Valentines Day

Each year for Valentines Day I tell Ryan, "all I want are roses". He is so much like my brother-in-law, Kurt, and doesn't want to buy them because roses die and that's no way of showing his love for me...yada, yada, yada.

Being the great man that he is this Valentines Day was extra special. I called him around 5 or so to see what time he would be home from work, so I could cook a special dinner. He said he wasn't sure, in a little while. So I said, "ok, just let me know when you're on your way". Around 5:45 he texted me and said that he would be leaving around 7, so that he could get all of his hours in (we were snowed in from the storm that happened Wed. night and had to wait 'til they plowed so we could get out). So, I decide to go ahead and make some valentines cookies to kill the time before he left work and I could start cooking.

6:30 or so rolls around and I hear the doorbell. Being the paranoid person that I am, and seeing as I'm alone, I wasn't sure if I would answer it - you never know who could be on the other side(I'm a nerd...I know). I got up the courage to open the door. Lo & behold (and after freaking me out) I see that it's Ryan at the door with a bag from Macaroni Grill, my favorite restaurant, (including a slice of their chocolate cake, my absolute favorite cake)and a bag from Borders. "Holy crap, you scared me" I said. It was his intention to do so...aww...so loving. :)

He pulled out a gift for me from the Borders bag. It was the movie that I had been looking for!! Was it a romance movie, a comedy that we had seen in the theatres?? No, sir. It was a movie that I enjoyed when I was in my younger days. A movie that reminded me of Hawaii (because that's where it was filmed). And like I said before, being the great man that he is - he bought me something that was better then roses. Something I could have forever without it dying. It was...

Babe, you're the best!!!

Judgement day

Yesterday in Sunday School the lesson was on the Judgement day, and the different kingdoms. We talked about the Celestial Kingdom first, the most glorious, and then went to Terrestial and Telestrial. I told Ryan on the way home how great the lesson was because it really puts into perspective how much work we need to do, and the things we're not doing in order to receive those blessings that are ready for us. We talked alot about sins and not to procrastinate repentance. One brother mentioned that when we sin we always have the spirit there right before to give us a warning; but too often we don't heed that warning. I thought about that and felt bad that so many times I have been given that warning, and remembered those warnings as I look back on them. How selfish am I?!

When we talked about the Terrestial Kingdom the teacher said, something along the lines of "these are they who have the gospel and have not lived the commandments, they will be alone forever". Like I said those weren't the exact words, but it really hit me hard thinking that if I'm not living my very best each day, I won't be able to live with my wonderful husband! How sad is that?! The thought of being without him in the next life scares me and makes me sad. I definitely don't want that.

As President Hinckley once said, "the Lord doesn't ask for perfection, but he asks us to do our very best". I don't want to leave this life with any regrets that I didn't do my very best. I'm grateful for our Savior who when we have done the best we can, fills in the rest. I'm grateful to know that he doesn't ever leave us, even when we sin. He's there helping us along the way and wanting us so badly to come back to him. I love this gospel so much and know that without it I would be lost. I can't imagine going through life without having the spirit there for me, warning me, comforting me, giving me hope, protecting me, filling my heart with joy, helping me feel peace when I'm afraid. WOW!! It's amazing, isn't it?! :)

NKOTB is back!!!

If you know what NKOTB stands for then you know about my, once upon a time, obsession with them. That's right! I'm talking about NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! Holy moly! They are trying to make a come back in to the world of music and screaming voices of teenage girls - oh wait that would now be 30 something year old girls...and I'm one of them.

That's right, I'm actually excited about this. My sisters and I have been emailing each other reminiscing about those days when our bedroom walls were COVERED - no joke - in NKOTB pictures. We would change the words to their songs, send it to them, in hopes that they would notice us...hahah!! For example: They did a song called, "I wanna be loved by you", which each member took a turn saying what zodiac sign they, what they like, etc. Well, I did like Joe the best but Donnie was a Leo just like me - so I changed his words to make it my own. "I'm Shannon, a loveable Leo..." I'M STILL WAITING FOR YOU TO NOTICE ME, DONNIE!!!

So, today I got an email from Karen Harvie Jensen, another avid NKOTB fan and good friend. She may hate me for doing this, but I have to post the email she sent about their comeback because it's so funny...and so true to the way we were..here goes...

"OH MY GOSH!!!! HEART ATTACK!!! I am so still in love with them Cmon you know you went to the NKOTB website and signed up for exclusive information to be e-mailed to you. I SOOOOO did. Yes!!! My husband thinks I am absolutly losing my mind but NKOTB will live on forever in my heart. How could I forget kissing the poster of them in Smiths Grocery store and double daring you to make out with it!!!! We didnt sing I'll be loving you forever for nothing...let the words speak for us....HA HA Karen Harvie Mcintyre Jensen"

I must admit that I feel the same, however I haven't signed up on their website...YET. :) Oh the memories of traveling to Fashion Place Mall for a contest in hopes of winning back stage passes, crying at the end of their concert in the Marriott Center because I wanted to meet them so badly, wanting to convert Joey-Joe to the LDS church, countless hours of playing M*A*S*H - and putting his name in all four spots for the guy I wanted to marry, even throwing a NKOTB birthday party. We were FREAK-A-ZOIDS!!! Fun memories though...

