Wednesday, December 2, 2009

25 Years Ago, On This Day...

I was born!
Today we are celebrating by spending the day at home, mostly. Maybe a walk to the thrift store and then probably food and karaoke tonight! Nothing too crazy.

So, I've been living in Ramona, CA since August. I love it. This single mom thing is the hardest thing I've ever done. I feel I am being tried in nearly every area of my existed. But I do believe that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and my family. And I am happier than I have ever been. I know that there is nothing too impossible for me to accomplish.

I'm working as a massage therapist in a salon, Artistry in Hair. Slowly building up clientele. I love what I do. I really believe there are many alternatives to "western medicine" although, I also firmly believe that modern medicines and alternative medicines should be used together.
I'm still working towards my goal to work on movie/tv sets. But Ramona is a good place for me to get back on my feet. I have great family out here and everything is in walking distance (which is good for me, since my car broke down and is apparently unfixable :()

We got a buddy for Jasper. He was so lonely. We found a Jack Russell Terrier, he's 2 1/2 years old, his name is Wilbur and he is Wesley and Christy's bestest buddy. He's very vocal, but generally only when I talk to him (or rather, I bark to him)

I love our apartment and love my life, trials and poverty included. Mostly because I know I am doing all that I can to get out of it. Ellen Degeneres, did you get my letter?!
I'm going make some breakfast, clean up and bake a cake. I've got to call my aunts and see if one of them wants to make a trip to Poway or Escondido today, I need to find a craft store and a comic book store (I can't wait to get my hands on Berserker 3)!

Well, I'll post pictures when I'm actually at my computer and we are hooked up to the Internet, for now it's iPhone tweets, blogs and facebook updates for you!


Loves! XOXO

Monday, August 17, 2009

As promised...

Here's a little update.
So this summer has been spent bouncing back and forth between Utah and California.
I went down at the end of June with my mom and we did some research and looked around at areas and jobs and such.
As you know, I got a job and then it didn't work out, so I had to run back to Cali and get my table and chair.
Then I went back out in July for Comic Con. I drove out with Aubrey and we had a blast. It was kindof like my Re-Bachelorette party. To celebrate my "divorce". I realize this may be sick and twisted to some people, to celebrate a divorce. Which may seem tragic. But it was a good thing, and it took a long time, and I felt the need to celebrate. And we did.
I attended a few panels: Chuck, Psych, Burn Notice, Quantum Quest, Bones, Top Cow (comics) and a few others, but those were my favorites!
I also purchased some fun exclusives, played some games. Got some autographs and spent some time on the main floor. I made a lot of friends and some good contacts for networking. As I have mentioned, my goal with massage is to end up working on television/movie sets. The cast and crew do a lot of physical work, which I want to aid them in making it easier, preventing and faster healing injuries, etc. But anyway, it was a good place to make the right kinds of contacts for this field.
We also did some celebrity sighting. My favorites were, of course, Caitlin Crosby and the Chuck cast, including Zachary Levi and Scott Krinsky. I also got to meet the Divide Pictures crew - Milo(Peter Petrelli on Heroes), Russ and Dino. I'd say they were my favorites. Well, them and of course, Zachary Levi. They were just so down to earth and seemed to really appreciate their fans and realize that it is us that keep them doing what they love to do.
I made a lot of fun memories, but didn't have my own camera, so my pictures are all over the place, I'll have to gather them and post a few!

After Comic Con, we came back, and I went back out a week later. Put a deposit down on an apartment and have been trying to get everything in order to be ready to leave next week.

Why the sudden move with no job you may ask? Well, the answer is quite simple, yet so complex: Faith. I have learned through my mistakes that I have made, some big, some with major consequences, and through all of that, I have learned that when God says do something, you just do it! So, I have 1 week left, almost no money and I'm still planning to go.
I'm so stressed, I got sick and I'm a wee bit nervous. But, at the same time, I feel so good about this. I just know if I keep pressing forward, God will come through.

I've had a lot of struggles with keeping my faith this year. But, I do believe in God. I do believe in Jesus Christ. And I am very greatful for Joseph Smith for asking questions and his hand in bringing forth the Gospel in its fulness in this final dispensation.
I know he is there. I have been questioning his prescense/existence a lot lately. But tonight when I said the dinner prayer, I felt someone listening. I knew there was someone else there. And I believe it was Him. I believe he loves me and is watching over me. I need to work on having more faith. Indeed.

So, that's basically it! I'm moving to Ramona! I'm so excited!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Happy Birthday Wesley!


Today my son turns 2! Two years ago today I was heading to Utah Valley hospital in Provo for a NST (non stress test) and an ultrasound. As they were checking the levels of the amniotic fluids, I was below a 3. They don't want to ever see you below a 5. So, they said, "hope you didn't have any plans today, because you're having a baby!" I called my mom to tell her to keep Christy over night. I called Rob to hurry over because Wesley was coming!
I sat in the waiting room for about 2 hours before they got me in a room. I was starving, but because I was being put on pitocin, I was forbidden to eat anything but ice chips. Lame!
I started the pit drip about 1:00. A few hours later I got the epidural. At about 9:30, I started pushing. 9:58, he was out. 6 lbs 12 oz, 19", head full of hair. Beautiful baby boy.


