A Surprise for My Mom

This year has been a difficult one and I could not think of a gift for my mom for Mother's Day that adequately expressed my gratitude for all her help. Let me just say a few words about that.

My mom is one of the most giving and charitable people I know. She came down a few times during this ordeal. Each time, she would spend time cleaning my house, cooking for me, buying me groceries and more. She even helped me pack up things before and after surgery so it was easier when it came time to move. I cannot express how much that helped and how much it meant to me. She would check in with my daily to see how I was doing and what she could do to help. She is so kind. How do you repay someone who has done so much for you? An idea began to blossom.

The Idea:

A few weeks ago, during a phone conversation, she said something about me not making it home. I haven't been home all year because of finances and sickness. I knew that I had traveled. However, I figured if finances worked out, with the new job that I have been working and babysitting, I would surprise her and show up at home. I also wanted to bring her something that she would like. I thought on that and decided a plant may work.

Prep Work:

I started making phone calls to make sure that she would be in town. I told my dad my plan and he worked with me to make sure it could happen. I also let my brother and sister know it was a surprise, though my sister forgot. My mom and dad were going to be out of town when I arrived and so I planned carefully where I was going to park (not my normal spot) and arranged a time frame for arrival.

The Surprise:

I packed my bag, loaded up, filled the car with gas, and headed out. I made a stop at a greenhouse on the way out of town and potted a plant for her. Then, I took off. I arrived and took my stuff into the basement bedroom, including the plant. I spent the time waiting for them to come home on the floor. When they arrived, I realized I didn't know what I was going to say or how I was going to surprise her so I just sat there. My dad unlocked the door and walked in. My mom walked in and jumped. She was startled to see someone in her house. When she realized it was me, I said "Happy Mother's Day". It worked out so well. She had no clue.

The next morning, when I woke up, I went upstairs with the plant in my hand. When she saw that, she was pretty shocked too. She had said that my coming was gift enough. Hopefully, the plant was just an added bonus.

The Ending:

I spent the rest of the day going to church, having dinner with my Grandpa Ivey, doing dishes for her, and visiting my Grandma Parkin. It really was a wonderful day. We ended the day trying to figure out how to use her tablet to take a selfie and post it onto Facebook. I have to say, the picture that we attempted still makes me laugh out loud. Let's just say it got deleted pretty quickly after. We ended up with a pretty decent one.

I love my mom and am so glad that I could spend Mother's Day with her.

Lessons Learned Again!

These posts are always fun because they allow me to share my crazy life in a different way. To preface this post, the past week did not disappoint as far as craziness goes. It was definitely not an ordinary week. I will now present my Lessons Learned from April 19-26th. Drum roll please! ......................................


