4th of July

 The 4th was a fun day spent with family. I woke up and ran on my treadmill. I should have signed up for the freedom festival run but I was not sure if I was going to be in town so I had to run my own 5k. After my morning jog I met Sam and Amanda at the parade. I am not a huge parade person but it was fun.

Only in Utah would the missionaries march in the parade. It reminded me of when we would march in the kiddie parade at feather fiesta days and sing primary songs. Good times.

The Orem institute of religion had a nice float. Stand a Little Taller and then they had all these amazing people: Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, President Monson, and the David Archuleta...are you kidding me that made me laugh.

 There were a ton of bands and it just brought back so many not so great memories of marching band. I hated parades, maybe I still haven't recovered. Notice the band uniforms have not changed much in the past 14 years.

 I was at the parade and it was super HOT!

 Sam and Amanda were there

 Pizza Pie Cafe handed out really sweet coupons so we went there for lunch. Watched Independence Day. Got ice cream at the BYU creamery. Had a barbeque with family. Then I came home early and cleaned my house. I didn't even do fireworks. Lame I know. My stomach was upset for a few days after camp and I have just been tired so I finally had the energy to get all my junk put away. I love love love having my house clean!!!

Did you know it rained today in Provo? Let me tell you why this is amazing. 1. There are a ton of fires burning in Utah 2. In church Sunday they asked members of the church to pray for the firefighters as well as help to get the fires out 3. I have checked the weather all week and it never said it was supposed to rain, but today I woke up and hopped on my bike because I could tell it was going to rain. And it did, lots. 4. The rain really is a miracle. I was reading in Alma in the Book of Mormon today and I believe it was chapter 30 where Korihor is trying to convince everyone that there is not a God. While I was reading it just made me think how sad it is that so many people don't believe in God. But then miracles happen and we can say the same things Alma said "All things point that there is a God" I believe that and I believe the rain is both a miracle and an answer to so many prayers.

A Sample

 This evening my Aunt Loralie had dinner for lots of people at her house. Like all of her kids and all my siblings that are in Utah. What a house full? But super fun. I tried to get a snapshot of each child. Missed one I will have to catch him later on this week. I think there were 14 little kids. Here are some of my favorite.

 Regen

 Alex

The twins Kylee and Tara holding the twin cousins Alex and Peter!

My mom's mom was a fraternal twin and my aunt Loralie now has two sets of twins as grandchildren. So cute and so fun, although their mom's may not agree to that the first few months. But sooo cute!!!

Camp Stakehouse???

 Girls Camp was this last week!!! It ended up being quite the adventure. I must say there is a learning curve it was very interesting to see how camp is run outside of the Gridley California Stake. I had to try really hard not to compare but it was also really tricky trying to plan for something you have never seen. The week leading up to camp was CRAZY. Just trying to get everything ready. I was definitely over-prepared but that is better than under-prepared...right?

We camped as wards. Our Stake theme was be a s.t.a.r. (stand for truth and righteousness). Our ward value was choice and accountability and our scripture focus was 1 Nephi 18:3.

The week became more interesting on Wednesday when we learned we were being evacuated due to the fires. So we headed straight to the Stake center and got special permission to camp in the building, apparently that is not allowed anymore. It ended up working out great. Not as awesome as being in the mountains but still an opportunity for the girls to meet people, grow spiritually, and increase their testimonies.

One of the crafts we did was make lanterns. They were super cute. I loved using pinterest to find cute ideas for girls camp crafts.

I should have gotten a picture in the dark because they looked very cool all lit up.

I was reminded of how much junk you eat at camp and I just have a hard time being off my normal exercise and diet routine. But I survived and it was a lot of fun, hopefully the girls had fun too:-)

Grandpa Brown

 My Grandpa Brown passed away this afternoon after a long battle with alzheimer's. It has been absolutely heartbreaking to watch the disease take over his mind the past few years. But I will always remember him as a people person. He loved to joke around and loved to give hugs. This is one of my favorite pictures of him. I believe my cousin Cody took it.

