Little Blessings

So my brother Spencer leaves tomorrow to the MTC! Crazy! I can hardly believe that. But I am fortunate enough to be the one taking him to the MTC. It is just easier for my parents that way especially for my Mom instead of going through the emotion of it all. She is already drained with one coming home and one leaving. And so I know I will just cry after I drop him off even though I will try and keep my composure while we are there of course but I highly doubt that. Haha. But I just love Spence so much and he has really turned into such a great kid and bro. I am so impressed with him and his kind heart. And since I am home in Mesa right now with not much to do, I am spending lots of time with him and I have done some shopping for my Mom while she is at work to get him completey ready. Last minute details!

But we had a cool experience today while we were at Walmart. I wanted to get him something nice and so I bought him the set of books they call the missionary library but he also wanted a new set of scriptures and so I just thought I would pitch in for that too but my funds are limited right now with not working and so I just figured I would take it out of my savings. So today while we were at Walmart, he went to the Desert Schools there to put a check in his checking account and while he was doing that with the bank teller, I just made the comment that we needed to go get his scriptures right after.

So we go to check out the stuff we bought at the store and the teller comes up to him and asked him about having to buy scriptures. He then asked Spencer if he is going on a mission and he told Spence that he went to Fiji and handed him $40 and said to put it towards his scriptures. It was so cool! I was so impressed and just right away wanted to do something nice for someone else. Goes to show it's contagious. And so we get to Desert Book, and I was just looking around at all the art work (I am a major sucker for art work at Desert Book) while Spencer and Danny were doing their thing and I saw this hanging on the wall.

I fell in love with it immediately and starting reading it to the boys and of course I got all choked up and started to cry and couldn't finish it. It's hard to ready from the picture but it says:

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited.

Yet in all things

It cannot criple love, it cannol alter hope.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

It cannot corrode faith; it cannot destroy peace,

For I am persuaded that neither death or life...

It cannot kill friendship, it cannot suppress memories,

Nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, depth

It cannot silence courage, it cannot invade the soul.

Nor any created things, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.

It cannot steal eternal life, it cannot conquer the spirit.

Which is in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

Isn't that just amazing! And it can apply to anything. Not just cancer. Those who have a mental illness, or other physical illnesses and diseases. It applies to the fear we have about the unknowns in life and doubts we face. But I love the part about not being able to conquer the spirit. I was fully aware that my physical body was messed up big time and I was sicker than a dog but my patriarchal blessing tells me that I am to learn how to allow my spirit to rule my body. And with that, my spirit cannot be conquered. It is our physical bodies that are subject to all the diseases and sicknesses of this world but it is our spirit that can remain clean and untouched if we but stay pure and worthy and close to our Savior. That is one major major thing I learned. And the cool part about this story is that since Spencer had that extra $40, he was insistent that I use the money I was going to give him for his scriptures to buy it to hang on my wall in my room. What a cool blessing! So pay it forward people!! Do something nice for someone else today. My fifth grade teacher use to always tell me, "Bekah...what comes around goes around." (But she used to tell me that because I was a major brat )but what a truth that is. What we do...affects other people. Try and do one good deed everyday and it's even more fun when it's anonymous. But if your roommate knows your handwriting...type it:)

Danny's home

Since I was still in Provo, I wasn't able to be at the airport when Danny got home so here are some pics of the exciting day. I called Spencer's phone right at 9:30am just to see where they were and what they were doing. I had to picture it all in my mind while I was heading to work. And my sister was going to blow up a picture of my face and put it on a balloon but didn't end up doing it. I thought that would have been so funny. But I was sad I missed out but I am home now and able to spend time with the fam and dan. Hey that rhymed. Anyways.. sorry but the pictures are in reverse order and it is 11:30 and I want to go to bed soon and I am too lazy to fix it.

Danny and Kaden





Mom, Spencer and Dallin. NOt quite sure what face Spencer is making. Such a goof in front of the camera you silly boy:)
Some things never change...
MOm and Kaden! He can finally say my name now and it is so cute! It comes out: Bakah! I love it! But it has been so fun having Danny home and just having everyone home pretty much. It's wierd to see him just walk in the room again. But he is the exact same Danny just looks a little older. Welcome home Danny! We sure missed you but are so proud of you and the great mission you served.

