Trust, Optimism & Love

Turner's Syndrome

2011-05-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

K so those that know me best know I have Turner's Syndrome. It is wonderful and hard all at the same time. I think I want to use my blog as a way to help others out there to get a hear more about Turner's and to get a different perspective on it, I may create a separate one for turner's soon I don't know. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would like to offer those with similar beliefs my perspective on Turner's as well.

My Newest

2010-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Stephen George is Lisa's and Richard's third and was born on 06/15. He is already exhibiting signs of being half Graham as he was scheduled to be born on his paternal grandfather's birthday, but decided to exert his own independence and he was born just be for midnight on the previous day. He also decided to be just like his big brother, cousin Lizzy and Aunt Julie and share his birthday with an uncle. He is a wonderful baby with the funnest smile. He is a typical third child getting lots of love from older siblings and occasionally some lessons in being tough. It is so fun to have number 5 here. I don't know how i got so lucky as to be this little guy's aunt, but I love it.

Desire

2010-08-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

I prefer to leave my blog mostly blank. I feel so much of what I say is just show, no matter how I strive otherwise. My little heart that adores the gospel and wants so much to serve my Heavenly Father, has a very mortal side that loves to be seen and recognized. That being said, I was planning on going to bed soon, I really was, but then I say this video from the more good foundation. Click here to view. I was just so moved. The hardest part of being single, is knowing I have a responsibility to do more to build into my life opportunities to serve, the necessity to fight the natural selfishness it fosters. Especially after having recently finished a teacher's summer w/o having another job, I have felt the weight of self indulgence I have been under, the call to be something more. My hope is that this blog will be a springboard and not merely and end unto itself to do something more and that it can be seen for the call to arms it is intended to be, pointing away from the author and more directly to the Savior.

The Depths of the Rivarly

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ok folks this A&M t.u. rivarly stuff is serious. Here is part of a letter my brother David wrote about taking some boy scouts to camp as proof. I died laughing...

On our way to meet up with Brain, one of the boys had brought his longhorn hat with him for camp. I made a deal with him and took him to the store and let him pick out a different hat if he would let me have control of the fate of that silly hat and if he would buy a hat other than from t.u. I wished he’d gotten an Aggie hat but he got a Texas Rangers hat instead. The boys were asking me what I was going to do with the sip hat. I didn’t want to give it to Jonathon because I’m sure he’d wear it again. I didn’t want to throw it in the trash can because someone else would wear that embarrassment on their head. I couldn’t burn it, at least not yet. So, I got a rope and drug it from Dallas to camp in Oklahoma. You’d not believe the number of happy faces and waving we got on our way to Oklahoma. It was great fun for the boys and me. The hat is nearly shredded. I think Brian, who was in his vehicle following us up was laughing and embarrassed of me at the same time. But deep down, I know he was happy and proud. He probably wished he’d thought of it first. Hahaha

Try not to cry!!!!

2010-07-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

I love meridian magazine and I was so touched by this article as it totally reminds me of my friend Roshelle who died 2 years ago in August. She would be proud. Just click on the link below and try not to cry!!!!

Inspirational sisters

The Credit

2010-05-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well this spring has been wonderful and rough at the same time. I just have to say how blessed I am. I chose to tutor this year and it was really rough. I was just such a long day, but I made it through and it got better at the end. It turned out to be a wonderful boost for my budget too. Because I was so busy, I was not well prepared for my observation. I was really nervous about getting the result and so was my assistant principal, but I passed, barely. My friend and coworker across the hall from me was not so lucky and was forced to resign. I had to take the PLT test and I spent an hour driving around campus looking for the testing sight. I stopped about 15-10 minutes before the exam to get help at the institute. I was getting no where fast and running out of time then just as I was getting back in my car a girl came by that knew what she was talking about. I walked into the room with no time to spare and actually exasperated some proctors when I asked if I had time to use the bathroom. In the end I passed by just 4 points. Sweet. I just feel so blessed by everything and I have come to a more full realization that all the success in my life is a gift from my Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Of myself I can do nothing and I certainly would not have made it so well through this school year. I deserve NONE of it, but am grateful for ALL of it, the good and the bad.

