tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26413786659405741272024-03-06T02:08:59.659-05:00No Such Thing as an Ordinary LifeJanae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-23238638323315806182012-04-25T23:51:00.004-04:002012-04-25T23:51:56.883-04:00Update!I know it has been a long time since I last posted, but life got in the way and this fell by the way side. A lot has changed since January. I have gone through a break up, which showed me how strong I really am, though there were some stumbles I had to overcome. During this time, my dad told me I was never going to be along and I was not. I had my family and friends who gave me all the love and support I could ever ask for. I am grateful for them, especially my sister and brother-in-law.<br />
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During this time, I reexamined and my life and decided I needed to make some changes because I did not like where I was. The first change I made was to move where I parked at work. At the time, I realized it was the only thing I could change. And this move spawned many more changes. It is funny how little thing like this changed everything. From here, I realized I did not like where I was living. I had four roommates, four female roommates. And I tried a financial responsibility that weighed heavily on me. Plus, there was so much drama going on, that I wanted out, so bad.<br />
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So at the end of February I decided to move out and live on my own. I needed a fresh start, which included a new home and a new ward. I needed to make these changes so I could move forward. If not, I was going to stay stuck where I was. So I found a new place to live and moved. I live on my own now. And I love it. No more roommate drama. A new ward where I can meet new people. I did not realize how much I hated my life until I left the situation I was in. By moving, I feel like I can breath again. That everything will be alright and that I am where I am suppose to be at this moment. Plus, my commute to work is shorter. Which is just an added bonus!<br />
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The view from my new place!</div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-89175127741338582202011-11-19T19:27:00.004-05:002011-11-19T19:52:50.826-05:00Happy 80th Birthday!!!This past week, my grandfather turned 80 years old. So my aunt and uncle throw a party for him. Renee, Lewis, and I drove down for it. It was in St. George, Utah. It was nice to get out of Salt Lake City for awhile and to see our parents and family. My grandpa's birthday was held at my aunt and uncle's house. They served a wonderful meal, which included ribs. The party was amazing. And we are all so thankful for all the effort Rich and Gail put into it. You guys are rock stars!<br /><br />My grandpa is one of the most amazing people I know. He is kind and loving. And most of all, he is devoted to his family. He never asks for anything and is an incredible giver of his time and energy. My aunt put together a book of memories for my grandpa. It included stories and thoughts from his children and grandchild. The theme of them was how much we love him and how grateful we are to have him in our lives. He has always been there for us through everything.<br /><br />At the party, my grandpa told me, Renee, and Lewis about his time in the military. He was drafted and was suppose to go to Korea. Because of this, he was going to wait to marry my grandma after his time in Korea ended. He really did not want to go to Korea. And he never set foot in the country. Instead, he ended up as a supply sergeant in California before being sent to Washington. He was incredibly lucky more than once that he never had to go to Korea. Each time, it seemed something came up that kept him in the U.S. It was the Lord watching over him. He knew my grandpa had other important things to do, like marry my grandma and start his own family.<br /><br />Today, my grandfather is the proud father of three wonderful children, the loving grandfather of nine grandchildren, and the happy great grandfather of thirteen great grand kids. He is loved fiercely by all of them. We all look up to him and the example he has set forth for all of us.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Grandpa!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkljZfQipahB2vFma2M7KyK5WO3GPLNC9_L6QjKgk-rosuPNi4M-bqRQwtjdakM1aaLl0F2OiLjIbhwFmdvJSC1UOcV2M7ObXyHZMtjDMLTRnWlpEthknjyo9x61Qy-8mW0g8Tuvjs5dkh/s320/IMG_2522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873215798186066" border="0" />Gail bringing out the chocolate birthday cake! And that is 80 candles!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdJREAhN5srSvElazoeewRwzpJVFPrz-_lfDCuIHtUYj4rxHMaOLXGF7T9gtFYteKPLandul5cDGRWCmYFdwnT_ENKfJ87_WTRJ32huoO6By4bK1No_LWTqM3fZVI5PfgsxBgfRNhHvw3/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdJREAhN5srSvElazoeewRwzpJVFPrz-_lfDCuIHtUYj4rxHMaOLXGF7T9gtFYteKPLandul5cDGRWCmYFdwnT_ENKfJ87_WTRJ32huoO6By4bK1No_LWTqM3fZVI5PfgsxBgfRNhHvw3/s320/IMG_2523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873209087137586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gwq8jEKNyv0fYtsmUtRTnT2t8lKuP_yWVNCuPH4yu-wr6axnQ9sTJI9UGKRDh4vO0G5m1HvaX_fvhBt_Toyhtg1Cnglys2tHNOwjd0WsDMyoHIxrPpJRgrS2NXc4xA4nFe3elbOnQAJQ/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gwq8jEKNyv0fYtsmUtRTnT2t8lKuP_yWVNCuPH4yu-wr6axnQ9sTJI9UGKRDh4vO0G5m1HvaX_fvhBt_Toyhtg1Cnglys2tHNOwjd0WsDMyoHIxrPpJRgrS2NXc4xA4nFe3elbOnQAJQ/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873196418111970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQV_pFpcZbfct5iQMmiy_rVfJl-95uFQkTBYUKjxVwJcPGZgtcWOTaAcHeDTIQrqq67lrW3jX8VtLhEE9mfr3XJQoJgjqul38EXL93-v0W89Xbuz5ITiEovRdgLTj_937uclQIgcZHp34l/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQV_pFpcZbfct5iQMmiy_rVfJl-95uFQkTBYUKjxVwJcPGZgtcWOTaAcHeDTIQrqq67lrW3jX8VtLhEE9mfr3XJQoJgjqul38EXL93-v0W89Xbuz5ITiEovRdgLTj_937uclQIgcZHp34l/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873187565269474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TwiO3FpsOSht0AlG_uplWW6V3ZvxXHExcgK13Si-WwT0wsT-MhhmwFSbcJAnbfVU15vrHnLRY_s0Dk65GPk78FiLmLiQ5M9zUax07cY7UuLn7Q38pCUhSYljbX_WRpAY8AO1ry24dbi/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5TwiO3FpsOSht0AlG_uplWW6V3ZvxXHExcgK13Si-WwT0wsT-MhhmwFSbcJAnbfVU15vrHnLRY_s0Dk65GPk78FiLmLiQ5M9zUax07cY7UuLn7Q38pCUhSYljbX_WRpAY8AO1ry24dbi/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676873184540042418" border="0" /></a>Renee, Grandpa, and I<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquoLxJ-DkrN5UFaeQP6PEVGJn8UKUwliEGfvlETr9Qq5LwI88TjruwUP3N7vl4icCbEeSpRUXCVDO5E46LGeJswelDIcV8bgMQreFFTLAAyqIubpQhPfVwsAKrqkq65sY8pqOrlq8Lt6f/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquoLxJ-DkrN5UFaeQP6PEVGJn8UKUwliEGfvlETr9Qq5LwI88TjruwUP3N7vl4icCbEeSpRUXCVDO5E46LGeJswelDIcV8bgMQreFFTLAAyqIubpQhPfVwsAKrqkq65sY8pqOrlq8Lt6f/s320/IMG_2536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676874305927399922" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The guys' poker game!</div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-41795726208269657852011-10-31T13:28:00.006-04:002011-11-05T20:42:53.477-04:00Halloween HalfA week ago, this past Saturday, my friend (and roommate) Linnea and I ran the Halloween Half marathon. The night before, we went and picked up our packets at the University Mall in Provo, Utah. It was kind of chaotic. After getting my packet, I noticed that somehow, I was registered as a male. It came as quite a surprise to me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnh0zbwf_wWWE0HB8X8Mfw8G5XYmGz-GFm5Ay54H4ABvAF3r7BtlonQOVrrI6wtuSrFXVSl80OaWJjCHWoPLN6hyfBcmLxRXl4dL4kOCHD_Hjr2kyEjV9ABcleLp9Zw27RvRQTCr7jrgJ/s1600/IMAG0038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnh0zbwf_wWWE0HB8X8Mfw8G5XYmGz-GFm5Ay54H4ABvAF3r7BtlonQOVrrI6wtuSrFXVSl80OaWJjCHWoPLN6hyfBcmLxRXl4dL4kOCHD_Hjr2kyEjV9ABcleLp9Zw27RvRQTCr7jrgJ/s320/IMAG0038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711743156308498" border="0" /></a><br />For this half marathon, everyone dressed up in Halloween costumes. Many people were very creative. Sadly, I did not bring my camera to the start line. One guys dressed up as a shower...well as the shower scene from the Karate Kid. I dressed up as a pink fairy and Linnea dressed up as a pink bunny. Many people were dressed up as Where's Waldo and there were many fairies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkaU9Rgsju816xsSCPKl9iXQorhm6UawtqXDA7xclJmwp2AgHFrV8BbnRbM95GW-_boQckOfs-xvvzZUbQHkcqHR9huzKZpMUOA4NvT_mWVi3TtW8aNbLrNKNKgwNEYQDLV3w4zvOv3ZL/s1600/IMAG0040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkaU9Rgsju816xsSCPKl9iXQorhm6UawtqXDA7xclJmwp2AgHFrV8BbnRbM95GW-_boQckOfs-xvvzZUbQHkcqHR9huzKZpMUOA4NvT_mWVi3TtW8aNbLrNKNKgwNEYQDLV3w4zvOv3ZL/s320/IMAG0040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669712915812198930" border="0" /></a>The morning of the marathon, we had to be at the mall to catch the bus at 6 though the race did not start until 9. It was freezing cold. Our race began up around Sundance in Provo Canyon. We ran down Provo Canyon to this park right outside of the Riverwoods shopping area in Orem. The anticipation just built up that morning. I really wanted it to begin. This was my first half marathon. And honestly, I was kind of nervous to run it. That is 13.1 miles. The most I had run in training was 11.5 miles. I would like to thank my sister and her husband for letting me run to their house for the past few Saturdays and then giving me a ride home.