of General Conference.

Even with my chubby cheeks (from getting my wisdom teeth taken out) this guy right here still said yes to spending Sunday Morning's session of General Conference with me and my parents.  He deserves an award.

Sometimes amazing things happen when you least expect them to.

The end.

Sundays are my favorite days

Sundays are my favorite days.  Fast Sundays are even better.

Today in church, we had a really great Sacrament Meeting.

The testimonies shared really edified my spirit.  There is a young man who is preparing to serve a mission.  He testified that he is where he is because of the atonement of Jesus Christ.  It was powerful and when I stood up to bear my testimony (because I was right after him), for a moment, I was at a loss for words.  His testimony impacted me.  It made me think of Jon and the experiences in his life that got him to where he is today.  There's no doubt in my mind that that the atonement can heal our hearts and cleanse our souls.  After I sat down a young man, who we visited last Wednesday and invited to church, stood up to bear his testimony.  It was very simple but very sincere.  It brought tears to my eyes.

I've been feeling a little bummed since last night and the spirit in today's meetings was much needed.  I still feel bummed but I'm working on having faith.  I was at the temple on Thursday and happened to read in Ether 12.  It says, "...faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."  There will always be trials.  Some might seem more silly/trivial than others but it doesn't matter.  The Lord cares and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right.  I can take a step into the unknown because I know that as long as I'm keeping the commandments, the Lord will never leave me alone.

Whatever happens will happen and whatever won't happen won't.  Regardless, I will be okay.

Stay tuned though.  More great posts are coming your way.  Life has been pretty great these last few weeks.

Pictures

I asked Shayla to send me some of the pictures she took when we made tamales.  Here they are!  Enjoy!

Embracing my Inner Latin

I have a good friend named Shayla.  Shayla's dad served his mission in Guatemala and fell in love with Xela (pronounced like Shayla, only less "aaaaayyy").  He wanted to name his daughter Xela but his mother wouldn't let one of her granddaughters have an X in her name.  Anyway, Shayla loves to cook.  It took like three years but we finally became real friends.  You know, the type of friends that actually hang out with each other.  

I don't know when but sometime during one of our many adventures we got talking about Guatemalan tamales.  I told her that one day I would learn how to make them and teach her.  Here's the thing about Shayla.  She holds you to what you say you're going to do.  And she never forgets!!  

So over Christmas break last year, Shayla reminded me to watch my mom and take good notes so we could make the tamales.  As you know, my new word this year was "gratitude".  Part of being grateful includes embracing the diverse culture I'm from.  I decided it was time I learned from my mother how to continue with our tamale tradition.

Two weekends after my parents left, that is exactly what Shayla and I did.  We made Guatemalan tamales and you know what?  IT. WAS. FUN!  It wasn't as hard as I anticipated.  I just need to be better prepared next time.  Yes, there will definitely be a next time.

Well poop!  I wanted to to share pictures but I didn't realize the only picture I have is the actual tamale.

It's not as exciting without the pictures.  

My  mom had extra rice flour that she sent home with me.  Thankfully, I didn't have to grind it.  That would have been way too much work.  We all know I'm lazy.  

Let's see....I really do wish I had the pictures.  I asked my aunt if there was a Guatemalan store I could get the leaves at.  She gave me an address downtown.  I decided to go on a Thursday night but the place was super sketchy and I was too scared to get out of the car.  I went Saturday morning instead and still was a little freaked but managed okay.  I don't really like going to places where the primary group of people are Hispanics.  I feel out of place.  Weird, I know since I'm one of them.  I'm more of a coconut though.  Brown  on the outside and white on the inside.    

Here's the picture:

Honestly, I was pretty impressed with how they turned out.  They were delicious and looked just like my mom's!  The taste wasn't exactly the same.  I also felt pretty proud of myself for actually doing it.  It was great!

Of course you always want people to try them and see what they think.  Shayla loved them!  Marianne and Val (Marianne's mom) tried them and loved them!  I invited Stephanie to try one also.  She loved it.  She brought her roommate Haley and she tried one too.  I also invited Matt.  Matt is this boy I met at ward prayer a week before.  He sat next to me during sacrament meeting and asked how the tamales had turned out.  I thought it was nice of him to remember (I received a group text about getting lunch Saturday with a few people in our ward and told them I couldn't go because I was making tamales).  He was the only one that asked about it so I thought I would see if he wanted to try one.  Plus, one of my roommates a few weeks earlier had pointed him out during FHE.  She said, "Matt looks real attractive right now."  He was wearing a hat and I guess she really liked that.  I figured inviting him over to try one was the least I could do for her to encourage that situation along.  He ended up coming over and it was just the two of us for awhile.  I hadn't planned on that so I was a little nervous but it was fine.  He's pretty easy to talk to and I noticed his eyes.  I think that's when I realized why my roommate finds him attractive.  He has blue eyes!  

