Merry Christmas!!!!!

Christmas 2010 was WONDERFUL!!!!

We had an amazing Christmas as a family. If was full of fun, laughter, good food, and presents. It was wonderful to watch how excited McKenna, Tanner, and Eli were. And while Kellan and Ava were pretty oblivious, they were still adorable!

This Christmas, I tried to keep a prayer in my heart of gratitude for my Savior. For without Him, I would truly be lost. I am so thankful for his birth, life, Atonement, and Resurrection.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

Get Up and Keep Going

I have to share a story with you about my hero, Ellie.

Ellie is a little girl in my Kindergarten class who has cerebral palsy. She is quite possibly the happiest little girl you will ever meet. I have been amazed as I have watched the other kids in my class take care of her. Whether it's picking up a paper for her, helping her put on her coat, or moving her walker around the playground, all of my kids have amazed me with their simple and pure acts of charity.

Last week, Ellie got a new pair of canes. They are pink which she is really excited about. While Ellie loves her canes, she cannot move as fast with them as she could with her walker. But do you think that stops her? No way! The other problem is the slick tile floor in the school. As Ellie was slowly walking down the hall the other day, her canes kept slipping out from under her. I bet she fell at least 5 times getting from the computer lab back to our classroom. Every time she would fall, I would hear a small, "Whoa!" I would then see her on the floor laughing with a huge smile on her face. Then she would patiently get back up and keep going. Every time she fell, not a word of discouragement escaped her mouth. Each time, she would just get up and keep on going.

This little girl taught me the exact lesson that I needed this week. Don't let things get you down! Just get up and keep on going! The knowledge of my Savior and His love and Atonement for me is what gives me the strength to get up and keep on going. As Elder Wirthlin said, "Come what may and love it!"

Thank you, Ellie!!!!

Happy Blessing Day, Ava!!!!!

Ava Olivia Myntti...Absolutely Adorable!!!

Deck the Halls!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Thankful

I am thankful for:

* the gospel
* my Savior and the Atonement
* an amazing family
* wonderful friends
* my own home
* a job that I love and amazing students
* my car (even if it has a hole in the bumper!)
* the scriptures
* cell phones
* the temple
* my warm bed and pillow
* my furnace
* living prophets and the Ensign
* the amazing view from my house
* my wonderful bishop
* crazy life experiences that have made me who I am
* electricity
* my chi
* delicious food
* people who make me smile and laugh
* and many many many more things!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!

We Are a Happy Family!

Introducing the amazing and fabulous Myntti Family...2010! Aren't we cute?! I am so thankful for my family and all that they do for me. I would be lost without them. I have the best parents that anyone could ask for who always take care of me and love me no matter what, 3 amazing brothers who are so protective of me, two sisters-in-law who are more like real sisters and best friends, and 2 nieces and 3 nephews who I adore. I am so thankful for my knowledge of eternal families and pray that we live worthy of this blessing!


And have I mentioned how proud I am to be an aunt? Haha!

Happy Blessing Day, Kellan!

October 31......Halloween.....The perfect day for a baby blessing! Kellan Robert Myntti....isn't he cute!!!!!

Cousins!

Aren't they cute???? Kellan and Ava....adorable cousins! Aunt Ashley is very happy!

Ava Olivia Myntti

I have a new niece and she is ADORABLE!!!!!

Ava Olivia Myntti was born on October 20th at 8:24 p.m. She was 6 lbs 8 oz and 19.5 inches long. Jeremy, Liz, and Eli are all excited for this new addition. I am a very happy aunt!

Kellan Robert Myntti

I have a new nephew!!!!! And he is ADORABLE!!!!!!!

Kellan Robert Myntti was born on September 27, 2010 at 10:37 pm. He weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 19.5 inches long. Ryan and Becky are very proud parents, McKenna is a very proud sister, Tanner is a very proud brother, and I am a very proud aunt!

Fun Run and Graduation Celebration

Friday was the Manila Mini Marathon, and it was a blast! It was so fun to run with my Manila friends and see so many of my kids (past and present) so excited. It was pretty funny how many of them kept passing me! But I'm just glad I finished without dying! Who knew 2.62 miles could seem so long?!


