Las Vegas....

Tipper and I rarely have the same day off, so when we both found out we had Tuesday off we decided to go to Las Vegas. We had a blast!! The weather was a perfect 75 degrees!! We walked up the strip and enjoyed the sun! At one point we were both hungry (more me then him) but we were planning on going to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner so we wanted to get something small to hold us over. We stopped and tasted some Gelato, and decided that what we would get some to hold us over. We picked two flavors to share and when went to pay we discovered that our small thing to hold us over cost $18 for our small cup!! We laughed and enjoyed the most expensive ice cream we've every eaten!! It was overall a great day!! We have alot of fun with each other!!! He really makes me laugh!!

waiting for the water show to start. We waited forever, then the one they showed was dumb!!

This is at the end of the day at CPK.

Trying on Harry Potter hats at the Toy Store. Yes we are Dorks!!

Happy Valentines Day....

Since I can remember Valentines Day has been my favorite holiday. I think it steams back to elementry and making Valentine Mail Boxes. I just have loved it!! Plus when we were little my Mom always made Valentines special. She would dye our waffles and milk pink and decorate our mirrors. Plus you can't go wrong with heart shaped sugar cookies (yummy!!, another fav) I LOVE IT!! As I have gotten older, I stil have loved it!! I guess you can say I am a hopeless romantic!! I look forward to this day every year!!

So I wanna wish every one out there a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! Regardless if your single, married, dating, or whatever!! Enjoy this day of LOVE, even if you aren't in love!! I know I will!!!

Quick Trip..

(the crew, minus dad he is taking the picture)

This past weekend most of my family (everyone minus Jake & Wendy & kids, we missed you guys), made their way down to my neck of the woods. It was Courtney's birthday so they decided to come down and celebrate in the sun. Although it turned out to be rainy it was still warm. The boys spent the day fourwheeling and dirt biking and the girls just shopped!! It was fun!! I love it when they come to visit. Thats the bad thing about living down here, I miss my family so much!! But its always fun to have the come and sad to see them go!! LOVE YOU GUYS!! Ps. Happy Birthday Court!

Sleepover...

This past week I had four days off so I headed up north to spend some time at home. One night my niece Jadi and I had a sleepover. She loves sleeping at my parents house, so often when I come home she sleepover. Although, sharing a bed with a four year old is not the easiest, especially one that snores and hogs the bed, we had a great time. The next morning, both my parents had places to be, so Jadi and I hung out. She took a long bath, long enough for her fingers to get bumpy (that was her request). Then we got ready together. We had fun putting on makeup and also doing our hair the same way. I can't tell you how much I love this little girl. She is so smart and funny!! I love to watch her! She talks and sings all the time!! I miss not being able to see her everyday. Recently she discovered which numbers on my sisters phone is the speed dial to each person. I often get phone calls from Jadi telling me about her day. I LOVE IT!!!

I also got to spend the day with both my sisters and Mom just hanging out at home. We watched each of their wedding videos and laughed at old pictures. We even broke out some old family videos. It was fun and relaxing. Then we went for a long drive "all in the name of yogurt" We drove clear out till we found a Spoon Me. It was a good few days off. Then my parents made their was down to St. George with me to bring down my new kitchen table (pics soon to come)!! Thanks Mom and Dad for hauling and helping me put it together! Love ya!!

This is Jadi and McCord at Spoon Me. Check out McCords killer boots. He refers to them as "no boots" (snow boots) He wears them every where!! Aren't they both so cute!!

Blind Faith and Scattered Ducks....

This last week I have thought a lot about life and more in particular my life. I was think about a time in my English class in high school where we had to write a paper about where we thought we would be in 5 years. Those of you that know me, know that I am a huge plan person. I love to have a plan, I like to know the plan and when my life goes not according to that plan I often struggle. I want to have all my ducks in a row when truth is my ducks are pretty scattered.

When I wrote that plan some 6 years ago I saw my life completely different. I saw myself married with 2 kids. Of course I had the perfect husband, house, money, etc. It was a fabulous plan and dream, but like life often does mine didn't go according to that English paper. Sometime I look at my friends from high schools blogs and see their cute kids, house, lives and I am extremely jealous. They have my ducks!!

