Looking Back and then Moving Forward

I spent some time this past weekend looking back and reading my journals from the past 2 years. It has been quite the roller coaster with high highs and low lows. I think I had blocked out a lot of the low lows because as I read, I couldn't believe I had made it through to today! The only way I have made it through is because of the amazing people in my life who don't let me quit...no matter what happens! Funny thing is, some of the low lows were caused by some of the high highs. So I wouldn't change the past 2 years...I'm just going to look back at what I've learned and then move forward with faith. I've learned a lot about myself, what I'm capable of, what I want in a relationship, what I don't want in a relationship, and how to open my mouth and say what's on my mind. I've learned that I can bounce back from anything...whether it's a heart ache or a back break! All I have to do is put my mind to it, work hard, not give up, and lean on the people I love. And in the midst of the troubles, great blessings will come. Like townhouses that seem to fall into your lap or new relationships that you weren't expecting. And while the blessings themselves present new challenges (like mortgage payments or wondering what in the world is going through his mind!!), I'm not afraid. Because I have the Lord and all of you on my side. Now I must admit...these last few months have been........interesting. I've made some mistakes and had to learn and grow. But I made it through with all of you carrying me. And so now I'm looking forward and moving towards my future. I still have no idea what that future holds. And I know it's not going to be easy. But I'm excited for it! I got a glimpse of a possible future this past weekend...and I really loved it and hope it works out. But who knows? All I do know is that I trust my Heavenly Father and Savior's plan for me and look forward to finding out exactly what that is. So bring it on!

Urban Campout

My friends Shandy, Andrea, and I had an "urban campout" on Friday night. We made tin foil dinners in the oven (delicious!), made smores by roasting marshmallows over the stove (yum!), and played Mario Brothers on the Wii (hiking through Mario land!). It was a great night with 2 great friends!

Happy New Year!!!!

Goodbye 2010! And good riddance! It turned out to be quite the year and I'm not sad to tell it goodbye. But instead of looking back at the negative, lets look at the positive. I bought my very own townhouse and I love it. I graduated from the U of P with my Masters Degree in Education. I grew closer to my Heavenly Father, Savior, family, and friends as I navigated my way through a few bumps along the road. I was able to continue running even when everyone told me I was crazy to try. And I learned a lot about who I am and what I want out of life. So as hard as it is to say, I am thankful for 2010!

I spent New Years Eve with my mom, dad, Nathan, Ryan, Becky, McKenna, Tanner, and Kellan. We spent the night eating goodies and playing the Wii while we waited for 2010 to end and 2011 to begin. After watching the ball drop and shouting, "Happy New Year," we had a giant sleepover which was a lot of fun. One of the bumps in my road happened right before this, so I am thankful that I got to ring in the new year surrounded by my family who love me unconditionally.




So now it is 2011 and I am looking forward to making it the best year ever. My only resolutions are to be healthy (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) and to have some fun. I am going to enjoy being me and spend time with my amazing family and friends who make me who I am. I love you all!!!

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!