_______________

I'll post more later, we've been busy this summer and I have some good news!

Friday, July 3, 2009

The thing about Beauty...

My sister, Christy is in the video. She makes an amazing Vampire. She is so talented! And the music is great! I love Coury Palermo's voice actually. I especially love his version of Another Day in Paradise.



I looked outside the window this morning and was amazed at how beautiful it was. Infact, on my drives to and from California, I am always impressed and just awed at how beautiful it is. I don't think it matters where you live. You can find beauty in everything. The trees, the mountains, the dessert, the forest, the animals, the people. It's all beautiful.

Infact, as a massage therapist, I see many people. (I know I've touched on this subject before) But I really love people. I love the diversity in people. The way we live our lives, the way we interact with people and of course the physical traits. I have yet to meet an ugly person. Yes, we all have flaws. But those flaws are what make us different. They make us unique. They are a beautiful. I don't buy into this "you have to be a size 0 to be beautiful". That's bunk. I think there is beauty in every size. There is a story to every scar. There is something great about being flawed. As Caitlin Crosby sings, "Imperfect is the new perfect."
I highly suggest checking out her site http://loveyourflawz.com/ as well as her new cd.

So, today I give you a challenge: whether you are out and about today, at work or even staying at home working around the house; look for the beauty around you, notice the differences between people and places. Celebrate your differences. Remember, God is the creator of all, and he doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't put ugly into this world. We create it. So, out with the ugly, lets just celebrate and love our flaws!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Because I know you've been wondering...

Here's the rundown of the past weeks events...

Last week I came down to California with my mom to look for a job and a place to live. I met with a chiropractor who was apparently very impressed with my "touch" and my resume. So he offered me the job. The original agreement was only part time and he wanted me to start the following Friday. So Tuesday, I packed all of my boxes and left only what Christy and Wesley would need for the next few weeks before my parents brought them and my things out to me. Tuesday afternoon, the dr called and said he had changed my schedule. He wanted to change it monday - saturday, except Thursday 8-6:30. Well, because I have children and am a single mom, that schedule is impossible for me to do. Not to mention the amount i would be spending in day care. So I came back with an 8-2 schedule. He didn't like that and told me he had better keep looking and good luck in my search. He actually was quite rude on the phone. Well, after an anger episode and the thought of a good cry (I can never seem to actually follow through with a good cry), I decided to go out around Orem and look for a job. Except, I had left my massage table and chair out in Ramona. So, I left Wednesday anyway and am now down here in Ramona to pick up said table and chair, but also to cover some more ground looking for jobs and housing. I had a great interview in Thousand Oaks on Saturday morning, but I don't know that I want to live that far from my california family. So, I'm attending church in the Ramona Ward this afternoon to see if anyone here has any leads for me.
Tomorrow, I think I will go to the San Diego temple. And I think Tuesday I will be heading home. I miss my children. and my little dog.
I have had some fun out here though. Saturday afternoon, I dragged my aunt Siobahn to a comic book signing. Yes, i read comics. :) I got to meet the writers, artists and producers for Beserker. I got my picture taken with Milo Ventimiglia. He's really nice, and has really warm cheeks!

I'm feeling quite discouraged, but I also know that I'm doing what the Lord wanted me to do, so I know that there will soon be something to make sense of all of this.

I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And with that, I'm off to see Christy Lynn and then off to church.

Love to you all!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Theft - Warning for Women

THEFT - WARNING for Women

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys
removed by black-market organ thieves.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to
sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick. The
replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and
what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs.
Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans.
And then the thieves struck again.

My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to
match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my
new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original! I
realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts..

Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing
my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro
with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body
was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?

When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck,
I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell the
coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -
stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something
'lifted', look again - was it lifted from you?

These same thieves come in my closet and shrink my clothes! How do they do
it?

Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed
and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that
they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden
in my waistband.

THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.

WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

It's officially official!

The judge has signed, I am no longer married. :)
I think I am going to throw a re-bachelorette party when I get back from Cali. :)
And then I think I will celebrate once again next month at Comic Con. I am so excited to be going to Comic Con this year. Last year was so much fun and I look forward to making this an annual family event as my kids get older. Christy still talks about it. She liked shopping at the "Comic Squares".
There are only few more things that need to be taken care of. I need to get the car signed over to me. I would like to finish paying off my car and some more of my cc debt, then I think I'll need to start looking into a new car. Mine is still okay, but it makes me nervous for traveling to and from Utah and California.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be!

http://www.homesandland.com/Real_Estate/CA/City/SUN_VALLEY/ListingId/12925361.html?RefererId=Zillow

I love this house!

I'm leaving to California in a week, CRAZY!
I have a whole schedule printed out, and am just finishing up the final details of kids, packing, school etc. I have some interviews and some housing that I'm looking at. Not the one I put up the link for, but some more affordable apartments. Although, if you feel you would like to invest in a rental property out in the LA area, please let me know. I may be the person you've been looking for to care for your house! :)
I had my graduation ceremony on the 30th of last month. I graduated with High Honors! It was great! Had lunch with my family (Yes, Char, you are included in that). My family is incredible and I'm so greatful for the support they have given me while I have been in school.
Technically, I have two days left of classes - Monday and Wednesday. Looking back this whole thing has gone way fast.
But I feel great, now that it's just about done. I am working towards my National License and also certification in Kinesio Taping.