Although right now I don't have the happily ever after ducks, I've come to realize I've got pretty good ducks. I have a wonderful job that I absolutely love!! A family that is a amazing! And I have learned how to make it on my own. I still don't know where I will end up or what my life will be 5 months from now. But I realize that it all depends on my attitude and how I view those ducks. I am determined that I am going enjoy my scattered ducks!!

I know that my life isn't the only life that isn't going according to plan. I know we all struggle and that we have to rely on faith. I think that having blind faith is probably one of the hardest thing that the Lord ask us to do. I read a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott the other night about recognizing answers to prayers. He said in that talk that the Lord wont let us fail. If we are living our lives in accordance to the commandments we wont fail. We just have to have faith and trust. He stated, "when the Lord withholds answers, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act."

He goes on to remind us about when the Lord asked Nephi to get the brass plates, he failed twice. But Nephi didn't give up. He was willing to keep going and to try a 3rd time because it was a commandment from the Lord, and I honestly believe he would of gone a 4th, 5th, even a 10th time. There are many times in my life where I feel like Lamen and Lemuel. I want to murmur and say to the Lord, "how could you ask me to do something and not provide the way!" I have to step back and try to be like Nephi. He refused to give up. Elder Scott said, "Nephi knew he was required to confide in God, to exercise faith, and to act so that he could receive help, step by step. He did not murmur nor ask for a full explanation. But, observe particularly, he did not wait passively for help, he acted!! By following spiritual law, he was inspired and given the power to act."

I hope that in my life this next year I can be more like Nephi and less like Lamen and Lemuel. I want to act and to keep trying with blind faith. I know that the Lord doesn't want any of us to fail, and He doesn't want me to fail either, but we can't sit around passively waiting for our ducks to fall into place. We have to act!! There will still be times when one of my ducks get kicked way far out of place and I will want to quit. But I am hoping that it is at that time I will remember that the Lord is aware of me and their is a reason behind every action as long as we are living our lives and doing the best we can.

I hope you don't mind that I share these thoughts with you. Sometimes I have to write things down so that when I am having a Lamen day I can look back and read what I truly believe. As for me right now I am just going to try and enjoy the ducks I've got!!!

My 9 New Years Resolutions for 2009....

My friend asked me the other day if I made any New Year's Resolutions. I hadn't really thought about it, but I decided I should make some and maybe if I post them and make them more public I will accomplish them!! (And then again its the thought that counts right?)


1. Quit Swearing. I know that is one of the most disgusting habits a girl can have, but ever since I've became a nurse I've been known to swear here and there. No I don't say major words and I am no sailor, but it is a habit that I am determined to break.




2. To go to the Gym at least 4 times a week or more :). Isn't this everyones goal? Well I try to go to the gym quite a bit but I am determined to go more often and more consistently. I even bought me some new running shoes!!




3. Shed a few (or 10) pounds! UGH!! I hate this one, but what needs to be done, needs to be done. Enough said.





4. Get a new Hobby!! Working full time as a nurse is only 3 days a week. Don't get me wrong 3-twelves often kick my butt, but it also means I have a lot of down time and days off. You can only clean so many days, and watch TV so much before you don't feel productive. Since I have so much free time, I decided I NEED a hobby. So, I decided to take a photography class with my friend Lisa. Not sure if I will be any good, but at least its a start!!!






5. Really study my scriptures!! I have always been a good and faithful scripture reader. But some time I feel like I am just going through the motions of reading them. Since I have become the Gospel Doctrine teacher, I have learned what it means to really study them and how important it is. This year I am going to STUDY the scriptures!!




6. Go on a Real Vacation. Everyone always tells me since I am single I should travel. Of course I would love to travel, but its no fun by yourself. But this year I am determined to do some traveling! I don't even care if its small trips, I want to go somewhere!! Ok in big dreams I would love to go to Europe or some exotic Island!! And who knows maybe I will go to those this year. I do need some traveling buddies! So if anyone is interested let me know!!!







7. Meet the Man of My Dreams!! Hey its ok for a girl to dream big right?? Ok so this is a pretty out there and less obtainable goal, but lets be honest I didn't say I had to accomplish these resolutions just make them. Ha Ha!!