My grandma has been amazing through the entire disease. She is stalwart and faithful. She has sacrificed everything to be at his side and show her love to him even when he could not give her anything back. She is an excellent example of marriage and the commitment that you make to your spouse.

 My dad is a lot like his dad in so many ways, but also very different in a lot of ways as well. I love this picture of them watching my brothers and cousins play horse shoes at my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Notice the shoes they both love their Velcro shoes:-)

 My dad learned his knack for fixing things from his dad. I love love this picture of my dad, his dad, and Caleb. Unfortunately I don't think they ever were able to fix this car. But I am sure they bonded in the process.

It is times like this that I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge that families can be together forever. I am so thankful that Jesus Christ made it possible that we can all live again. That because of  the atonement we can be with our families forever!!! I am grateful that he had some people he loved by his side when he passed and I know that there were many spirits waiting to welcome him home.

a little bit of this and a little bit of that

 I finally bought a bed frame!!!! Yes, it is very exciting. I really like it. It is just an IKEA frame but it has drawers under it. 4 huge drawers that fit half of the clothes that were in my closet in them. So nice. Amanda an Dan were nice enough to help me set it up. Sam watched the basketball game on my computer and answered all of our cell phones...whatever. I was not going to put it up until after I painted and after girls camp but I am really glad I did. There is a headboard with it as well but that did not get set-up yet. Don't mind how tall it is you really aren't supposed to have a box spring with it but I don't know what to do with mine. Anyone need a queen size box spring?

 

I realize that I re-arrange my bedroom every summer. I guess I like a little change. In the past my bed has moved back and forth between two spots but this year I tried something completely different. So far I like it so we will see.

In other news today was quite possibly the worst biking day ever. This week has not been great. I have had a record number of flat tires. So annoying! I rarely get flats, knock on wood, in the past two weeks I have had seven. That is more flats than I have had on my bike since I have owned it. I got new tires in the middle of the flats and 30 minutes after the new tires were on I ran over a nail. A big long one.

So the flat stunk but whatever. I was biking to Jana's to visit because I was feeling lonely with all my friends being at work and all. Right as I am turning onto her street I see some water running on the road. I slow down as I make my turn. Next thing I know I am sliding on the ground. I wiped out. It hurt a little, but I was ticked. Really really ticked. I have not been that mad in a long time. I had to sit in Jana's yard and stretch so I could calm down. It was not fun. My poor ankle is looking like a softball because it took the brunt of the fall. I also have some road rash on my shin, knee, hip, and elbow. It will be a lovely next couple of days. I am too old for scraped body parts.

I realize my ankle does not look that swollen here but I have extremely bony ankles. It is swollen!!!! And my biking sandal tan line is awesome.

Summer Fun

Summer is in full swing and I have been loving it. My first week off I wanted to try to bike 500 miles. That didn't happen because I quickly felt swamped with all the girls camp stuff I needed to do. I did bike around 250 miles and got lots of camp stuff done so that was great. 

  Michelle's wedding was the first Friday in June. I was lucky enough to have Raeanne and Brittany stay at my house the weekend of the wedding. It was so much fun to have them. Michelle's reception was really nice. I loved seeing so many Oroville people and so many people from my ward back in the day when Michelle and I lived together.  

The second week of summer I spent in Oroville. Jana and I drove out together with her 5 kids. It was actually quite pleasant and I must say her kids are great travelers. Although I did learn what it looks like when you throw-up milk. Not a lesson I was prepared for. SICK, is all I have to sat about that.

Monday my uncle Lou and I biked around Lake Tahoe. It was AMAZING! I loved the entire ride. It was 72 miles and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was rolling hills the entire way with two longer climbs, one of them quite steep. The temperature was great and the scenery was beautiful. I need to take my kayaks to Lake Tahoe.

On Tuesday it was my Grandma Brown's birthday. My parents and I, Ben, Katie, and Olivia, Jan and Lou, and Virginia and Cody were all able to meet in Williams and have a picnic. It was great to be able to spend time with my extended family!

That evening Ben, Katie, and Olivia along with Aaron and Caleb met us in Oroville. We went to Round Table and played Settlers. All in all a fun day with family.

