Dad

My dad had surgery on the 30th of November on his Back. So far he is recovering well. The meds made him kinda loopy for a while but he is doing his best to stay off them. He was able to come spend about week with Brent and I. It was so wonderful having him here. Him and I were even able to Christmas shopping for my Mom and go out on a Daddy-daughter date to go see Tangled (which is now my favorite movie ever... right next to Little Mermaid!!). We watched lots of good movies, ate yummy Thai food and just had fun talking. I just felt bad we weren't able to spend more time with him before he had to leave. Love you Dad and hope you have a great and fast recovery.

25 Days of Gratefulness

To start of this Thanksgiving season, I thought I would make a list of 25 things I am most grateful for. Here we go!

I am grateful for...........

#1. The Gospel. Without the gospel in my life I would be lost. I am so grateful to have the knowledge that I do that the Savior atoned for my sins, died for me, and that he now lives. He loves me and wants/knows what is best for me. I know that I am not perfect .. nor do I expect to ever be, but I am trying everyday to become better in every way. And I am grateful that if I do the best I can every day, I can return to my Heavenly Father.

#2. My eternal companion. I am truly grateful for Brent and all he does for me. I am grateful that we were able to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple 4 years ago and that every day since we have tried to be worthy of that great blessing. Knowing we will see and be with all of our loved ones after this life. And knowing when we finally are able to be blessed with kids they will be sealed to our eternal family forever.

#3. Family. I love my family so much and I am so grateful to them for all they do for Brent & I. I love being able to strengthen our relationships with each of you! I love you all!

#4. Jobs. Especially in this trying economic time, I am grateful for our jobs and for the constant income we have coming in.

#5. Blessings. I am so truly grateful for all that my Heavenly Father has done for me and my family. I love knowing that he will not try me above what I am able and that after the trial I am able to look back and see Gods hand in all that happened and the blessing that came.

#6. My little Gemma Bean... The cutest dog in the whole world! I love how she gets excited to have us home. All the kisses and the cuddling. She has made our home so much more happy since she came into our lives.

#7. The Priesthood in my home. I am so grateful to you Brent for being a worthy Priesthood holder!

#8. I'm grateful for warm bubble baths after a long day.

#9.I'm grateful for beautiful sunsets.

#10. I'm grateful for my friends and their willingness to put up with me.... especially when I get silly.

#11. I am grateful for this beautiful and amazing earth. I am grateful for the love I have of being outdoors and exploring. There are so many amazing things to see and do, especially in Southern Utah. I am grateful for being able to visit and travel to so many marvelous places like the Grand Canyon, Zions, Bryce, Cedar Breaks and so many many others.

#12. I am grateful for the chance I have to read the scriptures and Ensign everyday and the spirit I always feel because of it. I love and am so grateful for the quiet time I have while sitting in my car before work to read, search, and ponder the wonderful scriptures and talks.

#13. I am grateful for the talks I have with my Mom. I am grateful that I can go to her with all my problems and issues I am facing in my life and know that she loves me and will listen.

#14. I'm grateful for 4-wheeler rides, daddy-daughter dates, for all the time with my Dad and all the hugs that make me cry.

#15. For our health.

#16. I'm grateful for all the times I get to have my brother & sister down to visit and all the fun memories we make.

#17. For all the things that make me and everyone I love laugh. For all the moments of pure joy and happiness.

#18. I'm grateful for all the time I get to spend with my best friend & hubby. I am grateful for all the nights we snuggle on the couch, for all our adventures, and for the books we read together.

#19. I'm grateful for rain showers and for the rainbows that follow.

#20. I'm grateful for extremely yummy food especially when its my hubby making it to make me smile.

#21. I'm grateful for every kind of music. Music has always been a part of who I am. I love how every type touches your soul in a different way and you can use it anytime to escape even if it's for just a little while.

#22. I'm grateful for patience and learning to have faith that all things will happen in God's time.

#23. For our home. Its not a house and it's not that big, but it is a wonderful blessing to have shelter and a place that we can come home to from work and school and escape the world.

#24. For our Freedom and all those who fight to keep it for us all.

#25. For our amazing bodies and all that we are able to accomplish with them.

