Flashlights...

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time? I am not sure that I could say that I have felt that I have been in the right place at the right time…it seems as if I am always a day late for the right place or an hour short for the right time. Lately, my thoughts had turned to ‘being in the right place at the right time’. Literally, I am on the go from the moment that I wake up in the morning until the moment that I close my eyelids at night. So, being in the right place at the right time should come pretty easy, right? No, not at all. In fact, as of late, I have thought and thought about this very statement.

On Sunday, I was sitting in church and one of the speakers was talking about baptism. To be honest, I really was not listening—I heard her say baptism a few times. But, all of a sudden, a thought popped into my brain. Yep, it just popped in-right out of nowhere. It took me back to my baptismal day. It was dark and dreary—what a way to describe one of the most important days of your life. It had been raining all day and the power had been out. I remember it being really cold. We arrived at the church. It was really dark except for the many flashlights that were in the foyer. When we all moved from the foyer to the chapel-we had to carry the flashlights with us. If you know me, I do not like the dark and I would say this was a tad bit creepy.

I changed into my baptismal clothes in the dark—thank goodness for Mom’s. They are always there when we need them the most. Lots of flashlights surrounded the baptismal font. I remember her telling me that everything was going to be okay. I watched as the others in front of me were baptized. Then, it was my turn. As soon as I stepped one foot into the baptismal font, the lights came on.

Anyway, as I was pondering about my baptism, I had a strong feeling that I was in the right place at the right time. I was supposed to be baptized at that exact minute on that exact day. It was an awesome feeling. So, I can say that I have been in the right place at the right time! At least, I can say that I have been in the right place at the right time--one time!!

My grandma--my hero

I have been thinking a lot about heroes, lately. What is a hero? A hero is someone who is "distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength." So, I have been thinking of those people in my life that are exactly that 'distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength." There are many heroes in my life and I am so grateful for every single one of them.

As for today, I reflect on a very special hero. Nellie Marie Davis Averett. She is my grandma. She passed from this life exactly 3 years ago today. I can definitely say that she is my hero. Every time I was around my grandma, I felt her love. I miss her so much, but I know that she is in a far better place and sharing her amazing love to all. She had amazing strength. I loved her laugh. When you got grandma laughing--it was contagious. She loved sports. I don't remember to many times going to her home where she did not have sports on the television. She loved BYU and the Utah Jazz. She loved being around her family. Grandma smiled a lot--and I loved it. Grandma would be 96 this year. My grandma was deaf and had been since she was 18 months old.

The night that she passed from this life to the next was a sad but sweet moment. Mom, my sister-in-law, Jessica, and I were with Grandma when she took her last breath. It was so difficult, but the moments that lead up to that last breath was amazing.

Earlier in the week, Grandma had gone into a coma. She had fulfilled a great life and was ready to meet her sweetheart. We all felt that peaceful feeling that she would be leaving our presence soon. But, it was so difficult. On that Friday night, August 19th, Mom and I needed to run and errand. While we were out on our errand--I remember looking at my mom and noticed the tears in her eyes. She knew that her mom would be passing soon. We hurried back from our errand and went to my grandma's bedside. We did not leave her side--there is know way that we were going to leave her side. My mom kept praying that she would not pass that night since, it was Tanner's (my nephew) birthday. We called our family to let them know that it wouldn't be long. The wonderful people at Hospice were there helping us understand the events that were taking place and trying to prepare all of us.

My mom's sister and her family were also there. They have such strong feelings against the church. So, when the Hospice Chaplin (he happened to be LDS) asked if we would like grandma to have a blessing--we agreed and prayed hard that my aunt and her family would be okay with it. Their hearts were softened for a brief moment and they agreed. The next thing that happened was amazing. NOTE: remember my grandma is deaf. During the blessing, there were tears coming from the sides of her eyes. After the blessing, she mouthed "thank you." It was amazing!!! My grandma knew that we were there and what was happening. We knew that my grandma was hanging on for something. Personally, I feel that there were 3 things: my dad was on his way home from work and had not told her goodbye; Shad was trying to figure out if she should drive down the mountain to say his goodbye; and my mom was not yet ready for her to go.

