Awakenings

I sometimes feel like this lil' chick running on hot sand. To me, it represents us on our own waddling, hopping down the path.  Even though, its been a few years since my mom has passed and even longer since my Dad has passed there are times it hits me fresh all over. My grandma who is well up in years, as of late hasn't been doing very well. And sometimes, it felt like an uphill battle to help her. But I am seeing that things will work out and my wish for her is being fulfilled, it hits me hard tonight that this is it. Even though she will hopefully, eventually, live with her son's family..and I know that I can call, visit, etc. But it just  reminded me that she is one of my last close family contacts. I don't wish this feeling on anybody. It is so hard and painful sometimes. But, even as I let this out, talk it out...I know that I have a wonderful support system of friends that some have been through everything with me through thick and thin. And I am so grateful for that. Where would I be without my friends? A friend shared this song on Facebook..that I will share with you and these last thoughts..



A little Reunion with the Family...and the Mouse.

When I went to Denver, I made plans to meet up with my family in California in February. Thought it sounded like fun, and I didn't get to see my relatives while I was in Colorado. So, Thursday afternoon me and Alison hopped on the bus to head down to Cali! My post won't be that long..but here are some pictures that I took along the way.

Our hotel. It was lovely.

The weather was perfect! We walked to Downtown Disney for dinner at a restuarant called Tortilla Jo's. It was a great Mexican place. If you like Mexican come here..and try the Posole.

Friday morning we started bright and early. I think our first ride was Its a Small World

Still figuring out my phone, lol.

After a short stint on the Teacups, I figured it was time Alison got behind the wheel...

Met some of the family here....

I finally went into The Tiki Room..how did I not know about this?

And..I discovered a new treat. How did I now know about this?

I love this picture!

The Three Muskateers...in line for Pirates of The Carribean!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirates life for me!! It was worth the wait...and some of us got VERY wet. Sorry Edie!! :)

After the family left, me and Alison ate at Blue Bayou in New Orleans square and split the Monte Cristo. A-MAZ-ING!! :) We waited a super long time here, but it was worth it.
While waiting outside guess which celebrity I saw? Not alot will know...

Todd Manning, from One Life to Live! I wish I was brave enough to take a real picture.

Lines were pretty bad, broken rides. But we got to see The Wonderful World of Color in the California Park.

To be continued...
And I'm Back!!

Waiting in line....

Ferrous Wheel was great and so was the roller coaster. It finally wasn't closed for repairs.

Trapped in a Box...

Last group into Tower of Terror, thanks to drunk man outside. Shut down the ride and the portion of the park.

Fireworks were fanatastic.

More to come...just a little.

Did you put me on your List?

I received some news today, that made me stop and think just that.  I love this poster of the Knots Prayer. I'm very familiar with the knot family...the cannot's, the should not's, the will not's. But what about the why not's? I want to stand on my soap box and scream ITS NOT FAIR! And I had my moments or two..but what I've learned is this. Even though I feel right now that I was dealt with crappy family genetics, they are mine. Heavenly Father has led me this far and i've done just fine. But this has made me think about my list.  Am I making time for scripture study..exercise..temple? Probably not as much as I should. But I can try a little harder to be a little better. I CAN do this.

One of my favorite quotes from President Hinckley- I need to remember his words...

“You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord;then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley

January Stuff.

As the New Years passed, next came my birthday. I always try to do someting fun and I did it this time...

I made a weekend trip to the Mile High City...Denver to visit my relatives. :)

James and Cyndi..and Joey took me to the FlatIron Shopping Center..it was lovely.

Birthday Dessert!

The little attention stealer!  :)

My  Birthday weekend started on Thursday night when my coworkers gave me an inpromptu party. It was so sweet!  Unfortunately, no baby was born on my birthday!  (Again.) After work, I took myself to breakfast and tried to stay awake. But I still needed to pack and clean up a little, so I took a afternoon flight and got into denver about 4 pm, their time.  I wished I took a picture of the denver airport...but it is a massive place.

See?  :)

I can't believe it....56 Happy Birthday messages on my Facebook! I love the birthday love, even though my friends get reminder from FB that it is my birthday..oh well.  On my day, how many hours did I stay up for? 24.  Go ME!!  Woot-Woot!

Saturday was my Trip to  "The Springs"

Love this picture, but I did not go at night..and a little snowier.

Uncle Dean and Aunt Barbara. Of course Uncle Dean had to get his camera, LOL!

We had a nice lunch...wish I could have spent more time. But a storm was a comin'!!  :)

This is such a sad picture of mine..it was of some snowflakes..pathetic. And its what I posted to facebook.

But the roads REALLY looked like this!! I'm not going to take a picture and drive, people! ;)

So what should have been a 1 and a half hour drive, turned into about a 3-4 hr drive, with a stop to compose myself. And...

A shopping trip to Tar-Jeh.  ;) I needed to compose myself.

Me and Joey...check out his gear.  The big game between Broncos and Steelers was on tomorrow.

Dad and son...so cute!!

We went to Cyndi's mexican hangout, food was good. We stopped at Jodi's and a stop to the store with an interesting conversation took place about these two guys

So...in the car we had a discussion about Disneyland and how Travis and Jody met Bono. I immediately rolled with, well, I saw Carrot Top at Albertsons. I still think it was pretty hilarious, I mean I HAD to one up Bono!  ;) I guess you needed to be there. LOL Sunday was church and then after...was the big game between the Broncos and Steelers.

Doin' the Tebow pose....  ;)

This was at church..someone made this steeler's hat just for Joey, LOL.

We spent my last afternoon there eating at my Aunt Cordie's favorite little restaurant, just memories. <3

I went to visit my Aunt and Uncle's grave and realised they were right next to the Columbine Memorial in Littleton, CO.

Here's a tribute video I liked on youtube.

Last birthday dinner at my Macayo's...sniff. The staff sang to me too  :)

 And lastly.....DONNY!! You don't want to know how long I waited in line. But Donny was so nice. Happy Birthday Lilly!