Heavenly Father has given us all that we have and are. We are truly grateful for his presence in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Black & Orange Masquerade Ball

I so wish I had gotten more pictures!!!

My best friend in the whole world - Jenessa - came down this past weekend to have our belated Halloween party! She brought her little brother Mckuhla along and my friends Shanae and Kevin came over too. It was so fun seeing everyone in their masks. Each one was so creative! ... And yes Shanae you do win for the ugliest j/k!! It was totally awesome! It was so fun just talking, eating, watching movies and playing games. WARNING: We played the mellowest game of the suck game ever!!!!! lol but it was still fun.. especially watching Kevin putting each m&m he sucked up into his mouth before trying to suck up another one!

I just loved having Nessa and Kuhla here for the weekend. It had been forever since I had done anything with them. We had so much fun playing Raving Rabbids, Rockband, and Little Big Planet. Watching movies and some great stand-up comedians (we ended up laughing more at Mckuhla than the comedian though!).

Wish this weekend could have lasted so much longer but loved all the memories we made and can't wait till next year's party!!!

Amanda & Solomon Nair and a wonderful weekend

My wonderful cousin Amanda and her fiance Solomon, who have been waiting about 6 months to get clearance to be married in the Temple, finally were able to go to the Manti Temple to be sealed for time & eternity on Thursday the 28th of October. I was so lucky to be able to attend. They looked so completely happy together. Congrats again you guys! After the wedding was a luncheon at the church. My mom and Cam were able to come. We all stood up and gave a toast to the happy couple and like a complete idiot I cried (I blame Jene Beal)!! and to make it worse it was recorded!! I felt so dumb.. but oh well I was just happy to be there... at least I wasn't calling Solomon the wrong name like Grandma (I love my silly grandma)! Love ya Manda! And I can't wait to get to know you more Solomon. Congrats to both of you!

Friday was a fun day. I did Paige's makeup really neat for her Halloween costume and went and watched her school dance with my mom. Some of the kids in her grade had some great costumes! Captain Underpants was one of my favorites. He had a superhero costume on with a pair of his old underwear on top. So funny. One of Paige's teachers was Edward Cullen. I thought it was just sweat at first. Oops. After the dance we all traveled up North... dropped Paige at a friends house for the weekend and Mom and I went shopping before going to Manda and Sol's reception. It was so fun just spending the day with my mom. I haven't been able to do that for such a long time! Brent traveled to my parents house that night. I missed him so much and was glad to snuggle up to him that night.

Saturday we had a great day just having fun with my parents. We went to a Snow College football game. It poured rain like crazy but it was way fun. I tried some kettle corn and I actually loved it! We then went home and ate yummy food and watched "The Poltergeist" for some Halloween fun. It was such a great weekend!!!!

Thriller

Yesterday I surprised Brent with tickets to see Thriller at the Tuacahn Theatre in St. George.

Odyssey Dance Company has some amazing dancers! Every act was so amazing.. we can't decide what one was our favorite!

The first dance was Thriller. It was fun to see all the zombies dance to this Michael Jackson song. Next came the psychotic clown who tried to stab someone in the audience.. but the music cut off before he could - which made him very depressed and very funny (he also kept showing up in little odd places here and there throughout the night)! The next dance is called the Curse of the Mummy which featured Egyptian dancers and a mummy rising and loving the fact that there were a lot of girls. Miss Alli's Nightmare came next. It had a whole bunch of girls acting like there were 5 year old's performing. It was so funny to watch them all get way out of control. I totally understand how that could be a nightmare for someone! This next dance was truly amazing! It is a Romeo & Juliet theme to Frankenstein and his love. Some of the moves were absolutely amazing! Frankie accidentally kills his love when she doesn't want to kiss him, and he is dragging her all over the stage. Some of the positions she is put in were unbelievable! Next came a giggling girl (who I must add is a great giggler!) who sings "I saw Mommy KILLING Santa Clause". It was incredibly hilarious! That poor doll she used to mimic what her mom had done to Santa! lol. Next was a visually stimulating dance with glowing skeletons. It was done in black light and amazing to watch (probably one of my favorites). Next was a short little number about Marie Antoinette being be-headed. Their special effects on this one was really neat! The last number for the first half of the show is called Jason Jam. It was a very funny "stomp" featuring 3 Jason's, one of which kept getting distracted and into trouble. I loved his little teddy bear with the hockey mask on. It was definitely amusing and so funny (another favorite!).

