Make A Wish

I feel so priviledged to be a part of the Make A Wish volunteer team. The mission of the Make a Wish foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. I was so lucky to be a part of making Parker's wish come true. He loves to be outside and because he can't speak, the family decided that if he could talk, he'd probably ask for an outdoor playset. So, we did just that. It was SO wonderful to see his face as he played on the playset... I've never seen a happier or sweeter child. He is truly a gift straight from Heaven. His family is wonderful and they were such a joy to work with through this whole process. Parker brings so much light into everyone's lives and below are some pictures to prove it.











Check out their website at www.makeawishutah.org to find out how you can help this great foundation!

Jump on It!

We went on a fun double date to Jump on It with Ben and Breeanne last week. It is basically a warehouse filled with trampolines. I'm pretty sure you sign your life away with the waiver they make you sign (which I don't think I even read)... and for good reason because all 4 of us were in near death situations at some point in the evening. There were lots of collisions and lots of close calls, including Nick taking some little boy out in mid air. The kid managed to escape without injury. It is such a fun place... but be CAREFUL!! I think there was a sign hanging right in the front of the building stating, "DON'T BE STUPID!!!" Yeah, good luck getting a bunch of teenagers to abide by that rule!
Ben jumping over Nick.
Nick jumping over Ben.
1...2...3...JUMP!
This picture of Ben cracks me up... :) Hopefully he won't mind if I post this. You guys rock! Thanks for a fun and bouncy evening!

The big... or not so big 22

I'm a little behind, but I sure had a wonderful birthday on the 7th of this month and wanted to give a shout out to the cute boy who planned the whole day for me!
He signed me up for a massage at Massage Envy... He even got one too. (What a man! ha) Then we went to dinner at Biaggi's (one of my favorite places). Here is one picture from that day. I have been doing so good at taking pictures lately and only take one on my birthday of course. I'm so proud of Nick for coming up with such a fun day!

Tales of the 'dum dum' sucker

I walked into the bank the other day shortly after work, not realizing that my name badge boldy declaring that I am a personal trainer was still on. There was a mug full of dum dum suckers on the counter and I decided to grab one while the lady deposited my money. Keep in mind I don't really love suckers and don't crave them... ever. I just needed a little something to keep me going for the day and thought a sucker would do the trick. Little did I know that small sucker would bring me such shame. As I stood innocently licking the sucker, the conversation began...

Teller: "I have to say it..."
Me: "Yes?"
Teller: "You're a personal trainer and you're eating a sucker?"
Me: (Speechless - at this point I nearly spit the sucker out being caught off guard)
Me: "Yes I am"

I'm not really sure how the rest of the conversation played out word for word, but let's just say I told the woman that even personal trainers eat suckers once in a while. And yes, we even eat sugar cereal as I have actually been asked that once before as well. Ok, maybe I should re-word that, I sometimes eat things that are bad for me. I guess I can't speak for all the other trainers out there... but I think it's safe to assume the majority of them do not eat wheat grass and oatmeal every day. So if you ever see me somewhere eating something that does not 'practice what I preach', I apologize.

Oh sweet summer...

Here's the latest and greatest in my life...
Family home evenings

Paddle boats at Liberty Park

Short hikes to random waterfalls

Abby and Scott's wedding

Holding little baby Mason... an angel straight from Heaven


Free concerts at Brigham Young Park


Pedicures with Becky and her sis

Peru 2009

Well, my big trip has come and gone. It was incredible and amazing. By the end of two weeks I was definitely ready to come home, but now I'm ready to go back. We worked in a village named Santa Rosa, a small community in the Amazon. These people are very kind and loving and humble. They welcomed us with open arms and drum/flute playing as we entered the village for the first time. The kids took our hands and walked with us everywhere. Every morning as we arrived in the village, they would be out by the river waiting for us. We stayed at a lodge called Heliconia. It was very nice. They have a pet Mckaw and tarantula and many various forms of spiders :) We rode fast boats into the village every day... very picturesque. The sky is bluer there and the clouds are fluffier. When it rains, it pours and you better move it or you will be drenched and never dry. However, the humidity is so high anyway, I don't think I was ever fully dry the whole 2 weeks of being there. Also, it may be a while before I eat white rice, fish, and eggs... we sure got a lot of that! Here are the pictures I have. More will come later as I get some from others.

Our sleeping quarters in Lima, Peru for the night. I can officially say I've slept on an airport floor... and don't ever want to do that again.



walking off the plane in Iquitos


We visited a manatee rescue while we were there




Here is where the library started...


And the finished product...


Working hard for a new basketball court... can you say BLOOD, SWEAT, and TEARS!?


Pirahna fishing - I caught 4 catfish... does that count for something?


I held a sloth!!!


After our jungle walk. We were DRENCHED. We didn't see much wildlife, but I did get bit by something I think is called a fire ant. When it bites you... you want to scream. Our guide, hyacko ("Jacko"), a native jungle man, just told us to keep moving and the pain would go away... ten minutes of searing pain!


Here is the medical clinic




We had a carnival our last day there. This is their version of a pinata. They cut down a tree, plant it in the ground, hang gifts from it, and then we dance around it for about an hour (it seemed). Then everyone takes turns with a machetti to chop the tree down. The tree almost took one of our own as it fell to the ground! Then we all raced for the goodies!


"Jacko" The best guide ever!


Victor took us on a tour of the city of Belen. This is a very poor city. There is no where for trash so it just ends up on the ground. They have latrines on the river, and many of their houses float when the river rises during the rainy season. We were in the Belen market and it was just like a scene from a movie as we saw two mormon missionaries coming toward us. We talked to them for a minute. It was really cool.