OLYMPICS!!!!!!!!

I love the Olympics! I love everything about them. I love the theme music, the Golden Spotlight moments, Bob Costas, and the late nights watching them with our beds in the living room. That’s right! We pulled out our mattresses and laid them in the living room. We are camping out for this. I just forget how much I love swimming and gymnastics. It just brings back so many childhood memories of thinking I was Dominique Dawes. I loved when the Olympics were on when I was little because it always made me that more excited to go to practice and try my flip flop on the beam. And I remember when the Magnificent 7 won the team gold and that was the same night of the swim championships and so my coaches were all watching on the deck with this tiny tiny TV. It made me so mad because I was swimming so I totally missed it! And I was more of a gymnast than a swimmer at age 11 and I totally missed the most exciting gymnastics moment of all time. Can you tell I am over it? My only claim to fame in swimming is I did take city that night in the 25 Meter backstroke but nobody cares about that. It's the summer league for crying out loud. I think my Mom accidentally threw away my medal when we moved.

Anyways...I think I have a tiny crush on Michael. Michael Phelps of course! Along with every other American girl in the country. But it just honestly blows my mind on what he is able to do in the water. Most swimmers master one stroke and a few events but that fact that he swims all four and so many different events along with relays and IM’s is just crazy! I don’t know how he does it! And for those that missed the relay Sunday night, I am so sorry for you. I think I lost my voice from screaming. Haley and I were going crazy! It was so amazing! It made me want to go put on a swim cap and goggles and go swim laps in the Avenues pool. Can you imagine me out there with a racing suit, goggles and cap swimming laps in the pool? It’s about 5 strokes and then a flip turn, 5 strokes, flip turn, 5 strokes, flip turn, 5 strokes, flip turn. See already bored. NOT EVEN WORTH IT! Has anyone ever seen the Jim Carrey Saturday Night Live when he is swimming laps in a hot tub? It’s a must see! Makes me think of that.

Well if you haven’t become an intense fan of the Olympics maybe you should start. Michael is swimming every night this week and 1 more gold medal will make him the most winning Olympian of all time. Who wouldn’t want to become a Michael Phelps and Beijing 2008 Olympics fan? Hello!

www.nbcolympics.com

Mens 4x100 Mens relay

Goodbye Is The Saddest Word!

Well the time has finally come to say goodbye to.....

Our dear love sac. For some reason Stacie felt like she could just come up here and take it away....I mean it does technically, kind of, sort of belong to her but whatever. But don't you worry, I did have one last bonding moment.....

Now you may all be thinking that it is rather pathetic to be posting about a love sac but I will have you know that we have all had many a good times in this baby! I will miss taking naps (even though Haley takes the cake on that one), reading my scriptures on Sunday mornings, watching TV and movies, and whatever else we would do. And the worst part is...this is our replacement.....

I know! Rather pathetic! But thanks McKell even though I don't quite fit in it the same.

I am very sad about this but Stacie on the other hand....not so much!

Haley is very sad too!

But like my Grandpa always use to tell me...change is like manure. It stinks but things grow from it. See I am much happier here but still not quite as happy as Stacie! But...if anyone is willing to buy us a new one, I will not oppose!

She's Back!!!!!!!!

Well Stacie came up this past weekend to spend time with us and I will tell you the other reason in a different post. Trust me, it deserves it's own sticken post danget!

Anyhow, I have really been looking forward to Stacie coming into town. I have missed her alot now that she is permanently living in Mesa. But I got home from work on Friday and we met Melinda at Cafe Rio and once agian it did not dissapoint. And sometimes I think we should branch out on our eating choice when we are all together but let's face it... we never will. We then rented, "Step up 2 the Streets." You better believe we did. I wasn't too excited about it at first, but I actually really ended up liking it. Then we went and helped Code move into her new condo not too far from us. She will be living there the next couple of months by herself until her and Jon get married in October. And it is going to be such a fun and cute place to decorate. And she will do a fantastic job!

Saturday morning we got up bright and early (9am) and went and hiked the Y. I forgot how many switchbacks there are and how steep it is. It definetly is a hike, not a stroll! And by the first switchback we were all wondering why we agreed to do this. But it took the place of my run for the day. Holy Heck! But it was great and we were pretty relieved when we finally made it to the top.

