What a great Summer:D

I has been a fabulous summer and it is quickly coming to a close, but with Fall approaching I am even happier. My favorite season is Autumn, so I am looking forward to the cooler temps, colors, pumpkins, and scents. The biggest reason I am happy is that I have been dating a fabulous guy! I have never fallen so hard and so fast. He has 4 great kids, yes, you read that right, that I love. The confusing part is he has the same name as my brother, Ryun, but at least he spells it different, Ryan. I love spending every minute with him. That's enough details to share with the world for now, haha.

My other updates since I last wrote are moving, my youngest brother having a baby, and our first family reunion.

I am so happy I had the opportunity to move. There are no downsides at this point. I went from a house that is going to have 5 girls living there to a clean apartment with only one roommate. The apartment got all new flooring before we moved in, I got to decorate, and I live above one of my brothers. I thought living above a brother would be a problem, but it doesn't bug me at all. I love that we can turn our air on 80 and it is cold. I love that I have room in the kitchen. I love that my roommate and I have opposite schedules, but still get chances to talk. So here are a few snippets of what I have unpacked or decorated:

Beach Bathroom

Mini Greenhouse...I love having Rosemary, Oregano, Chives, Cilantro, and Basil at home

Thanks Janet for the shelf!

Shells from my travels

Love my God and Country

Nice place to sit in the evenings

If you look closely you will see my mini garden

Love my new couches and my roommates picture

Not sure that I like this line up, but don't want to deal with more nail holes.

 

We also had our first family reunion in Colorado this year.  The whole family wasn't able to come, but it was still very worth it and we are hoping to do it every year.  We stayed in my time share in a resort mountain town with room for all of us.  I was able to workout, taking E with me so she could play in the children's playroom.  My brother and sister in law were able to go on bike rides during this time too while my parents watched baby N.  We also went on a great 5 mile hike while my brother carried E on his back (he is pretty buff, lol).  We went swimming a few times, BBQed, and played Mexican Train a few times.  It was nice to relax and visit.  The downside was little E dislocating her elbow and my brother having to pop it back into place.  The funny thing is she was so happy afterwards.  We went to roast marshmallows and the gas on the fire pit was not working, so the maintenance guy said he was going to try one more thing and he walked away and E said, "Oh man!"  It was hilarious.   I miss both kids a ton, especially how smiley and happy N was.  Who knows when I will get to see them next, but I love all my family.



 

Looking forward to a fun birthday week next week.  I get to celebrate with Ryan, my friends, and hopefully my family.  In addition I am headed to St. George for my yearly trip with my friend to hike and see plays:) 

Forever!

Yep, I know it has been forever!  I have been pretty busy or have not felt like writing.  Now I have lot to catch up on. Although I am sure nobody was disappointed, lol.

 

In June I got to go rafting on the Colorado River near Moab.  I was expecting an easy, peaceful ride, but ended up almost dead when we got stuck in some bad rapids.  Still, it was a lot of fun! 

 

Later I was able to go on my yearly tour of the Hidden Gardens, this year mostly in Sandy, UT.  This is my second year going with my friend Mikaela and I loved it.  My camera battery was low so I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked. 

 

 I also accomplished a goal I have had for awhile.  For years I have wanted to run a half marathon and was going to run last year, but the race I wanted to do had sold out.  So this year I was able to do the AF Canyon Half, which I loved, especially since the money went to help cancer families or research.  It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be and I was only sore for 2 days.  I also beat my goal time.  I am planning on doing another one and improving my time.  This first time was just about finishing.  I would have been able to go faster had I not burst out crying so many times thinking of my Mom and Grandma.  I also thought I had a rock in my shoe, but found a piece of glass in my foot the next day. 

 

In other news, I chopped off my hair.  I didn't want to, but I was so hot.  I hope it will grow back fast for when the weather turns cold.  I am also moving!  I am so excited!  I am going from 3 roommates to only having one.  I will live in the same apartment complex as my younger brother, but I am pretty sure we will mind our own business.  I am excited for their baby to come soon though.  So with the move comes buying a new couch set!  I also bought decor for the living room.  Shopping has been a lot of fun and I am stoked that I will be able to freely have people over.  The only downside is that I won't have my garden space, but I bought a little green house and will have pots on my porch. 