Saturday my cute family threw me a Graduation Celebration complete with a homemade cap and gown...Don't I look amazing! Haha! We went up to Canyon Glen and had a yummy picnic, played games, visited, and went for a walk. Plus they gave me a graduation present...the first season of The Vampire Diaries! Yes!!! It was the perfect Graduation Celebration!

Smile!

I can't seem so stop smiling! There are many reasons, but I am only going to mention a few.

5. I have been blessed with the most amazing Kindergarten kids this year. I already love them all and am looking forward to an amazing fifth year of teaching.
4. My friends are the best friends a girl could ask for! They always listen to my crazy stories and know just what to say. They get overly excited about things and can always make me laugh. They get me through the tough times and the great times and never seem to tire of listening to me ramble on about anything and everything. I love you girls!
3. I have the most amazing and supportive family that was ever created! They would do anything to make me happy and support me no matter what crazy new adventure I have decided to go on. Even though I never know what is going to happen next in these crazy adventures, I know my family will always be there for no matter what. I love you all!
2. The Lord is constantly reminding me that He has a marvelous plan for me and I just need to trust in Him and have faith and hope. I consistently feel the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior as I navigate my way through this crazy thing called life. I am so thankful for my Patriarchal Blessing, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost which are constantly guiding me and comforting me.
1. And finally, number 1! The main reason I can't stop smiling.....well......I can't write about "it" yet, but so far,"it" is really good! (I think "yummy" is the word I keep using!) I am happy and at peace, and while I have no idea what is going to happen, that is ok because of numbers 4, 3, and 2! I know that no matter what happens, I am going to enjoy every moment, learn from every moment, and hope for amazing things. Because (whether it's with "it" or not) I know amazing things are to come!

SO SMILE WITH ME! IT FEELS GREAT!

Finished!!!!!

That's it! I'm finished! I attended my last night of graduate school....I turned in my last homework assignment.....I drove through the blasted construction on my way to school for the last time.....I stressed out over writing a paper for the last time.....I sat through my last excruciatingly long 4 hour class.....I'm a grad school grad! Well...as soon as I get my diploma!

Monkey Madness!

Monkey see. . .

Monkey do. . .

The Myntti clan at the zoo!

August 14, 2010

The Amazing Ape Man

Nathan and I had an amazingly fun weekend. We went down to St. George to go to Tuacahn to see Tarzan which was AMAZING!!! The acrobatic apes were so fun to watch. Tarzan was pretty easy on the eyes! And the young Tarzan was an amazing singer and performer. I absolutely loved it! Nathan and I also had fun hiking up on Dixie hill, walking around the temple, and eating good food - especially at Pancho and Lefty's. If you've never been here, next time you are in St. George. . . it is a must!

Happy Pioneer Day!!!!! (and Happy Belated Birthday Party for Jem!)

We celebrated the 24th by having Jem's belated birthday party. We went up the canyon above Payson for a yummy dinner of sloppy joes, fruit, salad, chips, juice, and Rice Krispie "cake." We played ring toss, shoot the aliens, balloon pop, and horseshoes. I, of course, won. :) (In case you didn't know, I am way too competitive and should not be allowed to play games! But I have to. . . because I have to win!!!!) We went on a mini hike then went to Spanish Fork to watch the fireworks. They were spectacular!


I love pioneer day and so thankful for my ancestors and heritage on both sides of my family. The 24th of July is always a little sad because Grandpa Shepherd had his heart attack on this day and Grandma Myntti had her stroke on this day, and we lost them both (different years). However, it is also a very happy day because we have the Gospel and know we can be together again - FOREVER!!!

Jellyfish and Penguins

Last Thursday, mom, Nathan, Becky, McKenna, Tanner, and I went to the Living Planet Aquarium. It was lots of fun to see the sea creatures and watch how excited the kids were. My favorites were the jellyfish and penguins.

A Wonderful Weekend

My brother Nathan spent a few days at my house and we had a lot of fun playing and exploring. We went hiking up to Battle Creek waterfall, and it felt SO GOOD! I LOVE to hike, and this is the first hike I have been on since I hurt myself. It was beautiful and I was in heaven! We packed a picnic and ate it up the canyon. Have you ever noticed that food tastes better in the mountains? :) We then went swimming at my pool which is always fun and watched "Alice in Wonderland." Thanks for a fun weekend, Nathan!