Passing of a Prophet

As I saw the breaking news on KSL about President Hinckley passing away Sunday night, I felt a sense of loss and sadness. We all knew this day would come sooner or later, but yet I felt as if he was invincible. Here he was 97 years old and still full of energy, laughing, making jokes. You don't see someone his age in the shape that he was. Coincidence? I don't think so. Heavenly Father knew exactly when he needed to return home. He kept his energy and his health up until the moment of his passing.

Tears filled my eyes as they talked more about him. Ryan patted my thigh, signaling that everything would be ok. It was almost a bittersweet moment. I was sad that he was gone - this cute, funny old man - who I couldn't wait to listen to each April & October for General Conference. Yet, I was also so happy for him to now be reunited with his beloved wife, whom he has missed so badly since she passed away in 2004. I'm sure the reunion was incredible! Not only the reunion with her, but so, so many who's lives he had touched - including past prophets possibly giving him high-five's all around for a life well done. :)


I'm truly going to miss this wonderful man, but I'm so happy that President Monson will take his place. The gospel lives on regardless, and keeps getting stronger, the church is true, we live in a time where we need these leaders of the church to give us guidance and direction - what a blessing!

New year - New 'do!

I figured that since I was going to work on all these goals that I previously posted, I might as well make a fresh start - and start by cutting my hair. I thought sporting the "Victoria Beckham" look would be a good start. Ha! Take a look.

Marriage Meme

Ok, I totally copied this from my sister in law's blog, she's so cool!

What is his name? Ryan
How long have you been together? 3 years
How long did you date? 4 months
How old is he? He'll be 34 in March. Yikes!
Who eats more? pretty much the same
Who said I love you first? I believe I did...just couldn't help myself.
Who is taller? Um, I think I am by like 1/4 of an inch
Who sings better? I think I do - although he can harmonize real well, even though he doesn't know it.
Who is smarter? Ryan is smart when it comes to finances, money, making decisions - but I'm smarter when it comes to...umm...wait I got to think about this...
Whose temper is worse? I stop talking when I'm mad, or I cry. Ryan get's MAD!!
Who does the laundry? Both
Who does the dishes? Both
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me...Ryan won't let me switch, I don't like being next to the door.
Who pays the bills? Ryan, thank goodness.
Who mows the lawn? The HOA people
Who cooks dinner? Me, unless we go out.
Who drives when you are together? Me, Ryan can't see very well at night so I usually drive.
Who is more stubborn? I would definitely say I am...always have been.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Neither.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine, they live 10 minutes away. Ryan's family lives in Wyoming.
Who kissed who first? I think it was mutual - probably me though. Haha...like I said, just couldn't help myself.
Who asked who out? Ryan told me to call him - so I did and then we went out.
Who proposed? Ryan
Who is more sensitive? I think we both are. Ryan puts a lot of thought into things for me and like to surprise me, and I love him for that. I am more sensitive when it comes to who sheds the most tears - yeah that would be me.
Who has more friends? We share.
Who has more siblings? Me for sure. 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Ryan has 1 sister - and she's awesome!!

2008 IS MY YEAR!!!

As I look back on 2007 I wonder what it is that I have accomplished. Well the best part of 2007 was that Ryan and I were sealed in March. Such a blessing! We also bought a house - big accomplishment which we are so thankful for. Let's see what else?? Ryan bought a 1954 Ford Truck after selling his '56 truck...and it runs! That's a good thing for him. I lost about 8 pounds, but then gained it back...blah! Bought a camera to keep practicing my photography...but what have I really accomplished? It seems that I go through the day doing the same thing. I get up, take Ryan to a co-workers house to car pool with to work, go back home, depends on how tired I am I may fall back asleep for a little bit and then get up and get ready for work. Work until 5-ish, come home, make dinner, watch a little TV with Ryan - maybe go out and go shopping, and then go to bed - what a life!

With that said I'm determined to make this a GREAT year!! Here are some things that I want to do this year...

-Travel: Visit family out in NC & TX. I also want to either go on more road trips or actually fly somewhere. I would love to go to Europe, don't know if it will happen...but would love to.

-Lose weight: this really is MY year to do this; lots of exercise & eating right.

-Have a baby: gotta lose the weight first or else I can't get pregnant, darn PCOS.

-Be a better wife and not get upset at my husband for the little things; be more laid back.

-Record an album. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, just need to come up with songs. My brother has a make shift recording studio where I can do this.

-Take more pictures.

-Be better at blogging and catching up on life with friends.

-Go back to school; Graduate!

-Be a better Manager at work

I'm sure there are more to add...