Letter to my Husband

2010-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Wow 4 post in one day. Most of these are ones I started earlier. I hope this one doesn't seem too personal.

My Dear Husband,

I want you to know I love you very much. I know you are busy and having a hard time finding me, but I love you nonetheless. If I knew where to find you I would to my best to help you, I promise, but I am as clueless as you are!!!! I want you to know that I realize what a blessing it is to have so many extra years to prepare to be your wife and that I am doing my best to use them accordingly. Since I am 30 now I have have had opportunity to marry, but I am not looking for just anyone so you need to know, when I say, YES, I think you are pretty special. That doesn't mean I expect you to be anything close to perfect, one of the things I am learning with these extra years is patience and I promise to do my best use it in our marriage.

You need to know that since you have been MIA for so long you will have to take second place in my life. You see, another blessing in being single so long is that it has forced me to rely on my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ while I have been waiting for you to show up. Obviously, you don't have to be single to put them first, but I have had little choice, so once you show up having them be first place in my heart will have to be ok with you.

I love you very much. Waiting so long has better ensured I will be eternally grateful when I find you. Thanks for all you have done to keep yourself worthy of a celestial marriage and for putting your Heavenly Father first in your life.

Love ya always,
Carolyn

PS. If you find this post I will be MORE than happy to supply you with my address if you give me your email. hehe.

One More Makes Four

2010-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome Travis!!!!!

Here is our newest addition. His name is Travis Stanley. He was born January 14th and he has a whole lot of hair. He is Brian's and Heather's first. These are some of my favorite pictures of him. I love my new nephew. I can't believe I am getting three new ones within a year. Being an aunt is the best. It just so neat to watch them learn and grow. So cool.

Gratitude

2010-01-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Can I just bear by testimony on gratitude. My testimony of gratitude has increased greatly. It has been my saving grace lately. As I have muddled though and hopefully passed a period of spiritual suffocation gratitude has made the difference. If fact ingratitude was the main reason for my suffocation in the first place. It is funny how we can be so naive to our ingratitude. I know without a doubt that my Heavenly Father loves me. I bear testament of the atonement and the reality of my Savior. He is my friend and exemplar. I know He will take our burdens. He has nothing other than our Happiness in mind. He is the ONLY reason for my happiness and success. I bear testimony that regular temple attendance, prayer and scripture study are the other reasons for pulling through. I think we have very little understanding for what these principles do for us.

2009 Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well it has been an interesting year to say the least. I turned 30, started attending a family ward and well that was a lot. I love the people in my ward, but it has honestly been an adjustment since I am used to being surrounded by people who are my age and also single. I want the world to know that I have a deep testimony families are part of the plan and that I know I will be blessed with one if I remain faithful. I know it and it is what keeps me grounded. I trust my Heavenly Father. This knowledge however does NOT mean that it doesn't feel REALLY lonely sometimes and it does not mean that I deal gracefully with it all the time. I am ever so grateful that there are those around me that are experiencing good marriages. It means there is hope for me and I wouldn't wish singlehood on anybody, although it has afforded me many growing expriences. However, it does feel awfully lonely to watch others enjoying such companionship at times. Yes, I am grateful that I am not in bad marriage and I am really happy most of the time, but there are definitely ups and downs. I pray this doesn't seem too much like griping. I just want others to realize that being single is something, like marriage, that comes in cycles; sometimes it is easier than others. It is a loss, perceived or not, of things hoped for. It is not, I am currently learning something you "get over" as I have had this misconception myself. It does get easier and easier with time, but there are always going to be rough days as there is no finality in singlehood.

I also have a new niece and a nephew who will arrive just after his Aunt Carolyn leaves TX after, and one due in June.

Life has been good, but way crazy. I have really decided that I need desperately to figure out how to get more sleep.