But first here is Stacie sporing some of Haley's shoes since she didn't bring her tennis shoes. They sure look good Stace!

And here we are at the top...finally!

Lena Skiing. You have to admit it kind of looks like it...without poles. Is that what they are called?

Melinda loves BYU!

AFter the hike we decided to go to breakfast but since Kneaders had stopped serving breakfast at 10:30 we went to Mimi's Cafe instead. I have been to Mimi's for dinner a gazillion times but never for breakfast and it was pretty good. And Lena with her freaken huge glass of orange juice. Cheers!

And then we did what we do best (besided eating out), laying out! And we just kind of, slightly helped ourselves to this flower raft. It was really funny to watch us attempt to all get on without pushing each other off. And it was pretty comfortable. But then some idiot on the 3rd floor thought it would be funny or something to shoot pellets at us with a pellet gun through his window. One hit Code in the arm, Stacie in the head and Kelli in the foot. I guess the girls were my shield because I didn't get hit. Thanks guys! I appreciate your protection. We then decided to throw a candle we found at his window, well Stacie threw it, but it didn't do much harm.

We then went to Jdogs for lunch. Stacie went to Jdogs and the rest of us got snow cones. I highly recommend Tiger Blood with Cake Batter Hawaiian Style.

Jenna Judkins finally married Whitney Neves and so Haley, Melinda and I really needed to go to the reception up in Salt Lake but when we got back, we all went to California Pizza Kitchen. I always feel bad for our servers becasue it's always on separate checks and our group is getting so big especially when you count in boyfriends and now fiances. If we all live close to each other (doubt it) when we are married, our poor husbands!

And finally for Sunday...we had a huge dinner with Kelli's chicken broccoli casserole and famous rolls. Code made an excellent fruit salad, Lena with a green salad and me of course...dessert. I love making desserts! I was so full by the time I was done with seconds and 3 rolls.

And then Stacie and I went on a walk while Haley and Devin took a walk too. But we went different ways. We didn't want them to come with us. Actually they didn't want us to go with them but whatever. Can you blame them? I always enjoy my walks with Stacie because we just always have so much to talk about. One of my fondest memories of New York was when Stacie and I spent the last day together. We walked through Central Park, ate Grey's Papaya Hodogs and it was great. We didn't have hot dogs this time or were we in Central Park, but it was just like old times. And she really has great advice. The day before Spencer Pierson and I broke up, I called her so upset because of all the mixed emotions and doubts I was having and I knew she would help me sort it out and talk about it and she did. I never told you thank you for that. So thanks Stace! But I call her about lots of things. She is a great one to have solve your problems for you. Well maybe not completely solve but at least she will be blatantly honest and sometimes beat sense back into you. Stacie is never shy in telling me when I am doing something retarded or completely out of my character or personality. Thanks Stace for always setting me straight.

But I am happy she was able to come up and spend a girl's weekend with us. And I am so proud of her. As much as I miss having her up here, she just got the coaching position for the girls JV volleyball at Mt. View and it is only a matter of time before she is the varisty coach. It is a very coveted position but she is a pro!

And stay tuned for the other reason she came up to visit. The pictures I took are so funny. The situation is not nearly as funny but the pictures are. It's a good thing I love Stacie because she just took away a very close friend of ours.

AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I need a break from my work?

A*age - 23

B*birthday – June 12^th. Don’t you think it has a nice ring to it?

C*candy or cake –um…candy probably but cake is good for Sundays; I recommend 101 things to do with a Cake Mix book you can buy at Desert Book

D*dessert you love –choc chip cookie dough ice cream

E*easiest person to talk to – I have a lot of good friends and my Mom of course

F*favorite song – Too many!

G*gold or silver - silver

H*habit – um….laughing to loudly sometimes

I*instruments you play – piano; I wanted to learn how to play the violin in 4^th grade because Neil Anderson was in the orchestra but my mom told me no and to stick with the piano

J*Job title – Student Manager/PR for legends; trust me, it’s not as great as it sounds but I get paid well.