The 2nd Act started off with the dance of a sugarplum fairy who gets shot in the middle of her number by Jason. Next came the Children of the Corn. A bunch of highschool kids go into the corn field and when scarecrows start to dance join in... but it doesn't end well for some of those kids. An amazing dance with a man and his dead love. It was amazing to watch the ghost fly through the air. Next came a Michael Jackson dance where at the end he goes with Elvis. The next dance was quite funny. It was a battle between team Jacob and team Edward. I think Jacob won when at the end he turned into a horrific werewolf and scared everyone away. The giggling girl came back next singing "Do You Want to Know a Secret?". Turns out she has an alien growing out of her stomach that is her best friend and sings to her! Next came a dance about the Salem Witches. Three girls were hanged and came back for vengeance! The magic was very cool! A number titled Lost Boys featured a group of vampires who attacked a girl. Blood was spraying out of their mouths! Super cool to watch, especially the acrobatics! Next was about a magician who changed himself into a girl. Really amazing! The last number of the night is called River of Blood Dance. It featured a group of girls tap dancing the River Dance... when all of a sudden someone starts shooting them. It was really funny! Some of them were trying to sneak away before they got hit. Some were trying to dodge the bullets. And the really funny part is that the shooter ended up being Bubbles the Clown!

It was such a fun night! I really loved every minute of it! Brent & I already decided that we are going back next year!!! Here are a few pictures of the Theatre and of the zombies and acts. Also a older promo video. Enjoy!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Weekend with my family

After the funeral. I was able to go and spend some time with my family. I met them at the Theater to see RED (Retired and Extremely Dangerous). It was so funny - I loved it! After, we went to eat at the snow dragon for some yummy Chinese food. I loved every minute being able to spend time with my family. I miss them so much. Thanks for all the talks Paige, for always wanting to include me Cam, and for always letting me feel right at home Mom!

In the morning Dad and I decided to go on a four-wheeler ride up the canyon and just spend some time just the 2 of us. Dad took me on his favorite ride on the canyon. It was so breathtakingly beautiful even though we got rained and snowed on a little bit! I didn't realize how much I've missed the smell of being in the mountains! We went all the way to the top of the canyon. Such an amazing view! While there my Dad and I had a wonderful heartfelt talk, we hugged and I cried. My Daddy is the most wonderful man! I love him so much and miss being able to spend time with him. Dad I know you have been through a lot lately... but I want you to know that we love you and are so proud of you. Thanks for all you do. Love you Daddy!

Grandpa Strate

Today Brent's grandpa passed away. Kent Strate was the father of Ellen Strate Cox, Brent's mother who returned to her Heavenly Father after a long fight with cancer when he was 12.

It was a complete surprise this past Friday when we received word that he wasn't doing well and only had a few days left. We had no idea that he had been bed-ridden for over a month and hadn't been able to eat or drink for weeks. We, and some of Brent's family, decided to go say goodbye to him on Sunday. We are so grateful that we did! It was a very difficult day for everyone.

This morning around 6 am we got a call that he had passed. What a blessing that we were able to make it up there and say our good byes. Below are pictures from his funeral that took place on October 15th.

Conference Weekend

I am so truly grateful for the gospel in my life! For a worthy priesthood holder in my home and to be able to go to the temple and renew those covenants I made with my Heavenly Father. I look forward to each and every conference and the chance to hear from our beloved Prophet and the officers of the church. It is truly amazing to hear direct answers to our trials and problems from those inspired talks.

This year we were able to go up to Salt Lake to spend time with Brent's sister Karen and her husband Ryan. It was so wonderful to spend time with them. We didn't do much but it was wonderful to be able to see family and relax. We were able to stop at Mark & Emily's too. It is always so fun to see them. We really do love all you guys so much! We weren't able to watch all of conference do to the fact that Ryan is not a member and we didn't want to force him... but what we did watch/hear was amazing. I am so grateful for the internet and for the chance I have to watch it during the week, and for the opportunity to read it in next months ensign!