I'm getting more and more nervous about the whole California move. Heavenly Father has led me to this decision, and I know he has a plan for me, so it will all work out. But it scares me. Moving away from my mom and dad and my siblings will be very hard. But I will have my awesome children and my fuzzy little dog. We make a great team. I'm certain we will have trials, and I'm also certain we will fiind joy and opportunites out there for growth and success. Both career and family.

Thanks to my family and my friends for being such a great support.
My two besties. They're the best! LOL!
Aubrey thanks for listening to me and coming over to hang out. Even when we just fall asleep to a movie, it means a lot to know that you are there. I really reallly really want you to come with me. Transfer to Beverly Hills or something. Haha! I'm glad that you moved back in next door to me. Even if it's only for a little while. It's like we're 15 again.Meet me in the middle?
Charise, you are way awesome. Thanks a million for being at my graduation. It meant a lot to me! You are a great friend. I still really wish that you were coming with me! ;)

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Little update...

So, I know I promised a massage etiquette (sp?) list, but I haven't gotten to that yet.

But here's a little update...

One week from today is my graduation ceremony. I'm so excited!
I only have like 5 classes left of school. Then I am done.
I'm driving down to California next month around the 15th or the 20th (I haven't decided exactly which week I'll be going) to interview with some companies and look at housing and areas and all that. I'm so exited to be moving forward with my career and my life.

As far as the divorce goes, things are practically done. I'm waiting for my certificate.

Christy is going to be turning 4 this July. She is growing to be such a beautiful little girl. She's very independent and very caring.

Wesley is running, climbing, breaking, laughing and talking. He is getting so big and looking more and more like a little boy and less and less like a baby. I have mixed feelings about this.

A few weeks ago, I attempted to give Jasper a hair cut. He wouldn't stop moving though, so his hair got shorter and shorter and shorter. It was pretty scary. But his hair is growing back in and he is still just a cute and sweet as ever. He's been such a good companion.

That's kindof in a nutshell, I'll write more later. :)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Day 5

Today is day 5 of the HCG program I am doing. I've lost 6lbs.
Woohoo!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Goodbye Fattie!

Today I began a new experiment. I am doing the HCG program for 20 days to see how it goes.
Tomorrow is my last "eat all you want" day. Then I'm on a special diet, but only for about 25 days. Then I slowly add in everything else. 
The "plan" is to lose 1-2 lbs per day. I'm hoping for 2lbs per day. We will see how it goes.
I'll post my progress here. 
But probably not my measurements....just how much I've lost ;)


8's

8's

Traci tagged me, so here it goes!

8 Things I am looking forward To:

1. getting the kids to bed
2. paying off bills
3. graduating & getting licensed
4. moving
5. falling in love, again
6. visitng the temple soon
7. Wesley being potty trained one day....
8. snuggling



8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. 2 loads of laundry
2. made yummy dinner - tacos
3. bought some new clothes
4. Sports Massage homework
5. Thai Massage on Christy Mikaela
6. tweeted on twitter
7. went shopping with my mom and my sisters
8. played a game of junior monopoly with Christy Annie


8 Things I wish I could Do:

1. loose weight
2. get a job in Calie
3. start my own practice
4. Buy a new car
5. get another puppy for Jasper to play with
6. go on a date
7. not feel guilty about not loving motherhood every second of the day
8. buy my own home


8 Shows I Watch

1. Chuck
2. Heroes
3. House M.D
4. Bones
5. Parks and Recreation
6. Saturday Night Live!
7. Lost
8. Fringe

8 People I Tag

1. Aubrey
2. Heather
3. Risa
4. Deven
5. Jessica
6. Charise
7. Christy
8. Phyllis (mom)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Life Constantly Continues to Move Forward...So Live it to the Fullest!

Wesley has developed a love for food, cars and chasing down poor defenseless animals Elmira (sp?) style. Here he is devouring one of Grandpa's famous waffles. He saw Grandpa take a waffle off the plate and had to help himself. He got a step stool climbed up grabbed the waffle and ran to hide from Sandy.



Christy Ann had her very first hair cut this week. Isn't she a doll? Auntie Christy Mikaela did a fantastical job. You should hire her to do your hair!



I had my hair done too just recently but rarely get behind the camera...so just imagine your best image of me with brown hair with copper highlights. It's still long. And I love it.

My sister Christy brought home a kitten a few weeks ago. My children adore him. Milo is what she named him, and Milo seems to fit him well. He is very curious and cute.

I am almost done with school. Six weeks left. About 4 weeks until graduation ceremony. Which by the way you are invited to attend!
May 30, 2009, 10am - noon, at the Provo Tabernacle 100 South University Ave. Provo, Utah
There will most likely be a gathering of some sort afterwards at my house. But due to this being a public blog will refrain from posting my home address. If you don't already have it and would like to join the after party (hehe) you can email me here.

I feel that in the past year I really have gained a lot of skill and knowledge that will help me to support my family and better our lives. There were many at the school who really helped me to make it here, but mostly Shellie. She is amazing. She always recognized me for being in class even though she knew of some of my hardships. She would even thank me sometimes. She taught me more than just massage, but also to not just "bend-over and take it." I have learned that if I want something that i have to take charge, not only do I have to, but I can. And that is something more valuable than any of the other amazing skills she has taught me. Thank you Shellie! I love you!

