12 Days of service Continued

This month has been to fastest month ever! Why does December have to go so fast. I am so lucky that I decided to do 12 random days of service, had I not done that, I think I would have let the season go by without even thinking of others... OK so maybe that's not totally true but it was nice to point out a couple of things I did do.

You know I started with helping my grandparent put up their tree... Still so happy I was able to help them with that. It made my night. The next thing I did was on 11/30, I went to the temple and then did some babysitting for my mom, so she could get some Christmas stuff done.

12/4, I went visiting teaching with my mom. She's got some amazing sisters that she visits, I had a blast. I even got a littel gift from Sister Sickle! She gave me freeze dried sausage, made some Lasagna with it... sooo good! Thanks for asking me to go mom, I had a lot of fun.

12/10, I went and got Grace Stankosky and my mom and we went Christmas shopping and then made some yummy goodies for Christmas. Love love Grace, she such a good little example to me, I loved spending the day with her.

12/11, Made dinner for my family. That yummy Lasagna I talked about earlier. It was the first time I made lasagna too! My family loved it, so it was even better.

12/16, Went to work with my mom. Cleaning the temple is always a good experience, the spirit is amazing, even while you are cleaning. I was also the first one to tell mom Happy Birthday!

12/17, My friend Wendy Rosser got married and she asked if I would help by making a roast for her reception. Oh that roast smelled so yummy... haha tasted yummy too. So happy for Wendy.

12/20, The Stallion Mountain ward was giving Walmart gift certificates to needy families and I was able to help contribute to that. I hope families had a good Christmas.

12/22, Took a package to the mail box office for Doug. Seriously thought that would have been a crazy experience but it was super fast an easy.

12/23, Went back to work to help Karessa and Elaine. They weren't able to balance their vault and they weren't sure of the transaction messages they were getting, so I was on my way back out and headed down to help. I helped a little and even think we found the problem, but wasn't sure when I left. I hope they found it.

12/27, Was a listening ear. Staci asked for some help and I gave her some talks and a little advise to some things that helped me. I hope they work for you Stace... I love ya!

12/29, Last but not least! At the begining of the month I was telling my home teacher Steve Bloxan about my extreme this month and he told me that I should also let someone serve me. Well, he just happen to be that person. He made my day! I had plans to go and fill my tires with air because I would be going out of town the next day. When he texted to see if he could come visit, I told him that I was going out of town and that I couldn't meet. He asked if he could come and check my tires and infact wouldn't let me say no. So... He met me at the Sunrise Market and he filled my tires. That kid was even in church clothes. I think he said he was going to the temple. LOL He was just filling tires, so he said it was ok. He's so funny. He is such a good home teacher, I am one lucky girl!

What a month, I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve. I try to serve on a regular basis but when ya just pick out something in your day it makes a huge difference. Thanks to everyone who let me serve them!

Love ya!

12 Days of service

I have decided that my extreme for the last month, will be to do 12 RANDOM days of service... It gives me the ability to serve through the whole month, instead of just half of the month. Not that I would just stop serving but I am able to spread it out and not get to stressed out about it, if I cant do something the next day. So, that's why I am doing random days, plus... it just fits my personality, I can be a little random at time... I mean, did you just read my last post... I went SKY DIVING!!! RANDOM... LOL

Anyway, So I am going to do service. Maybe I will end up getting something exciting in there for the month, but I don't know... We shall see.

So, I started my 12 days last night. I know it's not even December but how do you tell you grandparents that you need to wait until December 1st the actually come over and help... That's a big negative ghost rider. I called to see if I could come over and help sometime this week and it just worked out that Grandpa needed help last night. Help is what I gave! I helped him set up the tree and get it all plugged in and lit up and then decorated it. According to Grandpa all he was planning on doing was getting it out of the seller, so we got a lot accomplished!

I had such a good time. I want to find a husband like Grandpa. He loves this Christmas season and would love for it to last at least a month and a half. I love the fact that he's not a Scrooge, that he loves to make his home pretty, and be able to enjoy doing it. That's a pretty awesome quality in a man... Go figure my Grandpa would have that quality... he is awesome!