<br /><br />As the race began, I started with a slow pace. The first five miles were downhill. You do not want to sprint down because you will waste your energy for the rest of the race and it will cause havoc to your leg muscles. I had my ipod with me and jammed to a lot of Britney Spears and Kesha. It was a good mix with a good beat. My goal was to run the entire race. The first three miles flew by. And then before I knew it I was at mile 6. The whole time, I just keep telling myself "you can do this." I was running this marathon for myself. It was not about my time or anything else. I wanted to prove that I could do this.<br /><br />As mile 8 approached, I was hurting. I started saying to myself, "Just keep running, just keep running" (instead of "just keep swimming, just keeping swimming). I kept counting down the miles. I was running about a ten minute mile. However, when I past mile 9, I never saw a sign for mile 10. It kind of threw me. Because the next thing I knew, I was at mile 11. Mile 11 was tough. I was tired and hurting. However, I knew once I got to 12, I was in the home stretch and would have some support. After running for 11 straight miles, I walk/ran mile 11.<br /><br />When mile 12 came, I wanted it to be over but knew I had to make it to the finish line. When I started walking, this woman came up behind me and said "finish strong." I started to pick up my pace. Along the way, Ben meet me on the course and started running with me to the end. Then we meet up with my sister and brother-in-law. They both ran behind me. Ben kept telling me I was so close and that I was going to make it. All three helped me to the finish line. Before the finish line, I saw my friend Merisa and her little girls cheering me on. It was so cute! And truthfully, I do not think I would have gotten there without them. Their support meant everything because I felt like I had nothing left.<br /><br />After crossing the finish line, they handed me my medal. I ran the half marathon in 2:22. And because I was in the male division, I finished 119th in the 25 to 29 division. So funny!!! Renee took some after photos. I may have to bribe her for them. Just kidding.<br /><br />I learned from this race, that we are capable of doing anything we set our mind too. And we are never alone in our pursuits. I had support that helped me get to the end. That made an incredible difference. These amazing people who came out to cheer me on. I could not have asked for more. Also, I learned once again that I can do difficult things. Though I think I cannot do them...I can. We can do anything. We just have to believe in ourselves!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-89794716721208537332011-09-26T11:20:00.002-04:002011-09-26T11:38:59.183-04:00Half MarathonSo after much thought, I have decided to run a half marathon next month. I have gone back and forth about running a half marathon. Part of me just did not want to do it but another part of me wanted to prove that I can complete a half marathon or 13 mile run. I was a little scared...but I do not like to live my life with regrets. I feel like I can do this. And I am running with my roommate.<br /><br />We are running the Halloween Half marathon down in Provo, Utah. And we get to run dressed up if we chose too. I am already thinking about my costume, which may just be a Halloween t-shirt. Who knows?<br /><br />The training schedule has been fun! And grueling. This past Saturday, I ran 10 miles. I really ran 10 miles. It was hard, but I did it. Now, if I can just tack on three more, I have the half marathon completed. It is amazing how resilient your body is. Though my muscles hurt after my long run, I am getting my body in shape to run this long distance.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-77958167904437921912011-07-13T22:56:00.002-04:002011-07-13T23:22:33.882-04:00Embrace your Womanly Curves!!!For the past few weeks, I have been attending Zumba classes. This past week, we had a guest instructor who was awesome. When we get to this one song near the end of class, our instructor told us to "embrace our curves." That is what the dance moves we do is all about and it is one of my favorite workouts. However, her statement got me thinking about my own body and all women's bodies along with other conversations I have had with people. I guess I am using this post to vent one of the many frustrations I have been dealing with lately.<br /><br />After losing 80 pounds, I struggled with my body image. I thought I had to be stick thin. When I moved to Boston three years ago, my weight dwindled down to an unhealthy place. If I gained any ounces, I punished my body by working out non-stop and basically stopped eating. I was irritable and unhappy all the time. Finally, I realized I had to stop. What I was doing was not good for me. I had to find a balance where I maintained my weight and was healthy and accept that I was not a person meant to be stick thin. I have curves and my stomach is never going to be rock hard. My stomach will always be my problem area. It is just a bunch of extra skin and some days it bothers me.<br /><br />However, weight is an emotional issue for women. Many things are tied to it. I have learned that being thin makes girls as insecure as girls who are overweight. Truthfully, I think thin girls are more insecure. We just need to be comfortable with who we are. It took me a long time to learn that...to learn to be happy with my body. The Lord gave me this body and expects me to take care of it. When I was starving myself and running like crazy, I was disrespecting my body. My turning point came one day when I looked in the mirror and I did not like the person who looked back at me. I frightened myself. I had to change and be more accepting of myself.<br /><br />The hardest struggle was accepting was accepting attention from men. I felt I was the same person as I was before. I gained more confidence, but I was still me. In explaining this to a friend one day, this person told me that I was always there, I just had to find her. I had to let her out of the place where I kept her hidden. These words have stuck with me and mean so much to me. I am who I always was, but it is like I had to release a part of me that I kept hidden away. That was buried by my weight.<br /><br />I love my curves. I am never going to be stick thin or a rail. That is not me. My goal is to be healthy and to exercise. Lately though I have struggled with running. There is this mental block. In so many ways, I feel like the joy has been taken away due to some circumstances. And getting over this mental block is killing me. It really is. Instead, I have been going to Zumba, which is this aerobic dance class, three times a week. I love Zumba. I am not the most coordinated person, but it is a good workout and so much fun. I allow myself to get lost in the moves. And I realized going to this class is exactly what I needed. It gives me some separation from running for the time being. I am not sure how to go back to running. I am trying to take it one day at a time, but it is hard. So I am loving my womanly curves. And you should love yours too!!!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-88041012402587626272011-07-05T22:06:00.004-04:002011-07-05T22:24:06.118-04:00Happy 4th!!!Surprise, Surprise, I have finally decided to write on my blog. There are no excuses from my lack of updates unless you except laziness. Before I talk about July 4th, I want thank my sister and brother-in-law for celebrating my birthday with me. They decorated their apartment, made me dinner, and Renee made a delicious cake. I showed her this oreo cake on a food blog and she made her own. Here are a few highlights:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOoWLS_Io1KIpGi2kDKGUDjxCEwvE0r7Rsko-koA-cNuJ61ObqFO5T2Dxpr3GI-fZYKdQOwhVS1GOIi_5fCYxzY9IT1hDhvb9_4nLuP4sGSc_0T8UVOubuQ2QdgzM7ReFhUl5-D6wmHxe/s1600/Birthday.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOoWLS_Io1KIpGi2kDKGUDjxCEwvE0r7Rsko-koA-cNuJ61ObqFO5T2Dxpr3GI-fZYKdQOwhVS1GOIi_5fCYxzY9IT1hDhvb9_4nLuP4sGSc_0T8UVOubuQ2QdgzM7ReFhUl5-D6wmHxe/s320/Birthday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626056620505011346" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Decorated apartment<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPW3dy5Euu75r9RO2ydiWPzpLswFcM1iET1dDsbTERF1MNw4-12RnKI8K7iFd7ZtOREI9jsM9CnOFKl-3-lR8Mzx21VducXL4CtEOb2sRfasa9OedB949SpHtDjgnOBn_9SNGyoM62GHI/s1600/Birthday-cake.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPW3dy5Euu75r9RO2ydiWPzpLswFcM1iET1dDsbTERF1MNw4-12RnKI8K7iFd7ZtOREI9jsM9CnOFKl-3-lR8Mzx21VducXL4CtEOb2sRfasa9OedB949SpHtDjgnOBn_9SNGyoM62GHI/s320/Birthday-cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626057773779214034" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The fantastic Oreo cake<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffMYUuz4SfDIWR7dVeMYjBowc6ptFggFEKzAbggfXWizZlnzqvGkyiKknK-JpRnK9JO4eH9PMCxbKeoNvf8PGpBOFkI1Ttnl-vmE2_4aQdgxPx1XHrQHBzVblkqKlLjwu9s_EeIl3jiTw/s1600/Birthday-cake-inside.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffMYUuz4SfDIWR7dVeMYjBowc6ptFggFEKzAbggfXWizZlnzqvGkyiKknK-JpRnK9JO4eH9PMCxbKeoNvf8PGpBOFkI1Ttnl-vmE2_4aQdgxPx1XHrQHBzVblkqKlLjwu9s_EeIl3jiTw/s320/Birthday-cake-inside.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626056631839335666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The inside of the cake--the best part!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><br />I spent this past weekend in Southern California with my family. For the 4th, we had a barbeque and went swimming. It was so much fun! The best part of going home to visit, is seeing my nephews, E and W. They are so cute!And it is always great to catch up with my brother and sister-in-law and parents.