~ Miracles Happen
~ The temple really is one of the greatest places on earth.
~ Rebellious moments can be entertaining. Nothing to rebellious though. This lesson is following a temple one.
~ When it's necessary, I can sleep on the floor, if I put a body pillow beneath me. It became my bed for two nights in a row.
~ On Easter, you crave Easter candy, which is hard when you can't eat it.
~ An Easter dinner of Powerade and Sprite makes you long for cheesy potatoes.
~ Even without going to church, you can still keep the Sabbath Day holy in thoughts and actions.
~ I'm grateful to have my own  bathroom so I don't feel guilty monopolizing it.
~ Suprep is nasty. It tastes like drinking a bottle of cough syrup. Blech!
~ Drinking 48 oz. of liquids in one hour is really difficult to do.
~ When doing the two above, it is helpful to have a good movie playing.
~ Along with the above, reading is not the easiest, because you have no desire to focus on words.
~ Waking up at 7 in the morning for more Suprep = No Fun!
~ There is no way to make the Post-Easter candy sales when you can't even leave the house.
~ My brain doesn't like to work before a procedure.
~ The prep for a Colonoscopy is worse than the procedure.
~ Me on sedation and pain meds entertains kids.
~ I like to repeat myself and flop down on my pillow.
~ I shouldn't try to make phone calls until at least five hours after the procedure or I'll end up making another one to clarify.
~ My friends are the best to help me get to and from the doctor's office, and to watch me for the time after. The GREATEST!!!! Thanks guys!
~ I have weird dreams with the meds mentioned above.
~ For some reason, it takes me a bit to shake of the meds and such. I felt like a walking zombie.
~ Being manipulated is No Fun!
~ Getting news that could be devastating, could be bad, unless you have already come to terms with it and would have not accepted it anyway.
~ 13 hour work days are craziness!!!
~ Apparently I can handle watching 7 kids at a time.
~ Being a mom of 4 and taking all four kids to Pack Meeting is an accomplishment I didn't think would happen this soon. We made it there, participated and got home alive.
~ Getting 4 kids to agree on dinner, going to get it, and having family dinner. New experience. Isn't bad at all.
~ A day like that is exciting, exhausting and adrenaline filled.
~ Thinking you are going to be the last person to show up to a meeting, and then showing up and being the first, is a Win!!!
~ Playing with kids outside is relaxing.
~ It's okay to rest after a crazy week. You don't have to feel social everyday.
~ I can do hard things.
~ To this day, I still love speaking in Spanish.
~ Humor helps ease stress.
~ Puddles on the kitchen floor make me miss warm spring and summer rains when you can splash in puddles. (I am still a kid at heart)!
~ My home teachers are amazing!
~ Setting up for a Girls Camp fundraiser is easier when decorations from an event earlier that day are left up.
~ There are some amazing Chili makers and Pie Bakers out there. Congrats to the winners!
~ People who eat chili and pie, drink lots of water.
~ I really don't miss talking in the microphone too much.
~ A church gym + lots of kids = Lots of running and screaming. There could even be a game of Zombie Turtles being played.
~ Seeing people you don't get to see as much, is so fun!
~ Seeing the smiles on so many peoples' faces makes all of this worth it.
~ After a long week, sitting down with a bag of M&Ms (pick your flavor) and a movie, is so extremely relaxing.
~ I can have two different (inanimate object) best friends in one week. I'm glad it changed from the beginning to the end. My bed is my best inanimate object friend right now.

Wow!!! That's a long list. This is what happens when so much happens. There is probably more too. However, I will spare you though. Thank you for reading!

A Different Easter

Growing up, Easter meant egg hunts, yummy candy, going to church and then Easter dinner. We would sometimes get new Easter dresses. The was always a plethora of plastic eggs and fun. Because of my love of junk food, I honestly really enjoyed this holiday. Always, in the back of my mind, whether I showed it or not, was thoughts of Christ.

As I got older, I still loved my candy so Easter remained fun, even though the novelty of the Easter Bunny and egg hunts started to fade. Then, one year, we had money inside our eggs. Yup! That was a good year and I got excited for the hunt. At this point, the more religious aspect was more important to me too. It was more about that, though amazing candy was a huge plus!

Over the past 8 years, I have done everything I can to make Easter more about Christ and his sacrifice. I have taken time to read his story, study the atonement, watch movies about it and more. Especially living away from home, I was still able to make Easter a very special day.



This year is definitely different than any other Easter that I have experienced. Today is absolutely not about the candy, because I cannot eat it and have to avoid it. I am not able to attend church today, but have been remembering Him all day through the music I listen to and the movies I watch. It has been peaceful.

I have a procedure at the hospital tomorrow and my preparation for that started last night. I woke up around 4:30 in the morning and in the hours after have decided that leaving my apartment is not a good idea. I am officially on a clear liquid diet which means no Easter candy and none of the normal celebratory foods. I won't be able to eat normal food until post procedure tomorrow. However, as I have thought about this, it has helped me to focus even more on the reason we celebrate Easter.

My Savior, Jesus Christ.


He knows what I have been through and what I am going through now. He fasted for 40 days and was tempted. His task was more difficult than mine but yet He did it.


He is the perfect example.


He provided a way to overcome the hardships that we have. He gives us the strength we need or are lacking.


He submitted His will to the father's though he knew the path would be hard.


At times, he stood alone and yet, He will never leave us alone. He will be with us as our constant companion, friend, helper and brother.


His sacrifice was pure and perfect. He has given us the ability to be clean and pure, to become like him, to be submissive, and to overcome.


I am overcome with gratitude for my Savior, Redeemer, Friend and Brother. I know that what He did was for each one of us. It is real. It is true. It is beautiful. It is humbling. It is perfect.

