zoom, zoom, zoom

two weekends ago john and i went for a nice drive for our anniversary. we headed out around noon and stopped at taggart's grill for lunch. after eating a delicious meal we just followed the road towards heber and then over and through the alpine loop. it was a beautiful day and all the scenery was luscious and green.

while riding through heber city we came across an old car show, so we stopped and walked around for a bit. it was neat to see all the cool cars. we also took a little detour once we reached the provo canyon and went to cascade springs. it is a natural spring. so neat to see the Lord's unique creations.

it was so nice just to drive, chat and site see. it was a really, REALLY good day. much fun with my love. here are some of our pictures...

anniversary thoughts

We were bound to be together forever from day one.
Some thought we were crazy - too serious, so young.
But look at us now, how far we’ve come.
Married seven years, filled with passion and love.

2004 – We were wed, bought a house, went to school – oh so blessed.

2005 – Helped rebuild in New Orleans and India put us to the test.

2006 – Toured Myrtle Beach, packed up and moved over to SC.

2007 – NGU, NHCC and worked a ton for Dr. G.

2008 – India called, so we went, left again and we were spent.

2009 – Back in Utah, back in school, found RBC and made new friends.

2010 – Graduated, celebrated, routines set in to fill the days,

2011 – Working, planting, camping, waiting for the Lord to lead the way.

I could not ask for a better friend – spontaneous, full of laughs.
I could not ask for a better leader – considerate, concerned and careful.
I could not ask for a better man – strong, sexy and supportive.
I could not ask for a better husband – loving, gentle and kind.

Thank you for these seven years. Thank you for the adventures we’ve taken. Thank you for all the moments you’ve been by my side. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me, for comforting and holding me. Thank you for your patience and love. Thank you for working, for persevering, for always doing your best. I respect you for your dedication to provide for our family.

I am PROUD to stand next to you and be your wife and I look forward to our future together, whatever it may bring!

I LOVE you John, always.

books and dance

I’m currently reading [and loving] A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George. About a year ago a friend lent me this one and also Loving God with All Your Mind. I read the latter quite quickly. It was much needed at the time and I’m so thankful she recommended it. The current book sat on my night stand, went on vacation with me, moved houses and was put back on my night stand – where it sat. and waited.

[A big thank you to this friend who graciously hasn’t minded that I have borrowed it this long…I will return it soon!]

I don’t believe in chance, I believe that God orchestrates all things in HIS timing. And therefore, I picked up this book last week and began to read. And change. I am humbled by what God is teaching me through this book and His word. [READ IT!]
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Another book recommendation, a novel. The HELP by Kathryn Stockett. A very good book about maids in the 60’s in Jackson, Mississippi. A movie was made based on the book and is coming out this summer – I hope it’s as good.
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On Saturday, I bought another cardio video workout to add to my routine. Hip Hop Cardio. Ha! It appeared to be the best Wal-Mart had, and different from what I already own. John and I did the introduction [all the basic moves]…
And let’s face it – I STINK!

It is clear that I am not a dancer. And it is going to take a lot of practice and hard work to even learn the basics! Good thing I get to do it in the privacy of my basement (unlike zumba, which I might be trying out soon). John’s not too bad, he's quite coordinated. I WILL get better [notice that I am not giving any sort of timeline…because it could take a while!] and hey, if I have to do it as much as I imagine to be decent…I’ll drop a few lbs too!

meditation

i am not a thinker. i don't ponder. contemplate. fall asleep wondering about things too complicated for my brain to figure.

i want to be. i want to intelligibly consider new things, focus on more than just what's happening right now. be more aware of why and how i function, my heart, my thought process. i want to be more in tune. deep. thoughtful.

john is. i have friends that are like this.

i think i'm always filling up my mind with other things; not bad, just filler. i do not take the time i should [the time i need] in the Word. i don't listen often enough, hear enough of what my Father says. i rarely take time to consciously think on what is good, true, honorable...

i want to make room, weed out [and i hate weeding] the things i don't need, or need as much of. i want to be changed. experience life differently. heart, mind, and eyes wide - opened.

'may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to you, O God.'

weekend in review (backwards)

on sunday we went to the drive in with jana and joe. we rarely go to the theater and now we've been twice in the last two weeks! [it's just such a good deal!] it was a lot of fun chatting before and between the movies (x-men and fast five) both of which we really enjoyed. and i stayed awake for the whole thing! (you should be impressed...this one lasted until 2:30am)

[they had funacho cheese]

[and jana and joe had plenty of candy!]

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on saturday mom, jana, joe, john and i headed to a wedding. it was at the log haven up millcreek canyon. a beautiful location and great food! john and i had been there once before - prom - 10 years ago. can't believe it's been that long :)

[crystal and john - the happy couple]

[my HANDSOME man!]

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on friday morning i went to mom's school for their 6th grade graduation program. [for those that don't know, mom is the music teacher for k-6th at her school] the kids performed two numbers - one vocal and one percussion. they were both great, but the percussion one was really neat. lots of different instruments, challenging rhythms and varying volumes. very cool!

they also presented mom with a little ceremony for graduating with her masters degree earlier this year. so proud of her and glad i could be there see how much the school values her and benefits from her service. love you mom.