Baby Names

Who knew that coming up with baby names could be so hard? Chad and I are fairly set on Derek James after my two brothers. They mean so much to me that I would love to name my child after two men who have been an important part of my life. But Chad is somewhat hesitant about it, as am I but not as much. We always thought that we would have kids with uncommon names. I have always loved my name because I have never met anyone in person with my name. I want my kids to have the same kind of uniqueness. So Chad and I set out to come up with some uncommon names. We didn't get too far before we were laughing about all the ridiculous names we could name our baby. If any of you come up with any good boy names, post your suggestions! We would love the help.

Home Is Where Mom Is

I just wanted to write a post to tell the world how much I love my mom. She has been through so much and stayed strong through it all. She is one of few Mormon moms I know who had two full time jobs; she always worked full time as a nurse and took care of her family. She has been an amazing friend, provider, protector, teacher...in one word, MOTHER. And even as, one-by-one, her children have grown up and started lives of their own, she has still made a point to be very much involved in their lives.

In more recent events, my mom has had a big hand in making things possible for my little family. Chad and I were recently in a little fender bender where the front end of my Subaru was smashed in just a little bit (not enough to do any mechanical damage to anything except possibly the radiator but enough to make it unsafe to drive for the time being). The car is in my mom's name and she has been paying insurance on it. We have been meaning to get everything switched over so my mom doesn't have to pay insurance anymore but it just hasn't happened. And now, because my mom was willing to keep paying insurance, we can get my car fixed without paying a ton of money. What an amazing blessing that is!!!

And even right after all of that, my mom is making it possible for me to visit this beautiful place! And my family and friends that I miss so much! And HER! I love my mom soooo much and I am so very grateful for all that she has done throughout my life. I think the saying "Home is where Mom is" will stay true throughout my life. For those of you reading this, tell your mom how much you love her! Heavenly Father truly blessed the lives of all His children by sending them Moms!

Be His. Be One. Be Strong.

2010 Mutual Theme:

"Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

~Joshua 1:9

I have the great honor of serving as the 2nd counselor in the Young Women Presidency of the Idaho Falls 7th Ward. What an experience it has been. I was called just shortly after we moved into the ward in December. It was something that I didn't see coming. And I felt a little intimidated at my mere 20 years of age compared to the other leaders' 30. And at the fact that I am just a few years older than the girls. Nevertheless, I was very excited because of the strong testimony I have of the youth program.

It has been a challenge. We don't have very many girls and even fewer active ones. But it has been a learning experience. I have greater appreciation for my young women leaders and all their hard work and love for us girls. And I have loved getting to know the girls and their interests and personalities. They are wonderful girls and they have so much potential.

I am so grateful for the mutual theme this year. It sums up exactly what I want the girls to learn and come to know as they go through life. As I look back on that time in my life, when I came to gain a testimony that the Lord was with me always, life became so much easier to handle. It kept me moving forward on the straight and narrow when the pressure to stray from it was at its strongest. Knowing what I know now, my hearts goes out to them and I sincerely hope they reach the full potential that the Lord has in store for them. They are such wonderful girls and I am blessed to have them in my life. Along with my fellow leaders. I am so grateful for their hard work and always look up to their examples.

I love my calling!