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM0z_uRXyiVsSqApf29X2qPIFOhx749qBWn83cQNhW3_9epkw1uykDwmB3rSRNhlU2auDWN4OWOJKVMPyoewF0w9c5Rj7_urD3Pqp3WfkoQSv6i58FCLQnQNcmC3sJ-ydsLkBecHk7wT0/s1600/Eli-Janae.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM0z_uRXyiVsSqApf29X2qPIFOhx749qBWn83cQNhW3_9epkw1uykDwmB3rSRNhlU2auDWN4OWOJKVMPyoewF0w9c5Rj7_urD3Pqp3WfkoQSv6i58FCLQnQNcmC3sJ-ydsLkBecHk7wT0/s320/Eli-Janae.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626056007273729362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">With E. He is wearing a shirt his mom made for him and his brother. She is very creative!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCfyPBtyADbm4XIDYxX7oG1oD38XVLiqidwSMWWBvWEVGpirfcroC8YPlIokM76EZ4CFIaxYR1SWHerlYUtLzEqAGNvo-igzLAfVKsCvwKhRN6AV4Dd5h0MlzOx5EcGKAuEyvHlRybWB/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCfyPBtyADbm4XIDYxX7oG1oD38XVLiqidwSMWWBvWEVGpirfcroC8YPlIokM76EZ4CFIaxYR1SWHerlYUtLzEqAGNvo-igzLAfVKsCvwKhRN6AV4Dd5h0MlzOx5EcGKAuEyvHlRybWB/s320/IMG_2475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626056001524030642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wrangling the little ones!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivV8gMkp1ZAcbDmP13Y2MFe-meItnC-xeD-TVUf1ohbNXow3OofQ_2l3i_kwCSEbj2nsqiPrT3IqslMW0cpJi4RjFVYK0211P7Iz_rQAL1lV0kIDQXRKaOt8Iu2V3X6J4akQL5eKn9d9l/s1600/IMG_2476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivV8gMkp1ZAcbDmP13Y2MFe-meItnC-xeD-TVUf1ohbNXow3OofQ_2l3i_kwCSEbj2nsqiPrT3IqslMW0cpJi4RjFVYK0211P7Iz_rQAL1lV0kIDQXRKaOt8Iu2V3X6J4akQL5eKn9d9l/s320/IMG_2476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055995104931202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTjPOhTgAZhD4zJiVqgpymGwffZ9Aqgq6Ivpnme80F485I0l4WEdk3OahyphenhyphenXMsRVqqJWm8N68AfKxc6t_XZ_b-xs148qw39ZuGNvgs3zjMs46m_MIxfG2LTvoDKmuoWR3fzE2NBpbJWI4m/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTjPOhTgAZhD4zJiVqgpymGwffZ9Aqgq6Ivpnme80F485I0l4WEdk3OahyphenhyphenXMsRVqqJWm8N68AfKxc6t_XZ_b-xs148qw39ZuGNvgs3zjMs46m_MIxfG2LTvoDKmuoWR3fzE2NBpbJWI4m/s320/IMG_2478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055988297604866" border="0" /></a><br />E turning the camera on his mom and brother.<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9kkq0PIkSh_7uZL9ANENR4xjaZNZ9sIzJz9_I-sAS16nTxXVb9Wig_jIw07O73fjbW_yx3bTFCCKYaBaLjNTGjDp9bEmphA3G-fjfpnPT4ztQhABYPAIzzKMrEBuc2os1UspS1-dGAa6/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9kkq0PIkSh_7uZL9ANENR4xjaZNZ9sIzJz9_I-sAS16nTxXVb9Wig_jIw07O73fjbW_yx3bTFCCKYaBaLjNTGjDp9bEmphA3G-fjfpnPT4ztQhABYPAIzzKMrEBuc2os1UspS1-dGAa6/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055389053178466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">W needed his turn behind the camera too!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EclxABJpWvG1XmKLaXxn540LLnBVuqVNVqMPIKpqU_IYZhzt9CiHLIgq-_JsdS9JkEcvD5vcl9RADuEtsWqjv4pu_qH7ywfbNG4obKxPUkcctXOzJWtisMtrCn-7lfvRakvgoH-ufcZU/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EclxABJpWvG1XmKLaXxn540LLnBVuqVNVqMPIKpqU_IYZhzt9CiHLIgq-_JsdS9JkEcvD5vcl9RADuEtsWqjv4pu_qH7ywfbNG4obKxPUkcctXOzJWtisMtrCn-7lfvRakvgoH-ufcZU/s320/IMG_2486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055374145698834" border="0" /></a><br />W began some Kung Fu fighting!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8nh79jg20LcwwczumPj4kJ6RIZe3kW7cbrjmSqO5mrPbrHAtbL37PAQvDx6-yG2q4Aluzx6kV37o_sq_H9XIDUk4XrD2tIEQVEBegwIM-3CaevJzdg6rcleezHFKzbSewNfHpbJX99zx/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8nh79jg20LcwwczumPj4kJ6RIZe3kW7cbrjmSqO5mrPbrHAtbL37PAQvDx6-yG2q4Aluzx6kV37o_sq_H9XIDUk4XrD2tIEQVEBegwIM-3CaevJzdg6rcleezHFKzbSewNfHpbJX99zx/s320/IMG_2487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055366152493874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OS8CAZXRp42LQO1xSnNrk-pwOFvOYLavZF5MPhJillQwCVO8PNoAsgIrlWzJq1reoTeDM9F3QZXJyXgIxtjOKiTbAjrfeB0qulk90DmLFxhweJz9ECDKT50Zi_dE57PGy-Tri60rWfGT/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OS8CAZXRp42LQO1xSnNrk-pwOFvOYLavZF5MPhJillQwCVO8PNoAsgIrlWzJq1reoTeDM9F3QZXJyXgIxtjOKiTbAjrfeB0qulk90DmLFxhweJz9ECDKT50Zi_dE57PGy-Tri60rWfGT/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055361725196274" border="0" /></a><br />The showdown between brothers!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslJb1tosw0PRWju89tKKDB2vWBsI6HeH2dz1PSjaAWiBHj-VymX3GhAFVmBp-qBS95_AF2fHeJXI1xwztOrILn8w51Sf-NkSSqaa2rXfvvIB7U3RSuqXLguB0bxNtQZVnZN92IFkJaUNU/s1600/squeeze+hug.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslJb1tosw0PRWju89tKKDB2vWBsI6HeH2dz1PSjaAWiBHj-VymX3GhAFVmBp-qBS95_AF2fHeJXI1xwztOrILn8w51Sf-NkSSqaa2rXfvvIB7U3RSuqXLguB0bxNtQZVnZN92IFkJaUNU/s320/squeeze+hug.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626055374712986226" border="0" /></a><br />The hug (and my favorite pic)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone had a happy fourth of July!!!<br /></div></div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-3740496787815433322011-04-02T17:26:00.002-04:002011-04-02T17:30:32.151-04:00A week to forget...This past week, I literally could not remember anything. I do not know what happened, but I experience some senior moments. Here are some highlights:<br /><br />1. Twice, I forgot to get off the elevator at work when it stopped at my floor (the first time was on Monday morning).<br /><br />2. I forgot where I parked my car. And both times, I had friends with me. They just laughed at me as I lead them through the parking lot searching for my car.<br /><br />3. I forgot that Lewis and Renee were coming over to my house on Thursday.<br /><br />4. I could not find my email the contained my travel information for my upcoming work trip. However, thanks to the help of the staff assistant, I found it.<br /><br />So I did not have the best week and I attribute it to being tired and moving and a few other things. Oh, well. I guess all I can do is laugh about it.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-69105613246221936132011-02-20T10:45:00.003-05:002011-02-20T10:55:26.228-05:00I HEART Bieber!!!Back in December, Renee and I were at the movies when we saw a preview for the Justin Bieber movie "Never Say Never." Because it is us, we started joking about how much we wanted to see that movie because we love Justin Bieber with all our hearts. Since December, whenever we saw a movie poster or trailer, we would be like "we are totally seeing that movie." In January, our joke became reality. We decided that we were going to so see this movie. Yes, a movie about a 16 year old pop star who brings girls to tears. We thought it was hilarious.<br /><br />This past week, our dream came true. Renee, Lewis (isn't he the world's best husband to endure this movie), and I went to see it. It was not a bad movie. I learned that Justin Bieber is a pretty talented musician. He taught himself to play the drums, piano, guitar, and some other instruments. He is Canadian. What is not to love about that? And finally, he can bring girls to tears, especially when they are fighting over who loves him more. This reminded me of my teenage crush on the Backstreet Boys. I loved them during my teenage years, but I do not think I over cried over them. I remember hurrying home to watch Total Request Live to see if they best NSYNC out for the number on video. Those were the days.<br /><br />But the Bieber movie was entertaining. However, I realized that there is one scene that will not make sense to you if you have not seen the new Karate Kid movie with Jaden Smith or at least heard the Karate Kid soundtrack. I finally saw the Karate Kid last night and I felt like I had come full circle. Renee will tell you that one of her favorite parts of the movie was when I asked "What does this song have to do with karate and China?" That is why knowing the Karate Kid connection is key.<br /><br />Overall, it was a fun movie to go see and I figured if I was a 13 year old, I would definitely be in love with Justin Bieber.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9Y2J_JvTfEcs3MvR24mmYJSgLqZx6cl6c1LgvtXuahqzVpXWookA-jx3-wCIuhVWqF9mgS4fUaga486bSCu3gliox7ww1vl8le3jBvbbFjh5CQW5R7tQwh8p8g7zXEFN8c1PwHDkSY8z/s1600/bieber.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9Y2J_JvTfEcs3MvR24mmYJSgLqZx6cl6c1LgvtXuahqzVpXWookA-jx3-wCIuhVWqF9mgS4fUaga486bSCu3gliox7ww1vl8le3jBvbbFjh5CQW5R7tQwh8p8g7zXEFN8c1PwHDkSY8z/s320/bieber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575798633627905298" border="0" /></a>Renee and I kissing our boy!<br /></div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-45683672691057902292011-01-02T20:31:00.002-05:002011-01-02T21:17:55.850-05:002010 ReflectionWow, I cannot believe it is 2011 already. This past year has just flown by. I have spent the past few days reflecting on 2010 and how my life has changed for the better. When last year began, I made a few resolutions. I wanted to continue living a healthy lifestyle, finish graduate school,find a job, and reevaluate what relationships in my life were truly important and worth keeping. I have continued living a healthy lifestyle, most of the time. I work out six days a week and try to watch what I eat. I have this insane love of running and my goal this year is to run some 10K races and I have a roommate who is trying to convince me to give a half marathon a try. We will see what happens. When I get the chance I like to go to Zumba classes. I love Zumba. Zumba is basically an aerobic Latin dance class. It is so much fun and a good work out. And so who cares if I do not have the best rhythm, it is a real great work out. <br /><br />I graduated with my Master's in May. I was so happy to have finished my degree. It was two years of hard work, but it was worth it. After graduating, I stayed in Boston as I looked for a job on the West Coast. While I loved my time in Boston, after much prayer and contemplation, I realized that I needed to move back home for awhile as I looked for a job. While it was hard to leave behind my friends, I knew this was the right move for me. And by following this path, my life changed for the better.