Love ya always,
Carolyn

Indicative of the Month

2009-08-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say this month has stunk. It is a combination of being prepared for some humbling experiences mentally and answers to prayers for humility after that recognition sets in. Prayers are never answered faster that when you pray to assist others and for humility. Sooo for the funny, personally embarrassing, story....I went to the gym the other day and went to the bathroom, got on the bike and then when to do some weight training during which I realized I had a rather long piece of toilet paper sticking out of my pants. I think one of the head trainers noticed, among others including a girl I know, because she came up and started talking to me after my trip to throw away said toilet paper when she has never paid me any attention before. Well, it gets better because I was at the gym today and I flipped a lady's tag in for her after which I proceeded to tell her my embarrassing story. I then when to the bathroom and was washing my hands when I again had a piece of toilet paper sticking out of my pants. So anyhow, it is nice to know I am not the only one who terribly things happen to but it sure made me want to crawl underneath a rock at the time.

My New Baby !!!!!

2009-08-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Nicole Graham born August 3, 2009. She already knows how to share as she was born on her Uncle Martin's and her cousin Spencer's birthday.

Emtpy Sea

2009-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

My sister Julie.

Mom, Maylee and Sister Graham (These are old. I am a horrible picture taker so I didn't get any pictures before she left. )

Years ago our family used to put out a monthly news letter. I think the most memorable story for me was the story of my cousin saying her prayers. Her mom was helping her with her prayers and they were praying for her cousin in the MTC. Nicole started to interrupt so her mom redirected her and helped her finish her prayers. Then Nicole asked,

"Mom how do they get all of the fish and the water and the sand out of the sea?"

So speaking of MTC, Monday of last week, my sister just finished an eventful flight to Utah on which a man was saved from a heart attack and my good friend Fiona was on the same flight headed to spend some time with her in-laws. Tuseday, Julie, Lisa, and I got a chance to do an endowment session together for the first time in the Manti temple. It was so neat. It was fun to finally go into the Manti temple because my parents and Lisa were both married there. We got to see the incredible circular stair case, it was awesome. Then on Wednesday we put Julie in the MTC and I keep thinking of what she might be doing and learning. I am so excited for her. She is going to Boise, Idaho and will make a fabulous missionary.

And We Whine WHY!?!?!

2009-07-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

My mom called from California on Friday and told me she and dad were helping some friends move their things from TX. She also told me that in the process they had been robbed at gunpoint!!! Say what???? (One more reason for me to not like CA.) Thankfully, the thief apparently didn't want trouble because he didn't take the computer on my mom's shoulder or her purse and they didn't take the money in my dad's pocket. They did take my dad's wallet with $100. Crazy. I just can't believe how much our Heavenly Father is watching out for us on a daily basis. Amazing. Of course, there are tragedies and the day to day mundane, but there is just so much tragedy and heartache that are prevented in each of our lives REGULARLY. It kinda makes it hard to whine if we can only remember them and constantly express gratitude for them. I don't think I know even a fraction of the heartache I have been spared because my mom and dad were kept safe. Oh, how grateful I am that my mom and dad are unharmed.

Idaho-Land of Adventure and Gaurdian Angels

2009-06-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

2 1/1 years ago I went to visit my Aunt Brenda in Idaho and I flipped my car on the side of a mountain when we went sledding. I know Heavenly Father was looking out for me in my car on the mountain. That wreck could have been so much worse. I didn't cry about my car until about a week later when I got sick because I was so struck with all of the little miracles that accompanied me that day.

