This is the second snow fall of the season. This much fell in 2 hours. But in the last 30 minutes it has been HUGE flakes. They are about 2 1/2 to 3 inch flakes. Not seen those size ever. So I thought I would take a picture and share cause I love the snow. Second Snow of the Season
This is the second snow fall of the season. This much fell in 2 hours. But in the last 30 minutes it has been HUGE flakes. They are about 2 1/2 to 3 inch flakes. Not seen those size ever. So I thought I would take a picture and share cause I love the snow. 
Second weekend in Utah
Our second weekend in Utah we spent time with both Ryan and Ashlee. At Ashlee's suggestion we went to Temple Square to see the 8' open replica of the Salt Lake Temple. It was amazing to see how exact the details are, down to the chairs and art work on the walls. Then we made a trip to the Hogle Zoo. Who knew that you can have as much fun with adult kids and small kids at the zoo. Here are a few pictures.
In this picture is the oldest elephant in North America and Nick. They both celebrate their 50th birthday this month. Nick's June 17th and the elephant June 26th. Just had to take this shot. As the zoo attendant said Nick is older than all of the elephants in North America.
This is actually only one turtle. I thought it was really cool.
The baby elephant is 10 months old and was really playful. We really enjoyed watching him. The zoo keeper sprayed him with water and just after she put the hose away he went and rolled in the mud puddle. Reminded us of how kids are just after they have been cleaned up.
In this picture is the oldest elephant in North America and Nick. They both celebrate their 50th birthday this month. Nick's June 17th and the elephant June 26th. Just had to take this shot. As the zoo attendant said Nick is older than all of the elephants in North America. 
This is actually only one turtle. I thought it was really cool.
The baby elephant is 10 months old and was really playful. We really enjoyed watching him. The zoo keeper sprayed him with water and just after she put the hose away he went and rolled in the mud puddle. Reminded us of how kids are just after they have been cleaned up.Second weekend in Utah
The three of us watching the baby elephant. 
Ryan and Ashlee being themselves!
Angel Moroni (replica)
The north side of the temple (replica)
East side of the temple (replica)Visit with Ryan and Ashlee
Over Memorial Day weekend Ryan was able to come to Utah and spend sometime. Memorial Day weekend and the following weekend he spent his time with me. He also had the opportunity to met Nick. The first weekend we took some hikes. Our first one was Sunday evening to Antelope Island. Then Monday we went into Little Cottonwood Canyon and did two little hikes. One was the Sandy City trail which led to a small reservoir. Then we went to show Nick the Temple Quarry. The Temple Quarry is where there extracted the granite for the Salt Lake Temple. Here are a few of the pictures that Nick took on this first weekend.
Ryan on a huge piece of Granite Rock at the Temple Quarry in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Nick, I and Ryan with the Great Salt Lake shores behind us.
Ryan and I at Antelope Island, Utah
Meeting Ryan at the SLC AirportReflection
Fourteen years ago today I married Elwood. Since that time a lot has changed in my life. Eight years ago I filed for divorce and two months later I became a widow instead.
I have learned that no matter what life throws at me I can handle it with the Lord's help. As I reflect on the last eight years since Elwood's passing I find that I have struggled with loneliness, finances, and at times with my spirituality. But as I look back to what has gotten me through all my struggles it has been my Heavenly Father, family and friends.
Heavenly Father and all of my family have stood by and continued to love me no matter how stupid some of my decisions were. Friends have come and gone but I have a few that have stuck with me over those years. One of these friends stood beside me the day Elwood was found dead in his motel room and has been there whenever I needed a listening ear. We have had some great conversations in a wide range of topics and at any time of day or night.
I have grown in the gospel and in my day-to-day life. I even took a huge leap of faith and moved to Idaho Falls not knowing a soul up here. But I found a new life on my own. For the very first time in my life I lived totally by myself. I found that I could do it. I started really getting into the singles program. I have built several close friendships here and wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
I also have found that I am able to move forward with life. Tonight, I will share with the new love of my life, Nick, the good parts of my marriage to Elwood.
On this day I am also remembering my Aunt Rene. I will miss her but know that she is reunited with her parents and Granddad Al and Grandma Maxie. She was always full of love and caring for anyone who walked into her life. She taught by that example.
Love you both, Elwood and Aunt Rene, for all you have taught me in my life.