We always hear people say they want to keep the spirit of Christmas with them throughout the year. I believe something similar can be said about Easter. May we ever keep the meaning of Easter and the gratitude we have for our Savior first and foremost in our lives. It will help each day be better and helps us more fully appreciate and understand our struggles and how truly our Savior understands.

*Pictures are from the LDS Media Library*

Birthdays

In my family, all of the kids have birthdays within a month. This year, something amazing happened. My sister and I both got to see each other on our birthdays. This hasn't happened in a long time. Here's the story.

Spring break for my sister and her family happened to fall on the week of her birthday. For their spring break, they traveled to visit family. They ended up coming to my place on her birthday. We had a great day! When they first got here, we chatted for a bit. Then her husband and the kiddos went and got pizza and crazy bread. We had a picnic on my apartment floor. After lunch, we had brownies. I had made some with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and peanut butter chips (because she loves peanut butter and chocolate) and a pan of plain brownies. 

After brownies, we went bowling. It was a lot of fun. My brother-in-law dominated, but we really weren't competing. We were just having fun. My niece didn't want to play but could be found dancing around or playing with the hand dryer. After bowling, we went to park to play for a little bit before they had to head back to nana and grandpa's house. It was a great day!

Fast forward a few weeks. I was dreading my birthday, like nothing. The previous year had been one of the hardest years of my life. The week leading up, I had the strongest desire to run away over the weekend or on my birthday, which was on a Monday. The Friday before was a rough day, when I was invited to my sister's place for the weekend. After some texting back and forth, she finally convinced me to come. I headed up early Saturday morning and left on Monday morning. 

We celebrated my birthday both Saturday and Sunday, with yummy donuts. I have been craving those a lot lately. It was so nice to be able to spend the weekend with them, playing and relaxing and catching up. My sister and I were able to talk about life and so many things. It reminded me how nice it is to have someone to really talk to.My new nephew and I had some good conversations. My niece and one nephew requested I bring the bear and jaguar with me. Those are stuffed animals they love. They were so cute playing with them. I'm incredibly impressed with my oldest nephew and his amazing mind. I even beat my brother-in-law in a game of Twister.

When I woke up Monday, I went to change clothes and get ready. The two older boys were getting ready for school and I knew I had to leave that morning to get back for babysitting. As I came out, they all started singing Happy Birthday to me! It was so cute! I loved it and loved them for making this birthday special.

My day wasn't over after that. I made it back and opened gifts. I was so incredibly blessed. After I babysat, my parents came down and took me to dinner. We went to El Sol. My mom got fajitas, I got cheese enchiladas, and my dad got quesadillas. Then we went to the store and got cake. I chose a Cookies and Cream one. It was pretty much amazing!

I was also able to get together with a friend, watch a movie and work on a project, which made both of us happy. The days after, I continued celebrating with a job interview, dinner at El Torro Viejo, dinner at Firehouse, and a free F'zookie!!! It really was a great birthday, especially once I changed my attitude and realized I could celebrate surviving one crazy-difficult year and hope for a better one.

If only I could find a way to be with my brother on his birthday, then it would be the most amazing birthday season ever! Wish I could Bud! My siblings are really some of my best friends and I am so blessed to be related to them and learn from them. 

Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

Ever since high school, this hymn from the LDS hymn book has been one that expresses my sentiments for the amazing people in this world. Especially over the past year, as I have battled the many interesting challenges that have come, many of these people have continued to impact my life. Below are the lyrics to the hymns.

1. 1. Each life that touches ours for good
   Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
   Thou sendest blessings from above
   Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. 2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
   What greater goodness can we know
   Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
   Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
3. 3. When such a friend from us departs,
   We hold forever in our hearts
   A sweet and hallowed memory,
   Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
4. 4. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
   Devotion to the Savior's name,
   Who bless our days with peace and love,
   We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

I have come to really see and appreciate these important people in my life and have realized that we cannot get through hard times in life without these amazing friends. The past two months have been difficult for me, but also, it's been a difficult year, as I have dealt with my vocal disorder as well. I cannot name all the people who have touched my life but I would like to share a few examples.