My dad arrived and told her goodbye. Shad called and said that he would not make it in time and then, my mom--my dear sweet mom finally knew that it was time that her mom was to leave this earth. Shortly after midnight, my grandma took her last breath upon this earth. I am so grateful that I was there. At that moment, we witnessed the most amazing peacefulness, the most sweetness and the most tender feeling that I ever felt. I don't only believe that there is a life here after--I know without a shadow of a doubt that there is. I am so glad that I had that privilege and opportunity to be there for her last moments. I am glad that chose to be there. I love my grandma so much. She was an amazing person. She always would say, "Have Faith." She had amazing faith and I am so grateful that she was and is apart of my life.

Grandma, I love you!!!

why does it take over an hour to clean the bathroom...

Tonight while watching the Olympics, I decided to be a little bit more productive so, I decided to clean my bathroom. Who would think that it would take over an hour to clean my bathroom? This is how it went...

Turn on TV--Olympics are on...

Commercial

Run to bathroom, spray down shower

Olympics are back on television

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom, scrub shower

Olympics are back on television

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom spray down counter

Olympics back on

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom, wipe down counter & put cleaner in toilet

....so you are getting the drift...now, I look back and wonder why it took me over an hour to clean my bathroom. The Olympics have been so addicting. I just might go into withdrawals when it is all over. What will I do with all the time--definitely-not watching TV.

So for the Olympics...I am proud of Team USA. I screamed for Shawn Johnson--her beam routine was simply amazing and was definitely worth the Gold Medal. I think that she is one of my favorite gymnasts. She is such a darling girl.

I loved Shawn Johnson's comment, "I finished off the Olympic Games with, to me, the most perfect ending ever," Johnson said, beaming as she tugged at the ribbon around her neck. "To finally get the gold medal ... on my very last routine meant the world to me." What a great way to end your Olympic Experience in Beijing!! Way to go Shawn--you deserved it!!!

Then, an OUCH for Lolo Jones during the 100M Hurdles. She had taken the lead and seemed to be pulling away when she hooked her right foot on the ninth hurdle and broke her stride, falling from first to seventh. The late blunder opened the door for teammate Dawn Harper to win the U.S. track team's third gold medal of the games.

"I felt the gold around me," Jones said, "but if you can't finish the race, you don't deserve to be the champion.
"I usually hit a hurdle twice a year. It just sucks that it was on the most important race of my life."

While Harper did a victory lap carrying the American flag, Jones kneeled on the track, her face to the ground in stunned disbelief. Isn't that like life---we work so hard overcoming all the trials (hurdles) in our lives and then, we miss one--but if we finish like Jones did, we are on the right track. She kept running until she came across the finish line. Lolo Jones you set a great example tonight. Sorry for the mishap--hope to see you in 2012!!

As for the many events that are taking place at Olympics, I am so proud of TEAM USA--we are holding at 79 medals. How great is that?!

Ding Dong...no one is home!

So, today, was the typical Monday. Work. Home. Not much different out of the ordinary. But, I do want to share something comical. Work was passing by a tad bit slowly as I had wanted it. My SIL Jessica, and I were texting. Anyway, I commented to Vieve that I was going to change my "incoming text alert" to something different. I played around with my phone and decided on "ding dong". I did not think anything else about it. Jessica kept texting me and I thought it was a cool sound to break up the monotony of the day.

Tonight, I was folding laundry and had my cell phone in my pocket. I heard "ding dong". I thought--"hey cool, someone is coming to visit." I opened the door...no one was there. I turned to the TV and the thought came to me--"oh, maybe it was on the television." I went back to folding my laundry.

"Ding Dong!" I looked at the television--it was on the Olympics. So, I got up and went to the door. I opened the door. No one was there. Okay, my next thought was "who is ding dong ditching our home?" I closed the door. Then, quickly opened it again--no one was there. So, back to my laundry.

I put away my folded laundry and decided to go check my email on my computer. I took my cell phone out of my pocket and realized that I had a text message. As I was holding my phone, I hear another "DING DONG!!" Finally, I realize that it was my cell phone the whole entire time!! So, basically, "DING DONG NO ONE IS HOME!!" (at least in my brain). Yep, go ahead and laugh...I DID--HYSTERICALLY!!

peacefulness and sweetness all in one...