I have learned that no matter what life throws at me I can handle it with the Lord's help. As I reflect on the last eight years since Elwood's passing I find that I have struggled with loneliness, finances, and at times with my spirituality. But as I look back to what has gotten me through all my struggles it has been my Heavenly Father, family and friends.
Heavenly Father and all of my family have stood by and continued to love me no matter how stupid some of my decisions were. Friends have come and gone but I have a few that have stuck with me over those years. One of these friends stood beside me the day Elwood was found dead in his motel room and has been there whenever I needed a listening ear. We have had some great conversations in a wide range of topics and at any time of day or night.
I have grown in the gospel and in my day-to-day life. I even took a huge leap of faith and moved to Idaho Falls not knowing a soul up here. But I found a new life on my own. For the very first time in my life I lived totally by myself. I found that I could do it. I started really getting into the singles program. I have built several close friendships here and wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
I also have found that I am able to move forward with life. Tonight, I will share with the new love of my life, Nick, the good parts of my marriage to Elwood.
On this day I am also remembering my Aunt Rene. I will miss her but know that she is reunited with her parents and Granddad Al and Grandma Maxie. She was always full of love and caring for anyone who walked into her life. She taught by that example.
Love you both, Elwood and Aunt Rene, for all you have taught me in my life.
Much to my surprise the Friday before Mother's Day I got a text message from my roommate which said, "You got flowers!" I sent back "What?" Because I don't ever get flowers delivered unless it is in person from anyone. Ryan sent me flowers for Mother's Day! What a wonderful and beautiful gift.I received just as thought and wonderful gifts from both of my daughters. Megan and Jeff sent a card with a beautiful message. Ashlee called and left me a message wishing me a Happy Mother's Day.
Mother's Day for me was a wonderful day. I spent it attending my church meetings and serving other mothers in a care center. A few of the choir members went to a Care Center and sang for Mother's Day. I felt like I was one of those primary children in sacrament meeting singing to their mothers. Then Nick made a wonderful meal for both Marilyn and I.
Hope all Mother's (Mom, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends) in my life had a wonderful Mother's Day.
Grateful for the Past
In the past two days I traveled back into the memories of my past and shared them with present. I am so grateful for the experiences of the past. I was reminded that they are what made who I am today. Every bad choice and every good choice that was made.
Then I was able to make some kind of amends with part of that past and help my kids get through a very scary and stressful 2 days, as their father was in the hospital with chest pain. It's funny to think with all the hurt and pain that we through with our divorce that I can still say that I love him and care what happens to him. As I called his wife and left the message that they were in my prays and to let me know if there was anything I could do for them I felt a huge weight leave my spirit.
Then the hole left was immediately filled with love and gratitude for the past as I realized how much it has helped me to prepare for the present. In the present I have a strong love for my Savior and his atonement. I also have a love for Nick and all that we share together in our new relationship. And the love of my kids and my family.
Then I was able to make some kind of amends with part of that past and help my kids get through a very scary and stressful 2 days, as their father was in the hospital with chest pain. It's funny to think with all the hurt and pain that we through with our divorce that I can still say that I love him and care what happens to him. As I called his wife and left the message that they were in my prays and to let me know if there was anything I could do for them I felt a huge weight leave my spirit.
Then the hole left was immediately filled with love and gratitude for the past as I realized how much it has helped me to prepare for the present. In the present I have a strong love for my Savior and his atonement. I also have a love for Nick and all that we share together in our new relationship. And the love of my kids and my family.
Thought of the Day
"The more you focus on words that uplift you, the more you embody the ideas contained in those words." ---Oprah
Finding the Purpose
Today and for the past year I have been feeling very blessed and grateful for my life and the people that have become very important to me. When I moved to Idaho Falls and found that the job I thought I had was not there I wondered why would the Lord bring me up here with no friends or close family. Yeah there is Aunt Sue and Uncle Earl but it just wasn't the same as having close friends and my kids. But now when I look back over the last year and a half I can see that the Lord was very mindful of me and what I needed to learn. I have become a stronger person in my faith and knowledge that Heavenly Father will always be there for me no matter what. I have also come out of my shell so to speak in the fact that I had to assert myself and made some great friends. Ones that have uplifted me when I felt like I could not do this single life alone anymore and yet I don't feel like I have solely relied on them with out giving back to them.
