When life gives you lemonade... DRINK IT!

I'M GOING TO VIRGINIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOO! THANK YOU CHRIS, DEBBIE, MOM AND DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JUNE 2009 TETON DAM HALF-MARATHON

Mt. Ellinor

Okay so I've been attempting to hike this for about two months now. Everytime I set a date to do it, I either get sick or have to work last minute... etc etc. Last night I decided that I am just doing it already!!!! I texted everyone in the Oly area that might want to go... but alas no one could come! I knew Mom would have a fit if I went by myself but desperate times call for desperate measures... aka I went anyway hahah. Last night I packed my pocket knife (to fight off all those wild grizzlies haha), matches, food, extra clothes, new gps compass, camera and head lamp. I got to the trail head at 10:00 this morning. Yesterday I worked my legs extra hard so they were already sore from the beginning haha, but, it was a really good hike!!!! 3 miles straight up! Wooooooo. Hikes aren't as fun by yourself but they are sure better than nothing!!!! I had music so that made things better :) There were spectacular views of all the mountains nearby (Baker, Rainier, Helens, Hood) once you got above the clouds. I waved to my friend Nicki who is over across the water in Stanwood haha.

Mt. Rainier
Skyline

Victory! haha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE

You blow that candle out girl!!! Haha Michelle is a super cute, super fun girl, I'm excited I got to celebrate her birthday with everyone. WOOOOOOOOO CAKE!

For Steph

Haha excuse the hair... I haven't taken a shower in a few days and then I was sweating from all the switchbacks - YUM!!!!!!!

What a day.

SARAH

Sarah you make a difference to me because you were a big sister and a friend I could look up to. I remember when I would be sleeping in on saturday mornings in high school you would come and let Oly in and jump all over me until I woke up... I hated that haha but it was fun too. I loved that you always invited me to go to Target/JoAnne's. It was special to me that you wanted to spend time with me even though I was younger. Sarah you are always you and I love that. You love to laugh and are always willing to serve. Thanks so much for helping me out with a job. I really appreciate you getting my foot in the door... everyone always tells me how much they love you and it always makes me so grateful to have you as a sister. I am proud to claim you as family :) You make a difference in my life because you have always took time to get to know me. You make me feel loved. Sarah, you make a difference in my life.

p.s. nothing beats listening to you when you get loopy late at night haha.

DEBBIE

Debbie Deb!!!! My oldest sister :) You make a difference in my life because you have been an example of kindness and hard work. I think about you and Chris going to school with kids and jobs and I have a great apprectiation for your hard work. Going to school I was thinking about what you did and I was like "dang...I can barely do school as is let alone have a job and kids!" haha so you rock for being that example of hard work. From watching you I have learned all my babysitting skills! You have been so kind over these years to trust me with your wonderful children!!! I have had many good things watching you as a mom in action! You are always so patient and loving of the kids and I hope I can do the same when I'm a mom :) Thanks for letting me have practice on your chillins! Also, you make a difference to me because you will always love my teeth and my face and my cooking even if Mom makes fun of them! hahaha! You are crazy and I love it. You aren't afraid of bungee jumping or doing crazy things. Someday we will go bungee jumping together!! but not in Cali because I might get valley fever again haha. You're not only my sister but my friend! Thanks for always remembering my birthday and just being a friend :) I always love spending time with you. You make a difference in my life Debbie!

FOLLOW THE PROPHET!

General Conference was SO GOOD!!! I would just like to recap what President Monson has asked us to do:

-Pray for the opening of countries to the Gospel, that the hearts of their leaders may be softened
-By love, serve one another
-Be kind
-Read and study the conference messages when they come out in the Ensign

These are all simple things. I know that by listening and heeding what the Prophet has asked us to do that we will be so blessed. We will all become of "one heart and of one mind" (2 Nephi 1:21). Let's unite in following the Prophet - in following Christ.

DAD

Dad you have made a difference in my life because whenever I need something, you are there to help me out. This past semester I was planning on getting a loan and a job while in school so I could pay for tuition. You heard that and helped me out with tuition. Because of that I was able to focus more on school and was able to get straight A's and have fun! You also helped me when I got in my car accident. You always make sure that things work out. I've always been grateful for your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and that the Church is true. You are also an example of charity to me. Many times you have taken people in and invited them into our home for a place to stay and food to eat. It is hard to come across that kindness and generosity these days. Thanks for all that you help me out with in this life (cars, computers, school, camera's etc etc) you make a difference in my life.