 

Besides that I have been dating a lot and I am headed to Colorado in August for our first family reunion.  I am also looking forward to a trip with a friend to St. George to see some plays.  Tootles for now;)

Love mosses and how they used them here.

This backyard reminded me of Silver Dollar City. 
It was the most unique yard/house.

This backyard reminded me of the storybook ride at Disneyland.
 It had miniature everything with a train going through it all, so neat!!!

Bonsai

Yep, this garden owner had 3 tortoise's, they were so cool

My favorite garden, mostly because it was so Asian, had a lot of moss,
succulents and a water feature which are all some of my favorites.

My co-worker also ran the half.  We ran together for about 4 miles.

The shirt I had made.  Got a lot of compliments on it

Not a huge fan, but cute enough.

My new couch set

Oh ya, this is a random picture,
 but I had so much fun picking up  baby quail at work that kept falling over the ledge.

Last but not least the mini greenhouse I bought to put herbs in when I move.

On goings

I feel bad because it has been awhile since I have written, but a lot has been going on.  I have been looking for places to live, applying for additional jobs, and being very proactive about my health.  I have also been going out with guys, as usual.  A guy I really like just said to me, "You're my sun, my moon, my starlit sky.  Without you I dwell in darkness."  That is from Willow, but I love that quote!

So I went to Boise the beginning of May for a girls weekend.  I have tried to do this every year with my Aunt Amy, but generally we just go shopping and out to dinner.  This year I was able to arrange myself and cousins Anneli and Marissa getting to Aunt Amy.  It was a quick trip, but we were able to stay up late talking, go to brunch at a tea house, visit the temple, go to a chocolate shop and candy store, get pedicures, visit some amazing neighborhoods and houses (parade of homes), eat at a great Asian place, and play a game.  Church was good too and we were able to have Sunday lunch before heading home.  I enjoyed getting to know my cousin Marissa more also.  I love my Aunt Amy to death and I will miss not having my cousin Anneli in Utah anymore.

Brunch

Temple

Amazing Pedicures!

Stopped to visit our Grandma Zobell's grave.

To update you with my health I have been going to see a chiropractor/homeopathic Dr., which a lot of people do not believe in.  All I have to say is you gotta do what works for you and after 10+ years of going to different western doctors who could not help me I feel the best ever.  I take a lot of vitamins, supplements, homeopathic drops, but I am slowly but surely getting off of prescription's.  I started on 5 and am now down to 3 and in a week or 2 will be on just 2.  I no longer have thyroid issues or depression.  I get adjusted regularly and have also had acupuncture.  I am so thankful for my friend Michelle referring me to Dr. Frazier!  I did hurt my back pretty bad this last week (I think using the rowing machine and gardening for 3 hours) and ended up not able to move much for 2-3 days, but I am grateful that my family was able to help me, especially Janet!!!

As far as looking for places to live, it is just time.  I am ready for my own place and wish I could afford it, but for now I have been looking for my own area.  The problem is I need to find someone to replace me in the house I currently live in and that is not happening.  I am trying to have patience and just take things slowly.  I am also looking for additional hours at work or if a better job comes along than I will take that.  I was offered a job on the spot yesterday, but it didn't have benefits so I declined. 

I am still trying to train for a half marathon I am doing in June.  The back injury held me back for awhile.  In the long run I am just looking to finish, not "race."  I am also looking forward to getting two new nephews soon, one hopefully in the next day or two and the other in July.  Oh, and I know am looking forward to our first family reunion in August!  Life is good:D

Hawaii

 

 