With Swine Flu sweeping the nation....

Here are some recommended oil protocols from Dr. Hill:
Swine Flu- On Guard & Oregano (used together on bottoms of feet or in capsules)
Alzheimers(from new research done by Dr. Lin's wife)- Oregano, Thyme & Clove
Anthrax- Thyme & On Guard
MRSA- Oregano (study just completed where oregano outperformed 18 of most popular anti-biotics for treating MRSA)

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Bliss and Beauty in a bottle...

Save 10% on Geranium this month. www.mydoterra.com/blueoasis


Really, the more and more I learn and study about Essential Oils, Massage, Energy Work and other homeopathic remedies (or as my mother calls them my witch medicine), the more and more I look to western medicines.
When we go to the doctor, the average amount of time he spends in the room with you is about 15 minutes. He'll usually send you home with a prescription or samples of some kind of new drug. The new drug may help to "fix" your symptoms, but wont fix the problem. They may also cause damage to your kidneys, your liver, or both.
So, why not try something natural? It certainly isn't going to harm you.
I had a client come into me on a Friday night, she told me about her arm. It has been hurting for years. She's been on major pain killers. After evaluating her, I noticed that she had huge trigger points along the insides of her scapulas, her arms, and her serratus anterior. I worked out what I could and told her to drink a lot of water (nobody is drinking enough water, if you think you are, drink more!) and I also suggested she do some stretches. She came back a week later and we worked out some more, this time I applied some peppermint and some lavender to the places that were the most tense.
After about 4 sessions, she told me she was amazed that she had full mobility back in her arms. She said she had been on steroids for years to help with the pain and was so excited that she no longer hurt when she used her arm. She didn't feel she needed to use the pain meds anymore. It was a miracle!

While I still believe that doctors and western meds have their place, I think it is so important to use both the holistic practices along with the western practices. Can you imagine the miracles?

Sunday, April 12, 2009

None Were With Him



This is a beautiful and touching video to go along with Elder Holland's talk.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter!

This year as we have been preparing for the Easter holiday, I have had a lot of my thoughts on family and the Savior. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love the blessings that come from knowing His true Gospel. I love knowing that even if I can't see the end of my journey, even when things get tough, He can. He knows that things will be okay.
As my divorce comes to an end, papers have been signed, now we wait of more paperwork and then the final Judge's decision, I have felt a peace come over me. But along with the peace of an end in sight, I also have felt lonely, stressed and overwhelmed with my trials in life. School, finances and children seem to constantly be at the top of my list. I have about 9 weeks left of school. I am so super excited. I brought home my client review sheets from the prior terms last night, and people seem to like me! I have a few returning clients, one who has had me come to his home to work on his wife, his daughter, his sister and brother in law and the neighbors as well as himself. This is exciting! But I don't really want to stay in Utah. I still dream of California. I am plan on sending out resumes next month and hoping to have some interviews lined up so I can take a little vacation up there and figure some things out. Money always seems to be lacking. No matter how hard I try to save, there's always some kind of emergency that seems to come up. This week I am supposed to be going in for eye surgery. I am no very excited for that. My parents and my siblings have been a great help to me as I have been going through this trial, but I think my need of a babysitter sometimes becomes too often and too much. I don't like leaving my children any more than they like to watch them on a constant basis. Sometimes I think it would be easier if we were living on our own. But then the reminder of "we have no money" always seems to come back and bite me in the rear. Charise, I am starting to be on the "lets win the lotto train" with you!
Even with these struggles, with seem to be more and more common with most people I know, I am trying to stay positive. I have an amazing family, really I do. I have great friends and neighbors. Jasper is an amazing little companion, I'm really glad that I have him. And most importantly I have my testimony and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. My faith seems to be the best and most reliable thing to hold on to. I think I'm getting rug burns in my knees ;).
This years Conference was great. I got a lot out of it. This was one of my favorite talks, and I thought it would be nice to share, especially at this Easter Season. I hope you are all doing well!
Love always, Aimee.

None Were with Him

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.

Elder Jeffrey R. HollandThank you, Sister Thompson, and thanks to the remarkable women of this Church. Brothers and sisters, my Easter-season message today is intended for everyone, but it is directed in a special way to those who are alone or feel alone or, worse yet, feel abandoned. These might include those longing to be married, those who have lost a spouse, and those who have lost—or have never been blessed with—children. Our empathy embraces wives forsaken by their husbands, husbands whose wives have walked away, and children bereft of one or the other of their parents—or both. This group can find within its broad circumference a soldier far from home, a missionary in those first weeks of homesickness, or a father out of work, afraid the fear in his eyes will be visible to his family. In short it can include all of us at various times in our lives.

To all such, I speak of the loneliest journey ever made and the unending blessings it brought to all in the human family. I speak of the Savior’s solitary task of shouldering alone the burden of our salvation. Rightly He would say: “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me. . . . I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold [me].”1

As President Uchtdorf so beautifully noted earlier, we know from scripture that Jesus’s messianic arrival in Jerusalem on the Sunday preceding Passover, a day directly analogous to this very morning, was a great public moment. But eagerness to continue walking with Him would quickly begin to wane.