And now more recently Heavenly Father has blessed me by placing Nick Carroll into my life to let me know that I can be loved and can love someone without reservation. He helps me want to be a better person.
I am grateful for my experiences and the people I have met here in Idaho Falls. I now know that Heavenly Father had a purpose for me to find a home in Idaho Falls to grow and find myself.
And now more recently Heavenly Father has blessed me by placing Nick Carroll into my life to let me know that I can be loved and can love someone without reservation. He helps me want to be a better person.
I am grateful for my experiences and the people I have met here in Idaho Falls. I now know that Heavenly Father had a purpose for me to find a home in Idaho Falls to grow and find myself.
Spring is just around the corner
Walk down the Greenbelt - Snake River proves to be beautiful at anytime of the year. Nick and I stopped to have our picture taken in front of the falls. Just one of our fun filled times together.
Feelings for Someone Special
I am loving the time in my life right now. It is great to have someone special in it. He makes me smile and happier than I was before. There is a song that came on the radio today, I've heard it before but it meant something more today.
"Smile" sung by Uncle Kracker
You're better than the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flipside of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothin' can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it's okay, yeah it's okay
And the moments when my good times start to fade
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along just like a flower
Poking through the sidewalk crack
And just like that you steal away the rain
And just like that
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Oh you make me smile, Oh you make me smile
What a wonderful way to express how I am feeling about Nick.
"Smile" sung by Uncle Kracker
You're better than the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flipside of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothin' can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it's okay, yeah it's okay
And the moments when my good times start to fade
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along just like a flower
Poking through the sidewalk crack
And just like that you steal away the rain
And just like that
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh you make me smile
Oh you make me smile, Oh you make me smile
What a wonderful way to express how I am feeling about Nick.
Easter Weekend
I feel so blessed to have the gospel in my life. Was reminded of that with this weekend with General Conference. I was so impressed that the brethern are so concerned with our youth. And yet each one of the messages can pretain to me and my life situations. So grateful for my Heavenly Father and Saviors love for me in providing the help and guidance that I need in my life.
Also very grateful for special friends that help me with tough times in life. Spent most of my weekend with friends playing games and just having a good time. Especially enjoyed Sunday evening with one special friend just talking & cuddling. So nice to share friendships.
Also very grateful for special friends that help me with tough times in life. Spent most of my weekend with friends playing games and just having a good time. Especially enjoyed Sunday evening with one special friend just talking & cuddling. So nice to share friendships.
Spring
I love the beginning of spring. Warmer weather, colors & rain showers instead of snow. It's the time to clean out the cobwebs that have settled over the sleeping outdoors. Awaken the freshness of the outdoors.
Spring is also the time to rejuvenate ourselves. A time to remember the Savoir's sacrifice for us. I am so grateful for the Atonement and what it brings to my life. This past Sunday I taught my primary class about the Atonement. And in the lesson it teaches that the Savior gave us two of the greatest gifts with the Atonement. The first being immortality. This gift is given to all the have lived or will live on this earth. The second being eternal life. This is the gift in which we have to work for. This gift of eternal life requires us to live our lives in accordance to our Heavenly Fathers will. And if we make a mistake we need and must repent. Then and only then will the sacarfice of the Savior be able to help us in our life.
I pray that each of us will take the gift of the Atonement into our lives fully.
Have a great Easter.
Spring is also the time to rejuvenate ourselves. A time to remember the Savoir's sacrifice for us. I am so grateful for the Atonement and what it brings to my life. This past Sunday I taught my primary class about the Atonement. And in the lesson it teaches that the Savior gave us two of the greatest gifts with the Atonement. The first being immortality. This gift is given to all the have lived or will live on this earth. The second being eternal life. This is the gift in which we have to work for. This gift of eternal life requires us to live our lives in accordance to our Heavenly Fathers will. And if we make a mistake we need and must repent. Then and only then will the sacarfice of the Savior be able to help us in our life.
I pray that each of us will take the gift of the Atonement into our lives fully.
Have a great Easter.
It's moving time again!
I am a very lucky to have great friendships in my life. One of my dear friends has decided to help me out and allow me and Sophee to move in with her. I will be working on my move over the next month. This move will allow me to get some bills paid off and save some much needed money!!
Looking forward to this new experience of having a roommate.
Looking forward to this new experience of having a roommate.
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