Today, I was sitting in Relief Society pondering on (not the things being taught) the past few days. Other than watching the Olympics, I have had the privilege and opportunity to take care of sweet little babies. It has been great. There is a sense of sweetness, a sense of peacefulness when babies are around. So let me share these thoughts...



On Friday evening, I had the opportunity of taking care of my sweet little niece. I woke up Friday morning with a prompting to call Michelle's 911--what is that? Well, it is the Provo Temple Prayer Roll. My little niece would be going to Primary Children's to have some YUCKY tests later on during the day. After the call to the temple prayer roll-a peacefulness came. It was great. I knew that the doctors at Primary Children's are the best of the best and I know that they would take care of little Brylie. Anyway, my SIL (Jessica) had to work early early Saturday morning and my brother is out of town--so, I got the privilege of taking care of her Friday night and Saturday. She really wasn't her perky self--she had to go through too much earlier that morning. (Jessica shares the details on her blog.) She went to sleep at 9:30 pm and did not wake up until 8:00 am. Then, she woke up, drank a bottle and I held her. She fell fast asleep until 10:45 am. So, not too difficult--she was just plain exhausted--too exhausted from everything that she went through. I know that she was completely worn out. But, the peacefulness that surrounded her was awesome. Thanks Jess for letting me take care of Brylie.



Then, today at church, I had the opportunity of watching my friend's, Carly, little boy while she taught Sunbeams. He is so sweet and and cuddly. He slept through Sunday School (something that a lot of people do) and during Relief Society-he played with a piece of paper. He was so cute. But, like I was explaining a little earlier--the sense of peacefulness and sweetness surrounding little babies is simply amazing and quite delightful. Thanks Carly for letting me take care of Xander during church.



I love the peacefulness and the sweetness that goes along with being around little ones. I think that is one of the greatest blessings.

Speed, strength and endurance

Speed, strength and endurance is the common three words that come to mind each time I watch the Olympics. All week long, I have enjoyed screaming, cheering, crying and watching Team USA. It has been great. Like I have said before, I love listening to the stories that the media shares about the athletes. I am sure that these athletes have good days and bad days--but the thing that they have in common with each other is that they do not give up. One of the events that we watched tonight was the Women's marathon. I was so impressed with Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe. She ran in the marathon, this evening, with a stress fracture in left thigh bone. She stopped one time for a few seconds and then, started running again. She finished the race--running and limping. What an amazing athlete!!

WOW!! Then, Dara Torres (41 year old swimmer) takes 2 silvers in only an hour!! She is amazing!!! I think that she had 4 minutes from the medal stand to the warm-up area. They asked her how she had changed her focus from the stand to the race--she said that she had 5 coaches in her ears talking to her and getting her focus in line.

I loved her comment when they were interviewing her. They asked her what she is going to tell her daughter (later in life when she can understand) and she replied, "I'll tell her you don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." I loved that. It is true!!

Then, of course, the greatest event tonight (at least in my eyes) was when Phelps grasped another Gold medal--totaling 8. It was great!! He is amazing!!! Speed, strength and endurance--yes, it spells Michael Phelps. What a great triumph!!! Mostly, I think that I was impressed that how this team really worked together. They were a team!!! When everyone was cheering

Phelps because he received his 8 Gold Medal, he turned to his teammates and told them that they made it possible for him to achieve this amazing goal. How great of a team player is that? A GREAT ONE!!

Then, you have to add how he treats his mom. I think that it is great. The way that he looks for her after each race. He is amazing. I do have to add that Moms are great. They are our own personal cheerleaders. AND what we have seen of Michael Phelps' mom--she DEFINITELY is his cheerleader.

GO TEAM USA!!!

Go Phelps!! Who is Phillips?

Tonight, my SIL, Jessica, and I watched the Olympics as we stamped and created cards. It was great. I would like to make a note that it is a lot more fun to watch the Olympics with others whom share the same excitement of the festivities. It was great!!! Screaming and cheering on Team USA was simply fabulous!!! We stamped, we laughed, we screamed, and we cheered. Time seem to fly by fast.