When I took Nathan home, McKenna and Tanner were at mom's house for the weekend. So we went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and then to the Bean Museum. It was a wonderful weekend!

Family, Food, and Fun

Welcome to the 2010 Shepherd Family Reunion! We had a great time playing, eating, and socializing in Grandma Shepherd's backyard down in Mt. Pleasant. There was a pretty good turn out, and it was fun to see people I only get to see once a year. I should have taken more pics, but enjoy the pics of the Myntti clan, Grandma Shepherd, and the Shepherd brothers. I love and miss you Grandpa Shepherd!

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!

My amazing Fourth of July =

barbecues with friends and family
sitting in a field for hours while letting Eli chase me to entertain him
awesome fireworks
a sleepover at mom and dad's
rummy
many balloons in the beautiful morning sky
watching the parade including the bands, balloons, flags, and Nathan on a pirate ship
feeling a sense of pride for our country, freedoms, military, etc.
feeling sunburned and tired
watching Eclipse
hot dogs
hamburgers
french fries
loving being with family




Happy Fourth of July!!!!!! Let Freedom Ring!!!!!

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!

My physical therapist is my hero! He has been working my tail off and he had me running today! RUNNING! I felt more like myself than I have in months! I still have a long way to go before I am where I was before, but I'm back! (No pun intended :) ) I am going to continue to work hard so I can be in even better shape than I was when I fell apart. I am going to run faster and farther than I ever have before! I will admit, a part of me is scared that I am going to hurt myself again, but I can't live in fear my whole life. So, I am going to work hard to strengthen my back so this never happens again. If anyone is interested in learning some core/muscle strengthening exercises, you know where to find me! :) And Manila Fun Run. . . HERE I COME!!!!!!!!

27?!?! How Is That Even Possible?!?!

We had my 27th birthday party on Sunday (my birthday was June 2nd, but life is busy!). I cannot believe I am 27! I still feel like a kid in so many ways. So. . . I will always be a kid at heart!

We had a yummy picnic at Discovery Park. We ate taco salad, fruit, Oreo truffles, and cupcakes. Then I opened my presents: a scale (from mom and dad - to help me with my goal of losing 10 pounds by the time school starts), a cooler (from Ryan, Becky, McKenna, and Tanner), an SD card for my phone (from Nathan), and nail polish and nail stickers (from Jeremy, Liz, and Eli). All of the gifts were perfect! Thanks everybody!


We then went over to the park and played. The kids had a blast (including me of course because I am still a kid!!!!!!!!!)!


So here is to year 27! I can't wait to see what it has in store for me! (PLEASE let it be better than year 26!) My goals for the year are to lose 10 pounds, run in the Manila Fun Run, be outgoing and meet new people, finish my Masters Degree, and grow closer to my family, friends, and the Lord. I can use all the help I can get with these goals, so HELP PLEASE!! :)

An Amazing Spiritual Boost

This past weekend (Thursday-Saturday) I had the opportunity to be a councilor for Sara Allen's ward Youth Conference, and it turned out to be one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. I have never felt the spirit so strongly and I am not ashamed to say that I cried my eyes out more than once because the spirit was so strong! These amazing teenagers and their leaders taught me way more than I taught them. I felt the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior through them.

On Thursday, we met our new "family" at the church and got to know each other. We made up dances, names, cheers, banners, etc. We had an amazing fireside with Sister Barbara Jones who taught us about resisting temptation. We then went to the Schow farm where we did skits and had dessert around a bonfire. We had our first devotional with our group where Kevin and I talked to the kids about being an example. It was fun to do it outside with flashlights. We went home for the night and I got a few hours sleep before I had to be back at the church at 7:00 am.