It was fun to hear stories about some of the decorations, where they came from and who made them. Oh the memories Grandma has sometimes. It was fun to joke around with Grandpa.... haha we were decorating the tree and had turned off the lights, so we could see where we should put the decorations. LOL As he was hanging some, he says " Grandma, we've got some lights out over here." LOL I looked at him and said, "Grandpa, of course you do, we turned them off." LOL he had forgotten we turned off the lights... LOL I caught Grandpa that time, lol gotta love the Senior, senior moments. lol

I had a really good time and was super glad that I called when I did. Grandma and Grandpa need help right now. Grandma is still trying to get back to normal from breaking her hip and so, they need all the extra help even more. Anyway, I can't wait until my next service... Until Next time... Love ya!

Sky Diving

November 19, 2011

So, I actually did it! I went SKY DIVING! I was 15,000 feet in the air and I jumped out of a plane... AAAHHHH It was the most amazing thing ever. I didn't feel like I was falling, I knew I was falling but it really felt like I was flying. What a thrill! When the parachute came out I felt like I should be falling faster and I just floated. I did feel like I was going to puke.... I think everything finally caught up to me and once I was floating down, it was starting to settle... Not to worry, I kept everything under control. I made a great landing and I even ate a little once we were done.

The plane ride up, was the hardest part, I think. I just wanted to get the whole thing over with. My friend Sarah Manley went with me and she did tricks, me... no way, just wanted to do it and get it done, floating down was all I had in mind. Maybe next time I will do a trick or two. Yep, I said next time! I don't have any plans of going again right now but if someone asked me, I would probably do it.

I wish I would have gotten video from the bottom, my mom and dad said it was pretty amazing to watch from the ground. Oh the ground... Oh how happy I was to see and touch the ground and not be smushed to the ground. LOL it was a running joke around our house, when I finally bought the ticket to dive. My mom asked if I had my funeral planned and my family members were asking if they could have things... lol Sorry guys, I get to keep all my stuff. I did also tell my instructor, that I loved him, once I was safely on the ground... lol

So, I did the extreme of extremes... It was AMAZING and I am living to tell about it! Love ya!

Singin' Solo

Ok... So, I didn't get to do anything for September, somehow that month just got away from me. When I wanted to do my September extreme, I couldn't because of the weather and it was the last day of the month. So... Sorry, no Extreme for September.

However, October was different. I kinda had two but one was a bit more nerve wracking than the other. I sang a solo in sacrament on Ocotber 23. I was so nervous, I can't even begin to describe it. I love to sing but I do just fine singing in a choir or even just a duet. I don't know what it is but I just don't like doing it all by myself. Maybe it's just that I want someone else to look bad with me. LOL not really I guess I just don't like doing things alone I suppose. hmmm

Anyway, I sang I Stand All Amazed and Sarah Potts played the piano for me. We practiced for the week and it was the craziest week ever... just because of the nerves... I was praying through out the week that both Sarah and I would be able to sound good together, that the Lord would be satisfied with our work. I asked for a lot of help that week... trust me. Then the day came and I was still asking for help. I knew, I just needed to relax and breath and that the Lord would take over. That is such an amazing feeling! I was nervous when I first started but then was able to control myself and sing beautifully. All the Lords doing... ALL.

I recieved a lot of compliments, I think that, that is the hardest part. I would rather just do it and be done and just blend right back in, doing the Lords work. It was however, an amazing opportunity. The sacrament talks that day were on Testimony and singing that song, felt like I was singing my testimony. I did start to cry when I started singing, not because of nerves, but because of how I really do, Stand All amazed at the Love Jesus offers me. The words of that song mean so much. Even now as I write, I think of the meaning of some of the words in that song. How blessed am I, to have a Savior, who loves me and has died for me. The work that I have done is, or will be sufficient enough for him and because of that, his Atonement will cover me. Amazing words!

I know that I was helped that day and I know that I was given a talent and that I should use it more. Will I sing solo's all the time... probably not... but I will try and use this talent to the best of my ability and if that means singing a solo again, I will.

My other extreme was Microdermabrasion... I won a raffle and got a $300 gift certificate and so I went and had my first treatment in October. Not scary, actually kinda cool. Not something I probably would have just done all on my own... So, I'm counting it. Hopefully by the time I am all done, my face wont act like it's still 15.