Last week we went rafting down the Snake River during our family reunion in Idaho. I was pretty worried when I found out my grandma would actually be going with us because she can't get around that well, but she did great. I did feel bad for her when when she was face down wriggling into the raft, but I think she had fun. We all had a really good time. We had about 6 boats and we splashed each other and pushed each other in. It was a blast. At the end we got really blessed. It was one of the most EMBARRASSING times of my life. I guess being capsized in the rapids isn't all that uncommon, but the boat I was in capsized when we hit a pylon going underneath the bridge. The bridge was followed by some more rapids and some fast moving water. Thankfully my two young cousins about 8 and 10 got to the side. The rest of us floated down the river past the pull out spot. My sister, Lisa, was in the boat with me and she saw me first. I felt ok, but must have looked distressed because she started talking to me like I was. It was freezing and I was shaking bad. When I got pulled into the rescue boat it really hurt my head and then I grabbed an igloo and fell back and hit my head on a wooden seat. I started bawling and it was so, so, so embarrassing. Everyone else was able to swim to the to the capsized raft and they were holding on to it. We eventually got to the side where we could get though the brush and get out. After that we did a lot of climbing through weeds and brush up the mountain(some of it without shoes- I know I "borrowed" a pair of thongs from one of my cousins) before someone came to drive us back to the pull out spot. I was out of breath and so out of shape. Anyhow, I don't do well with physical distress and so I was crying a lot and all everyone kept telling me, "it's ok, it's ok." Well, my pride was hurt more than anything else. I wasn't upset, just freezing in the water and then out of breath going up the mountain. All I could think was that I make a lousy pioneer. I was crying like a baby when I didn't shed a tear for a whole week when I flipped my car and that was because I started getting sick. I guess I better stay healthy if I ever hope to be a good pioneer.

It was all a lot of fun and we were so grateful everyone was ok. We have no doubt Heavenly Father was looking out for us on the river that day.

Good Shares.

2009-06-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I dare you to eat it. (click here for RECIPES )

This is a wonderful book on food storage. The author came and spoke the other night and I was so inspired. I don't cook (shhh...don't tell the guys) and I have bad experiences with past attempts to start my own food storage. I also have moved 3 times since January. Still, she make food storage seem doable for ME!!!!! Her real key is the recipes, which she SHARES. (Maybe I will even be able to show the boys I can cook = ).) She recycles them once a month and then buys the "three month supply" in groups of three. She also uses a bit of fresh ingredients to make them tasty, but which you could leave out in an emergency, or just make up your own recipies. CHECK IT OUT.

A wonderful movie on keeping a marriage alive. Kirk Cameron is hot( I can say that because I am single right = )). I am just so impressed with how unscathed he and his sister Candace survived the whole Hollywood scene. I so respect it. More to the point....every married person should see this movie. It is done by a Christian church group in Georgia. It was amazing. I just wish other Christians knew how much they had in common with their Mormon cousins!!!!!

I don't share often books and movies that often, but I wanted to get the word out. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

SWEET!!!!!!! (REVIZED)

2009-06-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

When I first published this post I messed up the last part, but it is better now.
It seems to be that most people don't really appreciate it when I post my political views, I can be quite passionate and opinionated, but I wanted to just say, SWEET. Things continue to get worse and worse, but so many things are getting better and better. Is anyone besides me stoked that anyone in Salt Lake county is 3 hours away from at least 12 temples and no more that about 30-45 from 5? Is anyone besides me smiling inside and out at the 3 temples Texas has acquired in the last 12 years? Is anyone besides me thrilled by the fact that you can go to online and receive the conference talks in 89 languages including the ASL accessible from the English one? Is anyone besides me awestruck by the amount of gospel resources and archived talks and general authority addresses available at our finger tips? Is anyone besides me inspired by the vast number of ordinance work done daily in our temples, both for the dead and the living? Is anyone besides me filled with wonder at the 50 some-odd thousand missionaries that serve faithfully each year, many of which could be enjoying a nice, well deserved retirement. Is anyone besides me dancing inside at the sheer numbers of church membership which includes more members outside the U.S. than in? OF COURSE , and that is the sweetest part of all.

Talent?????

2009-05-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well I am ready for the summer. Sad to say goodbye to my kiddos, but ready for a break for sure. I am hoping to find a good way to earn some money this summer, but I don't have a job yet. I really would like to develop my writing talent by picking up a book I started writing several years ago. Anyone out there feel like they have good editing skills? I am hoping to make it good enough to get published, because I would really like it to be something that will really make a difference in others lives, put my talents and blessings to good use.

Mother's Day Present

2009-05-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful present, one of those moments that Heavenly Father gives you to let you know He is keenly aware of you. On Mother's Day I went to church and I went to introduce myself to one of the Relief Society sisters and to, of course, say hi to her cute little daughter, Abby. Well Abby started reaching out for me and while I was holding her she decide to cuddle and give me a big hug. It felt so good to have such a random display of affection aimed at me on Mother's Day. And to think, I can look forward to hugs like that daily someday.