Friday morning we gathered our "family" for scripture study then ate a delicious breakfast together. We then had a fireside with John Bytheway who is one of the most amazing speakers I have ever heard. You can't help but feel the spirit when he speaks. We went to a senior care center and did some service then loaded up the cars and headed to a park in Nephi where we ate lunch and played some games. Then we headed to IPP (International Power Plant) which is in the middle of nowhere past Delta. It was a really cool facility with large rooms where we set up "camp," kitchens, classrooms, pool tables, a huge gym, etc. We had a huge volleyball tournament between all of the groups. We DOMINATED! I couldn't play of course because I am broken, but I am so proud of my group! (BTW: We were the purple group and named ourselves the Happy Royals!) We ate a very yummy dinner then made up skits and had a Variety Show. It was a lot of fun. Then we had a dance in the gym. It was fun to watch all of the kids and I even got my groove on a little! I danced with each of the councilors (Kevin, Vince, Jon, and Hyrum. Jon taught me how to Cha-Cha which was awesome!) We had our nightly devotional on having courage and had journal writing time. It was about midnight by now, so we had a midnight snack of pizza. We went to bed about 1:00, but of course the girls didn't settle down for a long time, so I didn't get any sleep. Oh well!

On Saturday, we got up at 7:00, had our "family" scripture study and then breakfast. The Bishop and his wife then put on a morningside. We played some games and had lunch then did some workshops. I taught one on "The Power of Peers" and talked to all of the youth about resisting peer pressure and choosing good friends. Then Sara talked to us about how God loves all of us. She asked us to share how we have felt God's love. I shared about how hard this year has been but how I have felt the love of God so strongly through the support and love of other people (friends, family, my Kindergartners, and their moms) and my scriptures. As I was sharing, the spirit bore witness of God's love so strongly that I started crying. It was wonderful! Then we all changed into our church clothes, met with our "families," watched a short video, took "family pictures," and went to the closing banquet where we ate a delicious meal. Then we had our closing fireside where we watched a video on the Savior. As it was playing, I was again overcome by the spirit and such a feeling of love so I wept again! Then we had a testimony meeting. I was so proud of all of "my kids" who bore their testimonies. At times during the weekend, I had wondered if they were listening, but when they bore their testimonies about the gospel and thanked Kevin and I for what we had done, I knew I had had a positive influence on them and I will never forget them or this experience! We cleaned up IPP, hugged each other, said goodbye, and headed for home.

I cannot begin to describe how I came to love these amazing teenagers and how they changed my life. I have no doubt that the Gospel is true, that Heavenly Father and my Savior love me, and that everything will be ok because I know this. Thank you for an amazing and life changing experience!!!!

Riley, Adam, Ave, Samuel, Chandler
Kim, Karen, Shelby, Ryn
Me, Kevin

Summer Time Fun: Memorial Day, Birthday, and My House

I love Summer! Although it hasn't been very relaxing so far! That is ok though cuz I love to have fun!

Memorial Day was wonderful. On Sunday, we visited my Grandma and Grandpa Myntti in the Salt Lake Cemetery and My Grandpa Shepherd in the West Jordan Cemetery. I miss them but know they are in a better place. On Monday, we had a bbq at Ryan and Becky's house. Look! I'm not broken! I hoola-hooped and jumped on the trampoline without collapsing! Yea! (BTW: Aren't you proud of my collage, RaeAnn?)


Today was my birthday and it was wonderful! (BTW: I love Facebook! I have never received so many birthday wishes! Thanks everybody!) My amazing friends Kerry, Heather, Jessica, and RaeAnn (and Kloee!) took me to Kneaders for lunch. YUMMY!! We then spent a couple of hours just hanging out and talking. I love ya, girls! Then I went and saw "Letters to Juliet" with mom and Becky. It was really cute and it was even better cuz I saw it with my amazing mom and sister-in-law. Love ya both! Mom then took me to dinner. Because life is so crazy busy, we are going to have my family party on Sunday and a friend party sometime! So, more photos to come!
I cannot believe how quickly life is passing by! I am now 27 (27!!!) and while that feels SO OLD, I will forever be a kid at heart!



I have finally had time to clean and put my house together so it is finally starting to feel like home. I know this was the right decision and that this is where I belong.


I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds in store for me! I am sure it is going to be an amazing one because I am surrounded by so many amazing people. :)

Welcome to Summer!!!

