Wednesday, December 2, 2009

BUTTER, CHEESE, AND LOVE!

I've been thinking that I need some hobbies so I decided I would try cooking. After all I love food! So I got some Paula Dean cookbooks from the library and cooked dinner tonight. I made Chicken Divan and Butter Sour Cream Biscuits. I think it turned out great! I look forward to the next dish!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

BYU Practice


I love living in Utah! There are many reasons I love it but one of the biggest reasons is that I am close to BYU and can take advantage of many fun opportunities involving the football team. Like watching the final BYU football practice open to the public this morning! I was so excited! I even woke up early to get ready and make it to the 10am practice. I stayed there for 1 1/2 hours watching drills and scrimmages! I would've stayed longer but I had a chiropractor appointment. It was so fun and a good taste of BYU football. Something to tide me over till September 5th! I love BYU football and can't wait for the season to start!



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

THE JACKSONS

"God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." Spencer W. Kimball

This quote was always present in each of our houses while I was growing up. I never gave much thought about it till later in life. Many people have come into my life just at the time I needed them the most. I didn't always know I needed them but I did.

In the summer of 1992 my family and I moved to Manti, Ut and we became friends with the Jackson's! I didn't know at the time just how important these people would become to me and how big of an influence they would all have on my life. I was only 11 I didn't think about much besides boys and clothes! I was entering the 8th grade at the time and I was a ball of emotions and hormones (not much as changed!). I still remember the first time I saw Coach Jackson. He and his brother came over to talk to my dad I went out to see who had come over and I saw two very nice looking gentleman. I think I used the word hot when I was telling my mom who was at the door. Oh and ya my mom told my dad what I had said and of course my dad told coach Jackson. I was mortified when I found out. Now it's common knowledge that I thought Coach Jackson was good looking. Anyways it wasn't long after that, that I meant Coach Jackson's wife, Lisa and their 3 kids Ashley, Tylan and Braden. I became a regular babysitter for the Jackson's when they went out with my parents. Being a babysitter didn't win me any popularity points with Ashley or Tylan. And I can't say I would've liked me either. Being the oldest I hated babysitters too. They pretty much didn't like me and I hate to say the feeling was mutual. Soon Austin would join their family. He was such a cute baby! And then Channing! She was adorable. I loved her the moment I saw her. Her and Austin were my favorites! I loved babysitting them. But my all time favorite Jackson was Brenan (Coach Jackson). He was like a dad to me. He listened and gave me advice, and I knew I could trust him. But most of all he put up with me. I was a bit over the top back in those days. Very flirty and very annoying. But Coach Jackson and Lisa hung in there.

I was so sad when my family decided to move away. But our families stayed friends long after we moved from Manti. They came to visit us in Washington and California. I went back to Manti a few times. After high school I even lived with them for a short time. I know that was really hard on them but they did it anyways. I really enjoyed our last family trip together, mostly because I planned everything. I love schedules and lists! But visiting Disneyland, Sea World, the Zoo and the Ocean were awesome.

Riding a ride at Sea World. One of the many places we went on the Cali trip


Coach Jackson and Lisa have been there for me through some of the toughest times of my life.

When I found out I was pregnant 6 years ago it was Coach Jackson and Lisa I called first. They were there for me without judgment. And when I was struggling with the decision to keep the baby or place the baby up for adoption they were there. I will never forget how Lisa told me I would be a great mom if that was my decision. It was her faith in me that made me realize I could be a good mom and that I didn't need to keep my baby just to prove that. She will never know how much her words affected me and my decision. I know the situation I was in couldn't help but disappoint coach Jackson but he never made me feel like a disappointment.

When my dad died almost 4 years ago Coach Jackson was there for me. He was the first person I called. He and his family came as soon as they could from Utah to California. He held my hand as I sat on the stand about to give a talk at the funeral. He also spoke at the funeral. And he was there at the graveside when we buried my dad. Coach Jackson has been there for me every day since that awful day doing his best to fill the void left by my dad. And he has done an amazing job.

Coach Jackson and I at my dad's funeral


Over the years I put Coach Jackson and Lisa through A LOT!! I pushed them away. I did my best to make it impossible for them to like me and even love me. I was annoying, needy, whinny, bitter, negative, critical...etc But they never walked away from me no matter what. They always loved me and had faith that I could become the person they saw inside of me. And recently they helped make just that happen. They introduced me to this personal effectiveness training that has helped me transform my life and be a better version of myself. There are not words enough to thank them for this gift. I am now able to around them in a healthy, non annoying way. It's wonderful! Sunday tacos is one of my favorite things. I feel like I am home when I am visiting them.