Soon enough He was arraigned before the Israelite leaders of the day—first Annas, the former high priest, then Caiaphas, the current high priest. In their rush to judgment these men and their councils declared their verdict quickly and angrily. “What further need have we of witnesses?” they cried. “He is [worthy] of death.”2

With that He was brought before the gentile rulers in the land. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, interrogated Him once, and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea, did so twice, the second time declaring to the crowd, “I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man.”3 Then, in an act as unconscionable as it was illogical, Pilate “scourged Jesus, [and] delivered him to be crucified.”4 Pilate’s freshly washed hands could not have been more stained or more unclean.

Such ecclesiastical and political rejection became more personal when the citizenry in the street turned against Jesus as well. It is one of the ironies of history that sitting with Jesus in prison was a real blasphemer, a murderer and revolutionary known as Barabbas, a name or title in Aramaic meaning “son of the father.”5 Free to release one prisoner in the spirit of the Passover tradition, Pilate asked the people, “Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?” They said, “Barabbas.”6 So one godless “son of the father” was set free while a truly divine Son of His Heavenly Father moved on to crucifixion.

This was also a telling time among those who knew Jesus more personally. The most difficult to understand in this group is Judas Iscariot. We know the divine plan required Jesus to be crucified, but it is wrenching to think that one of His special witnesses who sat at His feet, heard Him pray, watched Him heal, and felt His touch could betray Him and all that He was for 30 pieces of silver. Never in the history of this world has so little money purchased so much infamy. We are not the ones to judge Judas’s fate, but Jesus said of His betrayer, “Good [were it] for that man if he had not been born.”7

Of course others among the believers had their difficult moments as well. Following the Last Supper, Jesus left Peter, James, and John to wait while He ventured into the Garden of Gethsemane alone. Falling on His face in prayer, “sorrowful . . . unto death,”8 the record says, His sweat came as great drops of blood9 as He pled with the Father to let this crushing, brutal cup pass from Him. But, of course, it could not pass. Returning from such anguished prayer He found His three chief disciples asleep, prompting Him to ask, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”10 So it happens two more times until on His third return He says compassionately, “Sleep on now, and take your rest,”11 though there would be no rest for Him.

Later, after Jesus’s arrest and appearance at trial, Peter, accused of knowing Jesus and being one of His confidants, denies that accusation not once but three times. We don’t know all that was going on here, nor do we know of protective counsel which the Savior may have given to His Apostles privately,12 but we do know Jesus was aware that even these precious ones would not stand with Him in the end, and He had warned Peter accordingly.13 Then, with the crowing of the cock, “the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord. . . . And [he] went out, and wept bitterly.”14

Thus, of divine necessity, the supporting circle around Jesus gets smaller and smaller and smaller, giving significance to Matthew’s words: “All the disciples [left] him, and fled.”15 Peter stayed near enough to be recognized and confronted. John stood at the foot of the cross with Jesus’s mother. Especially and always the blessed women in the Savior’s life stayed as close to Him as they could. But essentially His lonely journey back to His Father continued without comfort or companionship.

Now I speak very carefully, even reverently, of what may have been the most difficult moment in all of this solitary journey to Atonement. I speak of those final moments for which Jesus must have been prepared intellectually and physically but which He may not have fully anticipated emotionally and spiritually—that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”16

The loss of mortal support He had anticipated, but apparently He had not comprehended this. Had He not said to His disciples, “Behold, the hour . . . is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me” and “The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him”?17

With all the conviction of my soul I testify that He did please His Father perfectly and that a perfect Father did not forsake His Son in that hour. Indeed, it is my personal belief that in all of Christ’s mortal ministry the Father may never have been closer to His Son than in these agonizing final moments of suffering. Nevertheless, that the supreme sacrifice of His Son might be as complete as it was voluntary and solitary, the Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His Spirit, the support of His personal presence. It was required; indeed it was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.

But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us. When the uttermost farthing had then been paid, when Christ’s determination to be faithful was as obvious as it was utterly invincible, finally and mercifully, it was “finished.”18 Against all odds and with none to help or uphold Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the living Son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway and brought joyful, spiritual redemption out of sin, hellish darkness and despair. With faith in the God He knew was there, He could say in triumph, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”19

Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”20

My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,”21 for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-27,00.html)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Flat Belly diet.

There has been a lot of buzz about the new Flat Belly diet and its key ingredient to the 4-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart, the Sassy Water. The recipe claims to help you get rid of the pooch, and let's face it, we'd all love to have a flatter belly!

According to Prevention magazine, "the ingredients aren't just for flavor: The ginger also helps calm and soothe your GI tract. Even more important: The simple act of making this Sassy Water every day will serve as a reminder during the 4-Day Jumpstart that life is a little bit different, that things are going to change. It will help you focus on the task ahead: Getting a flatter belly once and for all." https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIlM-vcskR_41yqoXl7ApSnBjxOrmuMqUWzNlqG0wP0FZHohFk6lzCU3SckTbLjqYEFchfO1MByyDfMTNJhjNNdENIRBnWJM-l68bL1XvrbwL3i2QLH-kUSH9LPoPVwANcNiz_0vUE4hT/s400/Ginger_15ml.jpg
After learning about this recipe on the Today show, Lil Shepherd (Founders' Club Member) decided to revise the recipe using dōTERRA's CPTG essential oils. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Sassy Oil Water Recipe
dōTERRA Ginger essential oil (2-3 drops)
dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil (2-3 drops)
dōTERRA Lemon essential oil (2-3 drops)
Add dōTERRA essential oils to 2 quarts of water and drink as part of your weight management plan.