K*kids – 5 or 6

L*love or lust - love

M*Married, single or taken – 50% single; 50% not sure yet; haha

N*next to you – my water bottle, computer manual for a script I have to write for a program we are working on, paper, phone, scanner

O*one wish – to own a baby grand (black)

P*person you called last – my sister

Q*Quotes – “women of New York…Frost yourself! Frost this!”

R*reasons to smile – I’m going up to South Jordan tonight

S*steak or pork - pork

T*turns you on – very dumb

U*unique talent- um….really can’t think of one

V*vegetable –cauliflower with cheese sauce; kind of defeats the purpose of being healthy

W*woke up at what time – 7:45am

X*xrays you have had – my hand, and I have had way to many PET scans and MRIs

Y*your favorite color – sage green; fuchsia; lavender; cream; cranberry

Z*Gemini

If you want to do this, Go for it! I’m just tired of staring at the same screen for work.

Again!!!

When did you meet the first person on your list?
Aileen and I first met in our ward I think when she and her husband moved in with her parents. And then she became one of the secretaries at Camelot while I was teaching piano there and so I would always go and talk with Aileen during my breaks and after school. It was so fun to talk to her about boys and life and she always had great advice! And she is dang funny. We would always laugh together.

What do you like about the 3^rd person on your list?
Something I like about Alisse…she is super friendly and nice. Even though we weren’t close friends in high school, every time I see her when I go home or a group of us goes out to eat, she is just so nice and I like spending time with her. And she is learning how to take really great pictures on her camera. So good job Alisse!

What do you like best about the 5^th and 6^th person on your list?
What I like best about Ana is her personality. She has such an awesome personality and is so funny. And I just have known her forever. I think she use to babysit us now that I think about it. But she isn’t a beat around the bush type of person which I appreciate because I can be like that too. But I just have always loved spending time with Ana because I always know it will be super laid back and fun. I miss her a lot!

What I like best about Anna? Well first off she is a super mom! She is the mother of triplets and they are the three most dynamic, energetic kids I have ever known. And her and Greg are amazing with them. They speak to them like adults, they don’t baby them and they have taught the kids proper manners and the way to treat other people. I have always been impressed with the kid’s vocabulary and how smart the three of them are. And I just love talking with Anna because she is really funny and we have a lot in common. I loved teaching the kids swim lessons because Anna would come and we would just have such a great time.

How long have you known the 9^th person on your list?
How long have I known Cami? Well maybe about 5 years? Whenever we moved into the ward I guess. But Cami is such a fantastic, faithful person and I really look up to her.

What impresses you about the 12^th and 13^th person on your list?
What impresses me about Heather is her creativity and sense of taste. Heather is the only person in the world I ever let do my make up and hair. She did my hair and makeup for my senior pictures and I got so many compliments on my hair and makeup. She is amazing! And she has really picked up and developed the talent for photography. I love her style and the class she brings into her work. In fact, I won’t let anyone do our family pictures expect her in August. I recommend all of you to her. Her photo blog URL is on my blog. Check in out! Oh and I can tell she is such a great mom!

I love Hilary Worthen! I know she won’t read this since she is currently serving a mission in Boston but I want you all to know how great she is. Hilary is a very strong person and tries her very best to remain positive and happy when the odds seem to be against her. It took a lot of faith and courage to go on a mission and I am so proud of her. She would be an awesome addition to our family so we will see what happens when she gets home. Sure love ya girl!

What is a memory you have of the 16^th person?
The memories of Jessica that I have are when we had Biology together with Ms. Blondis. Oh wow that was like a million years ago. She sat down next to me one day and just started talking and we hit it off and that is when we became friends. And I was in love with a kid on the baseball team and she was dating a guy on the baseball team and so one time we left class early and tried to go watch baseball practice. She is another one that I really admire and look up to. She hasn’t had the easiest road but she has persevered and remained good and faithful and it’s so great to see her so happy now. Another one that is a great mom!

What is something nice about the 20^th person?
Something nice about Julie….well Julie is very talented. She is an awesome homemaker and Mom and when we had a barbecue at their house back in May, I was so impressed with how nice her home was and the spirit that I felt there. Julie is so sweet and a lot of my teenage memories have Julie in them. She is a great girl!

I know tag Salena, Josie and Sarah