A Tribute to Alison

About a year ago I decided to change wards. I had been attending my family ward serving happily. But I felt like a change was in order. There was a student ward meeting in my stake that I had attended previously a couple of times. I decided that I would turn from my family ward and immerse myself in this new ward.

I knew I had to work hard to make friends because I really didn't know a single person in the ward, no pun intended. Close to the very first Sunday there I met a lovely girl who was injured and having to wear a big boot on her leg. It took me forever to remember her name. I just referred to her as the girl on crutches. At length I finally remembered the name and engrained it into my head. Alison.

She is such an amazing individual. Her positive influence in my life has had a huge impact. More so than I think she will ever realize.

I believe the biggest example to me from her has been a love of the scriptures and personal scripture study. She often shares thoughts she gained from her personal study that day. I longed to have a similar experience. And only just recently have I re-evaluated my own efforts to study and it has been a wonderful blessing. I owe it all to Alison.

She recently started dating someone. After our many talks about life and dating, I can't help but smile every time I see them together. She is a very significant blessing in my life. I thank my Heavenly Father that I have met her.

Happiness

Sometimes at work I get to be there by myself and be my own boss. I love it! It does get a little lonely, but other times I just find myself being goofy as you can see by this self portrait that I snapped while having fun belting out to my favorite songs just before I opened. What can I say? I am slightly crazy when I'm by myself. I can let down all barriers and just have fun.

Nostalgia

It was about 3 years ago, September 5, 2006 to be exact that this picture was taken. I was finished with my time at the Provo Missionary Training Center and I was about to board a bus to the airport then board a jet to Chicago. I was extremely nervous. I had no idea what to expect. I was going to a place I'd never been to before about to be assigned a companion I'd never met before. It was scary, but I made it. Looking back three years later I feel like I am quite the different girl I was back then. I learned so much from serving a mission. It is the best life training I could ever have. It was the best decision I made.

Yesterday we received an exciting phone call from a nervous 19 year old in Provo. Josh had finally received his visa and was heading to Scotland that very day. Though he was quite scared, he was also very excited. I know he will be an outstanding missionary. The growth and learning he will obtain will be priceless. The Lord knew what he was doing when he asked his young people to serve missions.

I Promise, the Story below really happened...

Rain

I LOVE thunderstorms. There's something magical and romantic about a loud boisterous thunderstorm with lightening dancing about. It brings me back to the downpours I experienced on my mission in Illinois. I remember one particular muggy day during the summer of 2007, my companion and I returned home after a long day of missionary work. The rain was soaking the city to soggyness. We looked at each other and got the most wonderful idea...PLAY TIME! Without even changing out of our skirts and blouses we ran out into the parking lot which was flooded with 6 inches of water, and danced all about. It was such a happy time! The rain in Utah is so rare that whenever it comes I revel in it and dance about and soak myself whenever I can. Long live the rain!

I Love to See the Temple

Yesterday I attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for the first time since it has been dedicated. I love this temple. It is minutes from my home. Rachel Teran and I did some initiatories for some of my family names that have been entrusted to me to complete. It was a wonderfully spiritual experience. I intend to return often. I can already see the blessings flowing in from having another temple in our midst.

Ah to be young again...

I had to share this video for my family and friends to see just how darn cute my nieces and nephews are when they play together.

Interesting Read

As I stated in a previous post, I am now installed at my new location of Jordan Credit Union. This week I have had much downtime, so I read a book recommended by a friend of mine called: "Howl's Moving Castle". I was a bit skeptical at first. I haven't read a children's book of this nature for many years, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was riveted on the book near the end agonizing to find out how the story would resolve. I would recommend it to anyone who would like a good easy, yet intriguing read.