Wednesday I was able to surprise my Mom and take her to Wicked! So fun, it was a late night but definitely worth it. The show was just as good as it was in Chicago. I just love the music, story, and all the special effects. It was great to hang out with just my mom it seems like that never happens.

Thursday Angelee and I traveled down to visit Erica. We got to visit with Erica and Jana and check out Erica's house and neighborhood. It was really fun to visit with great friends.

Friday was an Oroville day. I wish I had my camera because I saw a lot of Oroville friends that day. It was nice to just relax and hang out. Thanks Becky Hancock for opening your backyard to all of us. That was really nice! The rest of the day was spent with my parents and siblings.

Caleb and I took Olivia swimming. She was being a little stinker because she was soooo tired but she loved it when we threw her back and forth.

I tried to get her to float on her back but she was not quite ready for that one.

I just love this little girl she is such a crack up. She calls me Nell and it melts my heart. She loves to lick or at least she loved to lick me and she loves to knock down anything you build up. She does not just knock it down she waits until you are looking and then gives the innocent face before she destroys whatever it was you built. Too funny!

 Saturday was the dreaded drive home. I loved my visit. I always forget how stink'n' hot it is in the summer there but you just know you will sweat all day everyday. I biked about 110 miles for the week. Not as many as I wanted. I got two flat tires....I was ready to throw my bike in the bushes. However, I did have a hole in my back tire so I controlled my anger.

And looked who shaved today. I didn't see him before he headed to church at 8:45 because I slept until 10:37. Apparently I missed my bed. But look how young he looks. So not fair. And he looks so much like my dad. Weird.

 The above picture of my Dad is one of my favorites. Since it is Fathers Day I will just say I love my Dad. He is an excellent example of hard work and dedication to his family. I always knew he loved me and that he would keep me safe. I wish his life could be easier and that he could just be healthy but that does not seem to be in his cards right now. I love that even though he hurts he gets up early and works in the yard and does his garden. My Dad is also an example of someone that will do things for others. The hard things that no one else wants to do: help people move, coach soccer for a billion years in a row, re roof houses....he does the hard stuff. He is definitely a mans man! Love you Dad.

100 miles

 100 miles in a long way!! But not quite as annoying as trying to organize your pictures on blogger. I want to kill someone, it should not be so complicated.

Saturday was the 25th annual Little Red Riding Hood Century in Cache Valley. The weather was amazing as was the ride.

Me and Amber ready to roll! Notice all those threatening clouds in the background.

 

At the rest stops they served Oreos with peanut butter on them. I tried one. A little to rich for me but people seemed to love it.

 

 Amber tried it out as well. We both only ate one of those.

I felt great the entire ride. I was happy with my speed. The views are amazing and it is always fun to be out biking with 3600 other women. 

It was Hippie themed, a little weird but fun. I wanted a picture of the finish line and this random family ended up in it, kind of funny.

 

Here is my I am so tired picture. I took it to mock Anthony. My butt is a little sore from being in the saddle but other than that I feel really good. We will see how I feel on my bike tomorrow.

 Little Red is a fun ride. This was my third time participating and I have enjoyed it each year. It really is fun to just meet people while biking and to hear their stories. It is not a race by any means.

Amber and I happy to be done. I feel like the random lady that took the picture should have said how about you un-tuck your jersey and zip it up a little bit. Oh well it was really hot but look at the cool bike decorated with flowers instead!

Race To The Top

I went biking today and I passed these two older gentleman biking along. But sometimes when you pass people that are riding slow they speed up. Because no one likes to get passed. And that is what these dudes in their 60's did. I rode up to the top of South Fork and they were just there behind me most of the way. On one climbed they got a little too close like 10 yards back and all of a sudden I was done and took off biking hard. I am not a fast biker but I did not want these dudes to pass me. I get to the top and waited for them but they never showed so I turned around and headed home. About a mile down I passed them resting in the shade and they said we tried to keep up but you wore us out. So funny. They did keep up for a good 3 miles crazy dudes.