Sunday was my Dad's birthday and it was wonderful to be able to go and see him. I always love spending time with my daddy and all of my family. I love you guys so much. Happy Birthday again Dad. I hope it was a good day for you!

Labor Day Weekend

Brent's brother Mark & his family came down for the weekend. It was such fun having them all here. On Saturday, Em and I took off for a girls day. We went to alot of fun little stores here in town. It was really fun getting out of the house and getting creative. Sunday we went to Bryce Canyon (pictures below). It was so amazing! We went on one hike that went though some of the pillars. It was truly beautiful and fun to go with family. Scott was so cute. He kept saying "WOW" at everything and loved hearing his echo. He had an especially fun time seeing a chipmunk. He got quite close to it too! Monday Em & I again left for girl time. We went down to St. George to see one of her friends and to go shopping. I really loved spending so much time with Emily and gaining a stronger friendship with her. It was so great to spend time with them and Scott. He is such a cute little kid.

Thanks so much for coming down! We loved every minute of the time we were able to spend with you! We definitely need to make a trip up there soon.

Gemma Bean

Since Gemma is practically our kid, I decided it would be fun to throw her a little birthday party. She turned 2 this month. It was really fun to spoil her and to have family and friends come have fun with us. We went up the canyon a little ways to a place called 3 Peaks to eat. We brought hot dogs ... which we had some trouble cooking. It was really windy and a fire took a while to start. Then we forgot to bring skewers to cook them on. After scouring the area we finally found some sticks. It was really yummy and so much fun to have everyone and their dogs there. Thanks to everyone for coming and for the gifts ... Gemma loved them all!

My birthday

My birthday was so wonderful this year! My friend Shanae schemed with Brent the day before to get a birthday cake for me... it was very yummy. Thanks you guys. Its great to have such good friends!

Brent planned a surprise day for me... and trust me it was all a total surprise! Brent arranged for both me and him to have my birthday off. He woke me up at 5:45 AM and told me that I had 30 minutes to get ready. He then lead me to the car and told me to put a blindfold on. He drove us to McDonalds for breakfast, which we ate at the park, and then we continued on our journey. 2 hrs later (and a nice nap) I was told I could take off my blindfold. To my surprise Brent told me where we were going.... the Grand Canyon!! I couldn't believe it!! It was so amazing to see one of the world's greatest wonders. It was truly breathtaking! It was a perfect day with my wonderful hubby! Thanks for making it such a great birthday!

Gemma

We are absolutely loving our little Gemma. She is so fun! It is hilarious watching her run in circles when she is excited to see us home after we have been at work all day. The funniest things are when she can't decide what she wants to do... go outside or play with her toy. She usually runs back and forth between the two trying to decide, and then usually tries to take her toys outside with her. She loves blankets, her toys, Brent's holey sock (especially when we use it as a hand puppet!), and she especially loves giving us kisses! She never barks, but pouts when she is upset at us, and is such a cuddler! She was in heat a little while ago so she had been wearing diapers. She HATES them so much and she walks so funny while wearing them. We love having her in our family. She has fit into our family so well. It takes her a little while to warm up to new people, but she loved us right away. She has made our home a happier place and now we can't imagine life without her. She is so cute!

Camping with friends & Cedar Breaks

This past weekend to celebrate the 24th, we went camping with our friends up Parowan Canyon. We went to a place called Yankee Meadow. It was so gorgeous and so fun. I have missed camping so much! I love the smell of fire and sleeping in a tent. We were also able to watch a new movie that I just bought for Brent - "Bounty Hunter". Such a funny movie! It was fun to see Gemma with her first camping trip. She did so well! Our friends had a lot of crappy adventures while up there....crap being the key word. Lets just say they are so grateful for bringing not only one extra pair of underwear for each kid but two. On our way home we stopped by the side of the road to take pictures. It was so fun! We were able to get our first complete family pic.