Indesicion and partial change

2009-01-18T08:55:00.002-08:00

I haven't been posting much because well, I think I like the attention too much honestly. I enjoy, getting comments on my blog having positive things said about my post. I guess that is not all bad, but I really hate doing things just for show, or do I. Probably not and that is the real problem. (Don't worry. Your comments are still more than welcome.) I am having a hard time lately I just started tutoring and it is so stressful. On top of that I am trying to take better care of myself and body. I joined Gold's Gym this last week and I am nervous and excited at the same time. I am hoping I actually stay motivated enough to do it. I actually did something impulsive at the same time. I signed up for a personal trainer. I wouldn't feel so bad about this because the reason I joined the gym in the first place is that I have been way too sedentary and I just feel crappy all of the time. I don't know much about using the gym equipment at all(you who know me know how true this is) and with my injured knee and hip I could seriously use some guidance and motivation. The bad part is I really can't afford it so I will probably go tomorrow and cancel my trainer. I am doing much better now financially with my better job, but I guess I haven't changed enough when it comes to spending money. Phooey.

Pray always and be beliving

2008-10-26T20:19:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about prayer. I love the opportunities we have to pray. What a privilege to talk to our Heavenly Father. I love Elder Bednar's talk on prayer this past conference. He talked about praying more for others, praying with the intent to act, and praying prayers of gratitude. I know that I have a lot of righteous desires, that have a desire to pray for others, and I love to solely show gratitude when I pray, but I know that I can do better. I can pray for help visiting teaching with the intent that I will start early in the month, I will think of my girls daily, and I will strive to talk to them when I see them. I can pray be better with my money and then work out a plan that allows me to pay debt of in a more diligent and timely manner. I express deep gratitude my job and them be humble enough to make changes to implement the programs being asked of me even when it seems hard and to pay special attention to each of my kids.

Tagged.

2008-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Kind of anyhow. This is the sixth picture in my sixth file.
Also, here is a better picture of my family that Fiona also asked for.

Wake up America

2008-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be an election year without a political post. Feel free to correct any misrepresentations or exaggerations. I tried to keep it real.

Obama would like us to vote for him, our country would have to be sleeping.
But, he has the democratic endorsement, right?

Obama is for abortion on all levels; similar to the child sacrifices in the scriptures.
But, it all about women's choice, right?

Obama is for gay marriage, as Paul said, "without natural affection."
But, it is the narrow minded who speak against the ACLU right?

Obama is for getting our of Iraq before it is totally stable, leaving us vulnerable to again loose 2,500+ in moments.
But, we lost 1,000 in the first year or so in Iraq, right?

Obama debates, when the media blocks questions not on foreign policy and the economy.
But, the media knows best, right?

Wake up America!!!!

Question

2008-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ok. so over the spring and summer I bought some new clothes I desperately needed as I hadn't done much shopping for quite a while. I still could use more, but I have enough to get by in. I spent quite a bit more on some of the shirts than I might normally have because well, I am really tired of my clothes wearing out a few months after I buy them and being single necessitates dolling up occasionally. I have to interject that, YES I have gotten compliments on my clothes before, but it has been really nice to get complimented OFTEN. Part of me has really enjoying it, but it makes me nervous at the same time. I don't want to become shallow or materialistic so part of me could live just fine without it, but it is kinda nice when I have guys actually wanting to talk to me. I mean traditionally, I have not turned too many heads. Honestly, part of me wishes that it wouldn't have taken so many years to reach this point, but then I remember that it is all a process and a journey. Some of it is not the clothes at all, some would possibly talk to me anyhow and some of it I credit to having a job that I feel competent in after so long. (It does make me nervous to feel this way too because after four years and some divine inspiration, I have no doubt that I didn't get this job because I am amazing, but it really does feel nice to be in the workforce.) My question is how does one dress nicely and have a respectable job and refrain from pride? How does one succeed, but act as it were they are not? Part of the answer, a lot of it, is in Jacob 2: 18-19 and Elder Christofferson's talk in sharing with others who are in need, but distinguishing between wants and needs is oftimes difficult. My friend, JoDell, recently commented on the subject and it made me think that being a mom can assist in the quest for humility, because we care so much about our children. Maybe I will just have to take my role of being an aunt more seriously and spoil Maylee and Spencer a lot more.