We had other people come over for games that night and he stayed.  Overall, I think the tamale making and Sunday evening turned out great.

Oh, and I did save two for my parents.  I wanted them to try some from the very first batch I ever made!

My Parents, The Rock Stars

A week after our fun Vegas adventure, my parents came into town.  I love having them here.  I wish they lived here.

Almost two years ago, my dad got put into the presidency of the Spanish Branch in our Stake.  My parents were attending their own ward in English but would always volunteer in the Branch.  Sundays were busy days for them.  Sometimes they would go to church for six hours!  Bless them.

One of the members in their ward was getting married.  He and his fiancee decided they wanted to get married in Salt Lake.  I don't remember the guys name but he doesn't have any family in the US, so he asked my parents to step in as his parents.  How cool is that?!  My mom and dad said that it was such a sweet experience being able to sit next to this young man and his sweetheart in the temple and see them be sealed for time and all eternity.  With Lin's wedding so close and everything happening there, it was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father.

We ate dinner at Popeye's after spending forever clothes shopping.  

I love these two humans.  They are so silly but they love each other.

Visiting with Mary!  This girl instilled within me a desire to serve a mission.  I spent a few days as her mission companion when hers had to leave for home unexpectedly.

The Ordonez have no idea how to smile.  

Lin ended up joining us Sunday.

What happens in Vegas stays, well....IN VEGAS!!!

Last month Marianne and I decided to go on a mini road trip to St. George/Vegas over President's Day weekend.  The decision was made very last minute and that made for an interesting adventure.

We headed out after work on Friday.  One of our friends in the ward was coincidentally going down to her parents winter home in Washington and she let us tag along so we had a place to stay.  Her name is Sachi.  Three other people were going with her and we didn't know two of them.  We wouldn't all fit in one car so Marianne and I decided to drive separately.  Have you ever done the drive to Southern Utah from Salt Lake?  It's not that bad of a drive but at night time it's quite boring.  Thankfully, Marianne and I took turns.

So we get there Friday night and are introduced to the two very attractive boys.  Andrew and Aaron.  We all just kinda talk that night.  Nothing spectacular or anything.

Oh wait.  It was Valentine's Day weekend too.  Earlier I made the raspberry lemon cupcakes that I learned to make in Arizona over the summer.  I took some to my visiting teachees and then to Jake and Brad.  Those are two boys in our ward.  One has a girlfriend and the other I would date in a heartbeat but he's stupid (because he doesn't ask girls out!!!).

Anyway, we went to bed late Friday night and slept in on Saturday.  Although, small fact about me.  Even though I'm not a morning person, when I am on vacation or in someone else's home I can't sleep in.  I always wake up as the first rays of sunlight.  Sometime's it's real annoying.  I didn't sleep in as much as I would have liked but heck, we were pretty close to St. George and it was a gorgeous morning!  Sachi was so cute and made us an adorable Valentine's Day breakfast.  It was delicious!

Andrew was kind enough to take this picture for the group.

After breakfast, we all went our separate ways.  Sachi, Michelle, Andrew, and Aaron were going to hike Zions National Park.  Marianne and I headed down to Vegas for the night.

We got to Vegas and drove by our hotel.  Only, it was a hostel.  Yes, you read that right.  We stayed in a freaking hostel!  More on that later!  The weather was beautiful.  It was in the 70's!!  The first thing we did were the rides on top of the Stratosphere.

This is me at the very top.  I didn't get a lot of exciting pictures.  I was kinda bummed.  But it was high up and we went on all three rides.  It was fun!  Though there is a spinny ride and we did that one last.  It made me sick.