Want to order some
dōTERRA oils? Make sure you look at the Dr. Mom kit and let me know if you want more information about it and if you would like to host a demo!
Check out my site http://www.mydoterra.com/blueoasis/

Sunday, March 22, 2009

This week...

Woohoo! He signed. So tomorrow i am going over to the office to sign my part and then it takes about 2 and 1/2 or 3 weeks for the judge to review and sign it. then it is official.
Boys are you ready for me?? I'm not really ready for you.

School is getting closer to being done. I'm trying to decide what I really want to do with my life.
We shall see.

I got signed on with an agent, I need to go get some headshots done, but the lady at the agency said she was confident I would get some work quick. I don't know that that is really what I want to do, but I thought it would be fun to try some acting, maybe just some side jobs while I finish school and build up my massage clientele.

People seem to think I am good. I get comments frequently like, "awe, that was heaven." "really are you done already?", "I hate it when you cover my legs with the sheet, then I know you are getting closer to being done." "you've only been here 15 minutes and I'm sold. I'll be back every week" Awesome! Awesome for my confidence. And awesome for building clientele!

So, who wants a massage? Until I finish school, I only am charging $15 to help cover supplies, but after that prices will go up! But if I really love ya, I might give you a freebie or two!

Oh, I also started distributing Doterra Oils. I am hosting a Dr mom Demo on Tuesday. You are welcome to join. As well as email me for any questions you might have. I am really learning to love and how to use essential oils in numerous areas of my practice and my personal life. They are amazing!

I hope you are doing well!!
I'm working on a "getting a massage code of ethics" look for that soon. :)

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

It's getting closer!!!!

I got my forms to order my cap and gown for my graduation! Sweet! I'm so stoked!!
I graduate on May 30th. Are you coming?!
I am not actually officially done until June 11th, but the school has only 2 ceremonies a year.
What comes after June 11th? Job search, move ... life.
Actually life is happening all the time. It's something. That's for sure.

It's sunny and warmish outside, so I'm going to take Wesley out for a little walk. and maybe some chalk drawings. Maybe I'll take some pictures even.

As for the divorce issue... my lawyer keeps pushing me to set up a mediation. But we've sent the latest stipulation to the "others" and I am waiting on their reply. Hopefully soon. Like tomorrow would be nice.
Please?!

Friday, February 13, 2009

As I have been working on my finances and trying to get caught up with everything, I remembered this skit I had seen on SNL. I love it and wanted to share:

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

update on the divorce...

Well, some of this paper work is taking a little longer than expected due to some changes that need to be made in the final stipulation.
However, the ex and I have come to an agreement. We are waiting on my lawyer to get the final stipulation written up.
The ex, (I need a new nick name for him...lets call him...Toad). So, Toad, informed me last week that his job was going to be moving him to Arizona. I'm not sure when that will take place, or if it is even something that is absolutely going to happen. We will see in the following weeks.

I don't think this is going to drag on much longer. Once we have both signed this new stipulation, we have to wait a few weeks for the judge to sign and file it. They send out a certificate, it looks all nice like the marriage certificate... interesting, huh?! Once the Judge has signed the stipulation, we have a 90 day period, which you have to wait to get remarried. But since I am neither engaged nor interested in anyone, my "grace" period will most likely last a few years.

So, YAY! I'm so excited. Well, I'm off to fold laundry.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

First born

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!

Let's see how much you remember!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
Not at all!

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
No

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
My mom is going to kill me.

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
Never

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
19

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
Pregnancy test...3 actually.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
Rob

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
Not really. I wanted it to be a suprise.

9. DUE DATE?
July 18th 2005

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
Yes, but morning sickness is a bad name for it. More like All day sickness. Everyday until after baby was born.

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Snickers, eggs, Wingers. Spicy anything.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Rob. My MIL and DOGS!!

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX?
Girl

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
Nope. I knew the baby was a girl the second I saw pregnant on the test.

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
about 30lbs.

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yes my mother-in-law helped me to put it together.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew...

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
I had preeclampsia. I was on bedrest 4 months in, until I gave birth. I had ultrasounds twice a week every week until Christy was born, because my fluids were always up and down. And the dr was afraid she had some problems. I was induced 10 days early b/c the fluids went below 5.


19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
I started the pitocin at noon, I started pushing at 8, and Christy was out by 8:48. I have had quick labors.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Rob, my mom followed behind us.

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
My mom and Rob. The Dr and nurse (who barely made it in time.)

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
vag.

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
I tried really hard to go without, but eventually took the epidural. One day I want to do a waterbirth....

27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
6lbs 11 oz

28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ?
8:48 P.M July 8, 2005

30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
Christy Ann Barker

31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY?
3 years

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The price of fame...