Until next time! TTFN

Flyin' Solo

So, this month my extreme wasn't probably what everyone would call so extreme. However, it's just not my favorite thing to do by myself. I drove to Arizona all by myself. Why was it an extreme? Well because I have never really taken a road trip, or any trip for that matter all alone. So, that was part of the reason. I also am... um... slightly directionally challenged. For any who may not know, my very first experience driving to Arizona, didn't go so well. It has really kinda scard me... LOL Other state freeways are just not my strong suit. LOL Oh good times... lol

So, I headed out on Thursday August 11, with my trusty GPS and I made my way to Gilbert Arizona... I had a really great time there. I stayed with my friend Lars and his dad Gary and we just had some good times. I also went down there because I wanted to get some face to face time with some credit union managers. Yep, I went down job searching. I had one place that actually turned out to be great. I had an on the spot interview and it lasted 45 mins. Not sure if anything will happen, just because they weren't hiring right now but it sounded promising that there could be one in the future. So, cross your fingers because I really do think I want to move.

I guess that changes one of my main goals of my extreme 30 though huh... wont be buying a house probably but I still could be moving. AZ just felt like it was the right place for me. So, we shall see.

Anyway, while I was in AZ I golfed... and got pretty frustrated at myself but am now determined to get better at it. I went to a beautiful Desert Botanical Garden, had some yummy Lars cookin... let me tell you, it was YUMMY, and just hung out. It was so nice to just relax. I made it back to Vegas safe and sound and am really looking forward to going back... Hopefully soon!

Will I take another road trip alone???? YES!

May June July

I don't know what I was thinking, when I said I was going to blog about my extremes... I am the worst at keeping up on things every month. I'm good at it for a couple months and then I suck... So, I'm sorry that I haven't blogged about my extremes for the past 2 months BUT I do have some pics and will share them with you now.

MAY: My friend Erin and I ate at one of the road side Taco stands... Always kinda wanted to, but uh wasn't and still am not to sure about them. But I did do it. The Tacos were super Yummy... Still not sure I would do it again though. Good luck to all you Entrepreneur's out there though!

JUNE: June was a blur to me. It was a crazy month. I think I actually had two extremes but I kinda only remember one. Ok so, I'm not so proud of it either and I have to say that I had fun but will probably never do it again. I played the Penny Slots and I blew 20 bucks... It wasn't my money but non the less, I didn't go home winning.

JULY: With a couple of my friends, I went and did theFlight Line, Zip line down on Fremont St. All week I was totally excited about it. I got there and I will admit I kinda started to sweat a little about it but I was good. It totally rocked! It's kinda cool to fly over peoples heads. Now I really want to do the zip line in Costa Rica. Do you know how awesome it would be to go through the jungle on a zip line... Amazing! Thanks Steve, Seriza, and Becca for going with me!

I just have to note... That I am a little more than half way through the year and I have kept up my extremes! It's been a pretty cool experience actually. It really gives me something to look forward to and I am trying things that I may or may not have ever done. Who says that because I'm 30 I have to be depressed! It's been a great year so far. Lots of different things I have to figure out but it's apart of life and I might as well have a good time while I am trying to figure things out.

Extreme Homemaker

Ok... So, I did do an extreme this month... just didn't blog until the very last day and even the very last minute... almost. I decided that I would make different breads. I have learned how to make bread, but have never attempted it on my own, without the watchful eye of someone. haha

I made breadsticks and I made home made bread, and I will be starting a sourdough bread starter, in the next couple of days. I think I did pretty good actually. The breadsticks didn't look pretty but they tasted ok. I made 10 loaves of bread! I made bread 2 times in one week lol and it made 5 loaves each time. I think I love making bread now! No bread maker, just me and the hand held mixer!

I had a really fun time with doing this. It was pretty fun to hear the reactions from people, when they got homemade bread. It gave me the extra confidence boost, to know that I could keep doing it... hence the 10 loaves, instead of just 5.

Anyway, I am excited for this next month. Have no clue what I will do but I am sure I will figure something out and let ya know. Until next time... Keep it real!

Day 30!!!

Today I was to write down 3 places that I want to go and go there in the next 10 years. So I picked Italy, Alaska, and Back East... the church history tour. Those will be kind of exciting.

So, I can't believe I'm 30! It toally doesn't feel like it. It's been a great day though. Lots of birthday wishes. I got to see all 5 of my cute nephews today! I went to the temple! I went to Red Robin and Macayo's!! Life was pretty good.

This challenge has been pretty fun. Some pretty tough days but for the most part, I have learned that I can do a lot. I'm glad I did all of my challenges. I even decided that I will do the skip. So, starting Sunday, I have to read the Book of Mormon in a week! Crazy huh. But it will be a pretty extreme thing. I'm up for the challenge! Thanks Amy for being such a great friend. I don't think my life would be as good with out you! I love ya!