This morning I got a phone call from one of my favorite people ever. She has been the one who has helped me to remain positive as these trials have come. I had the privilege of working with her every Saturday at the temple. Her love of life and sense of humor cannot be matched. When I had a rough day, she would listen and within 30 minutes, we would be laughing and enjoying ourselves. There are not many people like Sister Jensen. I found out on Saturday that our time working together at the temple will be ending. It was a hard moment. When she called me this morning, we talked about how one life truly can help and touch another. She is how I want to be when I grow up.

I've been no stranger to service these past two months. This has not been easy, but I am convinced that one of the reasons that I have had to go through this, is to learn to ask for help. I am grateful for my dear friend, who while going through her own difficulties that I cannot even imagine, In the midst of all of these trials with her, she would text me daily and come and visit me quite often. Even when things may not have been going the greatest, she was there for me, constantly, though she had every reason not to be. She and I were able to make each other smile. I can always count on her to send a joke, or a cute story, or the perfect text at the right time. Even when her son was going through surgery, she was still checking in on me. She is a completely selfless and incredible friend.

One of the greatest blessings in my life, is the opportunity to serve the young women in my ward, through my calling as the Personal Progress leader. The girls have touched my life is so many ways. Also, I am convinced that I serve with some of the most amazing women ever. These women have been there for me through whatever has taken place, through prayers, new opportunities when old ones ended, sticking with me when I couldn't be there during therapy and sickness. These women are such examples to me, in so many ways, and are the type of role models I would want my girls to have, if I had girls. The lessons they teach, touch me and change me weekly.

My family, of course, make this list. I was blessed with parents who came down and helped me out before, during and after surgery, as well as called to check in with me. I cannot express my gratitude for the many, many things that they have done for me. It's indescribable. My sister, aka Nurse Heather, texted me multiple times a day to make sure I was well. She has always been there through the storms and seems to be someone who will text me on rough days and always knows the right things to say and the right times to say it. My brother brings rays of sunshine. Even though he is younger, it is nice to have someone who is in a similar walk of life and is experiencing similar situations. I could say so much more about each of them, but I'll sum it up by saying, My family is amazing!!!

Then there is someone I've loved since early elementary school days. She is one of my biggest heroes. What is even more amazing is how she and I ended up in the same place after college I have attempted to be there for her, with everything that she has gone through, and she has been there and more for me. She is so full of love for everyone. You ask her for one little thing, and she goes above and beyond. I have talked to so many people who have been touched by her charity. She is a strong and courageous person who shows genuine compassion and inspires everyone around her to give that tenfold.

One last one. My home teachers are the best. I never understood what true home teachers were until recently. I am blessed with a husband/wife companionship. Not only did they make their monthly visit, but they checked in with me consistently, helped when I needed it, brought me food, texted me when they went to the store, brought me the sacrament and let me know that they were ready and willing to help, if it were needed. I knew that they were genuinely concerned for me and it would not inconvenience them if I asked. They were more than just a monthly visit. They became true friends. That showed me how I want to be with those I visit and serve.

There are so many more people that I could add to this list. Just know that I am completely grateful for each of you. I am still trying to find the best way to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me and touched my life. One thing is certain, the many amazing people who have been placed in my life have for sure touched me for the better. In closing, I want to re-share a few of the lyrics."Thou sendest blessings from above, through words and deeds of those who love. What greater gift dost thou bestow, what greater goodness can we know, than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways, strengthen our faith, enrich our days."

When I Grow Up

On May 28, 2013, I lost my voice and it has yet to completely return, though it is getting closer every day. However, because of the voice, I have started a program called Vocational Rehabilitation. This means that through the services provided, they will help me figure out a career path and find a job. This process has been quite interesting. At the beginning of February, I participated in multiple assessments to help me to learn more about my self, my interests, and what fields would be the most successful for me or where I would be happiest.

I got the report back today on the results of those assessments. I was given homework to figure out which field or what career I would like to focus on. I am my harshest critic, and because of that, choosing a new career path is daunting. I looked at some of the recommendations and am starting to consider which field. It is hard to see myself doing these things, in ways. Yet, in other ways, many of these intrigue me. Because of this, I'd like to ask for your help. Below are some of the options that I am considering.