Cathedral in Lima


Our last night we went to this fancy restaurant on the ocean, the Rosa Nautica. It was incredible.

And I'm off...

For those of you that know me, you know I really like to be grounded; Meaning I don't like flying. It causes me way too much stress and anxiety. So, if I do not internally combust on my way down to Peru, I will be back in just 2 weeks. Talk to you then!!! (Don't let anything too exciting happen while I'm away...)

4th of July

Well, my favorite holiday has come and gone. Luckily the 24th of July is my second favorite holiday and I will be home for it! Events of the week:
1. REAL soccer game with fireworks!
2. Murray parade... only the best parade ever (especially when I see the cadets)
3. The Alpine slide and Zip line at snowbird (the weather was BEAUTIFUL)
4. Fireworks at Jordan high school
5. And then, he proposed! Haha JK... But for all my dear friends who just got engaged this weekend, I love you all!!! :)

And in case you were wondering...

My favorite holiday is coming up in just a few short days! I can hardly contain my excitement. It's going to be the BEST DAY EVER!!! And my most favorite thing about the 4th of July... FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!! (Not the ones that you light yourself, the big ones). Then, just 4 days later, I leave for Peru...

Happenings

Here's the latest... I have a few more pictures to track down. I finally bought myself a camera and made a promise that I was actually going to use it, because I never end up with pictures of anything.

One of my most favorite families in the whole world, the Linthorst family, took me out to the pizza factory for a graduation celebration. The night got even better when miss Sophie hit the jackpot with tickets! I love to spend time with this beautiful family (Although the picture is missing a few family members)

Davey and Jen's wedding reception and YOUNG WOMEN REUNION. Man, I love these girls. I think it's a toss up between the best part of this wonderful church... young womens or primary. Anyone got a vote???

Dance recitals are the best. Between pictures and rehearsals, I do believe I may be an expert at applying makeup to cute, tiny little faces. Word of warning, don't try to put eye liner on little kids... it just ends up smearing and not coming off, EVER.

Sunscreen

Just a word of warning to any of you that would like to know... do not use expired sunscreen. It does not work. Although most sunscreens don't have a posted expiration date... if it looks old, it probably is. Just thought you might want to know.

Reflections

I've had a lot of time to reflect. Two very dear friends ended up in the hospital this week, and if you know my history with hospitals, they are not my favorite place. It was so hard to see my sweetheart suffer through so much pain and I wished more than anything I could take some of it away. I hated that I couldn't seem to do anything by stay by his side. During Sacrament meeting this Sunday, I sat and reflected on the atonement. My heart filled as I realized that the Savior has felt every single one of our pains and sicknesses. It was an overwhelming feeling of love. He knows exactly what we have been through and what we will go through. I know he was there to comfort Sara(hope you don't mind if I mention your name cute girl) and Nick every minute. What a blessing it is to know that the Savior knows us perfectly and will stand by us in times of trial. I was comforted in knowing that my dear friends were being taken care of by someone who knew exactly how to.

I also reflected on just how precious our bodies are, as well as how precious our relationships with others are. To say the least, I have been very stressed and sad and upset over trying to find a job and career path after my recent graduation. I felt worthless telling people that I was working a measley few hours a week. A college graduate without anything to do... does that classify me into the 'loser' category? I sure felt that way. But I knew I was doing the best that I knew how at the time. This weekend, as I stayed with Nick, I remembered the things that matter most in my life. Our lives are not about the lifestyle we live, or rather the job that we have, but that our relationships are strong and healthy. Having that helps everything else to fall into place. We must take time for ourselves with our loved ones to rejuvenate and remember what life is about. I am so grateful for all of my dear friends and family in my life, and those of you that read this blog... that means you. Thanks for all you do and for your influence in my life. I am forever grateful.

So long, farewell....

I am reminded of the song by Jesse McCartney that says, "I'm leavin', never lookin' back again." Enough said. Ok, well maybe I've looked back a few times. It's hard to say goodbye to my sweet school of 4 whole years. This is how I felt at first...



Then I came across this picture and it brought peace.

Success come many different ways. There is no one straight path to lead us to success in the workforce. We must find what is right for us and stick with it. The only path that is sure and constant is the path of the Gospel, and that will never change. I feel so blessed to have the Lord with me at all times as I make many decisions that will lead me down my own path of success. With that said, I have a job interview on Thursday... wish me luck!!!

Graduation???

Countless numbers of people have asked me lately if I am excited to graduate. In short, my answer is yes. But, am I really? The question always following the first is, "what are you going to do?" Is this question necessary? Am I supposed to know? The best I can say is that I might possibly have an idea of what my future will hold. Will that be enough to get me through all the criticizing of people who think I should have these things taken care of by now? Is it common to view graduation as more stressful than fun? Because it doesn't seem to be much fun for me. The only thing I miss about nursing school is that when you graduate, you become a nurse. It's that black and white. You don't have 50 million options to explore. Your career path has already been mapped out for you and you can be well on your way. Now don't get me wrong, I do not want to go back and become a nurse, but I did like the idea of knowing what I would do after graduation. The picture is all blurry now. The 2 things I have left to rely on are my Savior and the faith that He will help me, and my hard work. So, if you ask me what I want to do after graduation and I glare at you, do not take it personally. Just know that I am looking for the answers to that question and will gladly accept any input or advice you might have for me.
Then, as I drove away today hearing Macie yell, "I LOVE YOU LIZ!", I grinned and realized that life isn't so bad afterall.