Day 29

First of all... HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! Next... I have to tell you that I was able to complete yesterdays challenge today! Tonight was a much better night to do it. I went and got 30 cans of 7 UP and passed them out to people at the park... 7 UP because it's a green can and it's St. Patty's day! Donny and I went around to people and I was very happy with the out come. The people were so nice.I didn't get the crazy vibe from anyone. haha Pretty fun!

So today I was to write 30 things that I was thankful for and then give them in a card to my parents. I liked that one too. I was able to reflect on a lot of things. Times are hard right now and sometimes it's just nice to look back and remember. Maybe just maybe you will remember how happy you were and keep working for how happy you could really be.

Day 28

Buy 30 cans of soda and pass them out to 30 different people at the park. UM... SO I didn't get to do this today. :( I don't even know what to do. I planned on doing it even. I had no intentions of using my skip, infact I didnt even. Because I work further away from home now, I didn't get home when I planned and then we had company for dinner, and then institute... Yeah not so sure what I should have done... I'm sorry guys... I was a slacker.

Day 27

Start today putting $30 a month into a special vacation savings account. So I did! lol if you break it down, it's $1 a day and it's $360 a month and it's $10,800 for 30 years. That would be awesome if I actually saved that much and still used that savings account. Just making sure I replenish. We shall see how it goes!

Day 26

Write a not of gratitude to someone who did something and thought that no one was watching. I decided to write a letter to mom. She is someone who is constantly doing things that really go unnoticed. She worries about us in the morning and makes sure we are up in time for work. She makes sure we are where we need to be, when we need to be there. She helps us when we need help and she love unconditionally, even when it's hard to. I'm super greatful she does all that she does. I love her to death!

Day 25

Bake my dads favorite cookie and give him a hug! What a good thing to do... Dads favorite cookies are Chocolate Chip, so it was super easy. I made him some yummy cookies, gave them to him warm, with a glass of milk, and gave him a hug! He desrves good things, so it made me happy to make them.

I ate the cookies too... not so good for me but if I die tonight... I will die happy... LOL

Day 24

Take a day trip! Hahaha Can I just tell you what my day was today. I had to work today and I ended up getting out 30 minutes later than planned! Then I had a bridal shower, which I totally won a prize! Then we had company come to town. Uh huh, So I was supposed to fit a day trip in my day.











I am happy to report that I totally completed my challenge. Chris and Jean totally helped me complete my challenge today. They came into town and I hadn't been able to go yet and they came along. We went out to Boulder City and walked on the new bridge. And if you don't think that will count, I actually drove on the bridge, went to Arizona first and came back... totally not planned but it worked out lol.








I totally got stopped for a random vehicle check too. LOL As many times, as I have been down that way and it finally happened. They make you pop the hood and pop the trunk. Nothin to great to see... LOL just some christmas boxes that I used for decorations. I think the guy thought maybe I had a gift for him. He didn't even open it. What if I really did have something worth checking. That Christmas box could have had some nice little illegal gift in it. What a check point huh. Good thing I don't carry anything illegal. HAHAHA






Anyway, the bridge was so beautiful. I would totally go again! It is an amazing sight to see. And the accidental drive to Arizona and back... Yeah it was like 2 mins. The drive time I think is totally cut down by like 20 to 30 mins... It's awesome. Thanks so much Chris and Jean for going on my day trip... I love hanging out with you guys when you come!

Day 23

Clean my bath room from top to bottom. Yuck... I hate cleaning the bathroom, but I suppose someones gotta do it. After all is said and done though, it's pretty! I'm sure our company will enjoy a clean bathroom while they are here hahaha.

Day 22

30 goals for the next 30 years. So, I was kind of afraid to do this challenge. Setting goals for me, is so hard sometimes. It's all a matter of just writing them down sometimes too. Again... My brain was going big, when in reality it doesn't have to go huge. Why oh why do I start out so big... lol At least I can bring it back down, and then realize I can still go big.

I'm not to sure I really want to put all my goals on here, but I did decide I would put some on here. As much as I didn't like the unplugged challenge, I know I really did love it. So I decided to go unplugged once a year, according to my needs, I will decide how unplugged I can actually be. I want to make a Patch work quilt and I want to learn how to sew, sew better I suppose. I'm going to learn a new recipe once a month for a year. I also want to make sure I am serving my family, So I will serve them daily. I want to see the sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean and I also want to go out of the country.