Later in the evening, my niece and nephews(Kaylie, Austin, and Tanner are sleeping at Grandma's) came into watch the Olympics with me. I am not sure what was more entertaining--watching Austin scream for Phelps or him explaining the events to Kaylie. This is how the conversation went:

"Go Phelps!! He is so cool!! He is the fastest guy in the world!" (My nephew, Austin is explaining to Kaylie)

"Who is Phillips?"

"It's Phelps, P-H-E-L-P-S and he is the fastest swimmer in the world!!"

"What is the green line?"

"The world record--see, Phelps is the fastest."

"I don't really like watching swimming."

"What? Look how cool he is?"

"I don't think that he is cool."

"What?"

"Nothing!"

"Go PHELPS!!"

"Ya, GO PHELPS!!!" (In walks Grandma--Kaylie turns to her) "Grandma, look at the green line--he is beating the world's record!! GO PHELPS!!! GO GO!!!"

How interesting is that sometimes--us girls--change our thought process and actions when it comes to dealing with boys!! Hilarious!!

As for the Olympics, Phelps received his two gold medals today!!! I do have to agree with Austin--he is cool!! If you watched Phelps at the end of the 200 fly, he immediately took off his goggles and water poured out of them. He told Kremer that as soon as he went into the water, his goggles filled with water and he swam the race with water in his eyes.

But, like Tim Gunn, Phelps made it work, winning the race and finishing in 1:52.03.

Phelps rubbed his eyes and said, "I can't see anything," as he climbed out of the pool.

It basically amounted to swatting a fly as Phelps came back an hour later to swim the lead leg in the 4x200 freestyle relay. You know what happened next.

For those of you living under a rock, here's where Phelps stands: 5-for-5 so far, now just three golds away from breaking Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics !!

Once again...

GO TEAM USA!!!

At the Olympics, people step up and do extraordinary things.

What a magnificent Monday...after yesterday's awesome performance in the men's 4x100m, the US free relay team won gold in the most exciting, most record-breaking, most amazing, thrilling, unbelievable relay anyone could ever imagine, evidence of exactly what Jason Lezak, who swam the greatest anchor leg in relay history, had to say when it was all over:"People always step up and do things out of the ordinary at the Olympics." Amazing!!!

What could beat yesterday...everything that happened today!!! We watched Phelps receive another gold. I love to watch the reaction of his mom. I, totally, could see my mom doing the same thing---screaming!!! It is so great!!! FABULOUS!!! EXCITING!!! Then, the American beach volleyball duo (Walsh and May-Treanor)--how great are they?? They wiped out the Cuban team. It was awesome!!! They have now won 103 consecutive matches. How great is that?!! They are great and headed towards that gold medal. GO TEAM USA!!!

The most exciting moment at the Olympics is watching the dreams of so many come to past. They have worked so hard--practiced so long...they deserve to win!!!

GO TEAM USA!!!

I bleed Red, White and Blue!!!

Just for the record, I am not really a TV watcher. There are a couple of shows that I love to watch, but I would not really say that I am completely addicted. BUT, for two weeks in the summer, every four years and then, for two weeks in the winter every four years, my heart and mind is completely consumed with the OLYMPICS!! I am a TRUE TEAM USA follower!!

There is so much to watch and so much to take in!!! It is crazy!! I loved the Opening Ceremonies!!! This year, it was incredible!!! Oh, the parade of nations...I was so proud of Team USA!!! Yes, I started crying when they walked in. To answer your question...YES!! I am a tad bit crazy but more so I bleed red, white and blue!! Then, when they lit the cauldron...how amazing and awesome!!

I will admit...I, literally, scream at the TV encouraging those Olympians to do the best they can. Yes, I do have to admit that when Phelps took first place and won the gold medal in the Men’s 400m Individual Medley and took the world record at 4:03:84 I was screaming and tearing up!!! What an amazing moment!! Then, when they asked him what he was thinking when you realized he won...he said that he was looking for his mom. Oh, what a great guy!!!

As for the USA National Anthem, I tear up. Oh, and then, all those stories about how the Olympians managed to get to the Olympics–the stories are incredible and amazing!!! I do cry during those stories!!! Yes, I truly bleed red, white and blue!!

