aLL fUn!... No WoRRieS!

Don't you wish... that just for one day, you could be a kid again?! I've really grown to love the beauty of the beaches around here! It's not only the entertainment of the surfers, searching for seashells (which I still do! LOL!) or watching birds fight over sandwiches that I love! There's something about listening to the waves crashing in, smelling the salty air, feeling the tiny grains of sand between my toes and my favorite of all... watching expressions and actions of children facinated with feeling free! Like this little girl... she spent the entire time chasing birds. Why???!... Who knows!... but, she just spread her lil' wings and flew with them! How bout' building sand castles with grandpa?... Or burying your brother in the sand! I actually found myself wandering out to the water then waiting til waves came in... chasing me back up to dry sand. All Fun, No Worries just like a little kid again!!! Just taking time to think about the good ole days of my younger years helps my day! :) Yeah... it kinda sucks coming to reality that your car is awaiting you at the shop and you have to drop a grand to get it back! So is life, huh?! :) Well, I definitely know that there is still a lot of kid in me!!! Maybe the best time to release that kid-like love and laughter is when life gets a little difficult!!!... All Fun, No Worries! Right?!!! I'm headin' back to the beach after I pick up my old (new) car! :) :) :)

Thought of the day:

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day." -SK

BIG 5!

Happy Birthday "Buddy"!!!

If I could give you anything... it would be a BIG FAT KISS!!! Because "Natty" knows that "Buddy" hesitates when a girl puckers her lips! Hey... Shawn and Layner, that's a plus!
He's a hottie!... but is disgusted and scared of girls! :)
Really though, since I know what you love most... TRANSFORMERS!... I wish with my magic
fingers that this "Oximus Prime" (LOL!!) would transform into a life-size master, just for
you! Oh, I can just picture you in my mind with that big grin on your face and your eyes so enlarged with excitement! You would just be thrilled to pieces!... :)
I miss you, you lil' monster!!! We hope your birthday is just what you wished it to be!!! :)


Thought of the day:
"When the sun shines, we’ll shine together. Told you I'll be here forever. Said I'll always be a friend. Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end. Now that it's raining more than ever. Know that we'll still have each other. You can stand under my umbrella" -MBT

EASTER...

HAPPY EASTER!!! This is a beautiful day to celebrate!

Easter:
Oh... the cute Easter Bunny, decorating colorful eggs, cookies and the famous easter-egg hunt! Candy, candy and more candy! New Spring Easter Dresses!!! Oh, and more tempting easter candy!


Eas-ter:
A church feast observed on a Sunday in March or April in commemoration of Christ's resurrection.


It has taken years for me to understand the true meaning of Easter and the great worth it is in my life! I want to reflect on just a few of Christ's characteristics and the importance it is to me. First of all, LOVE: He was meek and submissive to Heavenly Father's will , in order to accomplish the Atonement. "What He did is staggering to contemplate. No wonder He can help us along. He knows the way." Christ's Love is so profound and comprehensive that even while enduring inifinite suffering, he still noticed the suffering, yet nurtured those that endured much less anguish. Jesus exemplifies Love perfectly!!!
Secondly is Patience & Long-Suffering: Many times I haved felt pushed with trials to my breaking point! Doubt and discouragement seem to take over quickly in mind and heart. "Tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope" and hope brings more of the love of God. If I will submit to my "afflictions," whatever it is, this will later lead to a far greater light! "Ye cannot bear all things now;.... I will lead you along." Christ knows our bearing capacities and thanks to Him, these challenges become milestones. He is also a perfect example of patience and long-suffering.
Last is Meekness & Humility: Small, positive adjustments can make big differences in the process of time. Love, Care and Hear rather than Need, Want and Demand those of family, friends and other relationships. I don't believe my personality is like this, but if I've given off this status I hope to change the want or desire that drives me to be one up from other people!!! "Will we reclassify others, knowing that forgetting is part of forgiving?"
"Nothing in the entire plan of salvation compares in any way in importance with that most transcendent of all events, the atoning sacrifice of our Lord." I am eternally grateful for Christ, my brother, my Savior, my Rock! He has no fissures in His foundation. He never disappoints us. He never falters. His love never fails. He never fails to bring pass His purposes. He waits with open arms for me and all of Gods children. Through my faith and obedience I will look forward to being clasped in His arms!... what a wonderful day that will be!!! My desires are to be able to look him in the eyes and see that he is proud of me and satisfied with my work, dedication and diligence in his gospel! :)

Thought of the day:
"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." -Phil.

21 Yet???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYD!

Happy Birthday to my fave bro!!! :) Nope, not 21 yet!... it's a good thing! :) Can't wait to see you again in a month! Really... you should just move out here since it's like your second home now! Miss you lil' punk! But, you know we love you so much!!!