<br /><br />Returning to California, I applied for every job out there in my field. One day, I came across this position working for the LDS church. After spending a day thinking about whether to apply or not, I finally submitted my resume. All I thought was this is never going to happen...not in a million years. So one day while I was babysitting my two little nephews, I received a call from a Utah number and a message was left that the church would like to interview me for this position. I could not believe it. After talking with the man who is now my boss, he persuaded me to come up to Salt Lake for an in person interview. I left this interview knowing that I had made it to the second round of interviews. Than before I knew it I had gotten the job with a little hitch. They wanted me to start my job in a week. I had a week to pack up my life in Cali (honestly, most of my stuff was still in boxes) and get to SLC. So I had a job with great benefits, but no clue where I was going to live. So on Saturday, after my job offer, I found a place to live. Everything just worked out so well and the silver lining, I now live in the same town with my sister.<br /><br />It is funny because a year ago, I never would have imagined that I would be living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I would have told you "no." I thought I would end up back in California, but that was not part of the Lord's plan for me. He needs me here. I need to be here because this is exactly where I am suppose to be. There is no doubt in my mind. Things are working out as they should be and I love all the possibilities that lay before me. <br /><br />The last resolution on my list was to reevaluate that relationships in my life. Honestly, I have been doing this for the past two years. I realized there was many relationships in my life that had just emotionally drained me. I went to a place that scared me...With the help of some incredible people, I pulled myself up when I finally figured out that I needed to have healthy relationships in my life. I needed relationships where I was treated with love and respect. I realized for this to happen that I needed to change myself, which began with finally standing up for myself and telling people that "hey, you cannot treat me however you want" because I deserve so much more than that. <br /><br />I have incredible parents, who love me unconditionally and would do anything for me. They want the best for me and believed everything would work out for me even when I had lost hope. Thanks Mom for never giving up on me and knowing that it would all work out in the end. Some days, I wish I had your faith. My sister is my best friend and I love her so much. Her husband is not that bad either. Just kidding! Lewis, you are a great brother-in-law. My brother and his wife are amazing. Laurel is a great sister-in-law and I am grateful for the friendship we have. She is a great mother with the two cutest boys, who I miss everyday. I miss my games of tag with Eli and West. I feel like I have really strengthened these bonds with my immediate family. <br /><br />Through this time, I have developed a close relationship with my cousin Jessica. She is an answer to a prayer. In times when I have struggled, she has provided me guidance that I so desperately needed or just send me a card that made my day. I have shared all my highs and lows with her. It is funny how our lives have paralleled each other in so many ways. Thank you for everything Jessica and thank you just does not seem like enough. I have loved sharing these past few years with you and look forward to sharing everything else that is to come with you. I could not ask for a better cousin and friend. I hope to come visit you one of these days and play with you cute kids. It is one of my resolutions for this coming year. <br /><br />I am still in this reevaluation process. It is not easy and some days, it is a struggle. But I want to move forward on my own terms and not on the terms of others. When I tried to live according to the terms of others, I lost my way and became a person I did not like. I now try to live every day according to what makes me happy and by doing this, I have found who I truly am. I love who I am. It may have taken me years to get here, but it is through these trials and triumphs that have made me who I am today. <br /><br />I view this next year with great hope and faith. Good things are coming as I continue along this path the Lord has set out for me. My main goal for this following year, is to be happy.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-72429823451714427292010-12-19T10:13:00.002-05:002010-12-19T10:20:41.450-05:00Christmas...I still cannot believe that Christmas is less than a week away. I guess time flies when you are having fun! No, time flies when you are working and living your life to the fullest. For Christmas this year, I am going to Florida with my parents. We are specifically going to Orlando where we will go to places likes Disney World and the new Harry Potter wizarding world. I think my dad is most excited about that one. He loves Harry Potter more than life it self. Just kidding!!! It will be fun though I joke that I am going by default. What does that mean? Both my brother and sister are spending Christmas with their in-laws this year so I am the one who gets to go along with my parents on this trip. I do not mind at all. I am excited to be going to Florida. In all reality though, I will miss having my siblings their, but that is how life is. I want them to have great Christmases. Both of them will be celebrating Christmas with a brother-in-law who just returned from a mission. How cool is that? <br /><br />I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-5277880209914860742010-12-05T10:50:00.002-05:002010-12-05T10:58:48.258-05:00Some weeks are just better than othersThis past week at work was hard. It just was. It just did not start off right. Last Sunday night when I returned from California, I arrived in the middle of a blizzard. Yes, I left sunshine for eighteen inches of snow up at my house. This is the kind of snowfall you get when you life up in the benches and you can tell that I am not the biggest fan of snow, but I will deal with it to the best of my ability. Though the snow stopped by Monday morning, we had to dig out our driveway and our cars. In doing this, I was just late to work. There was no way I was going to be on time, but my boss understood. So Monday was okay and Tuesday was too. But by the end of Wednesday, I was just mentally exhausted and it carried over to Thursday and Friday too. We are working on some big projects that just take a lot of you. I would come home and be like, "I just want to sleep." Wednesday I laid on my bed for a few hours, destressing. I was so excited for the weekend.<br /><br />Yesterday, helped me get over my rough week. I took my sister out to get manicures for her birthday (Yes, I know her birthday was in October, but she did not care). That was so much fun and then we had lunch after. I love hanging out with my sister and I love the pizza at Cafe Trio. After lunch, we decided to go shopping. The highlight Costco because we went around and tried all the samples. I ended the day by going to watch a friend of my play the piano at Assembly Hall in Temple Square for the LDS Business College with my roommate. It was amazing. After, we walked around Temple Square and looked at the lights. I love Christmas!!!<br /><br />This coming week will be better as I begin it in Northern California!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-19289415093999002162010-11-22T19:38:00.003-05:002010-11-22T19:50:22.793-05:00Turkey! Pie!Two weekends ago, my roommates and I throw a "mock" Thanksgiving. It was tons of fun and was the first time I ever cooked a turkey by myself, which was an interesting experience. As my roommates had to go to church early, I was left with the task of getting the turkey in the oven. Mind you, this was a 20 pound turkey. So I prepared the turkey to be cooked by flouring the oven bag you cook the turkey in. After this, I diced celery and onions and spread them on the bag's bottom, which I placed in a roasting pan. Next, I gave the turkey its very own butter bath. Once I finished this, I then realized I had to get the turkey into the bag, all by myself. So I opened the bag as wide as I could and then just hefted the turkey into it. I am still amazed I got it in there, but I learned that next time I cook a turkey, a second pair of hands would be great. However, the turkey tasted so good. I was quite proud of myself. Again, I give all the credit to my mom, who is the best cook I know. It is just in the Litchfield/Hall genes. Along with the turkey, I made stuffing. My roommate made a chocolate pie she covered in meringue. That was delicious too! It was a fun night all around. And it tasted oh so good.