GO TEAM USA!!!!

I hope that you are enjoying the Olympics as much as I am.

Happy Birthday Kaylie!!

Today is my niece's 12th birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY K-BUGS!!



Kaylie, I can not believe how fast you are growing up!!! You will soon be starting Junior High. I still remember the day that you were born and how fun you were to hold. Now, 12 years later...you are still as adorable and beautiful as the day that you were born. There are many things that I admire about you.

So, a few months back, I decided to create a 2 page lay-out dedicated to you. It is entitled

"10 things I love about you..."

your beautiful eyes

your energy for life

the way that you shine

your darling smile

the way that you dance

your love for your family

your friendliness to others

when you sing in the car

your hugs & kisses

your silly laugh

Happy birthday

Kaylie!!

I love you tons!!!

thank you...

So, today's blog is on a more serious note....I have been struggling with the power of prayer. I have a firm foundation that when I pray for others, my prayers are answered in their behalf. When it comes to praying for something for me, I really struggle with having the faith that I will be answered. I know all the fundamentals of prayer, but I still really struggle when it comes to prayers in my behalf. Like I have said before, lately, I really struggle with this concept.

Yesterday in church, I felt that Fast & Testimony meeting had one main topic. The main topic was about the power of prayer. One elderly man stood and bore his testimony that earlier this week, he had lost the glass on one side of his glasses. He went to the bathroom and prayed. When he turned to walk out of the bathroom, he felt something on the floor and there was his glass piece. Is this coincidence? I say, NO. It is a answer to his prayer. Anyway, through out all of church, people were sharing their experiences of the power of prayer and how their prayers have been answered. I was really feeling horrible. My prayers don't get answered like that. Maybe they do...for instance, when I pray in the morning before I leave for work and ask for no harm or accident to come upon me or my family--maybe that protection is instant and I am not ran over or anything of the sort. But, what I mainly am talking about is those moments where I am debating over something, lost something or ... you know those moments that I am talking about. I don't get that immediate answer.

So, here is my story for today. A few weeks ago--actually, I know the exact date--Saturday, July 5th, I had in my hand a stack of very important papers that contained sensitive and confidential records. I remember the last time that I had them in hand (or at least I thought), but I misplaced them somewhere along the way. Later that night, the thought came to me--where did I place those papers? I thought for a moment and remembered them being in my young women's folder. I went to the folder and they were not there. So, I started looking for them that day. I prayed and prayed. I could not remember where I set them down.

I went to young women's camp with those papers lost. I witnessed all these wonderful miracles and the power of prayer. But, still in my mind--I was thinking about those papers and how I was struggling more and more with my own prayers and the lack of faith that I was feeling.

I arrived home...still no papers. I prayed and prayed. I could not figure out where they were. I felt like I was really listening, but the answer was not coming. I needed those papers. I searched and searched. I went through every piece of paper that I had. I re-traced my steps over and over again.

So, this process has been going on for almost a month. I have worried every single day about these papers. But, still I had no clue of where they were. Anyway, today work was kind of slow (which is very unusual) so, I decided to take a few hours off and declutter my garage. (I will share the reasons for this declutter project at a future date--different topic--different story to share.) I went through boxes and boxes, I took many trips to the dumpster. Before, I started this project, I asked for Heavenly Father's help. I needed to find those papers. After working on the garage for about 3 hours, I became more and more discouraged. I drove to Mom and Dad's. Mom has been aware of this ugly torment inside of me. I think that I probably looked horrible when I entered Mom's house. She said to me that we should go back over everything. I kept thinking...how many times do I have do this...So, we went through all the paper work in their computer room. We went through the garbage pail (okay, there is no reason my papers would be in there--it was a month ago). But, we did. We searched and searched.

Then, we decided to go through her trunk in her car. No papers. Then, we went through my stuff in my trunk. I had a bunch of scrapbooking items in my trunk and a few odds and ends. We went through things piece by piece. No papers. Then, I handed my mom a little sack.