Temples Personalized

2008-09-28T20:35:00.001-07:00

Idaho Falls-This is the first temple my family entered. My grandparents, my dad and some of his siblings(I think down to my Aunt Brenda in utero) went to be sealed together.

Manti-this is where my family and my sister, Lisa's, family were started. I loved seeing the pageant for the first time this summer, but my favorite part was knowing that this is where my parents made eternal covenants to each other.

Dallas-this is where I took my first trip to the temple and first did baptisms for the dead. It was so neat to take the trips I always looked forward to them.

DC-this is where my mom wanted to get married. It was her temple at the time and she lived in Missouri!!!!! They were traveling the opposite direction or she probably would have gotten her wish. I haven't been inside this one, but I got to attend church in the chapel that shares the grounds. I also have always found it cool that it is one of the few things label on the picture at the top of the Washington Monument.

Houston-this is where I began to be able to attend the temple more than once semester. I was totally bummed at the announcement of this temple because I wanted a temple in San Antonio, but I didn't have to wait long and it proved to be more useful at the time because I lived in the area. It was also the first temple open house I attended.

San Antonio-this is MY temple. This is where I got endowed and where I plan to get married. It helped me make some amazing friends and essentially got me to Utah. It is also where my two oldest brothers have married. It has my favorite view of S.A. and is has my favorite view from temple grounds.

Provo-this is where I attended in when I moved to Utah. I did my first sealings there.

Mt. Timpanogus-this temple reminds me of my niece because I found it going to see her mom in the American Fork hospital just down the street when she was being born. Also my Uncle Mike's three oldest have all been married there.

Salt Lake-this is where I did my first live session.

Jordan River-this is currently the temple district I am in.

Draper-this temple is going to be the one I attend when it is dedicated next spring. I am looking forward to it.

Conference

2008-09-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Not much new. I got to go help clean the conference center after the broadcast on Sat. It was cool to think that whether one of the great leaders of the Church or just one of the many cleaning the buildings, we are all doing our part to help build the kingdom. It was such a blessing to watch conference. I have not doubt it was inspired.

Life Right Now

2008-09-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

I love Texas, but I am growing to treasure Utah as well. I miss my family in Texas, but I love being around my niece and nephew here in Utah. Also, my brother David will be moving up here soon. (Like in a few weeks I think.) I love good books, particularly those about people. I love historical fiction and fiction that deals with personal relationships. I would love to have been a marriage and family therapist if I thought I could keep from getting to emotionally involved and had developed more self confidence earlier on. I also don't like being yelled at, but Mandy and Tanya can tell you I am passionate about families and I can still see myself as a professor of marriage and family therapy one day. I am never happier than when I am helping others through a crisis. I love listening (yes, I know that needs lots of work, but my friends have been doing a good job at attempting to beat it out of me) and then opening my mouth and attempting to give love, support and suggestions. If I could work in a non-hostile, no pressure environment(read volunteer) I would spend all of my time just listening to other problems and talking them through with them. I love my kids and am enjoying being a teacher more and more every day. I have grown so much in confidence, love, and I am growing less and less idle I hope!!!!!!!(well, during the school year that is.) I am learning that all my insecurities don't make me terrible, they actually make me human(yeah, I just have to say pride is crippling.) I love my job even when my kids are driving me crazy. I recently went to institute where our instructor testified about getting out of debt and I felt my heart soften, my excuses melt away, so I guess it is a good thing I bought my car a month ago. The temple is my absolute favorite place. I love my Heavenly Father and I hold on to His promise that if I will follow the Savior I will one day be blessed with a family of my own. More than anything, that is what drives me.

