Bear Lake, New Camera, Girl's Night, Swimming, Institute Activity and Surgery

So much has been going on since I last wrote (as you may very well be able to tell by the title), so lets start from the first of the title...(sorry this post is pretty long)
BEAR LAKE! In July I was able to go on a fun trip with my mom, my little brother Taylor, my four older sister's and their families (Janeice and Bryan and their kids, Jodi and Jack and their kids, Jessica and Jake and their kids, and Jill and Sheldon and their kids), my Aunt Eileen and her whole family (her, my Uncle Gordon, their kids and their families), and my Uncle Ralph and part of his family (him, my Aunt Julianne, Maryann and her family, and David...my Uncle Ralph's family just came up for the day to go to the beach)all up to Bear Lake! It was so fun! We stay at the KOA up in Garden City, go to the Lake one day, they have a pool at the KOA, I played with my nieces and nephews (at the playground and then at night they'd do a little tractor ride thing we'd take the kids down for), we took our electric scooters up to ride around and then one night we have a big "dessert bar" over by where my Aunt Eileen's campground is and everyone brings different treats and we all just visit and eat yummy treats! It was lots of fun!
My nieces and nephews playing at the park...












The boys (my brother, brother-in-laws, and a couple nephews) playing horse shoes...





Waiting for the "tractor-ride"...





Bear Lake was tons of fun, so as for the "new camera" part, I just got a new camera this summer and am absolutely loving it! My old camera was like sucking the life out of my batteries--yes, even the rechargable ones--and it was driving me crazy because it'd always be dead when I went to use it. So I found this great digital one at Shopko that came with a case, memory card, the computer stuff to load things on, and everything for like $70...yea!
The end of July a bunch of my friends and I went over to my my friend Chandra's for the ever popular "Girl's Night"! It was tons of fun and always much needed--taking a break from things, catching up, eating yummy food, and laughing tons!
Chandra's trampoline is right by her house, so Jill climbed up on the roof to jump off onto the trampoline. However once she climbed up, she was a bit hesitant of actually jumping off, so she sat up there for awhile while we were all down there yelling up to her (some of us yelling 'just climb down' and others 'you can do it, just jump')...Here's the pics of her just sitting there and then when she finally jumped...


Denise and Sarah Nielsen's flips...


Kelsey rubbing Sarah Wiser's cute prego belly (sorry not real clear pic) and Sarah posing for me with her cute belly...


All of us who were there...


My sister Jessica and I went swimming at North Shore with her cute kiddos, Kaleb and Sammy, one day during the summer--it was super fun! Her kids slept over the night before, I took them to Denny's for breakfast in the morning, and then Jessica came over and we went swimming!
Taking a break from swimming and eating our lunchables...



My friend Denise and I went to an Institute activity this summer that was out in Hooper--it was an 'Institute Rodeo'. It was lots of fun! My goal this year is to try and come out of my 'shell' a little bit--go to more activities, talk to more people, etc...
On our way there we got a little lost (not too far--just kinda drove past the area a little ways), we pulled over to call my brother for the exact address, and while we were pulled over, across the street, this goat was tied to the fence...I tried walking over to it to pet it and feed it (we wanted to take a picture with it), but it kept walking away; so we had to just settle for a picture of just the goat.

At the activity they had 'horse rides', so we went for a little ride around...it was so fun--I loved it!!!

Finally, about a week and a half before this fall semester started, I had surgery on my right thumb to fuse one of the joints and remove a cyst. The surgery went great and I now have the stitches out and am just in a cast for 4 weeks, so that the bones can grow together and heal.
A picture the doctor gave me right after surgery of the x-ray of my thumb following surgery...


Pictures right after my surgery of my splint I had on for a couple weeks...



A couple of my cute nieces and nephews came over to see me after my surgery--they brought cute little cards they'd made for me and sat and talked for a little bit...little kids are so stinkin' sweet! Here's some pics of my fun cards and two of my nieces and nephews (Jill's kids--Abbie and Nixxon)...




Finally, after about 2 weeks I was able to get the spint off, stitches taken out, and a cast put on...



Well, it's only the second week of the semester, but it seems to be in full swing, so I better get off here and working on homework! :)

Mi Familia!