On Sunday we all (+1) went up to Cedar Breaks. Shanae's mom came along. It was so amazing! It was cold but so worth going. Brent says it was the perfect temperature. The pictures do not do it justice! We then stopped off at a picnic site to eat lunch and to let the kids run loose. It was a wonderful day!

Kolob

Brent and I decided to take a little trip to Kolob Canyon today. It was so beautiful! I am so glad we have all this beautiful scenery close by that we can go to any day. We took a short hike up to a lookout, Brent had a lizard jump on him while trying to take a picture of it (so funny!!!), took a million pictures, and just enjoyed being outside! Hope you all enjoy the pics!

10 years - - - WOW!

Is it weird, or what, to know that Brent has been out of High School for 10 years now? I think so!

We stayed with my parents this weekend so that we could go to Brent's High School Reunion. We came up on Friday night and had fun playing and watching movies with the family. Saturday was the day of the reunion. Mom and Dad took us to see "Despicable Me". It was so cute! It got out a little early so we decided to take our time getting to the Reunion. Brent was so excited to be able to see some old friends and show me his old school. It was so fun being able to share that with him and see pictures and trophies and meet classmates. I even won a drawing and got a volleyball water bottle. lol. I really hope Brent had a fun time and that it brought back a lot of happy memories for him!

4th of July Weekend

In the year of 1776 That paper was decreed - They were tired of oppression And wanted to be freed They wrote a Declaration So the whole world would see - This was, "the home of the brave And the land of the free" And the Star-Spangled banner in triumph doth wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I am so proud to be called an American. I am so grateful for my freedom and for those who are serving us in the military to keep us free. For all those who gave their lives and all they have for us. We are truly blessed to have this great nation and everything we have. I am grateful for our government which I truly believe to be a perfect government (when run correctly and for the people) and inspired by God. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

This year we celebrated this wonderful holiday with my brother Cameron. Friday we saw a movie in the Park and had fun at the booths and with our glow-in-the-dark pink glasses. Saturday we went to Zions and saw the awe-inspiring "mountains majesty" and all the beautiful things it had to offer. We hiked all 3 Emerald Pools and the Weeping Rock. It was so fun sharing that with Cam. Monday we had fun at the pet store (which Cam is in love with). They have so many fun animals. We also watched fireworks and just had a fun day. Wednesday we went to the park for a renaissance fair. It was so fun seeing all the belly dancers, gypsy's, fire dancers, acrobats, and the camel. It was so neat watching all the talented dancers and meet a bunch of really interesting people. There was so much going on and lots of stuff to look at and buy. It was such a great week and we really loved having Cam here to celebrate with us!

Stupid People

Our apartment complex has decided to redo our parking lot. If that wasn't annoying enough we had to park on the road last night. We woke this morning to find that our car had been vandalized! Luckily the car was not broken into and nothing was stolen, but it was covered in who knows what! Thank heaven for my good friends here that let me run over first thing this morning and wash my car before it was stained. I was very relieved to find that it came off fairly well. I just couldn't believe that someone would be that stupid and have that little regard for some one else's stuff. Hopefully tonight we will be able to park in our parking stall!

Mother & Father's day

I am so grateful for my family! I have the most wonderful parents anyone could ever have. I am so thankful for them and all the support and love they have always given Brent & I. Mom & Dad, I love you soo much. I am also thankful for my in-laws... especially for raising the good man I married. Granted, there are times when I don't fit in well with them or even feel well liked, but I am truly grateful for all the time we have spent together with them lately, for the chance to get to know them better, and for all their love! They are great people and I am so glad to be able to call them Mom & Dad. I hope you all had a wonderful Mother & Father's Day!

We were able to be up in Sanpete for Father's Day. It was so great to be able to see so much family. We went up to Brent's parents on Saturday after he got off work. Kenzie and our nephew Scott were also there. Scott is such a cute kid.. and so smart! It was so fun playing games and just having fun with them!

