WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2008

Another year of Women's Conference has come and gone. It has been a tradition (yes another tradition) in our family for at least the last ten years if not longer. We always have so much fun. How can you beat great food, great shopping, girl talk, and most importantly wonderful classes that teach us to be better and strengthen our testimonies. I found that in every class that I went to no matter what the topic was all focused on how important it was to keep our faith through all our trials. This is something I haven't been very good at lately. In having a life long trial and then adding more to that one has pushed me over the edge the last couple of years. Sadly, I have lost a lot of faith and my testimony has not been as strong as it once was. I have been very lost, confused, and have had a lot of questions about things that no one seems to be able to answer. So it's funny that this was the main focus at the Conference this year. It seemed as if everyone was speaking directly to me and answering all my questions. I walked away feeling very spiritually uplifted. I felt as if I wasn't alone for the first time in a very long time. I feel like there just might be hope for me after all. There was a huge surprise in store for everyone there this year. In the first morning session they announced that the speaker for the closing session would be.......President Monson. Yeah, our Prophet. I could not believe it. I have never been in the presence of a Prophet. Words can not describe how awesome this was. It's no secret that I am very emotional and dramatic. So I was proud of myself that I was able to hold it together all the way through his talk. After it was over they asked everyone to stay in their seats until President Monson and his wife walked out. Well, he stood up and then we all stood up. He started walking out and before exiting the building stopped and waved to everyone. Simultaneously thousands of women's arms went up to wave back at him. At that moment I lost it. I felt the spirit so strong and knew without a doubt in my mind that this is the true church and that President Monson is our true and living Prophet.
I know that just because I had some questions answered and had a really spiritual experience my trials are not just going to be taken away. It just doesn't work that way. I need to have a better attitude towards my trials and really try to see them as an opportunity for growth. This is not going to be easy but it's just one of those things in life that I just have to do. And I know that there are going to be days a plenty that I will probably have a bad attitude and want to throw in the towel. So hopefully with a lot of faith, prayer, and love and support from family and friends I can stay on the right path and one day lay some of my trials to rest.


Our Awesome Group!!!


My Mom and I




Our Prophet





Jeremy took time off work to stay home with the boys so I could go. So a big thanks to him. And thanks to my Dad who pays for my Mom and I to go every year. I appreciate it so much. Thanks again Jer and Dad. We had a great time.

Tyra's Baby Shower

Yesterday Jade, Lindsey, and I threw a baby shower for Tyra. I have to say it is one of the funnest baby showers I have ever been to. Tyra had a great turn out. It was fun to meet some of her neighbors and friends. After everyone left Tyra, Jade and I stayed up talking until 2:00 in the morning (sorry Todd, Richard, and Jeremy). I think we are all really tired today. But it was worth it!! I really needed a night out to just talk girl talk. Thanks guys we really need to do that more often. Can't wait until Monday Tyra to meet our new nephew. We will be thinking about you and hope everything goes well.

Jade and Tyra



Opening the Goods



Lyndsey trying to push the baby out



Some of Tyra's neighbors




The Bischoff Girl's (we missed you Mia and Christina)

HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY GRANDMA! ! ! !

My Grandma turned 85 yesterday. We had a birthday party over at my Aunt Becky's and Uncle Steve's to celebrate. It is always so much fun when we can all get together. It ended up being an indoor barbecue because of this dang weather. The wind was blowing so hard that you didn't even enjoy being outside. And today and tomorrow we could possibly get snow. Is Spring ever going to come? It was still a great party though. Hope you had a great Birthday Grandma!! We Love You!!!


The Whole Gang



Maddy and Kylie


Make a Wish


All the Girls (and two boys)


Grandma and Ashton


OOOOH..Jer and I


Aunt Becky serving up the cake



My cousin Amy and Uncle Steve



Opening presents and reading the funny cards


Grandpa and Ashton


Maddy, Kylie, and Zack

Something WICKED this way come

YEAH!!!!!! Wicked is coming to Salt Lake City. I am more excited than words can say. I saw it in New York a few years ago and love, love, loved it. It will be here this time next year (April 8 to May 3, 2009). Now I have something to look forward to for a whole year. Can't wait!!!!

A bad outcome!!!

Ok, so we have been living in our house now for almost eight years. When we moved in all the walls were white. Just so you know I am not a big fan of white walls. It just seems cold and uninviting to me. So when we moved in we said that we would slowly paint all the walls. Well almost eight years later the only room we have painted is the living room. Yeah, if you haven't guessed already it takes us years to achieve our goals. So this weekend we decided to paint the kitchen. When I go to do something I usually have a picture in my mind of what I want it to look like. So I had my paint choices down to two colors. Unfortunately I went with the wrong one. I now look like I live in Tijuana. Just for the record I have nothing against the Mexican motif look. It just wasn't the look I was going for. If you have ever painted a kitchen you know what a pain in the butt it is. It took us all day Saturday. I can't decide if I can live with it or if I am going to change it. Yeah I am very frustrated. Every time I walk into the kitchen I feel like I want a Margarita (virgin of course). If you live around here I may need you to come over so I can get opinions. Anyway, since Jer and I were painting all day Saturday my boys kind of got neglected and were cooped up in the house all day. So Sunday we went up to Eden to my parents condo (my parents were up there for the weekend) so they could get out of the house (and so I wouldn't have to look at the kitchen any more). I love to go up there. I can't even describe how beautiful it is and peaceful. Here are some of the pics from the day.











What is it with little boy's and water? They could have played in this same spot for hours if we would have let them.










Best seat in the house! ! !


I'm not doing anything! !


Check out my new, cool trick.

My Trip to Texas

For Valentine's Day Callee got me plane tickets to go visit Mom and Dad in Texas on their mission. Here are some pictures I took. Thank you Callee, and Mom and Dad for having me down there.

Easter 2008

This year for Easter we went to my parents. My kids still don't really know what's going on. But they were funner than last year. The day before we went on a family hike to Mantua. We used to do it all the time when I was little. It was fun to start the tradition again. We hiked for two hours and not once did my boys ask to be held. In fact if you even tried to pick them up or help them they would scream at you. They just wanted to do it all on their own. I am so happy that they like to hike and explore (since this is one of my favorite things to do). Now I have two little buddies that will go with me. Easter Sunday we had a great dinner and then had a fun egg hunt. Then we watched all the kids open their Easter baskets from Grandma and Grandpa. It was a great Easter weekend. Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!