<br /><br />The following is pictures of my turkey:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UyUQ5xGLGNXk9qNC-U0EuygDdlniUzcR4B_ztEFRuuohSmM4WTzQc5ewvzMYJApJi9KAE8OOj9ymN7q7rqMTbxLOe-20waarm9q_4FY2pHWn-z66fPpm3n760hWLe-yjLZss-Josc2py/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UyUQ5xGLGNXk9qNC-U0EuygDdlniUzcR4B_ztEFRuuohSmM4WTzQc5ewvzMYJApJi9KAE8OOj9ymN7q7rqMTbxLOe-20waarm9q_4FY2pHWn-z66fPpm3n760hWLe-yjLZss-Josc2py/s320/IMG_2172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542538589011908210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLaZu7ylrX2x0FNqCITvBT_di1oeG3_7X1sGy-j-JVUzEPXOfz32JCywqh7AU6mT01aavMqh4eBdaQlOG8bRL7ic2UPJrMRGvWI6_UqglHc8hOHNR4n3MlFLB1GcghVNTsVU4p4IuaIdN/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLaZu7ylrX2x0FNqCITvBT_di1oeG3_7X1sGy-j-JVUzEPXOfz32JCywqh7AU6mT01aavMqh4eBdaQlOG8bRL7ic2UPJrMRGvWI6_UqglHc8hOHNR4n3MlFLB1GcghVNTsVU4p4IuaIdN/s320/IMG_2173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542538582491441858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The pie my roommate made:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepVoEipsItjE4kH53zmcnOF7upEXP4F_fRG_615qwCeIovwAaNWWQ-ubP77EocQB0qMcREa67FqR5hvP__ZQDVA59Uly7hn4tJYx8c8IJg5yoXyW20ke2zG4T7AlvDYG48CcA57TbUsr8/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepVoEipsItjE4kH53zmcnOF7upEXP4F_fRG_615qwCeIovwAaNWWQ-ubP77EocQB0qMcREa67FqR5hvP__ZQDVA59Uly7hn4tJYx8c8IJg5yoXyW20ke2zG4T7AlvDYG48CcA57TbUsr8/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542538577465049490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So this past weekend, I decided to make a pecan pie. I love making pies for some reason. I promised Lewis I would make this one for him. It was quite easy to make as all you do is mix together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, molasses, eggs, flour, and vanilla and dump it over the pecans you placed in a pie shell. The pie tastes really good, especially warmed up with ice cream. Here is the end result:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Xz6hJXHIGW8aIsxuR_vDvyLZ5z9EMGQ0o175znJjXbCyi1ojG3ziT7e3dR3LCVQn15cLZ8G6zIR9TFqjGY154lYxIeshWH9o5w1bzzUmX5LsI7pW953v3yzOJFCMlHgtFK_KaDEH2UI/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Xz6hJXHIGW8aIsxuR_vDvyLZ5z9EMGQ0o175znJjXbCyi1ojG3ziT7e3dR3LCVQn15cLZ8G6zIR9TFqjGY154lYxIeshWH9o5w1bzzUmX5LsI7pW953v3yzOJFCMlHgtFK_KaDEH2UI/s320/IMG_2179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542538558508973170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pEH9-XtUw3OXd4VXAo6Nt7Adks2FjLUHoRJ85hZgKZqtPEUQFdb36EkM1E5Djds4HTTyXza4UdOsBOvh5j7Twstb-DlUXjRHWronn8qeBge9OngWIaHwnbcXvk28Zckm0Cg5AWu9iL8A/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pEH9-XtUw3OXd4VXAo6Nt7Adks2FjLUHoRJ85hZgKZqtPEUQFdb36EkM1E5Djds4HTTyXza4UdOsBOvh5j7Twstb-DlUXjRHWronn8qeBge9OngWIaHwnbcXvk28Zckm0Cg5AWu9iL8A/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542538553791201970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am so excited for Thanksgiving. In my family, it is a total group effort these days. I am looking forward to going to California and spending time with my family, especially with all the snow that is rolling into Utah at the moment.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-473105147050315332010-11-13T22:04:00.005-05:002010-11-13T22:14:20.895-05:00Cake, Stuffing and Gardner Village...I was going to post this last Monday, but life got in the way. Last Sunday, I decided to make a Buttermilk pound cake. I borrowed a bundt cake pan from Renee and went to work. However, the most important lesson I learned when making a pound cake is to flour the pan because if you do not the cake comes out in pieces. And though it looks a little funny, it tasted oh so good!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHBSdrSuLjvvblIVeDDc2v443CjX08V9l0XcImQGAycjUa6UfMxMyNmtJKKmYOFyhX8mizhJSbCh7lzSCimVVGx89WbEi3G_jHRQAG2GEopPjkKMLWrykzZJav_sr0wsN6a6-AtEaIzDf/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHBSdrSuLjvvblIVeDDc2v443CjX08V9l0XcImQGAycjUa6UfMxMyNmtJKKmYOFyhX8mizhJSbCh7lzSCimVVGx89WbEi3G_jHRQAG2GEopPjkKMLWrykzZJav_sr0wsN6a6-AtEaIzDf/s320/IMG_2161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539236545726193298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The cake<br /></div><br />After making the cake and attending church, I went over to Renee and Lewis' for dinner. Renee and I made my mom's stuffing. Her stuffing recipe is truly amazing and because it is so good, I basically will not eat anyone else's stuffing. This stuffing just is so delicious. I meant to take a picture before we dug in, but I forgot so I made Renee hold up the leftovers. I am planning on making this stuffing tomorrow for my apartment's mock Thanksgiving.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgHZ04Kao9ynHJe-KASjCkOavQ8OQFy_qLuiAFS1NJnrTJ6vR9ydCOoNqq9uPxYygCtgdfJ7uUw7LCq2QF4e0EcxEa9J6N90raBO936W5yczZvIymdWOPBYk2c-z1REoYbbsgJGta1Snb/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgHZ04Kao9ynHJe-KASjCkOavQ8OQFy_qLuiAFS1NJnrTJ6vR9ydCOoNqq9uPxYygCtgdfJ7uUw7LCq2QF4e0EcxEa9J6N90raBO936W5yczZvIymdWOPBYk2c-z1REoYbbsgJGta1Snb/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539236320548663218" border="0" /></a><br />Renee and the stuffing<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Today, my roommates and I along with a good friend of ours went to Gardner Village. I had never been here before, but it was so fun. The village is filled with shops that include quilting, knitting, sewing, candy, etc. I loved it. Their Christmas shop was amazing and I bought some ornaments for my family's upcoming ornament exchange. We also visited their candy shop!<br />Here are some photos:<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4-J5h-jcRsKZrSDFMcZ5aARbae1xlmb8b_bn1RQbJEEkxgJ21kbHXer1bu9UjqiD3HhdcfjDsT34hvQlxa5HYa25sYAvri6Oe2xBQ3OaByyCMipqhxsOL4ofJq01MLds3-LezAVnjE0E/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4-J5h-jcRsKZrSDFMcZ5aARbae1xlmb8b_bn1RQbJEEkxgJ21kbHXer1bu9UjqiD3HhdcfjDsT34hvQlxa5HYa25sYAvri6Oe2xBQ3OaByyCMipqhxsOL4ofJq01MLds3-LezAVnjE0E/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539236311565739394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y0t6Qeh5VcR4tGT8tt4uDdJKEtt666v4yqL7og-Y85cYZsu-gWO5HZrHqKHOdCqs5g87shj8NwE0T6KuytH4Vl0FCEZdYPDZYD4ScSjg4jD1QnVvydH51oMeqwpqmr676KWELG33DH8A/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y0t6Qeh5VcR4tGT8tt4uDdJKEtt666v4yqL7og-Y85cYZsu-gWO5HZrHqKHOdCqs5g87shj8NwE0T6KuytH4Vl0FCEZdYPDZYD4ScSjg4jD1QnVvydH51oMeqwpqmr676KWELG33DH8A/s320/IMG_2167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539236301801961186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_eTo1yHxLj9yN80YI4WUgUuMLtsYLUCs73qwLQB3DCouf9ttZFAoXQx-HFXHw-DIsLHVjXo1ZdI3WmYj4CumjfALXzCsHh_aEEQVbk6DIYosKQT_8pL1uCm5AZgGywcXXzjA9ef9MB7a/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwvOLDyweLowSIGdQtXoAH7omT1neSsaZ-IdrdUiHOomkzu3AfeNVCdDAafLfLghHiYFK2XKgqb1NFrhLkxTWK1HkthTp0TGWiVv5OLVEwzf6nvWVY9kHNpHfLn7VnXqYIl296nkWJUZJ/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwvOLDyweLowSIGdQtXoAH7omT1neSsaZ-IdrdUiHOomkzu3AfeNVCdDAafLfLghHiYFK2XKgqb1NFrhLkxTWK1HkthTp0TGWiVv5OLVEwzf6nvWVY9kHNpHfLn7VnXqYIl296nkWJUZJ/s320/IMG_2171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539236292596723906" border="0" /></a>Enjoy the rest of your weekend!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-30273879866165279742010-10-30T11:05:00.002-04:002010-10-30T11:20:20.611-04:00If You Don't Believe in God after reading this story...At my work, we have daily missionary devotionals every morning. During these devotionals, a spiritual thought or scripture is given. Yesterday, one of my co-workers gave the spiritual thought. Since we work for the Family History Department, her thought was motivated by her love of the story of LDS President Wilford Woodruff doing the temple work for our Founding Fathers in the St. George temple. Then she told the following story about <a href="http://www.undergodthebook.com/story01.cfm">George Washington</a> during the French and Indian War in 1755.<br /><br />The Lord protected this man because he knew that Washington was going to play a pivotal role in our country's founding. Without him who knows what direction our country would have taken. The Indian Chief realized that this man was truly protected by the power of God. Washington realized this too and always told how this story helped confirm that God has given him a great calling in this life. And what is sad is that this story was taught in our schools 1934 and then it was removed because heaven forbid we teach our children that God does exist and performs miracles. Washington believed in the Lord. The Lord protected him and others witnesses this protection. He never forgot what happened to him that day during the French and Indian War and we should not either. Maybe it is time for our country to remember the Lord's pivotal role in our country's founding. We should not be taking stories like this out of our textbooks. What would Washington think? It was one of the most pivotal moments of his life and now people just want to sweep it under the rug.<br /><br />God exists. I have a strong testimony of his divine power and protection. He always provides me with guidance and protection. I love him!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-45788393200983106382010-10-24T18:13:00.004-04:002010-10-24T18:47:58.645-04:00Settling in...It seems like I have lived in Salt Lake City for longer than three weeks. And that is a real good sign for me because I know without a doubt this is where I am suppose to be. Though moving up here was crazy and hectic, I am settling in quite nicely. I arrived up here on a Friday, moved into my new place on Saturday, and began work on Monday. How did I do this? Well... I had help. My sister, brother-in-law, and mom were great. They helped move my boxes and unpack. Renee was awesome and such a trooper. On the Saturday of my move-in, she went with me when I bought my bed. As I wanted to get my bed that day so I could sleep in on it that night, we told the sales guy we would pick it up from the warehouse. If you are wondering where my brother-in-law was, he woke up sick Saturday. We got my sister's truck and went to pick up the bed. It just barely fit into her the bed of her truck, but we made it back to my house with it and the moved it in. Also, when I purchased my bed, I got a free XBox 360 with it. Truthfully, I did not really want it because I am not a big video game player. So Renee happily took it off my hands and now it resides happily in her house. Lewis and she have given it a great home and lots of love.