There's a few of the goals I set. I really do think that they are all attainable and I am actually able to work on them all the time or at different times. I am also able to do them with someone or do them alone. I will tell you my favorite goal... I always want to be happy with who I am. If I do that, I should be able to complete these goals with no problem. If I am not, I need to make sure I am working on these goals.

It's good to have a best friend who pushes!

Day 21

I had to clean my closet out and actually take the stuff to DI. That actually worked out quite well today. I was off and I was able to do it. I had just actually cleaned one side of my closet out a couple weeks before and so I didn't think I would actually clean my closet today but, the other side had a lot to offer as well... LOL I got 2 bags out of it. Apparently I collected purses too. I had almost one whole bag, that was just purses.

It's nice to have most of my closet cleaned out now though. One day when I actually move out, I will thank myself for actaully cleaning out before I have to pack it all. Oh yeah, I did actually take it to DI as well... So nice... Now I don't have extra stuff lying around.

Day 20

I love playing board games. Todays challenge was super easy. I had to call up some friends and invite them to play board games. So, Amanda, Brittany, and Cassie came over and with Donny we all played. We played Last word. Haha it never fails that when you have to think on the spot, you never know anything. It was still super fun. LOVE IT!

Day 19

So, today was kind of a freebie... I think. I did what I was supposed to but it didn't end up like it should or could have. I was suppose to go to any fast food drive in and when I go to pay for my order, I was supposed to pay for the car behing me as well. Well, every day I go to Sonic to get my mom her Diet Coke. Some days I have cars behind me, some days I don't. Today was one of the days I didn't. I even had to wait longer than usual. I was really kind of hoping someone would come, so I could pay for their order. When I pulled through I was even hoping someone was trying to order outside and nothin...

I'm not a fast food hopper, so I wasn't gonna make it happen somewhere else. Sorry... Do you think I can count the fact that I buy my moms drinks?

Day 18

Today I had to give 30 hugs! Sometimes hugs are warm and tight and they make you feel just right. If you can't snuggle up, the next best thing is to gather up! Hersheys Hugs... yumm... HAHAHA yeah I'm not a poet, but I tried. It was fun to give people Hershey Hugs today and to also get some real hugs! You just feel all warm and fuzzy!

Day 17

Walk or ride a bike everywhere you go today. Do NOT get into a vehicle. I'm tired today. I started my day out by going to clean my wards meeting house. Yep! Walked there. Thanks to Cassie, I didn't have to go alone. I'm not sure how far it is though. I'm thinking that it like 2 1/2 miles... so I got 5 miles in today! I didn't have anything else that I needed to do today, so it worked out ok for me today. However, I did help do the back yard and dang, I think that's what got me all tired. I'm ready for bed and it's 7:30. Anyways, I was able to get stuff done too. I made my birthday wreath. Amy and I were able to get those done. Super cute and fun!

Day 16

Make a nice dinner and take it to someone who is not in your family. Well, other than the fact that I had to work and maybe my dinner wasn't the nicest dinner you could have, I was able to do this challenge. I open my challenges up the night before, so I was able to to think about who I would like to take dinner into. Sis. Hardy in my home ward is all by herself right now. Pres. Hardy has been in the hospital and she goes back and forth to see him. I called her this afternoon to see if I could bring her something and she said YES!

So, my mom gave me the idea of making a BLT sandwich! Sounded good to me and Sis. Hardy was even more excited! I made some yummy berry fluff to go with it too! I was happy to make her a meal. I wish I could have done more but I did what I could. I love the Hardys, they are some pretty amazing people. I will miss seing President Hardy. I have learned much from him. I feel that I will learn much more from Sis. Hardy, when he does pass. She is a strong woman and she knows the gospel. What a good challenge!

Day 15

Today was a lot better for me. I had to e-mail, call, or text someone in my contact list, that I want to get to know better. Heck most of the people in my contacts are my friends so of course I would love to get to know them even better. I talked to my friend Diana today. We've been friends for years and years but I don't hardly ever see her. So, I was able to catch up with her and see what's going on. She's buying a house this year too and she's just trying to live as happily as she can. It was super good to talk to her and see how she was doing. Good day!

Day 14

Donate money to a non profit organization that you have never donated to before. So, I will be honest and I suppose this will sound bad but I think if you are going to donate it should be something that you want to do. Not that I don't want to donate, it wasn't something that I had been thinking about and I had a day to figure out who I really wanted to donate money to. I probably sounds super selfish and really I'm really not trying to be that way, it just wasn't something I was prepared for. So, it's probably up on the list of challenges I didn't like. Maybe if I would have had more time to make a decision and really want to donate I would be happier with it.