On Sunday we were able to visit Brent's grandparents. They are the sweetest people! They love Brent so much! We then made our way down to my parents house to surprise my dad. We were able to pick up a painting he had on layaway and bring it to him. I think he was really surprised and really excited! We all decided to go to the lake that afternoon. My cute cousin Morgan (who is staying with my parents right now) and my Uncle Curt and his family came with us. It was fun watching all the kids swim, letting fish nibble on my toes (weirdest feeling thing ever!), and watching Gemma in the water.. which she hated! The funniest part was holding Gemma right above the water and watching her "air-swim"! The rest of the day was spent eating hamburgers and playing games and laughing. It was such a great day! When we were getting ready to leave Morgan and my sister decided to take me hostage. They did pretty much everything from hanging on my legs and sitting on me to locking me in the bathroom to keep me from going. It was so funny and I was laughing so hard! What a great weekend. Thanks everyone who celebrated it with us! Love you all!

Good Things to Come

My friend shared this with me the other day. It was truly an answer to my prayers. It gave me such peace and really touched my spirit. I know things aren't well for a lot of you... but good things will come. We are promised that if we keep the commandments of the Lord and have faith and hope, we will be guided and directed for good. Heavenly Father will not try us above what we are able. Isn't that the most wonderful blessing! We are so truly blessed to have the gospel in our lives. To be able to be worthy temple recommend holders and be able to go to the temple often and participate in that sacred and wonderful work. I am so grateful for every blessing the lord has blessed us with and all that he will bless us. I am really striving to find patience and to trust in God with my whole heart, might, & mind. I will try to see my trials as growing experiences and faith builders. If any of you are having difficulties please watch this video and I hope & pray the spirit testifies to you that it is true and that you will be able to recognize all your blessings.

My wonderful Hubby

I have the best husband ever! He is always trying so hard to give me a good life and making sure that I am happy. He is so sweet and caring and the sexiest man ever! He has such a cute smile! He has so many wonderful traits about him that I love. Thank you Brent for spoiling me and letting me tryout my new fingernail polishes on your toes. Thank you for reading to me at night, for cooking, and always letting me come to you when I need help or a shoulder to cry on. For always being understanding and compassionate. You will be one amazing dad when the time comes! I just wanted to take a moment to let him know that I am so in love with you and it grows more and more every day. Brent you are truly my better half and I would be so lost without you! Thank you for all the little things you do for me each day. Thanks for always reminding me that I am special and that you love me. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for bringing you into my life and that I get to have you as my eternal partner!

A fun weekend

This past weekend the in-laws called and asked if we could go up and help them get ready for their garage sale. Brent had to work till 1 and then we were off. We were so glad to be able to go up and help out. I wish we had been able to help out more than we did cause it honestly feels like we didn't do anything. Thanks Mom & Dad for inviting us up and for all that you do for us. We love you and we love all the time we have been able to spend with you lately!

We were also able to surprise my not so little brother anymore on his birthday. My parents only live about a half hour from the in-laws so it was so great to visit them too. They had no idea we were coming and it took everyone by surprise! It was so fun. We all played Little Big Planet and Phase 10, ate a yummy dinner and cake. I was able to see lots of my family too including my grandparents and Aunt & Uncle. Happy Birthday Cam. I love you so much! You have grown into such an amazing man. You have so many amazing talents and abilities. Thanks for letting us be a part of your birthday. I can't wait for you to come visit! Love ya! I was also so glad to finally see my Daddy since his surgery. I wish I could have stayed longer with him. It was so good to see him laugh..even though it hurt his tummy. I love you Dad and I hope things get better for you really soon!

Daddy Update

Well here is an update on my dad. He wasn't able to have his back surgery on the 15th due to some other medical problems. I don't quite remember what it is called but it has to do with his intestines and stomach. He has had this problem for a while but it keeps going away. This time however they decided they needed to take care of it before having surgery on his back which is totally understandable. I can't imagine having to be in bed rest and feeling like you have to run to the bathroom every couple minutes with an upset stomach. So they postponed the back surgery to a later date and now dad is have what Paige calls "ballerina surgery" tomorrow. We love you dad and hope everything goes well for you. We hope this surgery helps you and that you have a quick and well recovery. We will keep you in our prayers!!

Fun with the Coxes

We have been able to spend the last 2 weekends with the in-laws. It has been so nice being able to spend so much time with them!