When we were done with the Stratosphere we went to grab dinner.  We ate at Smashburger.  I didn't really like the place.  Also, I was feeling the dizziness from the ride earlier so that might have been a contributing factor.  We got lost in Caesar's Palace.  I HATE THAT PLACE!!  Okay, maybe I don't.  But we got lost for a very long time.  We kept going around in circles.  We couldn't find our way out.  It is built like a labyrinth.  Ugghhh!  I have no idea how people find exits.  It took us more time than I will admit to make it outside (and I really wanted to go outside.  There was tons of smoke inhalation...we are in Vegas in a Casino after all...).  We finally reached outside and walked down the strip.  We made it to the Bellagio and witnessed the amazing water show they put on.  Some day I will stay in the Bellagio.  Even if it's just for one night.  It will happen!  That hotel is so elegant.  Oh in between finding the outside we did buy jeggings at H&M.  I had no idea they were jeggings.  If I had known I wouldn't have picked them.  It wasn't until the dressing room and so I tried them on and love them!

This is in the parking lot of Caesar's Palace.  Real classy dude, real classy.

The Eiffel Tower in Vegas

 We walked the strip for a while and then headed back to Caesar's Palace.  We made an emergency trip to the Walgreen's on the strip and let me tell you.  Everything there is over priced!!

It was probably close to midnight by the time we made it back to our hostel.  The place seemed quite shady and we contemplated driving back to Washington.  Not only did the guy at the counter tell us one of our reservations had been cancelled but he then tried to get us to sleep in separate rooms.  The hostel we had reserved was a room of girls only.  He told me he didn't have an extra bed for one of us (me) but that he could put me in the mixed room.  UMMMM, NOO!!!  We almost left but then Marianne made him feel stupid by asking to see our reservation and it said on there it was for two females in an all female room!!  So the idiot let us be in the same room together.  I slept like poop and I know Marianne did too.  Here's a picture of our beds.  Yes, they were bunk beds.  It reminded me of a bunker.  I've never actually been in one of those.

We woke up bright and early.  Really.  It was 6:30 and we were both wide awake.  We quickly got ready in our church clothes, naturally as it was Sunday, and left by 7:30.  We did not want to spend more time than necessary in that place.  We wanted to go to a ward in Vegas.  I don't know if you know but Marianne LOVES Brandon Flowers.  The lead singer from the Killers.  He lives in Vegas and a few weeks before some of Marianne's friends just so happened to attend the ward BF goes to.  They met him.  Told Marianne so it only made sense that we make the attempt to see him as well.  The ward didn't start until 11 or 12.  I can't remember.  We had hours to kill before then.  We decided to go to the Vegas airport.  We parked in the Walmart parking lot and watched planes land.  I took a nap and felt much safer there than I did the night before at the hostel.  Let's just say I will never be that adventurous again.  The hostel situation anyway.  We were so ready to go to church.  After having spent an evening on the strip and being in that creepy hostel going to a place that was familiar was refreshing.  I try not to take the Gospel for granted in my life.  I really do but sometimes it happens.  I was so grateful that Sunday morning to be able to partake of the sacrament and feel the Spirit.  Not that we hadn't felt it before on our trip.  It just was great being in church surrounded by the Saints of God.  The Lord tells us to be in the world but to not be of the world.  I love that the Gospel is the same everywhere you go.  No matter the language, the state or even country.  The Gospel doesn't change and when the Gospel is in someone's life the way they act is the same also.  People are full of love and kindness.  They have the light of Christ shining on their countenance.  We didn't stay for the whole meeting.  We left after sacrament where unfortunately, we did not see BF.  :(  I told Marianne that meant we would have to make another attempt soon.  

When we got back to St. George we met up with the other group.  We all headed to the Visitor's Center and watched Meet the Mormons.  I loved being back there and seeing the sister missionaries.  It always bring such great memories.  I loved serving there!

This is how we ended the night!

Back at Sachi's parents house we all stayed up and chatted for hours.  We played a few games: Battle of the Sexes and 5 Second Rule.  I didn't really like Battle of the Sexes but I sure loved 5 Second Rule!  You have 5 seconds to name 3 things that correspond with the question on the card.  It really makes you think on your feet.  Some of the questions: Name three mountain ranges.  Name three books.  Name three George's.  Things like that.  It was so fun and hilarious!!  We also made an after midnight trip to McDonald's where it took 10 years to get our food.  Poor girl that worked there.  I have never eaten so much McDonald's in my life.  I had my quote for the year and if I never have to go to another McDonald's again, I would be fine with it.

Monday morning was pretty chill.  We went to breakfast down in Ivins at a place called Xeteva Gardens.  It's pretty hipsterish.  Very healthy.  It was good!