That being said, I did donate. I googled non profit organizations in Las Vegas and I found 3 square meals. I have heard of them and kind of knew what they do. They really do help quite of people out and you can obviously give more than just money to help them out. But if I was going to help with anything, I would want to make sure a family is able to eat as a family. In the future and as I get to know more about them maybe I will donate more time and service and even money. I set up to get more info on them and so, I am genuinely interested in who they are and what they do.

Ok, so now that I sound like a jerk :/ I guess we shall see how tomorrow goes.

Day 12 & 13

So, Day 12 I was challenged to be UNPLUGGED! I couldn't use my phone, no texting, no e-mailing, no tv, no radio, nothing electronically entertaining, unless it had to do with work. So, I will be honest. I kinda had a bit of a meltdown. HAHA Lars was probably laughing his butt off at me. I know he was actually but in the end I think I just had to get it out of my system. My phone is a safety net for me. I text a lot but it's not something I have to do. I love to talk but again, it's not something I have to do. However, I am still addicted to my phone... obviously... because I had a small meltdown haha. You will be proud of me, I didn't use the skip! I went a full 24 hours plus without using my phone, unless it was related to work.

I think the hardest part of my day was my driving. I actually had to go to another branch for a meeting, which meant I had to drive a lot further. I love listening to music and for the most part it's my church music anyway. So, not listening to any was kind of hard, when I really didn't have a whole lot on my mind. So I decided that I would take my little hymn book with me and find songs I could sing. The song that really made me greatful for my day yesterday, was Count Your Blessings. The words of that song are perfect! If ever you are down, sing that song and then count your blessing and then sing it again. Last night I went through and wrote down my blessings. I'm very blessed, richly blessed I would even say. At the end I felt like being unplugged really plugged me into where I needed to be.

Thanks to some of my wonderful friends they did try and tempt me. I got a couple of texts from them and I will tell you, that I didn't even look at the messages until this morning when I woke up. To think that they could really tempt me like that. HA... Amy you know me better. ;) I knew I could do the challenge, I was just felt like I was super detached for that "JUST IN CASE" moment. Over all it was a great day!

Today I had to write a letter to my grandparents. I liked that. It's nice to send a note to the ones you love. I like to get unexpected things, so why wouldn't someone else. When they get it in the mail, in the next day or two, I'm gonna be super excited to just know they will feel a little extra love. I am greatful for who my grandparents are. They have created a good solid foundation for my family and I know it's because of them that we are who we are today. Things aren't always so sweet and joyful but it is because of them that we are even here and for that, I am most greatful. Today was a great day!

Day 11

Watch the sunrise... haha Do you know how early the sun rises haha. It actually wasn't to bad. I got up at about 6 and was able to watch it for about 45 mins. However, this morning I didn't get to see too much. It actually snowed on my side of town last night and we still had lots of cloud coverage. Sunrise Mountain was georgeous though! I did get to see the sun peak through some clouds, not to much though. It wasn't until about 8 I think, that the clouds were gone and you could see the sun. Sorry I don't have a pic today. I took one but it's not that great. It was a beautiful gift today though. Loved it!

Day 10

Watch the sunset! I was actually a bit worried when I had this challenge today. It was overcast for most of the day and depending where you were at it was raining. I was really hoping that I would have a glimmer of hope. My goal for this 30 day challenge is to NOT use the skip day... What's the extreem in using a skip! So, at about 4:30 this afternoon, I checked outside and this is what I saw!

This picture really doesn't say anything for how it really looked. In person it almost looked like an oasis. I'm so greatful for Gods beauty. It reminds me of how much he loves me, because I love to see beautiful things.

Day 9

Todays challenge was to watch wildlife in nature. To be quite honest, I had no clue what I should do with that. It's not like I could go and just watch animals after work... BUT I am in Las Vegas and almost anything can happen in Vegas! So after some interesting conversations with my co-workers, I decided I would take their advice and go to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay! I decided I would invite my nephews too! Michelle and Ryan Jr. and Timmy came with me!

Ryan was so much fun. He loves fish and this was like a playground for him! He couldn't get enough. We took lots of fun pictures.

We found Patrick!

The Stingrays are so cool to touch. Ryan wasn't so sure about them though.