I just realized I only have about 5 months left of school! Woohoo!
Then the price of massage will go from $20 to something more like 60-75$ (depending on your modality of choice.) I'm still not sure what I want to specialize in. I am leaning more towards energy and Qi Chong (Chi Gong). Of course using general swedish, deep tissue and trigger point.
I want to add hot stones, hydro wraps and herbal compresses. Maybe raindrop, and other aromatherapy treatments. I most definitely will use some exfoliation and parafin wax, because that's just awesome. And who doesn't like to feel smooth and silky?? Seriously!
I want to offer chair massages for businesses. I want to come to their events, or whatever.

I plan to sign up for some acting lessons when I graduate, I eventually want to audition for an agency. I love performing, but I definitely need to brush up on my skills. (read Skeeeeels.)

I really want to take up ballroom dancing again. My sister and I have just decided we will trade massages and hair cuts for lessons. So, if you're interested, let me know. Oh, and you have to be good. Because we really want to learn. Not just pretend like you know what you are doing. haha!

I have started on my exerecise/diet program. I really want to lose this weight. I am going to. I'm going to look good come summer time. Maybe then I'll think about dating. Maybe.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

25 Random facts about me.

I've been tagged twice n0w. Once for a 16 random facts, and once for 25. I figured I would do 25 and get a two-fer-one. (yes, fer.)

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I love massage. I love how much it can help people. I'm very tactile, love touching, so this is a good thing for me.
2. Laundry and dishes are my least favorite chores. They never seem to be done.
3. I love cooking, but only if I am cooking for someone else to enjoy it. And I still have a hard time cooking for less than 6 people.
4. I hate snow, but I miss Minnesota. I also feel like building a snowman and going sledding more often this year than ever before.
5. When I lived in Minnesota, I took private ballroom dance lessons from some guy that wanted to take me to Chicago to compete. But I met the ex, just soon after. I miss dancing, more than almost any other hobby.
6. I am a music horder. I love to collect music, almost all genres. Even if I know I'll only listen to it once.
7. I am not so secretly addicted to video games. Even though I try to pretend that nobody knows it.
8. I really want to go on a date. But don't really know how to go about it. And am also of making a fool of myself. Divorce makes me scared to do it all again.
9. I love anything to do with the ocean and the beach. All things nautical.
10. I've always wanted to live in DisneyLand. I still do.
11. I want to be an actress. I love performing.
12. I was reading my journal a few weeks ago, and the first boy I ever kissed, was not who I thought it was. I kissed Jared Quilter on the cheek. Some may say it doesn't count...But, it does.
13. I love parties. I love to host parties, attend parties, etc. (Alcohol-free, of course)
14. I want to make out, but I don't want a commitment. Yet.
15. My children are most important to me. They come before anyone else.
16. I'm addicted to PostSecret's blog.
17. I'm in love/lust with Zachary Levi (how much can you really love someone you don't know?). But I think it's because I don't want to be vulnerable to anyone else.
18. My favorite place to go to dinner is Tucanos.
19. I have expensive taste. I know that.
20. I want to move to California and start my own massage practice there.
21. I also want to run a dog rescue.
22. My dream dog is an Alaskan Klee Kai. Then a Husky, a great dane. And of course, Jasper, my poodle.
23. I am not really a cat lover.
24. I hate it when people don't return my phone calls/text messages.
25. I love reading. I also am working on writing a book.


Now I'm supposed to tag 25 people:
Julie Black
Jared Quilter
Charise Payne
Megan Haynie
Christy Miller
Jessica Miller
Kaytlyn Miller
Keven Miller
Omni Flux
Brittany Assay (did you know we have the same middle name?)
Jessica Clegg
Nicole Nebeker
Heather Jones
Phyllis Miller
Jennifer Steinhorst
Deven Rawle
Risa Riley
Kate Gressman
Aubrey Harrison
Yannie Joseph
Traci Brown
Julie-Ann Bateman
Matt Worsham
Chelsea Malcom
Chris Riley

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Why do my children think it is their job to feed the dogs their leftovers?

Or anything else they don't want to eat.... Wesley was feeding his sucker to Japser. Gross!
Anyway, as promised, here is a photo from Sundance Film Festival.
This was Sunday's crew. I'm fourth from the left. Again, this was an awesome experience. I learned a lot and was able to network some.
Lets see if I actually get any clients from this... ;)

I've started my new classes at Provo College: Oriental Modalities, Trigger Point and Reflexology. I love Oriental Modalities. Jennifer is an awesome instructor and knows her stuff. Bobbie Joe hurts me! Which is good for trigger point. I just need to remember to drink my water so I am not so sore. And Reflexology is a waste of my time. Unfortunately, that instructor by his own admission doesn't love the subject, so I don't feel he is taking the time to study and actually teach us something. Lame. I'll have to take a class later, i suppose.

I'm almost done with school. I can't believe how quickly it has gone by. I only have one term after this to do. I can't wait to be a college graduate! You are all invited to watch me walk. (More information on time and place to follow!)

Christy has an obsession with Mario party 8 on the Wii. She is really good, too. She beats me about half the time. (The other half, I let her win :)) She also loves to play SingStar. She has a beautiful voice.