~ Dietician
~ Pharmacist
~ Physical Therapist
~ Radiologic Tech
~ Athletic Trainer
~ Counselor - Chem. Dep.
~ Guidance Counselor
~ Nurse Aide
~ Occupational Therapist
~ Private Investigator  (Hee Hee Hee)
~ Travel Agent
~ Court Reporter
~ Data Input Operator
~ Medical Assistant
~ Pharmacy Tech
~ Writer

Here's where you come in. I'd like to make this a requirement for anyone who reads this, but I don't want to force you. I really am not that way. However, your input would be appreciated and much needed. Please comment below, send me an email, a message or comment on the facebook post to let me know what you think. I know that the ultimate decision is mine but I feel like others see what I would be good at, more than I do. I have cut out some of the jobs that were listed because they are ones that I feel would not be a good fit for me or I just would not enjoy.

Thanks everyone!

My Whirlwind Week

Last weekend, I was getting pretty frustrated and discouraged. I had set a goal to make it outside at least once a day. Saturday, I did a lot more than usual and completely paid the price. It was a bit discouraging. Enough so that I began to think about and attempt to explore other options or look for ways to get answers before my appointment on the 18th.

On Sunday, I talked through these options with a few people and even asked one for contact information to set an appointment. By that evening, I was feeling pretty good about everything and was just waiting for everything I needed to get an new appointment set.

Monday, I was going to take it easy because I was determined to make a bigger outing on Tuesday. As I sat relaxing, I got a phone call from the GI telling me they had a cancellation and they had an appointment that day in 45 minutes that I could have. To say I was excited, was an understatement. I got to the appointment and ended up waiting for the doctor for a while. He came in a reviewed everything with me, clear back to procedures done in 2007. After talking and looking at all my results, he sent me down for blood tests and three different ultrasound tests. The ultrasound tech was the same guy who had done my ultrasound a few weeks earlier and he remembered me. When he finished the ultrasounds it was about 4:55 pm. I told him the doctor had me going right back up to him and was wanting to review everything. I went back up to his office and they put me in a room while they waited and reviewed all the tests. He came in gave me a phone number and told me he wanted me to call and see this surgeon first thing the next morning and told me he thought I needed my gall bladder and appendix out. The ultrasound report showed that they could not find my appendix at all.

First thing Tuesday morning, I called the surgeon's office and set an appointment. I went in for that appointment and talked with the surgeon. After a discussion and examination, he told me he 90-95% sure that it was my gall bladder and that he wanted to take it out. After working out a few things and making a few phone calls, the surgery was set of the next day. That meant I needed to head over to the hospital and do my pre-registration and pre-op work. When I got home, I started contacting people and making arrangements for the next day. As my pre-op rebellion, I went to New Beginnings that night because my young women mean the world to me and I wanted to be there to support them.

On Wednesday, my parents showed up and we got things in order for the surgery. It was originally scheduled for 11 am, but it got moved back to 1:45. Before going, my dad gave me a priesthood blessing to help me during the surgery. We arrived early, which was fine, they put me back in my room and we were able to get situated and relaxed in the room. As they time drew nearer, I had moments of anxiousness. I had no clue what to expect. The hooked me up to IVs and asked me questions. The surgeon had a surgery at another hospital right before mine, so was running late. Once he got there, things went full speed. He talked to us for a few minutes, then I was off. I was really nervous, but was out before I knew it. After the operation, I really don't remember a ton. I wasn't funny, which was kind of disappointing. I was more passive saying "I don't know" to basically everything. I was released later that day and sent home to recover.

My parents were so great and they spent that night and the next day with me. They pushed me to drink, attempt to eat a few things, and walk or be upright more than I would have on my own. They were great in helping me with cooking and cleaning. I am so grateful that they were here for me, I could not have done it without them. By the time they left, I was able to walk by myself for a short distance and was a little less out of it. I had made arrangements for a friend to stay the night with me because the middle of the night bathroom runs worried me and it would help to have someone there. It was more a comfort blanket than anything but it really did help.

Each day I am seeing improvements, which is exciting. I was surprised and grateful for the visits on Valentine's Day. I was expecting to spend most all of that day by myself. However, good people showed up and brought me cheer and helped to lift my spirits. It was really a nice day. I had a few visitors on Saturday and was able to be more independent than the other days. This seems to be the pattern right now and I can't help but be extremely grateful for all the support and help I have received. I am very hopeful that this truly was the answer and that my life will be back to "normal" soon, whatever normal means. :)