8. Be Happy with a Positive Attitude!! I have always been taught and believe that attitude is everything!! I sometimes have a rotten attitude. I often have the grass-is-greener-on-the-other- side-syndrome. I am determined that this year I am going to be happy with whatever cards I am delt it life. I want to look at my life as the glass is half full not half empty!!






9. Learn to Cook. One of the downfalls of being single is that I only have to cook for one. And since I am that one and can eat the same thing every day (breakfast: frosted mini wheats, lunch: sandwhich, dinner: sandwhich, go out, or tortillas) cooking isn't a priority. I'll be honest, I don't really like to cook or maybe its just I don't know how. (This could really put a damper on goal number 7, I'm hoping the saying 'a way to a man's heart is through his stomach' isn't totally true.) But I do want to learn. I talked to my sister Jami and she has given my some advice, recipes, and what to buy at the grocery store. And let me tell you, my old shopping list was a lot cheaper!! I am grateful for her wisdom and if anyone else has some good, quick (I'm not patient in the kitchen), easy recipes please share!!



Well there are my 9 goals/resolutions of 2009!! I am hoping that by sharing them with everybody I will at least be able to accomplish one or two off the list!! Maybe I will post an update on them in 6 months and let you know how they are going. Like I said though, Its the thought that counts right???

So Long 2008!!!

I have never been a big New Years Eve fan. Honestly, I have always thought it was a stupid holiday. Although I have no big exciting plans to ring in the new year with. (I work tomorrow, so I'll be getting up at 5 am. Not even sure if I'll make it to midnight.) I CANNOT wait for this year to be done!!! 2008 for me was a rough year!! I experienced many different changes and trials in my life. Some good, some bad, and some pretty rotten.

As I was driving back to St. George from Alpine today I was thinking about everything that has happened this last year. Though, it is so easy for me to remember all the bad, there were some good points too!! Thought I would share a few of my good, bad, and ugly of 2008!!

~Been graduated from college a year
~I have been a Nurse for a year!! I never thought I would make it this first year!! (and so far no one has died, knock on wood!)
~Owned my own car for a year (and I still totally love it!!)
~Learned that paying bills totally sucks, especially dentist bills.
~Made some incredible friends at work.
~Learned that family is so IMPORTANT!
~Realized I depend A LOT on my dad to answer questions.
~Learned that even when its hard and you don't feel like it PRAY!
~Fell in love with DVR
~Its hard to say goodbye to Roommates
~That I love warm weather!!
~It is possible to get over a broken heart
~Sisters are the Best Friends
~I am braver then I think
~To quit planning so much and to just live one day at a time.
~ It will all work out (my family's favorite saying to me)
~Attitude is everything.
~Looking back it is easier to see the blessings through the rough spots.
~Sometimes its good to just cry

.....and many, many more.

All I have to say is good riddens 2008!!! Hello 2009, I am crossing all my fingers and toes that you are better then the last. BUT if your not I'll try to enjoy the ride!!

I Hope Everyone Has A Fabulous and Very Happy NEW YEAR!!!

Four-wheelers, sleds, and snow!

Last saturday we loaded the four-wheelers and headed out west to go have fun in the snow! Even though it was FREEZING!! We had a blast!! I can't begin to explain how much i love my family. We always have fun together. We honestly enjoy spending time together. Here are some of the many, many photos that were taken!!

Merry Christmas...

Christmas was kinda weird this year. Its only Zach and I at home, so instead of waking up and opening presents, my parents and Zach and I woke up and headed out to the Christiansen's to watch Jadi and McCord. That was really fun. Christmas is so much more fun when your little. We then did the traditional breakfast at my Grandma and Grandpa Woodruff's which is always delicious!! Then at around one Linz and Kars, Court and Jami and their kids came to my parents and we opened presents. Santa did good!! I got a new ipod touch and a kitchen table and chairs that i've been dying for. (although, I am not sure how I will ever get them down to St.George). We then spent the afternoon eating, and having a fight with nerf guns. It was overall a fun Christmas. Thanks Mom and Dad!! Love you!

Christmas Tree again....

So, my Mom called and told me that my pictures of my Christmas tree were too blurry that i should repost them. SO here are a couple hopefully less blurry pictures. I'll be honest, I am sad that it is getting closer to when I'll have to take my tree down. I have really enjoyed it!!