Just a few details about Hawaii to go with the pictures.  Emily invited me and we stayed with her brother and sister in law.  I loved their kids!  Day 1-Arrive, little downtime, walk with the kids down to the beach, dinner, bed. Day 2-Hike Diamond Head with baby and dog, tour the Dole Plantation, grocery shop on the army base, head home to make dinner and play with kids. Day 3-Head to North Shore, eat at shrimp truck, Laie Temple, and arrive at Waimae Falls just as it is closing.  Headed to Killer Tacos for dinner with everyone. Day 4-Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium, 4 hours of shopping in the heat, but I got a fan star paper lantern. Slurpee's afterwards, which I haven't had in years, loved!!!  Dinner and then took the kids swimming.  I am absolutely in love with their kids, Samya 5, Tosh 4, and Teagan 2 mo.  Tosh was my best buddy!  Day5-Went to church in the morning with the two oldest kids (family is inactive).  Friendliest ward I have ever been in!  Read more about that on my other blog. Packed a picnic lunch to eat later in the day.  Headed to the North shore.  Stopped first at Motosumotos so we would not arrive after closing.  Waimae Falls...which is a private nature reserve.  About a mile walk through hundreds of Hawaiian plants.  Arrive at a pond and waterfall for freezing swim, but so fun.  Everyone was super tired afterwards so we ended up not going to the beach but home.  On our way home we stopped at a Hawaiian favorite, Zippy's.  They served American, Hawaiian, Asian, and have a bakery.  The baked goods were my favorite, especially a Banana Whoopee Pie.  Rest of the night relax at home.  Day 6- Spent the day at a nearby water park, which we got into free.  It was pretty stinkin fun.  One the way home we ordered pizza and had a movie night with everyone. Day7-Pearl Harbor for a few hours.  Amazing, even a second time.  Tried to attempt to get to a tour trolley, got the run around, never found the trolley, and got our money back.  When to the Ala Mona mall and ate at a really cool Japanese Restaurant.  Headed home to relax.  Day 8-Snorkeling at Haunama Bay.  Saw so many fish, crabs, eel, and my favorite, turtles.  Reapplied sunblock several times, but burnt the back to a crisp.  Took the scenic way home through the mountains and say blow hole.  Babysat the kids when we got home and went swimming with them.  Tried to stay up late with all the adults to watch a movie, but was too tired so I showered and packed.  Day 9-Got to sleep till I awoke, packed some more, breakfast, one last store, and then the plane.  I didn't have to wait in the long security line either (don't know why).  Flight was 6 hours between two guys.  Super hot Mormon Boy and really loud, overflowing into my seat, in-active Mormon guy.

 

Day10-Spent in Mesa with cousins.  Went hiking with Steph and kids up in the Superstitions and then we met Jamie (Greg's wife) and one of their kids at the park for a take-out lunch.  Was able to have a nap when I got home, then babysat while Tyler and Steph went on a date.  Loved staying with this family too. 

 

Once again, this is a condensed version, I didn't add to many details, but if you want to ask me anything about my 3rd home go ahead:) (Home #1, where I live, #2-The temple, #3 Hawaii)  This was my 3rd time going and I still want to move there.  The best island though is the Big Island. 

Family Pictures 2013

Click here to view these pictures larger

Spring Goodness

I noticed my crocus coming up last week and said, "this next week spring will come."  Sure enough it did!  Warmer temps and blooming everywhere.  It has inspired me to cook more, make health a bigger priority and just be happier in general.  Yesterday I was so happy it was brimming out of my body!  I have also started taking herbs and homeopathic oils in efforts to make me healthier and hopefully solve health concerns.  Since I have been doing that I have felt great!  The only downside right now is not being able to have chocolate, caffeine, strong flavors (like curry), and mint things.  That is just a temporary thing though!  Now I am getting really excited for my trip to Hawaii and General Conference in less than a month.

 

Yellow Crocus and now purple have come up too!

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa, so yummy!

Saw the Waffle Love truck on my way home from work. 
Luckily is was the last time I got to enjoy chocolate.
Try Beligan Nutella Biscoff and their Belgian Chocolate!

"How am I feeling?"

There is so much I want to write about and the Facebook "how do I feel" status' formats may help me to express it all.

Mon-So exhausted, but enjoyed moving furniture with Dad.  Any time spent with my Dad is great!

Tue-Discovered a new Dr. that might be life changing.  Is it weird to look forward to going to the Dr.?

Wed-I love being with my Aunt.  She is so sweet and I enjoyed shopping, eating treats, and talking (well most of all talking)!

Thurs-Triple date night.  Enjoyed dinner at Gloria's, Utah Symphony (An American in Paris) with my date and closest cousin, and BYU creamery :D

Fri-Can I get a breath?  The temple was much needed!  Hawaiian dinner with close friends was great too!

Sat-Enjoyed helping a friend move/unpack for 4 hours.  Best part of the day was seeing Lincoln and eating dinner with Janet.  I am so happy to have any family member spend time with me!

Today:  The things I have to deal with in my ward!!!  Frustrating!  I feel like I have dealt with more problems in my current ward then all of my wards combined.  Good thing I had the Spirit to help me out today!!!

Looking forward to going to Hawaii in less then a month...a vacation is very needed right now!