I have always thought Jelly Fish were pretty cool. Weird living creatures, not really sure why they are around but they're are just kinda cool.

I loved being with the boys, it was a ton of fun! I'm glad I could share my challenge with them. Good Times!

Day 8

Try a new restaurant! Well, I went to Fire Fly's. My co- workers told me about this place and I thought it sounded pretty good. I'm glad I listened, it was a really cool place to eat. Kind of loud but still has some great food. Not badly priced either. Most of the stuff you buy is like an appetizer and I don't think anything on the menue was over $10.

I had the warm Spinach salad that was Amazing... Probably the best thing I had for the night. It had peppers and artichoke hearts, pine nuts, and fetta cheese on it... so YUM.

Then these yummy meatballs that I couldn't pronounce there name haha... Spanish food is hard to say some time haha. They were called Albondigas, though. Super good!

Next I had Stuffed Tuna Peppers. Spicey but yummy. My friend shared some of her Thai beef salad that was super yum too. Do you get the dirft, that I really think this food was yummy... hehe

Then Erin and I finished it off with an amazing peice of chocolate cake... Betty you are the DEVIL... But thank you! Chocolate "tres leches" cake... oh you could have died and gone to heaven... It was that good!

Day 7

Today I had to google birthday traditions and start a new family tradition. Can I just say I am so glad to be an American! As I was researching birthday traditions I founds some rather interesting traditions. For your pleasure I will share them with you... hahaha

Kenyan Birthday Traditions: When a baby is first born , the mother takes the baby strapped to her back into the thorn enclosure, where the cattle is kept, and there, her husband and the village elders wait to give the child his or her name... yikes!! For real! I am so all about having a name picked out before hand haha!

Indian Birthday Traditions: On a Hindu child's first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing of renewal of the soul. WHAT! So they automatically think that their child could be of the devil... I'm so glad I know that a child is born perfect and that it doesn't need to be cleansed at birth or at anytime before they are 8! In there behalf, they did have a nice tradition as they were older. They also got to where colorful clothing when they went to school and pass out chocolates to everyone, so they could all celebrate. They also kneel at their parents feet to show respect. I like that part... at least they show respect to those who brought them into this world... Still not sure about the shaving head part though.

So, the tradition I did end up picking after reading those crazy ones, was to make a balloon wreath! We can hang it out on the door for everyones Birthdays! I think it would be kinda fun, then people would know that something fun and exciting was going on that day. LOL
I happen to actually stumble on to the site that told about the balloon wreath... After I read about it and I thought who would really make something like that, besides Mormons... lol I looked at the site I was on... HAHA I was on ldssplash.com... lol Yeah, I know my people! AND I'm totally gonna make one... I can't wait to go and get the stuff for it this weekend!

Day 6

Change someones life... As always I am thinking huge when I thought about this challenge. I did pray that I would be able to help someone today and even be a good example to people around me. I also felt like I needed to put a Book of Mormon in my bag, I thought maybe I would have one of those random missionary moments today But... I didn't lol. I actually was kind of feeling like I wasn't going to be able to do this challenge. Today I was kinda stuck in an office doing training, so I barely was able to even talk to people. However, it turned out that I had 2!

The first one, I had texted a friend asking if he had any ideas on how I could change someones life. His response to me was no, but you could change mine, I could use a lift today. Usually Ihave something good for him, like a funny story or even a good quote... I had nothing! So, I just told him that I loved him. Not sure that's what he needed but he was happy to hear it! Not sure it was really life changing but if it made him feel better, I'm happy with it! I know that when I hear that someone loves me, it makes me feel just a little bit better, even if I'm happy at the moment.

The next was a work thing. I offered a pretty sweet deal for the member. I helped him pay off 2 loans and lowered his interest rate and his payment for the loan that we consolidated into. LOL after we were all done, I said, " I changed you're life today!" He agreed and it was done! I changed someones life today.

I love that I think huge sometimes and bring it back down to size. It just goes to show that it's the little things that make big changes over time!

Day 5

Watch your favorite movie!! That's a hard one... So I watched 3... LOL Because today was a holiday I was able to relax a little. I watched When in Rome... Love that movie, super cute! Then I watched Radio... That movie just makes me smile. It's so good. The last one was Sweet Home Alabama... Who doesn't just love that movie! Such a cute love story, I am such a sucker sweethearts. It's been a great day though!

