Temple Trip

We recently to the temple with our friends to do Sealings. I love going to the temple! It is the most amazing place you will ever go! While there the sealer shared his views on this wonderful ordinance that I thought were so beautiful and moving.

He looked down at the names and noticed they were from the 1700's. And began telling us how the words spoken never dull their meaning for him. How he pictures being in the pre-existence knowing all the steps we would need to take to return to our Heavenly Father. The Lord tells that there is a spot open for someone to come to earth. Someone happily volunteers. Our Heavenly Father smiles but then proceeds to tell them that at the time they will be born, the restored gospel will not be on the earth. They will not have the priesthood or any of the special ordinances which would allow them to return home. Those that volunteer take a step back with tears in their eyes. But then we stepped forward and said that we would do it for them. We would make sure all of those precious steps would be done for them.

He then said (with a smile on his face) "after this life, when we go through the veil and after we hug all our family and friends, just imagine all those whom we have done this work for, waiting and wanting to express their appreciation. Every one of them! What a reunion that will be!"

What a wonderful thought it is and such a great responsibility to us all to find those we promised to do that work for and do it!! I truly love this gospel with my whole heart! I know it is true and I know that my Heavenly Father loves us. I am so grateful for that strong spirit I felt and for the opportunity we had of being there at that time. I am so grateful to be sealed with Brent for all eternity and the blessing of being able to return to our heavenly home after this life.

Valentines

For Valentines we went with our friends to our favorite restaurant - Yummy Thai food! It was so packed with people and they only had one cook and one server! It took us about 2 hrs to get a table, order, and eat... but it was well worth it!! The food is amazing! Afterwards, Brent and I went home and just cuddled on the couch and watched a movie. We didn't really give gifts this year. I made Brent some "Sexy Cookies" which turned out awesomely and he bought me RED a few days before. That movie is so funny!

Love you Brent. Thanks for everything you do. I am so grateful to have you in my life and to have you as my eternal companion. I love having you as my best friend. I know married life has its huge ups and downs, but I'm glad that I have you to go through them with me! Happy Valentines Day sweetheart!

Time with family

My mom called us and pretty much told us we were coming up for the big Superbowl game. It was so much fun to go up (even on short notice) and be with my family. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did when mom tackled dad while he was getting his shoes, on and started tickling him. It was so good to hear dad laugh. After Dad went to the store and bought her flowers to let her know she would never get them again if she ever tickled him! And later when mom was aiming to make dad smile but by his account she was just trying to kill him with whipped cream. I was so glad to see my parents smiling! I was also able to play some video games with my awesome siblings. Our favorite is Little Big Planet. It is hilarious watching us all play together! The football game was pretty fun to watch (although I hate watching games on the TV. Stupid commentators!). I just wish the sound was better. Black Eyed Peas really didn't do well as a halftime show when the sound is off! It was so nice being able to spend time with my family. I love them all and miss seeing them.

Grandpa and his airplane

This is my grandpa with the airplane that took 6 years to build. Love you Grandpa!

Christmas and the start of 2011

This past year has definitely had its ups and downs and really downs, but through it all Heavenly Father has truly blessed us in so many ways. We hope at this time in your lives that you can look back and think of all the blessings you have in your life because of our Savior.

This year for Christmas we were able to spend it with my family. It was so nice to be able to spend the time with them. We got their early enough to help with dinner...which was absolutely delicious! We able to visit my Sorensen Grandparents and some Aunts & Uncles. We had our traditional Christmas Eve storytelling from my Dad while sitting by the fire. Every year he reads "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and the Christmas story from the scriptures. There is such a wonderful spirit there when we gather as a family to remember the true meaning behind this season. All of us kids then camped out in the family room playing games and watching movies way into the night.

The favorite thing about Christmas for my mom is when she gets to wake us up and takes a picture at us all being half asleep. Then we all race up stairs to the the beautiful tree and presents. After presents we all eat blueberry waffles for breakfast. It was such a wonderful Christmas just having fun and spending time with my family. The presents we got were wonderful, but even if there were none, just the feeling the love of my eternal family and from my Heavenly Father would have been enough. It is truly the most wonderful gift we have and will ever get!

For New Years, we stole my brother and sister to spend the week with us. I was able to take most of the week off due to Holiday and Vacation days my boss wanted me to use up (wish I had known that when my Dad was down - oh well). It was way fun just spending all day with them doing whatever. Mom and Dad came down on New Years Eve to spend the evening with us. They were party poopers and went to bed early, while the rest of us played games way past midnight. The best was when we were playing Uno and my sister finally caught onto why it is called Uno! and my brothers feeble attempts to put a blue 4 on a red 2. And our horrible bluffs during Malarky. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time. It was such a great way to bring in 2011!

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!