<br /><br />In Salt Lake, I live with two other girls in the basement apartment of a nice house. My room looks out to the backyard and I have plenty of sunlight. I love it though we have deer that like to wander around the property. One night when I came home one scared me when it jumped out of the bushes. Also, I have woken up to one eating apples from the tree outside my window in the morning. Hopefully, I never hit one! My new roommates are fantastic and we get along well. One works at a bakery. She has a degree in culinary arts and she always brings back cookies that are so good. My other roommates goes to University of Utah and is working on two Masters'. We have a lot of fun together. My singles' ward out here is amazing. It is full of singles who are either in graduate school or working. My new Bishop is wonderful. He is so understanding and compassionate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjPS1BWdBWMnh3cf9FcG4zyZ00QUQeQ8djWyGzBGmPyVzmi0_e40Gz67EK1i5tPHuskkqS5OIU5iLTqSNxScCm7GTCV1Nmj20DFqsd1UUoNu4I5dp7Yo3-b4MvPozScTtUSbLH9R3NLHN/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjPS1BWdBWMnh3cf9FcG4zyZ00QUQeQ8djWyGzBGmPyVzmi0_e40Gz67EK1i5tPHuskkqS5OIU5iLTqSNxScCm7GTCV1Nmj20DFqsd1UUoNu4I5dp7Yo3-b4MvPozScTtUSbLH9R3NLHN/s320/IMG_2158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531744389265250146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The view from my window<br /></div><br />I love my new job. I am constantly learning everyday though some days can be a little overwhelming, but I work with a great team. The one part of my job that I love more than anything else is working with missionaries, especially, missionary couples. They have taught me so much about service and love. There is one particular sister I have really bonded with. Everyday, she checks in with me to make sure I am doing okay and gives me a hug. I am well cared for and happy. I am right where I am meant to be. Everything has gone so seamlessly. And though this should scare me, it does not. I am thankful for how everything has worked out. The spirit has confirmed that I am on the right path.<br /><br />For so awhile there, I was worried about where my life was going. It stressed me out, but my mom was right all the time. She told me to be patient and that things would work out for me. She let me feel what I needed to feel and never told me it was wrong or how to feel. Instead, she focused on understanding why I felt that way and always listened when I needed somebody to talk too. Thanks mom!<br /><br />I'm glad to be settling in so well. I love that I have health insurance and a good salary. I am thankful for a wonderful and supportive family and friends.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-85158373689807375612010-10-16T21:36:00.009-04:002010-10-17T01:01:01.571-04:00Happy Birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wJapbDO68q-ASuCYS7q2EmQHW9DU5zrWqVgfPffj_XioQPpC1PkE5RuAXrCqN3TzV3Rr5QIG59HW8i0DPTEkJ5pWNxQ5o2THsgWelOj3-eZrJ1HocFWZhA2uoIYGCf_eU3zrYEgvbqZw/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wJapbDO68q-ASuCYS7q2EmQHW9DU5zrWqVgfPffj_XioQPpC1PkE5RuAXrCqN3TzV3Rr5QIG59HW8i0DPTEkJ5pWNxQ5o2THsgWelOj3-eZrJ1HocFWZhA2uoIYGCf_eU3zrYEgvbqZw/s320/IMG_2016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528827419856615442" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister Renee! I know you wish you were spending it hugging a giant yellow macaroni noodle again in Boston. Just kidding. Have a wonderful day with lots of cake. You are the best wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. I am so glad you are my sister and my best friend (and I am very happy that we now know only live 10 minutes from each other). Thanks for always listening and always being there when you are needed. You are amazing. Happy Birthday!!! I love you. Plus, I decided to include some fun photos to show everyone how awesome you are!!! Happy Birthday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkgYgxJqwr7PyDYfUh9f5MRElYMMUpTfkFht6AUCFEjro_Ykt6qf_fif-Nj_9KpNB-W2i96PG1DA-dklsi6hVGwQphXWvhFSaCIVGthSLx1mo15dFLzJQQtMLZSrk2DoDrrnMJzebihst/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkgYgxJqwr7PyDYfUh9f5MRElYMMUpTfkFht6AUCFEjro_Ykt6qf_fif-Nj_9KpNB-W2i96PG1DA-dklsi6hVGwQphXWvhFSaCIVGthSLx1mo15dFLzJQQtMLZSrk2DoDrrnMJzebihst/s320/IMG_1951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528827441789634082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCUM0XevkDOMS8-teGIp4lspgoDi9585Ardvh8VphMPstt7LlxsTMwyjcTdiAYJXUcvkga0ppLQDduXNla2bex8kLWY5hOQd-IUiQsMTfGNUCaKNG3FotMxuBgcJvFPkCnQF_VsFTHpjO/s1600/Renee_Eli.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCUM0XevkDOMS8-teGIp4lspgoDi9585Ardvh8VphMPstt7LlxsTMwyjcTdiAYJXUcvkga0ppLQDduXNla2bex8kLWY5hOQd-IUiQsMTfGNUCaKNG3FotMxuBgcJvFPkCnQF_VsFTHpjO/s320/Renee_Eli.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528827433814743154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnP_P6_zWCyQlAPshsK14NB84B7UsNOHesiAGAcAo73viM0xaW5kmGt-QeU4y9uYIrRVqEqsQbcY-5_nO84qEIjJ4Hk4Vg5E0KYmvGSxFNqvgPSfVZR-_EGkeGODfqehDENy0Ll6tdKHA/s1600/renee_lewis_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnP_P6_zWCyQlAPshsK14NB84B7UsNOHesiAGAcAo73viM0xaW5kmGt-QeU4y9uYIrRVqEqsQbcY-5_nO84qEIjJ4Hk4Vg5E0KYmvGSxFNqvgPSfVZR-_EGkeGODfqehDENy0Ll6tdKHA/s320/renee_lewis_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528827432475675682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnCeK59v3wnOFV_l5u2ZiDwqkqfXVvVOftcjfMoFRO5KEEklzQrU_qK27dcCp7UsLM-AIEJEFDbid55pF8J7tLuL4o0ibKXW43vAM0desu_CPLPVHmLstNhXFpkxhYZRsbGVMYi0eJch5/s1600/cheesy_eli_renee_janae.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnCeK59v3wnOFV_l5u2ZiDwqkqfXVvVOftcjfMoFRO5KEEklzQrU_qK27dcCp7UsLM-AIEJEFDbid55pF8J7tLuL4o0ibKXW43vAM0desu_CPLPVHmLstNhXFpkxhYZRsbGVMYi0eJch5/s320/cheesy_eli_renee_janae.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528827427800427522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS35R_UsiGk7sQQHBSNAQRYHxkQJFuXh98bvxm_CAbMLZVp6YRNUCxKw-8KUKoViV5mjKo6BcruHfqzZCUO28iz5DgDspmQpiBOrSSYXODc0M09xYpFchcWTVQMjITKBJ4uUnIopkGdLPk/s1600/reneeme.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS35R_UsiGk7sQQHBSNAQRYHxkQJFuXh98bvxm_CAbMLZVp6YRNUCxKw-8KUKoViV5mjKo6BcruHfqzZCUO28iz5DgDspmQpiBOrSSYXODc0M09xYpFchcWTVQMjITKBJ4uUnIopkGdLPk/s320/reneeme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528823519402820690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB9HxnX7CWH_JZ2VffyUNldMwqZzgcm2hj26fC1dhKvKETUqRtp3F2p10A-oBGHcqpVUSQRb7UklFiXL5BhjqOABI5SJ2l8o8c3LemXUt6QOgKGJILRvtrNlhyphenhyphenDrzsWqji6Y0RU4zaBqd/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB9HxnX7CWH_JZ2VffyUNldMwqZzgcm2hj26fC1dhKvKETUqRtp3F2p10A-oBGHcqpVUSQRb7UklFiXL5BhjqOABI5SJ2l8o8c3LemXUt6QOgKGJILRvtrNlhyphenhyphenDrzsWqji6Y0RU4zaBqd/s320/IMG_2100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528823522709101186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4jtMPlYAXA0YMpO7YU0L53eq8mcHM9Y3aobIhbvbes7v0LEruJgoQQPSgLoyC5KR6uKK_X__EzqnBHl__GDwt_AtsuCk9QmtDsRnYuGNgRxqIWjci_NMHE3eb9ZTNTcD9IJWiN6WSykD/s1600/Dad_Lewis_Renee_Mom.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4jtMPlYAXA0YMpO7YU0L53eq8mcHM9Y3aobIhbvbes7v0LEruJgoQQPSgLoyC5KR6uKK_X__EzqnBHl__GDwt_AtsuCk9QmtDsRnYuGNgRxqIWjci_NMHE3eb9ZTNTcD9IJWiN6WSykD/s320/Dad_Lewis_Renee_Mom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528873900970075922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhYczw4tikpM9c3mlg8rNpYeSuU1AbsbdesCN1t4cQITN12VfhCk6pI89Ws0HCNeR6MsGpQePmcmifzPjhiFKfKeOXCPdlmtrpLorqlt-Sz1JRb7dlyOUtlPdXnlmnL8sTTdr8M-GhmKt/s1600/Celebrating_family.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhYczw4tikpM9c3mlg8rNpYeSuU1AbsbdesCN1t4cQITN12VfhCk6pI89Ws0HCNeR6MsGpQePmcmifzPjhiFKfKeOXCPdlmtrpLorqlt-Sz1JRb7dlyOUtlPdXnlmnL8sTTdr8M-GhmKt/s320/Celebrating_family.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528873896906817058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3SFV7TOdLAbOLBmswslYHmzV52akMnzXrQqDNPyNYKredyNjdzIiex3sPQ05ZBfLna149SOPOiCgjnoaRK4OQ948n5S7OXZzGaoFS-9QvNcuRsMT5EGmhbq9pM2s9QX_1fdyEXcUgvPa/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3SFV7TOdLAbOLBmswslYHmzV52akMnzXrQqDNPyNYKredyNjdzIiex3sPQ05ZBfLna149SOPOiCgjnoaRK4OQ948n5S7OXZzGaoFS-9QvNcuRsMT5EGmhbq9pM2s9QX_1fdyEXcUgvPa/s320/IMG_1931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528873890613318130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJBqz9ZHS-4YvSbdSeflzX4xwHocCiJzSRfE5lE0C9-n8jy_ZsYbCKEvSpHwDDXJ2DzvVu9eCEFIqVlY_ylaY8pkYGSlK3IT9isRAXGHhjNwzcTJAQQj7Dxi1OCTUmFYlgeibObe5GY4f/s1600/West_mom_Renee_Lewis.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJBqz9ZHS-4YvSbdSeflzX4xwHocCiJzSRfE5lE0C9-n8jy_ZsYbCKEvSpHwDDXJ2DzvVu9eCEFIqVlY_ylaY8pkYGSlK3IT9isRAXGHhjNwzcTJAQQj7Dxi1OCTUmFYlgeibObe5GY4f/s320/West_mom_Renee_Lewis.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528874755777575170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tlarabThscm27T_-8snT3zeTO2nhsEgf9pgmdrgZqM9d6c8yaQrWv2uXjlHG0Upu_qTmGYrzZZq14Nqo5qd8nMQ-oS8CnTE9P-0t857V7PkWlLwgmgIZK1kSpb5U9LzF7sOxREAY6iAK/s1600/Laughing.