So, let me tell you about this sack...This sack was a sack that had some things in it from when I taught a lesson for ward conference (from about 2 months ago). OK, I had been meaning to throw the stuff away. I really do not know why I had not thrown it away. When I packed my trunk for girl's camp, I am not sure why I had left that little sack in my trunk. So, when I handed it to my Mom. I told her that it was garbage and just to throw it away. She opened it up and we both just stared at it and then, we both started crying. In that little sack...was the papers that I lost a month ago. There is no rhyme or reason those papers should have been in that sack. But, they were. My precious papers!!!! I could not believe my eyes. My prayer and the prayers of so many in my behalf had just been answered. I know that I will have a good night sleep tonight!!! No more worrying about those papers. As I think about it again...I know that it was completely a 100% miracle and I know that our Heavenly Father DOES answers our prayers. I am not sure what I needed to learn for this prayer to take so long to answer, but I am thankful that I finally received an answer.

"thank you".

am I crazy?

It was announced several months ago that on August 2nd, 2008, the fourth and final book of the Twilight series would be released. Lots of waited in anticipation to get this hot copy into their hands. I am included in that group of people!! Anyway, I received a call earlier this week from my SIL, Jessica. She asked if I wanted to go to the release party for Breaking Dawn. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Am I crazy?!! The answer would be NO!!


So, Friday night, Jess and I went to Barnes & Noble to wait for the release. The parking lot was already filled with cars. But, we were so lucky when Jess spotted a guy pulling out of his parking space right in front of the store. I was so excited to go-it was quite entertaining. We arrived at Barnes & Noble at shortly before 8:00 PM. We received our wristband which was labeled with L2. We found the meaning of L2 as being where we would stand in line. There would be 55 people (with wristbands and plus, all there friends and family that came for the release) in each letter of the alphabet. So, we ended up having approximately 660 people with wristbands in front of us. But, just a reminder...that number is only the people who had the wristbands not the other zillion people with them... in line in front of us.


Inside the store, we were entertained for about 4 hours. There was face painting, fingernail painting, Twilight series Trivia, a fashion show, an ugly bridesmaid dress costume, taro card readings, a huge screen showing the trailers of the new Twilight movie, searching for Bella's engagement ring (Oh, I need to add...my friend, Sariah, found the engagement ring and it is simply gorgeous--no, it is not simple--it is amazingly gorgeous!!) and a palm reading. Jess really wanted to go have her palm read. I am not a fan of these--they kind of give me the creeps.

Finally, after a lot of convincing, I decided to give it a try. So, let me tell you, it was weird. First, I listened this lady read Jessica's palm. She was hitting things right on the nose (or the palm). It was too cool.

Then, it was my turn. I just had to keep laughing. This lady was reading my palm and was telling me things that were right on. It was kind of creepy. She did say that my true love was living in his parents basement--she kept talking about that. Then, she said, maybe not his parents basement, but possibly, his friends basement. The reason why he is living in "someones" basement is that he is saving money for a house. Jessica and I just laughed and laughed about this afterwards. Does anyone know someone living in a basement? Just kidding!!





The fashion show was awesome!! People were dressed up like the characters in the Twilight Series. My favorite costume(s) were of a couple dressed as Alice and Edward. They both looked like how I would picture these 2 characters in the book. She was absolutely adorable. Oh, it was great!!

A little bit before 11:00 pm, Jessica and I went to find our places in line. We walked out the door of Barnes & Noble and turned left and walked and walked and walked and walked...

No, we are still not there....still walking...

not yet...still walking....

not yet...still walking...

...finally, we found the letter L...

we are just below the "B" in the Burlington Coat Factory sign.

We sat in this line for about 2 hours. Thank goodness for the strange and funny conversations going on around us and Jess's Yahtzee game on her cell phone to help pass the time. Actually, I had a great time.

Then, at 12:01, the screaming started!!! BREAKING DAWN IS NOW RELEASED!! The line moved pretty quickly...we only had to stand in line for about another hour. There were quite a few people in line in front of us. So, we were able to see lots of people with stacks of books go past us. In fact, there was a group of girls that sat down by the Stop Sign and started reading. They were so excited to start reading it that they sat down at the Stop Sign. Too cool!!!

We received our copies of Breaking Dawn at a little before 1:00 am. Oh, what a FABULOUS night!!! YEA!!! It was great!!

Thanks Jess for such a fabulous idea and a great night!!!