Amazing Fireside

2008-09-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Elder Holland gave an amazing talk last week on the Liberty Jail Prison-Temple. A term he borrowed from some others. He talked about how we can make the "prisons" of our lives temples and how we can be assured that even in the worst of times, even when we sin., we can know God loves us and that we can still learn and grow. He admonished us to read the 121st , 122nd, and 123rd section of the D&C. He also pronounced an apostolic blessing on the young adult generation. It was so worth it. If you would like to view it, click here.

2nd Time is Definately Better

2008-09-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

Pictures of my classroom from last year
Sorry I still have to take pictures from this year
The high pink bulletin boards were already there when I got the room.

Well it has started again. Some things are better the second time around and I have decided that teaching is definitely better the second year. ( I am not a mom, but I would guess that it just like having your second baby baring any personality differences and the extra work load.) Just knowing what to expect and what I need to be preparing for is way, incredibly nice. I only have 3 days under my belt so, we will have to hope it stays that way, but I am continually amazed and grateful for my job. I love it. It is way crazy and even rough but I love it.

2 THINGS

2008-08-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Two names you go by:
1. Miss Graham, Miss Graham!!!, and yes 5
year olds usually say it at least twice in a row.

2. KK

Two things you're NOT wearing now:

1. socks and shoes

2. anything in my hair

Two things you would want [or have] in a relationship:

1. commitment to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ including
covenant making and keeping

2. appreciation for who I am, the challenge to be better

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. travel

2. spend the day (or week) with a book (or twelve)

Two things you want very badly at the moment:

1. a hug
2. sleep

Two people who will fill this out:

1. Fiona
2. Brianna

Two things you did yesterday:

1. drove to Orem to be with my family
2. I covered a several bulletin boards with some help from my t.a.

Two things you ate yesterday:

1. cereal

2. some yummy pasta salads, I need to get those recipes

Two people you last talked to:

1. My family(My dad, my mom, Lisa, Richard, Maylee, & Spencer).

2. Rebecca

2 things you're doing tomorrow:
1. chatting with 5 year olds
2. going to institute

Two favorite holidays:

1. Christmas

2. after that it's a tie Fourth of July, Easter,
Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July. No, not a
Halloween fan and single awareness day stinks,
accept when you have some fun girlfriends to
try out expensive Brazilian restaurants with.
1. Two favorite beverages:
1. water
2. orange juice/ root beer( it's a toss up. I try not to drink either one too much

2 people no longer alive that you'd like to talk to:

1. Emma Smith
2. Moroni, son of Mormon. Alma the younger would
be cool too.

New Car

2008-08-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. I FINALLY have a car again. Last Saturday I went to CarMax, talked to a way hot, single return missionary car salesman, and bought a car. It is so nice to not have to walk any more. YEAH. It is a 2000 Mazda Protege, with about 92,000 miles. The people were so nice and the whole thing was a great experience. I highly recommend going to CarMax for your next vehicle even if you aren't interested in meeting a hot car salesman.

The Faith Club

2008-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

So I have been reading this book my friend Mandy gave me called The Faith Club and it is wonderful. It is about three women, one Muslim, one Christian, and one Jew, who get together to write a children's book illustrating the similarities of the the faiths. I really enjoyed that it has helped me to have a more concrete view of non-terrorist Muslims. I mean you can talk about how you know how that the terrorist are not a representation of the religion as a whole, but until you have something concrete to counteract it, all the stereotypical headlines are what you associate with the word Muslim. (At least that is how it has been for me. I think I have a better understanding of how the world must view the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when they hear about polygamist groups too.) The book has also given be a greater appreciation of the restored gospel as they all felt the were reformed members of their perspective religions and rejected parts of their religions that excluded people of other religions. It was interesting to see how the Christian's faith began to falter(she was the strongest in the beginning) as her love for her two friends increased as she didn't want to believe in a God who would exclude her friends. It was also interesting how little they expected from the next life. I had no clue that Jews don't believe in life after death!!! Temples are the best. I love knowing we are children of our Heavenly Father and that I understand that He loves all His children and that we can become like Him and live with Him again.

Grateful for the Atonement..

2008-08-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

Roshelle Leigh Ashcroft Evans: March 25, 1980 - August 6, 2008Fiona, Roshelle, me and Sarah in front of my display table at our joint Young Womenhood Recognition.