The first weekend we went up to celebrate birthdays. It was Brent's little sister's birthday and we were able to celebrate with her went to eat at the Brick Oven. The next day we went up to Salt Lake to celebrate Grandma McPhie & our niece Sylvia's birthdays. It was Grandma's 80th and Sylvia's 1st. It was so great to see so many family members. Most of Brent's siblings and a lot of his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. We all ate at Red Robin (so yummy!). Afterwards we went to Hogle Zoo to celebrate Sylvia's birthday. It was such a great day and so fun to be with our family and we are so glad we could be a part of it!

Birthdays!

This has been a month of adventure and birthdays! Paige had her 13th! I can't believe how old she is - she is officially a teenager! She is such a funny girl and we love her so much! Hope you had a good birthday!

Brent also had a birthday. I don't know if I should post how old he is but it is safe to say "old". This year I planned a little surprise party for him. I wrote a awesome (if I do say so myself) ransom note telling him that I kidnapped his birthday and that he wouldn't get it back unless he cooperated. My sister helped so much getting everything ready and set up. We picked up Brent from his work, blindfolded and handcuffed him, and drove around town making sure he was really lost, all the while with Paige holding a nerf gun telling him not to try anything funny. I dropped him off at our friends house so they could take a turn confusing him while I went and set up the secret location. Paige watched their kids which was such a big help. Thanks again! Finally Brent was led to the secret place, which was a very very yummy Thai restaurant called "Sweet Basil". The food was SO delicious! After dinner we all came back to our place and watched "The Blindside". Shanae & Paige helped me make Brent's favorite lemon cake and get all the other desserts ready. They really were such a big help. It was so fun and I think Brent was really surprised. Thanks Kevin and Shanae for all your help and for coming with us. It was a birthday to remember!

Tooth Issues

My baby tooth finally came out. Yes everyone I still had a baby tooth. It never had a tooth behind it so it just stayed in as long as it could. I chipped it a few years ago when eating a swedish fish and it went down hill fast after that. During our anniversary trip to Salt Lake it got really bad and I couldn't handle it anymore and just pulled it out (so if any of you are paying close enough attention to our anniversary pictures and notice that I'm wearing a retainer... that is why). After going to the zoo Brent dropped me off at my parents house so that I could go up to see my uncle who is a dentist. I was glad to learn that I do not have to do anything right away. I am just going to wear my retainer for about a year so that I can save up to do an implant. So even though I hate having a hillbilly smile now and wearing my retainer 24/7... I can live with it until I can do something permanent. Thanks so much Uncle Cliff for looking at my teeth and helping me decide what to do, and thank you Mom for driving me up there and for all your help.

5 years together!

This week we had our 5th Anniversary. I can't believe that it is already been that long! For dinner that night Brent cooked the BEST EVER corned beef with baked potatoes and green beans. It was soooo yummy! Later we went out for ice cream at the yummy Maggie Moo's. Since our anniversary was in the middle of the week we decided to really celebrate the weekend after. Brent planned it all and was keeping it a secret from me... which I have to admit drove me crazy!! I am such a planner and I have to know what is going on! Anyway... on Friday we left around noon to go up to Salt Lake. We met Karen and Ryan at a restaurant.... which was actually really gross.... and then went back to their place to stay the rest of the weekend. It was so good to see them and to be able to spend time with them.

On Saturday, Brent took me to see "The Bounty Hunter" which was really funny. After he took me to the aquarium. It was really busy but really awesome. There was a lot of really neat and fun stuff. I loved feeling the rays and starfish. They had opened their newest exhibit the day before (which is probably why it was so busy) of penguins. We also went to Walmart and bought Brent the first and second season of bones and me the movie "Did You Hear About the Morgans?".

On Sunday we woke up early to go to the zoo. It was the most perfect day to go! I really loved seeing the baby elephant playing! The zoo has always been one of my favorite things to do. We were able to ride on the train and of course the new carousel which was awesome! It was such a great day and such a fun anniversary. Thank you Brent! I love you so much. I am the luckiest wife ever! Thank you for marrying me and working so hard to make me happy and provide us with a good life. I can't wait to spend many more years with you!