Thought of the day:
"Every now and then, it's delightful to have the kind of laugh that makes your stomach jiggle... that sends tears down your face and causes your eyes to squint so it's impossible to see!"

HiDDeN MeaNiNg...

NATALIE:
You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.



JOSH:
You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing... You're a strong person.You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

This name reading thing is just a lil' freaky! I mean... do they have a hidden camera in our house or what?! Because that fits me to a tee... and Josh too! It's CRAZY!!!! Well... a lil' wild, but I guess you know that much more about our personalities now! Maybe a little too much?!!! :)
Thanks Malia!!!
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/

Thought of the day:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. -Prov."In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." -Pres.GBH

Miracles Do Happen!...

These are just a few photos of "our lil' family"...

Today I just wanted to take a minute and write a little bit about Josh and I. Many of you know these facts about us, which may be rather boring! :) But, I guess it gives others a chance to know a few things (hopefully not too many surprises) about our lives!

Josh and I have known each other since Jr. High, which of course we were just lil' buddies. :) We went on a few dates our Soph. year (which I asked him out), but sparks didn't fly til we started dating in our Jr. year, when I asked him out, again!!! :)

After H.S. graduation, Josh spent a full 2 years in the Lima, Peru serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which... if he had a choice he would probably go back there to live than here with me! LOL! :) During that time I spent a couple years in Cedar City, Utah at SUU, "trying" to learn chemistry and other "stuff"... but got caught up having too much fun! I then decided to further my education in pharmacy in which I am very thankful for!!! Josh returned home from Lima Peru in April 2000. We were engaged in July and married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple on Nov. 11, 2000.

Our marriage has been absolutely wonderful!... like a fairy tale, but with our own story line. Josh has kept very busy with school, studying, teaching, tutoring and working on the side. I am so thankful for his many accomplishments, dedication and hard work, which has paid off! For the past 8 years I enjoyed working in the pharmacy, meeting new friends and loving the company of old ones.

Our lives have been very busy surrounded by expectations, needs and wants! Although stressed, it didn't take long for us to realize what was important and thoughts of having our own "family" grew strong. Without going into detail, we have experienced many ups and downs! I don't think I've ever felt such overwhelming excitement, and yet tremendous fear at the same time... knowing that I could have quadruplets (twice) if difficult procedures came out positive... Yes, I really did have 4 perfect eggs both times! Our doctor was even considering canceling the process of things. LOL!... We'd have a house full of "monkeys" if all of our many treatments worked!!! Well, our faces have been present at the LDS Services, U of U clinics and at many, many doctors offices! But, it's our family and friends who we appreciate for listening to our heartache and wiping the tears away with words of comfort! Our most recent... but, not our last hope, was receiving a letter of acknowledgement and acceptance for our "one time" chance of In-Vitro at the U of U. Shortly after, we were also accepted to Dental School in Southern California to USC. Miracles were happening right in front our own eyes!!!... our dreams were coming true!!!

After all of the anticipation and excitement we packed up and moved to California. We kept our

options open by being separated (I stayed in Utah) until we heard word from the U of U concerning our situation. After being apart for 3 months we received news that would not only break our hearts, but bring us back together... that much stronger!

So... here we are together and working towards another miracle! Because.... Miracles Do Happen! I have seen it in my life many, many times! It's believing that it can happen and having that faith too! There have been many times doubted, but I still know that "in due time", all things will work out for the best! So, yeah... we are so happy and very blessed to have what we do have... each other! Oh, and our little brat-cat "Moi"... we love him too!! We have family, friends, and new life in So. Cali, which is unbelievable! We're keeping our fingers crossed for our future!!!... and keeping in mind that "Miracles Do Happen!" :)

Thought of the day:

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living exression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." -Mother Teresa

Happy B-day Babe!!!

Happy Birthday Love! Ok... so, Josh would absolutely KILL me if he saw his "famous face" on our blog! But... that's what you get for having a birthday, right?!! LOL! Well sweetie, you're caught up to me now. Remember... I am still older and wiser though! :) How wonderful it is to celebrate another day of you!!!... Well, I celebrate you every day!!!

It would bring me more joy than I can say if you would never forget... not even for a single day, how wonderful you are... in my eyes and in my heart!
I'm so often at a loss to find the words to tell you how much you mean to me. In my imagination, I compare you with things like the sunshine in my mornings, beautiful flowers in fields, and the warm fuzzy feelings of happiness on my best days!
You are my everything babe! You know me better than I know myself! What did I do to be blessed with you as the "Love" of my life??!!!... You are simply AMAZING!!! In every way possible! You CAN make me laugh and cry at the same time! Oh, I LOVE YOU!!! "You, me, you-you-you, me-me, you!" LOL! How lucky am I to have a husband who is as dorky as myself!... if not, worse! :) And... I'm truely thankful for the many days you wanna rip my hair out (like the pic below) but you don't!... that's not you... not at all! Instead, you love me unconditionally! Your love is like magic that somehow gives me butterflies over and over again! I'm so proud of you for your dedication to me, church, your family and your dreams! You cease to amaze me with your love and talent! You are my dreams come true!... and with that, we will share many more dreams together! You are the answer to a special prayer sweets! I think God knew that my world needed that "special someone" in life, which is YOU!!! I Love You!!! IxE :)