First off, I know it's been like forever since I've posted (like 3 months), but things have been kinda crazy and well...just read on and you'll figure why.
So the beginning of April I started not feeling too well--just feeling sick and having a horrible headache going down my spine (I've had that before), so I just rested lots. As the month went on the headache would not go away and school was getting harder to make it to. By the end of April, the week of finals, I ended up in the ER and they did a spinal tap (I'd had that headache going down my spine for 3 weeks at the time)...well, the opening spinal pressure was slightly elevated so they drained some, gave me some medicine for that night, and had us call my neurologist.
I was supposed to have my psychology final the next morning at 7am, and I had no clue how that was going to work out with having just had a spinal tap the evening before. My mom called the psych department while I was in the ER to see if I could take it later or something, and she left a message for my professor. My psych professor called us back the next morning while we were on our way down to the neurologist and told us that he would just give me the grade that I had going into the final (an 'A') and that he hoped I'd feel better. Oh my heck, can I say "THANK YOU DR. GROW!!!" and "THANK YOU TO MY MOM for taking me to the ER, down to the neurologist the next day, and for always being there for me!!!"
Anyways...The neurologist put me on some medicine to help decrease the spinal pressure, she had home care come and do an IV overnight of some other medicine, started me on the IV meds orally to help stabilize thing, and wanted me to see a specialist neurologist at the University of Utah that deals with spinal pressure problems. After another month (all of May) of being down in bed, not being able to drive, starting to at least get the headaches under control while waiting for my appt at the U, and a few scary moments...one of my medications caused me to become very confused so when I'd take my dose during the day I'd forget what was going on and things (it was so frustrating and it was hard on me and my family...they said it was hard to see), but we finally got things fixed to where now I take that medicine at night and it wears off the confusion while I'm asleep! So with my meds finally under control, headaches somewhat in control, and things, May finished out okay--I was just resting each day.
so in the beginning of June I had my follow-up with the cardiologist that I see (for my low blood pressure due to my Ehlers Danlos), and I told him that I'd been very lightheaded and things and he said that the medicine I was on to decrease my spinal pressure could cause my blood pressure to drop lower...since it was a diuretic. We talked to my neurologist and long story short, I went off the medicine but it had already dehydrated me too much and a week later (the middle of June) I had to stay overnight in the hospital to get IV fluids and medicine. My cardiologist was so sweet...I had called his office because I was still not feeling well and he called me back personally, told me to come up to his office to see him, and then he admitted me overnight and came to check on me in the morning...amazing doctor! Love him! The fluids helped great and I was feeling much better! My mom, Taylor (my little brother), two oldest sisters (Janeice and Jodi), and their families all went on vacation up to the Redwoods and along the Oregon Coast the next day.
I'm doing well...getting better each day and just keep taking it a day at a time!
So now you know why I haven't updated for awhile, but you're probably wondering how all of that ties in to my title of this: "Mi Familia," well here you go....
My family is the greatest!!! They have helped me and been there for me through EVERYTHING!!! Through all of this the last three months, my mom has been by my side, there to help me, called me everyday they were on vacation, helped me in figuring things out for school, she'd sit and play Yahtzee with me every night (even though when I was on the one medication during the day I couldn't remember when my turn and things were part of the time), and she was always there to talk to. We were sitting talking the other night (I was having a hard day about some changes going on with some people in my life and she was telling me how many people are only in our lives for so long) and I told her how the Lord is our one support who is always there whenever we need Him and that He had sent her to me, because He knew I needed someone tangible to help me through things too. I love my mom!
My sisters...oh where to begin...they would call everyday almost and talk to either my mom or I to see how I was feeling, if I needed anything, and some days they'd come over just to give me company! While my two oldest sisters were gone with my mom, and brother on their trip, two of my other older sisters would come over and spend the day with me, let me go hang out at their house, fix me dinner, I slept over one night, call and check on me everyday to make sure I was okay, and take me to doctor's appts. I seriously couldn't ask for better sisters--you are all the best!!!
My little brother...He's so awesome--especially for being a teenager! He'd get home from school, let the dogs out for me, check and see if he could do anything for me, and then he'd just hang out with me (which was great especially from being home all day alone)--talking, laughing, or watching TV (NCIS or Law Order)!
My extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)...These guys are awesome too! While my mom was gone they would call and check on me (I seriously wasn't going to get away with anything with so many people there for me...haha), bring me dinner, and invite me over to their houses for dinner or to hang out. I am so blessed to be so close with my extended family as well as my immediate family!
Last but not least my nieces and nephews...I saved them for the end for a reason...these 10 little monkeys (7 boys and 3 girls) are some of the most amazing and Christ-like individuals I know! I don't know how to even begin to express my love and appreciation for them! When all my family came over for Easter and I laid in the recliner, two of my nieces came and sat on the piano bench by me to talk, have me paint their toenails, and just be with me. When I slept at my sister's house while part of my family was gone on vacation, my nephew told me I could have his bed to sleep in and he'd sleep on the floor by me. When one of my sister's would come over to see me and I was down on the couch because it made me sick to get up, her kids pulled chairs into the living room, brought cards, and sat and played games with me so that I could stay laying down. One of my sisters picked me up from a doctor's appt, and we put the front seat back so I could recline, and my little nephew had his pillow and blanket in the back and asked if I'd like them. Another one of my nephews always will come in and find me to see me--whether I'm in bed, in the recliner, on the couch, or anything--he'll give me a hug and ask how I'm feeling. My little monkeys always come and give me hugs when they run into the house, give me hugs when they leave, they tell me they pray for me, sometimes I get super cute pictures that I've had hanging in my room and when I was in the hospital, they've been on those walls. I love these kiddos and I can't ever tell them that enough! My sister's have raised amazing kids!
I'm so grateful for such an amazing family!!! My family truly are some of my greatest friends I could ever ask for!