Recently I have been able to bond with their two older children Ashley and Tylan. I love them both so much. They are each remarkable people. Ashley has a family of her own which brought two new people to the family, Mavin and little Jackson. And Tylan is one of the most incredible young men I know. Each of the kids brings something to my life. They make me happy! I love each of them with all my heart and I would do anything for them.

Today I said good-bye to Tylan as he left for his mission in Oklahoma. I was doing pretty good with it till tonight. I will miss him so much. I have only recently got to know Tylan and the man that he is. He is amazing! He has taught be so much about love, faith and diligence. He has been through a lot especially in these last few months but he is now where he is supposed to be, serving the Lord. The people in Oklahoma do not know how lucky they are! He will bless so many people's lives, just as he has blessed mine.

Tylan and his family at the airport saying bye


I thank my Heavenly Father every day that the Jackson's-each one of them-came into my life. I can honestly say that I would not still be here on this earth if it wasn't for them. I don't know what I did to deserve such a blessing but whatever it was I am thankful. What President Spencer W. Kimball said is true, "God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."

THE JACKSON FAMILY!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Blind Side

So today I went and saw the movie Julie & Julia today. The movie was cute. A little long and slow. The highlight was a preview I saw before the movie. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps. Now those of you who know me know I am pretty emotional but I normally don't cry at previews. I want to share it with all of you. Maybe it won't touch you the same but I have to share it anyways. ENJOY!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

New Moon Clips from Comic Con

Ok so I just watched the clips that were shown at comic con and I fell in love with Edward and this series all over again. I've never really liked the second book. Maybe because it is so depressing. When Edward leaves it is gut wrenching and depressing. I literally cried while reading it the first time. The second time I read it I was so mad at Edward. How could he leave? I can't see things from his point of view. The protecting Bella thing is crap! He's much better at protecting her then his leaving could be...OK so I'm a bit obsessed! Anyway...because of my dislike for book two I've wondered if I will like movie two. The trailer didn't convince me I would, especially since the showed a part that wasn't even in the book, and the forehead kiss Edwards gives as he leaves brought back all the sad feelings I had. BUT these clips, and especially the second clip, gave me new hope! Maybe it is the setting, Rome. Or maybe it's seeing Edward shirtless with his pants low enough to expose my ever so favorite male body part: the hip flexor!!! (See pictures I put together below)



Ok I got distracted again! So here are the clips...ENJOY



3 months

So it's been three months since my last post. A lot of things have changed! The biggest things being I moved to Utah and my sister and mom got married...in the same week. I'm living in Orem with my aunt and Uncle. I work at a call center which is not the greatest job but, hey it's a job! I can't wait to start Cosmetology school this fall! I'm so excited! I've always wanted to do this but haven't for various reasons. But I'm not putting off my dreams anymore. Life is good right now. The only thing that will make it better is when BYU football starts September 5th!

Here are some pictures from Wedding Palooza:

Joe, my mom and me after Tori's sealing!

All of us before my mom's rehersal


Group picture after mom and Kevin's wedding


The happy couples at the joint reception

Friday, April 17, 2009

NEW HARRY POTTER TRAILER



It looks SO GOOD!! Can't wait to see it at midnight!!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I CAN'T WAIT FOR FOOTBALL SEASON

Here is the 2009-2010 BYU Football schedule. September can't come soon enough!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Movies I Want to See This Summer!

Ok so i haven't blogged in like 5 months. I was thinking about what I wanted to blog about...hmmm what do I love? Twilight? I could go on forever about Twilight and my love for Edward...maybe later. What else do I love? Movies!!! Summer is coming up and that means great movies. Here is a top ten of the ones i want to see-

1. Harry Potter and Half Bood Prince
July 17th
I LOVE the Harry Potter movies and books! I will be seeing the midnight showing of this for sure!

2. Public Enemies
July 1st
Johnny depp looks so hot in this movies but then again when does he not look hot?!

3. Termnator Salvation
May 21st
Terminator 2 is one of my favorite movies. And Christian Bale is so gorgeous!

4. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen
June 26th
Liked the first one and really like Shia LaBeouf!

5. Wolverine
May 1st
I like the Xmen movies and this one looks really good.

6. The Taking of Pelham 123
June 12th
Just saw the preview for this movie this weekend. Looked really good and I love John Travoltra as a bad guy like he played in Face Off

7. Angels and Demons
May 15th
I really want to see this movie despite the fact that Tom Hanks is not my favorite right now

8. G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra
August 7th
Channing Tatum...enough said!

9. Inglourious Basterds
August 21st
A Quentin Tarantino directed war movie...should be interesting.

10. Star Trek
May 8th
I'm not a treky but this preview made me really want to see the movie, oh and the hot guy that plays Captain Kirk!