Well I have been thinking a ton about my friend Roshelle as she passed away on Wednesday the 6th after losing the fight to cystic fibrosis. We kinda had a foursome while with our friends Sarah and Fiona. What a strength it was and is to have such wonderful women as friends. One of the best things about Roshelle is that she never seemed to get too angry. I mostly just remember her with a big smile on her face. The extent of her complaining about her pain was to describe what was going on in a majorly understated way. I believe I even knew her for a while before it was my mom who told me she had cystic fibrosis and that her brother had already died after succumbing to cf himself. I also remember her putting on a fake ring as we got together after being splitting of to go to college and tricking me into thinking she was engaged. The thought still makes me smile. I have no doubt that she still lives, that she misses us as we miss her, that she is being well taken care of, that she is happily reunited with Adam and Gavin, and that she and Jeremy will one day be together forever. I am so grateful for the atonement and for the blessing it is to know that we will one day be reunited with our families. Jeremy, we love you and are grateful for the wonderful care you gave Roshelle. You and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. For an additional tribute by my friend Fiona, click here.

Happy Birthday Galore!!!!!

2008-08-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ...
my Grandma Glenda on 7-28,
my Aunt Robin on 7-31,

my cute nephew Spencer on 8-3

my stud brother Martin on 8-3,
my beautiful niece Maylee on 8-8,

My amazing, wonderful, talented Mom on 8-9.

I love Spencer!!!

2008-08-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy and fun week. My nephew Spencer Graham Robbins was born last Sunday. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and he was 19 inches long. I was blessed with the privilege to spend a week with him helping everyone get adjusted. Thanks Lisa!!!! He is such a cutie and he has HAIR. Maylee had peach fuz until she was about 18 months so it was a real surprise to see him with hair that goes past his collar. He is also a very content and happy baby. He has been trying to hold his head up already.

Maylee wasn't too sure about him at first , mostly because the iv's in Lisa's arm, but she has turned out to be a great big sister.

Display of Talents

2008-04-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

Publish Post
Ok, so this is my first attempt at putting a picture on a blog. (The one on the bottom post was added later.) The picture turned out fine, but I have had to edit the text several times. I am good at making typos. This is Debbie and John wrestling and obviously feeing quiet confident and talented at it since they are right next to the Christmas Tree! It was taken a several years ago.

Spring is here

2008-04-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided I would try the whole blog thing again, so here goes. I have been pretty busy with school and work, but I love it. My kids are kinda restless and ready for the end of the year, but I have grown so much. I am forever indebted to my Heavenly Father for this experience.

Yesterday and today a coworker and I spent hours tracking down a butterfly habitat, since we ordered the caterpillars a while back and they are now here (I forgot that we as a K (kindergarten) team had ordered them and in fact I remembered talking about them , but I wasn't sure we had actually ordered them. We finally found what we wanted on the internet. We should have looked their first. It was a lot to try and find the nets, but I am totally excited. The one we are getting is tall and square and has net on three sides and a clear side for the kids to see out of without having to look through the net. I am so excited for us to watch them.

2007-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mandy, me, and Tanya at the S.A. Temple

Hello everyone. I haven't talked to y'all too much at all lately so I am totally excited to blog. I figure if I write about once a week that will be enough to keep people reading, but not too much. I hope that this turns out well.

I thought the first thing I'd do would be to catch you up a bit. I am in Provo as most of you have figured out. Once the San Antonio Temple was done I was frustrated because it is a small temple and there are only 15 people allowed in the baptistry at a time, with no time set aside for people to just come. I was assigned to visit teach girls in an apartment. I found out that two of them were just showing up and somehow being squeezed in, but the girls didn't seem to excited about my tagging along. When I tried to confirm a visiting teaching appointment with their roommate she said something to the effect of "Actually, Tanya and I were going to go to the temple and I think that is more important." Of course my ears were perked up and the three of us started going together. Mandy and I got endowed last fall and is has been great. It has been amazing how close the temple can bring people who are just friends together. They finally, after much persuassion, comvinced me to go to Utah.