A Trip to the Ogden Temple...

Since the Ogden Temple is now closed for renovations, my mom, Taylor (my little brother), and I decided to go down right before it closed, so that we could walk around the grounds and take some pictures. It was so fun and so many mixed feelings...I'm super excited to see the temple when it's finished (I love the pictures of how it's going to look) but I'm sad to see this one be torn down at the same time!
I love the feeling of just being around the temple--it's so peaceful and the Spirit is so strong! I am so blessed to live where I do and have so many temples that are within so close of a distance!

I'm Still Here!

So seeing how I've been like M.I.A for the last 6 weeks or so from blogging, from church for a few, and from school for about a week, I figured I'd let you all know I'm still alive! I'm here, just trying to get over having mono! Yea...NOT! Oh well, part of life, and I have been getting some much need sleep! Other than all of that excitement, here's a quick little glimpse of what's been going on this year (sorry no pics--I've been sick and the other's are on my mom's camera and I just figured while I was laying here I'd do a quick update, so no pics this time). Anyways, here it goes:
--Started back up at school at Weber State the beginning of January--majoring in psychology with a minor in health promotion. I love school and it definitely keeps me busy. I'm able to take one class on-campus, an institute class, and then two online classes this semester, so that's nice; and I'm glad that I'm able to be up on-campus for at least a little bit!
--I had my hearing a few weeks ago for my social security disability case (since I haven't been able to work due to my health circumstances...I'd honestly love to work and wish I couuld, but since I can't). I applied in April 2009, but didn't get approved and had to eventually go through to the court hearing. Well, I had my hearing the beginning of this month and I was approved! The judge told me at the hearing, so it was a great relief and such a help for myself and my family!
--For Valentine's I got to have a couple fun events...First, we had a little Valentine's party with all my family. My older sisters and their families came over and we had pizza, the kids played a couple games, then the kids all passed out valentine's to everyone, and we decorated heart sugar cookies. It was fun! I was thinking how the kids always have Valentine's for each other, but they don't always get to see each other to give it to them so I wanted to have a party and my mom was all for it--she got all the stuff and made everything (I felt bad I couldn't help but I stayed in bed up until everyone came...lame, I know). Second, our stake did this fun party for all the adults, the Saturday before Valentine's, so my mom and I went to that. It was dinner and this huge 60s show (singing and stuff from people in our stake impersonating the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, the Temptations, and so many more)! It was great!
So it's been a pretty busy, but a good year so far!

Christmas and Catching Up...

So it's been a little while since I last posted--sorry--things have been a bit crazy and I've just slacked off on it, but I'm finally taking the time to upload some new photos and to sit down and actually write something.
First off, Christmas!!! Here's a few more pics of all the fun Christmas decorations...








Christmas was great...we had a family Christmas party out at my sister Jodi's house on Christmas Eve, and had a blast! The kids did the Nativity story (with puppets), we ate dinner, exchanged gifts (we draw family names), the kids did an ornament exchange (each of the kids make ornaments for one another and give them to each other), and we played games, talked, and laughed lots! Then, on Christmas everyone came over to our house and my nieces and nephews opened their presents from my mom, we ate yummy food, and just spent time together! I love Christmas time!

All my nieces and nephews...


Then I had to get some pictures of the "pairs" of nieces and nephews I have (my sisters tend to have their kids at the same time...it's kinda funny and fun!)
(Jodi's oldest boy Jeremy and Janeice's oldest boy Corey are just 4 months apart--April 2000 and Aug. 2000--but I didn't get a picture of them together.)
These three were all born within 9 months...kind of fun having three sisters pregnant at once(Kaleb--Jessica's little boy--was born in Nov.2003, Jace--Jodi's little boy--was born in April 2004, and Ashley--Janeice's little girl--in July 2004)



These two were born just 2 months a part (Jessica's little girl Sammy was born in June 2006 and Jodi's little boy Jon was born in Aug. 2006)...



So Christmas was very fun and full of family!
Since I posted, I've also been busy...graduating with my associate's the beginning of December, starting a new semester this past week, spending some time with friends, I was in the hospital for a few days (but am doing tons better--Priesthood blessings and prayer are amazing!), and just relaxing! I am so grateful for this wonderful time of year--to spend time with family, to celebrate the birth of our Savior, for the Gospel in my life, and for the joy and happiness surrounding us!
I hope you each had a great Christmas, that your new year is going wonderful, and that you're each doing well! :)