Last week went well. My grades are pretty much done minus one girl who will need to run the mile to pass. Seriously come to class, dress, and participate and we would not have to worry about getting you to pass on the very last day of school. Are you kidding me! The good news is that is she makes it up all my 9th graders passed which is an accomplishment considering the group I had this 2nd semester.

Yesterday I biked in the morning and then went to a super fun family picnic. It was so great to see so many of my cousins that I don't usually see. I had a great time chatting with everyone. I took my camera but don't worry it sat in the shade the entire time. So LAME!

I finally saw Hunger Games. It was good. I liked it. I wouldn't say I loved it or that it was the best movie ever like my students had me believing but it was good. The highlight of the movie was when Dan spilled the entire thing of popcorn all over the floor, hilarious. I feel like I am turning into my Dad because when I go the movies I want popcorn it is just so delicious. Good thing I don't go to the movies very often. Not only is it fattening but it is stink'n' expensive.

Can you believe my Mom turns 60 this week? That is crazy talk. I love my Mom. She is just a great example to me and is such a good person. I hope she has a very happy birthday because she deserves it!

Super Busy

 This week seemed super busy but I seriously feel like every week is busy. I have started playing basketball on Mondays again which I love. But it is just another thing to do that takes up 2-3 hours by the time I get there a little early and stay and lock up.

Erica and Than were in town. I didn't take any pictures but I did make it up to see them one night this week. Wednesday I believe. We ate yummy cafe rio, homemade ice cream, and visited until Erica fell asleep on the couch (it had been a long night and day). It is so fun catching up with them and I miss all the free meals Erica used to cook for me....oh and the company!

Thursday was 9th grade night. I showed up to present the PE awards and athletic team awards. That is always fun. I rocked my birthday dress and my boots and let's just say I got some calls as I walked up to the microphone. It is always interesting to see the students reaction when they see me in "normal clothes" and awkward in that situation, howling from the audience is so not necessary. I actually love to dress up for things like that it feels great not to be in PE clothes and to have my hair down.

Friday night I treated Dan to Texas Roadhouse because I won a gift certificate for teacher appreciation week. I never win drawings so that was pretty sweet. It was my pre-race meal before my triathlon on Saturday. Oh and then I finally watched Captain America, it was alright.

Saturday I did this triathlon:

The triathlon was awesome. It was a sprint distance. That is the only distance I have ever competed in but it has been 7 years so I wasn't sure how it would go especially with my hamstrings but it was great. I loved that it was all women. I think that makes it less threatening for so many women and it is so inspirational to see women of all ages, we are talking teens to their 70's participating in an event together. 

I learned some things. Like pool swims are not my favorite, that was my first one and I didn't like it. It was self paced and I placed myself a little slower than what I had been swimming just to be safe but obviously most people did the opposite. It was the slowest swim ever! But it made up for my bike and run which went really really well. The run even better than I could have anticipated. I think I may have to sign-up for an Olympic distance this year. Oh the other annoying thing is that triathlons are EXPENSIVE! $70 for less than an hour and a half of exercise. I am not quite sure how I feel about that. But I will say that the shirt is super cute and the food at the end of this event was awesome.

 I missed having my Mom there. She has been at all my other triathlons and she always helped me in the transition area (which wasn't allowed here) and took pictures. It is always fun to have a super fan. So Mom if I do an Olympic distance I need you to come to Utah:)

This morning I walked to the Provo Temple. It was a super Sunday walk. Like 7 miles super. I love walking on Sundays I just think and ponder and really enjoy the beauty in the world. I have been wanting to take some pictures of the Provo temple so that is what I did.

 I am not in love with the results. I want a picture that I have taken to hang in my house. I actually took an amazing one when I was in the MTC on a snowy day but that was with a film camera and those negatives could be anywhere.

If you were wondering where all the pink roses in the world are, look no further they are at the Provo Temple.

8 days of school left. I can't believe it. Until then life will be really crazy but then it will all slow down. I can't wait!