It's summer!!!!!! The last day of school was Friday and it was a wonderful end to this year. This year has been crazy and horrible and wonderful all at the same time. But I made it through with the help of these amazing children. This is most of my kids from both classes. They took care of me when I couldn't bend or lift anything. And all of their hugs and the many notes I received from them and all of their expressions of "How is your back?" and "I love you, Miss Myntti!" was the best medicine I could ask for!


There is no way I could have made it though this year without these amazing girls. Thank you Kerry, Heather, Jessica, and RaeAnn (I wish you were in this picture! Welcome back to the Kindergarten hall!) for listening to my ranting and raving about all of the craziness in my life. Thank you for writing sub plans, preparing materials, moving tables, and doing all of the other things that you did for me. Most of all, thank you for the hugs and visits and for your friendship. I love you all and could not survive without you!


And thank you to the amazing moms who supported me all year and spoiled me rotten with gifts and parties and expressions of concern. You are all wonderful!!!


So now it is summer. And while I am going to miss my kids and their moms, I am so excited for some rest and relaxation that doesn't involve being forced to lay in bed. My plans for the summer include finishing getting my house set up, relaxing by the pool in the sunshine, spending time with my wonderful family and friends, reading in the sunshine, finishing my Masters Degree, and getting back in shape so I feel like myself again. I know some of you think I am crazy, but it is my goal to run in the Manila Fun Run in September. So, my summer will be spent getting ready for that. Physical Therapy has been AMAZING and I already feel much better. I like to pretend he is my personal trainer instead of my therapist! :) And he said he will have me winning that race, so watch out. . . I am going to kick some butt!!!! Happy summer to all!!!

I Love You Grandpa Myntti!!!!!

My Grandpa Myntti passed away yesterday. He was 95 and led a remarkable life. He brought his family (my grandma, 2 aunts, and my dad) over to the US from Finland after he joined the church so his posterity could live in the Promised Land and find spouses to be sealed in the temple. I will be forever grateful that he did! He had a strong testimony and I have no doubt that he has been happily reunited with his sweetheart, Grandma Myntti. He had a picture of her by his bed that he would talk to which I found extremely sweet. I will miss him, but I know he is happy, out of pain, and in a better place. I am very thankful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I love you Grandpa Myntti!!!!!!!

Welcome Home!!!!

It's mine! It's all mine! Finally! I closed on my beautiful townhouse last Tuesday then my mom, Nathan, and I (well, mostly them while I watched) started slowly moving my stuff over. So come on in for a visit!





My toes love my new, soft, squishy carpet!


Not being able to help was quite frustrating! I will be myself again someday. And I will bend, lift, help, run, and do whatever else I want to!!!! :)



On Friday, Liz and Eli came over to help me clean my apartment. Eli decided it was his job to clean the fridge - or at least sit in it!


Saturday was the main moving day. My amazingly wonderful family and friends moved me while I sat in a chair and watched. That was kind of frustrating, but I felt very blessed to have so many people willingly serve me. My friends Beth, Julianne, and Brenda were very kind to come help. Brother Hayes from my Bishopric and his son also came. Then there was mom, dad, Ryan, Becky, McKenna, Tanner, Nathan, Jeremy, Liz, Eli, and Grandma.










Grandma Shepherd got a flat tire on her trailer, so Jeremy had to change it. We had to have at least one fun adventure!




Aren't they the cutest kids you have ever seen? I love McKenna, Tanner, and Eli! They kept me company while the grown ups moved. I'm still a kid anyway, right!? So I should just play and not work, too!!! :)




Now comes the fun task of unpacking. Now I just have to get settled and decorate. Then you can all come over to party!!!




Jeremy and Ryan hung my blinds which was wonderful.


Mom has put together two cabinets for me. Now she has to shelves to put together. She is amazing!


I insisted that I got to put away everything in the kitchen. It is my house after all! :)


Ryan was the first person to use my front door, so I had to take his picture!


I will be back to work on Monday which makes me very excited. I'm ready to get back to real life and start living again! I miss everybody and am excited to see all of you. So, here's to the beginning of the next chapter of my life. Wish me luck!!!