Thought of the day:
"By friendship you mean the greatest love, the greatest usefulness, the most open communication, the noblest sufferings, the severest truth, the heartiest counsel, and the greatest union of minds." -JT

Natty!... Watch This!!... Watch!!! Happy Birthday Ryder!!!

What Seattle, Washington has to offer... amazing lush pines, Pike's Fish Market, miles of tulip fields, Space Needle, "Sleepless in Seattle", rain, rain go away!... and 4 outgoing, loveable, interesting and rambunctious kids! "Natty!... Watch this!... Watch!!!"... is all I heard repeatedly for a solid week. Yeah, it's rather a shock to be responsible for kids when you aren't used to waking up at the crack of dawn, getting ready for school, breakfast, school bus rush, homework, entertaining, dinner for 4 and the wind-down for bed... which lasts hours! Plus... adding in laundry, cleaning and shopping while you've got a death grip on the 2 youngest, since you could lose them for good if you let go! WOW!!! But, I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the time I have been given to spend with my nieces and nephews over the years! It is such a blessing to be able to see them although they're miles away!
Lil' "Buddy" absolutely loves his transformers and is so generous to share the fun with me! Guess who I got to play?!... "Optimus Prime"! How cool is that?!!! And karaoke night with the girls was a blasty blast! We got the spot light out, hair glitter going, awesome photo shots, and our groove on! I haven't had that much fun in a long time! Yeah... "aunt Natty" can't sing worth a darn, but they still love me! Plus, my awful "American Idol" voice is what makes it that much more entertaining! LOL!
We also enjoyed Pike's Market entertainment of sailor singing and the launching of enormous fish across the way! Kevin, Angela and sweet lil' Ryder drove up from Portland to spend a few days "slammin' the ball" as Ryder says, and doing some major chiropractic adjustments on me as well!!! WOWZERS!!... that was some good crackin' Kev! :) He's going to do a fabulous job in his practice! I thoroughly enjoyed every second spent with all of the kids, as well as brother and sisters! It's just so amazing how fast they grow and the unique personalities they have to share! I just love you guys and miss you already!!! Oh, yeah... it's memories like these that I will

treasure forever!

Happy Birthday Ryder!!!

Hey you lil' hottie! You're growing up way too fast! And because you live away we don't get to see you enjoy the "jeeps", "back-hoe's", and other facinating things of life! We miss you guys and can't wait til you move closer! Counting down the days now! Looking forward to many more birthdays to share together! Happy Birthday Handsome Ryder!!! We Love You!!! :)

Thought of the day:
"The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy"....-SHW

Love rekindled

So, I decided to take a quick trip back to Utah to visit family and friends. Wow!... it's amazing how much pressure to go 'here and there' and get 'this and that' done while you're away! Sometimes you feel as if you don't even really get to enjoy anybody! After being gone only a day or two, I already missed my sweetheart! Aaah!!... I had nightmares that we would be split up for months like we previously went through! Anyway, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed every second spent with the ones I love!
Now, this is where the my old flamin' Love comes in! :) Since I can remember, I have always had a camera! LOL! :) I have some famous photos from 3rd grade of my best friends (still to this day) posing for me! I find it quite interesting that my parents gave me a camera at such a young age! They must've known the love I had for not only being in pictures, but being able to capture them myself. Yes!... I consider myself spoilled rotten! The sparks were flying and my love rekindled!! Yep... I bought a new and extremely fancy camera to make each moment stand still! How weird... I think it's probably the first time I've actually had buyers remorse too! Well, my first day testing its abilities were at a waterpark in St. George. I instantly fell in love with a lil' girl, not only because I wanted her red, ruby "Dorothy" slippers!... but she was beautiful! She was eager and wanted so badly to play in the water! Some of the older kids made her a lil' hesitant, so look at what she decided to do!.... Ahhh, she was darling!
I can tell just from the 200 pics I took in 2 hours that it's going to take some time! But, I am looking forward to learning and practicing more.
Not only was my love with photography rekindled, but my sweet "Love" back home (Cali.) was too! He was waiting patiently! Ahhh, yes... he's still the most amazing thing to see with my eyes!!! That was, by far the best part!... seeing my babe again! :)







Hey Ladies!... Thanks for getting together and the good laughs!!! I miss ya already!.... love you guys!

Thought of the day:
"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music--the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." -HM.