Then we played some tennis and I made a fool out of myself.  I keep thinking I should ask Aaron...he's the guy I'm standing next to in the picture above to help me out.  He went pretty soft on me when we played doubles.  That was kind of him.  Haha.

So that's part of what I've been up to the last little while.  It definitely was a fun trip and it was so great getting to know those lovely ladies (Michelle and Sachi) better.  And it was definitely great to make two new very attractive male friends.  Though in case you're wondering we haven't hung out with them since we got back.

Also, just so you know I couldn't sleep.  I've been up since 6:35 Utah time which makes it 5:35 Arizona time.  

Busy as a Bee

Where have I been, you might ask?

Oh well, here and there, and everywhere.  Not too much has happened.  Just enough to keep me busy as a bee.  I feel like I haven't had time to catch my breath.  It's all been good things.  Fun things.

You have no idea how many times I have attempted to blog only to be interrupted by something far better.  Well, and sometimes not that much better but something that needs to get done.

Don't you worry though!  After this Saturday, I should hopefully have time to write about all of the activities keeping me busy.

In the meantime, here's a little teaser:

Is that me next to a boy??

Why yes, yes it is.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

I've been thinking a lot these last few days.  About life.  About family.  About the Gospel.

I was in Arizona this last weekend for some "family" stuff that needed to be taken care of.  The outcome was a success but for me it remained stagnant.  12 years since the very first time and still nothing has changed.  I wanted to celebrate with my family-my parents.  They were so happy and it was a triumph that was desperately needed.  Great things are now in store for my parents.  If anyone deserves the outcome it's them.  All the tears, frustrations, late nights, calls, prayers, fasts, hopes, wishes, copies of paperwork, letters of recommendation, and thousands of dollars later, ALL finally coming together in perfect harmony to grant what was most desired.  I'm so grateful for my parents.  They have taught me to never give up despite the opposition we face and the circumstances we are in.  The weekend in Arizona finally blooming a rose amid the thorns.

Monday morning I awoke to the news of my paternal grandfather passing away.  I didn't really know him.  He lived in Guatemala and I live here.  I was surprised to find myself feeling sadder than I thought.  I don't know if it had to do with the fact that I never really got the chance to know him.  To really truly know the great man that he was.  Or perhaps I was sad because my dad was literally weeks away from seeing him again since moving to the US in 1992.  They hadn't seen each other in over 20 years.  They were so close and yet it was not to be.  My dad sent out a text to us all that made me once again grateful to be his daughter.

"I want to let you know that my father passed away a few minutes ago.  Don't worry, I am fine.  Fortunately, I have a testimony of eternal families.  It hurts but I am happy because now he will be with my mother."

Or perhaps my Grandfather's death hit me with a realization that people die.  People I know, people I love, people I talk to every day, people close to me, people far from me.  People, in general, all over the world die.  I've said this before but I have been fortunate enough to live 27 years of my life without the death of someone really close to me.  I fear that soon that luck will change.  I keep asking myself if I will be like my daddy and not just believe in The Plan of Salvation but trust in it.

Later that night, I went to my Aunt Gilda's house.  I knew she was going to have a hard time and I felt that I should be there.  We didn't leave on the best of terms because she's freakin' crazy.  But she is my family and I am hers and we needed each other at that time.  We held a special FHE via skype with my family in Arizona.  Those who had the opportunity to know and meet my Grandfather shared stories of him and his life.  The Spirit confirmed to me that evening that my Grandfather had lived a wonderful life.  I was filled with gratitude that I was his granddaughter and a part of his great legacy.  Not just his but also my Grandma who passed away in 2008 and whom I also never had the opportunity to know.  My Grandparents were stalwart in their testimony of the Gospel.  They sacrificed much for what they knew was true.  They gave away everything they had to be obedient to the Lord.  They were poor, extremely poor but they brought their nine children to the Mesa, Arizona Temple and were sealed together for eternity.  They served an honorable full time mission.  There is no doubt in anyone's mind that my Grandparents loved the Lord.

As I've pondered on the events that have occurred in the last week one quote has come into my mind over and over.  It's by Elder Uchtdorf.

"...We are made of the stuff of eternity.  We are eternal being, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number.  Endings are not our destiny.  The more we learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all.  They are merely interruptions-temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.  How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."

I testify to you that I know The Plan of Salvation is real.  We can be with our loved ones again after this life.  Someday, I will get to talk to my Grandparents-hear their stories, laugh with them, cry with them, hug them, thank them for their example, and say "I love you."