Dad

So to you few who look at my blog.... my daddy is having back surgery. I know what you are all thinking. "Didn't your little brother just have back surgery?" Yes he did and now my dad has the splendid opportunity also of going through pain and bed rest. Hopefully it will help him. He has been in pain alot lately and I really really hope that after surgery things will be better. He goes under the knife April 15th.

Dad... We love you so much (especially me!!!!!) We will keep you in our prayers and hope for a well and speedy recovery. I expect to have you lounging on my couch at least some of your recovery time. We would love to have you here!

Love you daddy!!!!

French Night

Today we decided to do Family Home Evening a night early. We decided we wanted a french night. We made french fries .... (which Brent cooked and started our stove on fire twice - luckily no damage done! I will always give him a hard time for that one!), drank out of champagne glasses, watched french kiss, and just had a nice romantic evening home. It was so much fun... not really including the fires though.

60 years

Grandpa & Grandma Sorensen just celebrated the journey of 60 years of marriage. It was so wonderful to see family and to hear Grandma & Grandpa tell their love story. 60 years, 7 kids, who knows how many grandkids and great grandskids later they are still so completely in love!

I love to see the temple

"I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.
-
I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A family is forever."

Can I just say that temples are the most wonderful places in the whole world! I love the incredible spirit that you feel as soon as you walk through the front doors. Every temple is so beautiful and unique, but no matter what temple you go to you always feel the awe-inspiring love from our Heavenly Father. Going to the temple always gives me such peace no matter what trials life presents.

I love being able to do work for those who have finished their journey here and feeling their love and appreciation. Knowing that there are people on the other side of the veil that are just waiting for some one to do this important work for them is such a great responsibility for all of us. It is amazing when you are holding a name in your hand and realize that they have been waiting for hundreds of years and then knowing there are so many others who have been waiting for even longer.

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all that I have... especially for a current temple recommend and that I am sealed to my wonderful husband and family for time and all eternity.

Happy 2010!!!

At the beginning of this year we have so much to be grateful for. Heavenly Father has truly blessed us so much! We have our health, our home, the love we have for each other, our jobs, our little Gemma, family and friends, and most of all the gospel! A few of our New Year Resolutions for this year are to get out of debt, be a better husband and wife, gain a testimony & grow stronger in the gospel and closer to our Heavenly Father, and to get healthier and in shape.

The Sunday after Christmas we left to come back home. We brought along Paige, Cam, and their friend Rachel. They stayed with us for a week. While here Cam and Rach had fun making hats, they even made one for Gemma! We were even able to celebrate the New Year with them. We went down to St. George and ate at a place called Pirate Island Pizza. The food was really good I thought, especially the breadsticks. The inside of the restaurant was really neat! They had a cave entrance with skeletons everywhere, a swamp, a tiki hut, a skull rock, and a huge pirate ship with cannons that went off with lights and smoke, and they even had a thunder and lightning show with sounds and effects. It was so much fun to see everything! After we went & played blacklight miniature golf. It was so fun! Cameron was being kind and helpful by hitting everyone's ball into the hole except for his. They had a lot of fun posing with the hole themes. I laughed so hard the hole time! Next we went to First Night which is a huge outdoor party thrown by St. George City. They had Rock Band contests, rockwall climbing, a skating rink, rides, food, and a lot of other things. We all signed our names on a big wall, took lots of pictures, and walked around and looked at everything. Rachel bought Cam a lightsaber that he absolutely loved. She also climbed the rock wall. When we were heading back to the car they started off the fireworks. We couldn't see much cause the parking garage was in the way - but what we could see they were awesome! We then came home and played games until 2a.m. It was a really great New Years!

The next day mom came down. It was so fun having her here. She even played Mario Kart with us on the Wii. It was sooo funny watching here drive. She didn't do well but she gets an A for effort! I was laughing so hard while watching her. We all went shopping the next day. Mom helped me buy the most perfect thing! It is a little mermaid carousel sea horse! For those of you who know me I have always been in love with the little mermaid and I have collected carousels for what seems like forever.... so it totally fit me to a "T". Thanks mom!

I hope you all had an enjoyable New Year and we hope this year is a good one for you. We love you all!