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tlarabThscm27T_-8snT3zeTO2nhsEgf9pgmdrgZqM9d6c8yaQrWv2uXjlHG0Upu_qTmGYrzZZq14Nqo5qd8nMQ-oS8CnTE9P-0t857V7PkWlLwgmgIZK1kSpb5U9LzF7sOxREAY6iAK/s320/Laughing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528874754056264194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddqVFWTPTQohzhcgTrAXX9mJJ1Z0pT0EZg3V1HSP6UCSE9HqCYqgbS7wvQlDbIA9oUG1vytVbnuajHPwpKBN0HCFUL1Hj47zTCgyd_w303Cv401Z_MPH0mrIjDMoWaMFiOlb_v99XXgB1/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddqVFWTPTQohzhcgTrAXX9mJJ1Z0pT0EZg3V1HSP6UCSE9HqCYqgbS7wvQlDbIA9oUG1vytVbnuajHPwpKBN0HCFUL1Hj47zTCgyd_w303Cv401Z_MPH0mrIjDMoWaMFiOlb_v99XXgB1/s320/IMG_1269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528874746023827186" border="0" /></a>Happy Birthday!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-72951172617579019832010-09-30T17:38:00.002-04:002010-09-30T17:47:53.160-04:00The Next ChapterAfter months of applying for jobs, I can officially say that I have a job. For the past month, I have gone through a few rounds of interviews for this position in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' (LDS) Family History Department. My first interview was a month ago. I flew up there and stayed the night with Renee and her husband and had a good interview, which admittedly I was nervous for. But they saw something they liked and the next day, I was called and invited back for a second interview. This second round was kind of a little chaotic as I flew in the morning of and was back to California that afternoon. Again, I felt that I had done well, but I kept the attitude that anything could happen. This interview was on a Friday. That Monday, much to my surprise and delight, I was called and asked to come back for a third and final interview that Thursday. After these interviews, I was called the next day and officially offered the job. I signed my offer letter and will start my new job this coming Monday.<br /><br />But things have worked out so well for me that it kind of scares me. I found a place to live quickly and just feel that this is so meant to be. But sometimes I feel when things work out like this for me that something bad is suppose to happen. However, pushing these fears aside, I am concentrating on the joy of having a new job with good pay and good benefits. Plus, one of the best benefits is that I will be living close to my sister, who is my best friend. She is awesome and I am so excited that we can be living in the same city again. So wish me luck.<br /><br />Also, I want to thank everyone for their love, support, and prayers!Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-38583565668113575492010-08-30T20:03:00.004-04:002010-08-30T20:19:40.824-04:00Picture update....The following are some highlights from my summer since I returned home to California. One of my favorite things to do is to go swimming with my nephews, especially Eli. Nathan and Laurel are teaching him how to swim without wearing his life vest. He is learning quickly. Also, my dad and Nathan have been having Eli jump off the rocks by our pool and the diving board into the pool. For some reason, Eli refuses to go down the slide. But he likes to jump off the diving board or the side of the pool into my dad's arms. Also, we celebrated my mom's 55th birthday. Below, you will see her with her favorite gift courtesy of my sister, Renee. When she saw it in Target, she was like I have to give this to mom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3dpSHdSnBwmFkTZIhYE5OhvyYTXKjzd7YdH3ZQ0gwPoFeTLsMpVW6BXcXTfsauUe6rveSnL57qyH4UqKY2pJu5cUv0rJaYd0OT-l_vw2gNYa4y59N5XpGSweUmAa4LUvnplT4Q5AC3FW/s1600/eli-nathan.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3dpSHdSnBwmFkTZIhYE5OhvyYTXKjzd7YdH3ZQ0gwPoFeTLsMpVW6BXcXTfsauUe6rveSnL57qyH4UqKY2pJu5cUv0rJaYd0OT-l_vw2gNYa4y59N5XpGSweUmAa4LUvnplT4Q5AC3FW/s320/eli-nathan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511359200316147074" border="0" /></a>Nathan readying Eli to jump into my dad's arms.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT49CGPu0aJjJycJhMC256Xe_IiDKDkvH_AW1T2BZzLz2r50eWjlZ_6Ne_kPgGYHLrIxcR8JQcscgX6NFYIsHzue8MdabZUxCdYQoo2cgHP6ZwQuiQk7SVK6jc8Dhyphenhyphenxs8GiKhdzuHCBh5N/s1600/nathan-eli.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT49CGPu0aJjJycJhMC256Xe_IiDKDkvH_AW1T2BZzLz2r50eWjlZ_6Ne_kPgGYHLrIxcR8JQcscgX6NFYIsHzue8MdabZUxCdYQoo2cgHP6ZwQuiQk7SVK6jc8Dhyphenhyphenxs8GiKhdzuHCBh5N/s320/nathan-eli.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511359189796132066" border="0" /></a>Nathan and Eli. I think Nathan may have been trying to convince Eli to go off the slide and he is refusing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ozhlu6cLxyJpEo9hek5r86pzYc2hyGc5IvECp8buILjibq6qGeam_lCOhpmDtT5PVeiVrKlcWoxp5OWTPNprVcYX6DEl4DaNCqDyjvJFFAxQCePjl0_FAdKply352Tz-c9gKaX1omr-j/s1600/eli-jump.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ozhlu6cLxyJpEo9hek5r86pzYc2hyGc5IvECp8buILjibq6qGeam_lCOhpmDtT5PVeiVrKlcWoxp5OWTPNprVcYX6DEl4DaNCqDyjvJFFAxQCePjl0_FAdKply352Tz-c9gKaX1omr-j/s320/eli-jump.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511358429791116306" border="0" /></a>Eli preparing to jump off the rocks.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrWm8p6qAaLgEyRjlc1__isj6DRjWTji_UAmKJFtX8Rwzu7PbRm38u1chgT3QDWKByiKMiBfZxZ_Q6KLGTkQBmfrCpBWpvPfhu5hgYrmNhPBvTG9GOO14YFg43_OdkcT6iuLBqb_yF_Ef/s1600/eli-papa.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrWm8p6qAaLgEyRjlc1__isj6DRjWTji_UAmKJFtX8Rwzu7PbRm38u1chgT3QDWKByiKMiBfZxZ_Q6KLGTkQBmfrCpBWpvPfhu5hgYrmNhPBvTG9GOO14YFg43_OdkcT6iuLBqb_yF_Ef/s320/eli-papa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511358437856638914" border="0" /></a>And he does it!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnYwB72TNXBl6IeTrX0SEcXcr-hhBqAlbBMLjHBJPaBOtrLmNQhR_6NiGw84FjilCu6S3jW4h4uGYXHbwwxXBaENKJrZKDLJrp-9_2b1eP2ouUIxT4AAeLbcspcLzSBVq04R1NC6gH5EB/s1600/west-me.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnYwB72TNXBl6IeTrX0SEcXcr-hhBqAlbBMLjHBJPaBOtrLmNQhR_6NiGw84FjilCu6S3jW4h4uGYXHbwwxXBaENKJrZKDLJrp-9_2b1eP2ouUIxT4AAeLbcspcLzSBVq04R1NC6gH5EB/s320/west-me.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511358454423896850" border="0" /></a>West and I chilling. He is so cute! I love having him give me high-fives or doing "jumpy-jumpies" with him.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt2ud98F-KAlbvJbohVwgEncQ8x3qPIglYoV1Ki_KJbDH3g9GxTHUQ9yHcR2uQ4vwi-vfRpmBtIBKjMfPUK_tJ58bkCALPPX_8PbCx7E_2TJOeOzKrfACad079r3K-ADPw0zAvp6nscCb/s1600/wrappedgift.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt2ud98F-KAlbvJbohVwgEncQ8x3qPIglYoV1Ki_KJbDH3g9GxTHUQ9yHcR2uQ4vwi-vfRpmBtIBKjMfPUK_tJ58bkCALPPX_8PbCx7E_2TJOeOzKrfACad079r3K-ADPw0zAvp6nscCb/s320/wrappedgift.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511358458371199490" border="0" /></a>My mom before opening Renee's special gift.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMvnoN_gr2SXUDz5t04nxyLVjifQZBtOVzEKzKpa7QzkTI-7vOdJbQ-2qEcq5hDCpKn53Ia-lQyQEGndVKM04EaeIqBTQnyqsmfyBjNp5pG1vccBzFAg7KqPrG0adzgivUF03EAekUWc_/s1600/cheeseballs2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMvnoN_gr2SXUDz5t04nxyLVjifQZBtOVzEKzKpa7QzkTI-7vOdJbQ-2qEcq5hDCpKn53Ia-lQyQEGndVKM04EaeIqBTQnyqsmfyBjNp5pG1vccBzFAg7KqPrG0adzgivUF03EAekUWc_/s320/cheeseballs2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511361777433441970" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is a huge bin of cheese balls. My mom loves them.<br /></div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-47162279325390844612010-08-10T22:17:00.004-04:002010-08-10T22:25:22.950-04:00For Uncle Lewis...Today, when I was babysitting my nephews, I asked Eli if he wanted to write a letter to his Aunt Renee and Uncle Lewis. He said he wanted too. However, we never got to the letter part because Eli decided he wanted to draw pictures of Renee and Lewis. So he decided to begin with Uncle Lewis and he ended with Uncle Lewis. I am sorry Aunt Renee, but your picture never got made. But I loved the portraits he made of Lewis. They are so awesome. Eli did a wonderful job and he signed all of his pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLcfvQY9XoO-LVBrDMFnDPKB9v0VJcPBuFIj-W4sthnPNjxgES1RoT_OqXO_gOHpoIm2SZTlKriv8ne30_s2eeN_ee4fqHwJTuFV7rj74t45El1h3pp9GfeOV0P4F-Ya7ckdHO-CfH_GU/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLcfvQY9XoO-LVBrDMFnDPKB9v0VJcPBuFIj-W4sthnPNjxgES1RoT_OqXO_gOHpoIm2SZTlKriv8ne30_s2eeN_ee4fqHwJTuFV7rj74t45El1h3pp9GfeOV0P4F-Ya7ckdHO-CfH_GU/s320/IMG_2132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503971289013156610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFda0dsGhvL4C_FEUMXJRiUzRnIBU_9g0QJJMnL5Ygo0Hz4Rmk1dX6fR-HdF3jypzLTueWlIs6uQVjdH_FG31e__ma4Is4s8osjIcqIcFBeGkuQp-dVKkel2VJ3jp9py300bBeAk7Qx882/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFda0dsGhvL4C_FEUMXJRiUzRnIBU_9g0QJJMnL5Ygo0Hz4Rmk1dX6fR-HdF3jypzLTueWlIs6uQVjdH_FG31e__ma4Is4s8osjIcqIcFBeGkuQp-dVKkel2VJ3jp9py300bBeAk7Qx882/s320/IMG_2131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503971278476492178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8-AzpW1SmVgWdWI9npTDVJxTYJkC9CdEdp42-XDF9nud5LFCIjFc7Me8ETJsW8jHSgywXYI9bVvaQ5424mkSJS3_hlBJrWrjNeg_1c16XsBYM4jFCpUjesqbgkc3DsTiYuBkhRYo5AkC/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBTa4XnbvX-HAtgzRcHNvDWOZoBqNbV3kJ22S2mC_RNjdJmyiq81pjrgVpICfyWBiLQ-Ug1HF-wfdqUnMpahm-P2EVxtmCR7F0ajCMEs59h5vIyPG86NSymYKqvDB0dH3WsxbN7hqFjUT/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBTa4XnbvX-HAtgzRcHNvDWOZoBqNbV3kJ22S2mC_RNjdJmyiq81pjrgVpICfyWBiLQ-Ug1HF-wfdqUnMpahm-P2EVxtmCR7F0ajCMEs59h5vIyPG86NSymYKqvDB0dH3WsxbN7hqFjUT/s320/IMG_2130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972582904834258" border="0" /></a>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-69907503405161879042010-08-09T01:33:00.003-04:002010-08-09T10:47:49.451-04:00ForgivenessAfter meeting with a member of my Bishopric today, I have reflected a lot on forgiveness. This man, who is one of the most truly amazing people I know, and I started to discuss forgiveness after a question he asked me regarding family, specifically how my relationships were with my family members. I told him I was struggling, and this is a constant struggle and trial for me, I will freely admit that, as I know the Lord is trying to teach me something, with forgiving others. I have forgiven and forgotten, but I told him I was still struggling with forgiveness because I was tired of forgiving the same people over and over again. I hate that they feel like they can continue to hurt me because I will just automatically forgive them. The Lord commands that we forgive all. I think some of my struggle persists because I am tired of these people hurting me. Just stop!!!