Wesley is getting a few more teeth in and seems to have a little ear ache. I'm going to keep him home tonight from their Dad's to let him get a few extra Zzzz's in.
It breaks my heart when the kids are sick. You see how much they suffer. Poor babies.
He's really developing his very own personality. 2 days ago, when he got up I said to him, "Wesley, give mommy a kiss." He then smiled at me and hid his face in the pillows while giggling. Such a stinker.

Jasper has made his claim on me. He did that once when I was petting Flash. I am his person. He follows me everywhere. He loves to chase the kids and snuggle me at night. He also loves to sit under Wesley's high chair and waits for Wes to notice him, then the rest of Wesley's meal goes to the dogs on the floor. Actually, it's quite entertaining. Really.

I am going to start writing a book. I keep feeling like I need to get it done. I've even had dreams about doing it. So, I'm telling you, hoping that by doing so I can motivate myself to do it. Even if I never get it published.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sundance Film Festival

Since last Thursday, Sundance Film Festival has owned me. ;) I decided to try out being a volunteer this year. (Well, a full time, b/c you can get reimbursed...and make a little $$).
It was a lot of fun. And a little stressful.
I met some amazing people. I met some insanely crazy people. I met some very rude people.
I worked at the Prospector theater in Park City and the Sundance theater at the Sundance Resort.
At Prospector, I worked crowd liaison and wait list line. I loved working with the people. Every day was so different and people just intrigue me. Especially when they think they are so so much better than everyone else. Those people make me laugh. Because really, we are all on the same level. Lame.
I worked as an usher, wait list line and ballots at Sundance. The Sundance theater was my favorite spot to work. It was quieter, less crazy and had an ambiance about it that was just so inviting. I was also able to see a few movies while I was working there. A few of my favorites were, "Sergio", "Kilimonjaro", "500 Days of Summer", "Children of Invention", "Earth Day", and "Moon". I missed "The Cove", but I have heard only amazing things about it. And it won an award. Along with Sergio. If you have never heard of him, please look him up. He was an amazing person, and worth the research.
I'll post pictures later.

Have you ever been to the Sundance Film Festival? What have been your favorite films?

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy 2009!

Okay, so I owned that PS3. All by myself. I am NERD. :) And these days, that is not an insult, either! Christmas was so fun this year. I was sick, though. So that made things a little on the "meh" side. But I tried to be as jolly and cheerful as possible. As tradition goes in our family, we always have french toast for dinner on Christmas eve. As we were getting ready for dinner, Christy decided she wanted to take care of m. She rubbed my head, and told me that food would make me feel better. She even tried each food item before I could eat it, to make sure it was good! She is such a sweet little girl. We lit the candles on the menorah, since it was Chanukah also, and opened our Christmas eve gift, which is always pajamas. Christy just loved hers, and Wesley loved ripping the paper. My family always goes out to visit Laura's gravesite, and light illuminaries. The kids and I stayed home, but they took some pictures. Someone had left Laura a Christmas tree. We were very touched. It's nice that people still remember Laura. She really is an angel. She touched so many hearts while she was here, and continues to do so in her work for our Heavenly Father.
Christy was so excited for the next day, she could hardly go to sleep. But after a few Christmas stories, our scriptures and prayer, and a short Kipper movie, she was dreaming.
Christmas morning was great. Christy was so excited to go through her stocking. Wesley also thought it was fun to reach in and grab a suprise. Reach in, grab suprise. Oh, to be young again!
When Christy saw the Christmas tree with all of the presents around it, she couldn't wait to get started. She helped pass out the gifts to everyone.

Her favorite present was the Barbie castle. I had it hidden under some blankets, as she pulled the blankets off, she announced, "Yes" with the hand movement and everything. She was so so excited, and played Barbies for most of the morning. The ginormous box next to her was a tv that Josh gave to Jessica. He is always so generous and thoughtful.


Wesley's favorite present was a car that I got him. It was a motorized one, so he just followed it around the kitchen for a while. He also loved the boxes, he just climbed in one, and I took him for a ride! The kids spent the afternoon at their dad's, and then came home for our Christmas dinner.
Christy and Wesley went to their dad's for the second half of Christmas break. But on Wednesday, he got called into work, so I got to play with them for the day. So we celebrated New Years a little early! Wesley ate his first apple. It looks huge! (Christy helped!) Here he is sitting with Grandpa Miller eating his apple and watching some cartoons.
Yummy Apple!


Funny cartoons!

Christy was lying on the couch with her aunt Kaytlyn. She is such an angel. I love her so much.And here, Christy and Auntie just accomplished giving Grammie a wet willie. Ha Ha!
Christy and Wesley went back with their dad at 5:30, so I fixed my PS3, and got ready for the family party. Aubrey and Charise came and we played Sing Star2 for hours! It's such a fun fun game! The Hubbards and the Jensens were also here. We played some Uno. When there were ten minutes left of 2008, we turned the NBC new years special on to watch the ball drop. We counted down, "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Happy New Year!!!!" And popped poppers, blew our little noise makers and made toasts with our sparkling apple ciders (actually I think it was grape). It was a fun party, but now it's time to go back to eating good, and working on those new years' resolutions.

That being said, I'm off to make a delivery to the storage unit, and off to perform some massages before I pick up my beautiful children.

Happy New Year!!