Day 4

Today I had to research the word Goals on LDS.ORG. I wasn't really sure where I needed to go with this one but I'm really glad that I found the article I did. I found an article from the Jan 2010 Ensign by Elder Holland. I love love love Elder Holland. The name of this article is The best is yet to be.

In this, he started out by saying that he didn't want to talk about new years resolutions and when I started reading this, I wasn't really sure this could work for goals. But because of what is going on in my life and the things I feel like I need to do, it helps to set myself, my goals in order. He urged us strongly to let go of the past. He said not to dwell on the yesterdays, no matter how good those days might have been. The past is to be learned from, not lived in. I love that! I cannot tell you how many times I have thought to myself that I just wish I could go back to something because it seemed better at the time.

In this article he talked about Lots wife, he took us back to Somom and Gumorah. He taught that the reason why she looked back, wasn't because she wanted to see what was going on, but that she yearned to be back in Sodom and Gumorah. She didn't have faith in what was yet to be for her, she didn't trust in what the Lord had in store for her. I really felt, that I didn't want to be like her. I don't think I want to even look back to see what happened. I really want to just have faith, that the Lord with take care of what needs to be done. He goes on to talk about faith. Faith is always pointed to the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficaciousin our lives.

Elder Holland then spoke of Paul and what he had given up. Pauls said that giving up all his riches and position in the Jewish community is like Dung. He would rather have the Christianity. Paul also said; I have stopped rhapsodizing about "the good old days" and now eagerly look toward the future, that I may apprehend that for which Christ apprehended me. That is so me sometimes... To many times I want the good old days and forget what I have before me. It's ok to think about the past but not to live in it. Those are happy times but we must progress.

He taught us to forgive and forget, ourselves and others. We should not dig up things of the past. We should hold on to just enough, so as to not do wrong again but to let that which has been buried through repentance, stay buried. Something that he said and that I loved was, God doesn't care as much as to where you have been but he does care where you are at now and where you are headed and willing to go. If we repent, the Lord will forget and just wants us to keep moving forward. He wants us back!

Every day out to be a new start of a new year and a new life! Every day I can wake up and look towards the future. I can set new goals or adjust myself to the goals set previously. Elder Holland finished by saying; We wonder what the future holds for us. Are we going to look towards it or look back. and dwell in the past. He called out to us, to remember Lots wife. Faith is the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the "High Priest of good things to come." Keep your eyes on the dream, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever.

I don't know how much this really is about goals but it helped me to think about my goals. I have to continue in faith. Faith is a hard thing sometimes and I know that my goals this year require a lot of faith. Just when I think I have faith, I realize that I need even more. The Lord does push me to go further. He knows that I can do hard things and so do I, with faith in Christ.

Day 3

So today I was suppose to donate my time. You wouldn't think that would be so hard to do, but today it was! I kinda of had to think creatively. I didn't do what you would normally think, like go to a soup kitchen and help out or even do a service project. Today, I had to work and then I had a friend receiving her endowments at the temple and then we had Blayne's open house. I had about a 3 hour window.... Not a lot of time to do anything. So... I decided I would help make some cookies. LOL wasn't really anything I planned or wanted to do. However, I did do them and I was able to still make my temple session. Sometimes when you donate your time, it doesn't just mean that you have to do something huge. I helped at home. Simple and fun.

Day 2

So todays challenge was to Eat something new that I have never had before. So after much thought during the day and some help from friends... I decided to go with Indian food. Not gonna lie... I was a little nervous. I have never heard anything about Indian food before, so I really didn't know what to expect.

I am happy to say, that I came out on top. Indian food is some amazing food. I will totally be going out for it again. Amy, Lee, and I went to a little place called Samosa Factory Indian Cusine. I just googled Indian food and this little place had some really great reviews. The reviews also said that they weren't as pricey. Trust me when I say this, cause I looked up a couple other menus... They weren't as pricey. Tonight was money well spent.

I started out with these yummy Vegetable Samosas. They are a wrapped potatoe and pea pastry... basicly. They had some great spices in them. MMMMM...

My dinner was Lamb Korma. It was lamb in a curry sauce that was a spicey coconut and almond. Oh sooooo good. We also had a Garlic Kaan, which is a flat bread. It's a must have!

I even had dessert. I couldn't get enough of the Samosas hahaha So, we had them for dessert too. LOL They were a wrapped cherry and chocolate pastry, with some delicious vanilla ice cream to finish it off!

So there you have it... I tried new food! I loved it! AND I will so be going back to this place too... Anyone wanna come!