Perspective

 Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Provo City Center Temple ground breaking. I wanted to go but I was also hesitant because I felt like I had so much to do. Aren't all Saturdays like that? In the end my day was super super busy and crazy but I was really happy I went. Elder Holland presided and the meeting and ceremony were just really nice and the spirit was definitely there. Who knows if I will ever the opportunity go to another temple groundbreaking so I am glad I went.

Yesterday was Dan's birthday so we went Avengers and to lunch. Nancy, Sam, and Amanda came. It is always fun to spend time with family. Although Dan told me I ruined his birthday because I was way late for lunch. MY BAD! We still had fun.

I also participated in an art show. (Don't die of shock.) I meant to have my sister-in-law take some pictures of my display she put together but I forgot. Amanda plays in an orchestra and they were playing the grand canyon suite and they did an art show along with it. It was a laid back show but I entered 6 pieces all photography from different national parks. It was stressful picking pictures but I am glad I did it.

It's mother's day. I love my mom. My brothers in California are fortunate and can spend the day with her. They had an informal photo shoot and posted pictured on Facebook so I made Dan and Sam pose with me so we could participate as well.

 

 

I feel so blessed to live close to family so I can spend special days with them.

Recently on KSL I read an article that really got me thinking. It was about a man who was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease at age 29. Basically once you are diagnosed you will live three years or less. He is married and has a daughter. The article was really good but I especially loved this quote,

It might be painful for a little while, or difficult and sad, but we believe in an afterlife. We'll be together again … and 300 years from now we'll think, 'Remember when you had ALS? What were we so worried about?'

–Ben Thomas, ALS patient

I just think it applies to everything in life. We don't know the Lord's timetable and it puts things into perspective. Everyone has challenges, some I have seen my friends struggle with are death of loved ones, chronic pain and illness, inability to get pregnant or to stay pregnant, unemployment. The list goes on and on, for me I want to be married and have kids but I am not. As I read this article I thought it will be so interesting to say one day remember when I was 32 and single. Life was great but sometimes you were sad and you wanted to be married really bad and you wanted to be a mom more than anything. And most the time you didn't worry but once in awhile there were times that the pain was real and it hurt. Isn't that funny that you were so sad and so worried.

I read a women's conference talk by Brad Wilcox and he talked about the women in the Bible and one that he highlighted was Hannah the mother of Samuel and he talked about how she wept bitterly  because she could not conceive. And that it was ok. She had to have faith she had to move on but it was ok that she wept and was sad and hurt. And in the Lord's time she did conceive. Now I am not feeling bad for myself right now but I read that article on KSL and it really just put things into perspective and I thought I wish I would never worry again. I wish my friends that are suffering never had to worry again. I am sure we all will worry about things again but it would be so amazing to see the Lord's perspective.

 

 

Pushing to the End!

I feel like I am just barely hanging on until the end of school. This semester I have a couple of rough classes and they are taking their toll. I find that I have very little patience with my students in these classes. I don't know why but all of a sudden these lovely little girls think it is ok to just refuse to do things. I don't fight with them and I definitely don't beg I just remove them and move on but there are like 15 of them that are going to have a very hard time passing my class. It is weird because most kids are so great and guess what in life we all have to do things we don't like. It is not like I expect them to love the mile, but guess what you have to run it.













I cut my hair. It was so long and it just felt unhealthy. I cut 1-2 inches off of it every time I color it but the longer my hair gets the more straggly it becomes. It looks great to a certain point and then it is just gross. So I chopped 5 inches. My hair had not been this long for 7 years. I have really enjoyed long hair and my hair is still long just not super super long.

I mastered the out braid. I love doing braids on my hair. I laugh that it is totally acceptable and cute to wear a pony tail if you have done some kind of braid in the front. If only I had known that in junior high and high school. My pony tails would have ROCKED!

I have been working at the Provo Temple. I love it! When I was set apart the temple president mentioned that it would  not seem like a sacrifice and that I would look forward to my time there each week. So true! I do look forward to it and no matter what else is going on that week or how crazy it seems everything stands still for those five hours. It is so great. He also promised blessings to me and my family and I have seen this already as well. The only problem is now I need to figure out a time to go to the temple outside of working there. That has not happened yet.