<br /><br />However, I think I have found part of what I need to learn from this trial, I have learned that you can forgive and move on. The people you forgive no longer have to be part of your life because forgiveness does not automatically lead to a renewal of the relationship. Instead, forgiveness allows you to move forward and not backwards. You do not have to go back because I have been burned by going back and I hated the direction I was going. I am still struggling with some of the anger but I am at peace knowing that I am ridding of relationships that are not good for me. The sad part about this all, is that some of these people are family. But in reality, I really do not want them as my family. That is the other lesson I have learned on this journey of forgiveness. Just because you have biological ties, does not mean they are family. I have had some family just do awful things not only me, but to my mom and sister. We are so naturally inclined to forgive and just fall back into these old patterns, where it always ends the same way, we get hurt. And we just continue in this cycle, but I do not want to hurt anymore. I do not want to suffer at their hands. I have had enough. I am trying to break this cycle.<br /><br />You see the wonderful thing about forgiveness, is that is allows us to move forward. To let go of the hurt and the pain. I am not one hundred percent at this stage yet, but I feel I have taken steps to get here. I have re prioritized how I want in my life as this is what two years living 3,000 miles away allows you to do. I pray every day that I can continue to move forward and just wash away these unhealthy relationships. I know I will have my down days, but I feel that if I just keep walking towards the light, towards God that I will be fine. That I can forgive, forget and move forward. I can move forward knowing exactly what I want in my life because I know exactly what I want. The counselor I spoke to agreed with me and urged me to continue moving forward.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-5179698558680546432010-07-30T18:50:00.002-04:002010-07-30T18:55:04.936-04:00Gotta love Noodles!Before leaving Boston, my friend Betsy was telling me how this big yellow noodle just showed up by her work place on day. She thought it somehow might be related to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. So when Renee came out here, Renee, Betsy, and I went to check out the noodle and found it out is part of this promotion Kraft is putting on this summer called "You Know You Love it." So doing what anybody does, we all took our pictures with it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6582ApoIBuqhTd9KNWm-fgsSAWwtOXkp1JH0BdVeRB8qw2RocYCZDig6rz9EgaCiT2e421-x5nvR4LAFf4_mnFOMH941S5m-GrW8KfD119QVHctEDPNOXUTMIk2UbGsvHNR9tRNmyhVhF/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6582ApoIBuqhTd9KNWm-fgsSAWwtOXkp1JH0BdVeRB8qw2RocYCZDig6rz9EgaCiT2e421-x5nvR4LAFf4_mnFOMH941S5m-GrW8KfD119QVHctEDPNOXUTMIk2UbGsvHNR9tRNmyhVhF/s320/IMG_2017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499835621307563746" border="0" /></a><br />The noodle.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9H65BD-6jLm2tfSBRDVxR9HBSo9ZmFi4hP-mpVgKVd-GPkjSsBet_4Grl9ubJ0XznHMWnzO9QpgkMQWaEpmeT-aHBJEbKe274ZzzoWW7zTtdKaniBUcQEInrrIKR9-tXmZ8IYPsi4HAl/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9H65BD-6jLm2tfSBRDVxR9HBSo9ZmFi4hP-mpVgKVd-GPkjSsBet_4Grl9ubJ0XznHMWnzO9QpgkMQWaEpmeT-aHBJEbKe274ZzzoWW7zTtdKaniBUcQEInrrIKR9-tXmZ8IYPsi4HAl/s320/IMG_2016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499835628659576914" border="0" /></a><br />Renee and the noodle.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvTuRmo4JOkZ0-b18G30mOqTUvSxGScWqvXOTCqGmFFRzmbN0nlfnoi2m2z-109zBv_6WL26Iuo5J-Q_OKNXLwV2h3ceBJm6O181RsonOLn-cLWGU_1LPE4eYsURSzIu0rSGdfBYV-sMT/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvTuRmo4JOkZ0-b18G30mOqTUvSxGScWqvXOTCqGmFFRzmbN0nlfnoi2m2z-109zBv_6WL26Iuo5J-Q_OKNXLwV2h3ceBJm6O181RsonOLn-cLWGU_1LPE4eYsURSzIu0rSGdfBYV-sMT/s320/IMG_2018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499835612069982450" border="0" /></a><br />Me and the noodle.<br /></div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-73742467699606794842010-07-15T20:37:00.002-04:002010-07-15T20:46:47.587-04:00Update!I thought I would give an update on the happenings of my life. I have decided to leave Boston in favor of California. After spending much of June contemplating my future and where I would like to work, I decided I wanted to work in California and the only way to get employers to take a serious look at my resume was to actually live in the state. So in a a week and a half I will be on my way back to California. I am taking this huge leap of faith, but I know it is the right decision. Plus, I have really struggled lately with living so far from my family. I miss them! I want to be nearer to them. I hate the distance. I really do. In all honesty, I cannot wait to see my nephews. They are so adorable. If two certain individuals play their cards right (i.e. buy me pretty gifts, just kidding), I will babysit every week. I do not even see it as babysitting though because I have so much fun with Eli and West.<br /><br />While I am excited for this next step and for returning to California, leaving Boston will be hard. Though I will not miss the winters or the humidity, I will miss the friends I have out here. I know we will always be in touch and visit each other, but I have no idea how to say good bye. I have the most amazing friends out here. I really do. I could write forever about how fantastic they are and what an impact they have had and will continue to have on me. They have all made me a better person. I will be a sobbing mess by next weekend. I think this is part of the reason why I wanted to have Renee come out here and drive back with me. She knows me better than I know myself. She will listen to the tears or see if I am fighting some emotion, will make it come out.<br /><br />So Renee and I will drive back across the country. I am just excited that we get to go through Scranton, Pennsylvania.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-63718451812453586492010-07-05T16:01:00.002-04:002010-07-05T16:09:05.240-04:00Miracles really do occur...This past week, I returned to California for a visit. It was so much fun! Renee and Lewis also came and we all stayed at Hotel La Lakey (or my parents house). As part of this vacation, Renee and Lewis said they would clean out my parents' garage. I do not know how many of you have ever seen or been in my their garage, but it is kind of gross. It was overcrowded with boxes. As three cats resided in there, there is cat hair and cat pee everywhere. Basically, you never wanted to go out there. So this past Friday, Renee, Lewis, and I and later my parents joined in, cleaned it up. We took three truckloads of stuff to DI and hosed everything down. I wish I would have taken a before picture, but here are some after pics! Yes, miracles do occur because who thought it would look this nice. Lewis and Renee and are awesome because it would not have been done without them. Also, we all got out tans from being out in the sun going through boxes and not from laying out by the pool.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNe13uEKjdNyFBmJ3PRjNhvavGlBHMXYzq97lqm8sphfky0fslajduk1Rq1ZVOjbv-R6q5JKvmuLaffrE6_VnSlRt1hDA2mtrsgZu4S0p1_Pn9OwDzr8Te5S9YN11m9RO7q55SM27oR4v/s1600/garage-clean-up-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNe13uEKjdNyFBmJ3PRjNhvavGlBHMXYzq97lqm8sphfky0fslajduk1Rq1ZVOjbv-R6q5JKvmuLaffrE6_VnSlRt1hDA2mtrsgZu4S0p1_Pn9OwDzr8Te5S9YN11m9RO7q55SM27oR4v/s320/garage-clean-up-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490515113568373714" border="0" /></a>This space was filled with boxes and now it is empty.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91GY1OSU98oCH5ep1ferDxQUvOFCmCGFDiQdiaiwfrRrNNjF0ddKfpBNs2BQeThIEmJicLPT_2ezdn7BFJZleSQXbG94NRIF53jcBC1YUPaC2LOUJoUQyikB9OCZb1j8uO1tvPqqexkKJ/s1600/garage-clean-up-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91GY1OSU98oCH5ep1ferDxQUvOFCmCGFDiQdiaiwfrRrNNjF0ddKfpBNs2BQeThIEmJicLPT_2ezdn7BFJZleSQXbG94NRIF53jcBC1YUPaC2LOUJoUQyikB9OCZb1j8uO1tvPqqexkKJ/s320/garage-clean-up-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490515102602897458" border="0" /></a>My sister and mom watching my dad rearrange boxes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vGYJnBvM4a0m6oZPydzzaTCN8ArZocNYRjCAnwKmtCeuKbcQnQMLNafxdqjhHNOAepw_ayUaJVe8bmb0jeF0RPMhT8zUtY_FkwFB2tLEsF3j5vwVkp7gx6BTSxrikMYPLC3Qk1p0LL-H/s1600/garage-clean-up.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vGYJnBvM4a0m6oZPydzzaTCN8ArZocNYRjCAnwKmtCeuKbcQnQMLNafxdqjhHNOAepw_ayUaJVe8bmb0jeF0RPMhT8zUtY_FkwFB2tLEsF3j5vwVkp7gx6BTSxrikMYPLC3Qk1p0LL-H/s320/garage-clean-up.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490515094428063890" border="0" /></a>The final product.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now, I know Nathan and Laurel are probably so sad this missed out on this fun! But do not fret because the next project is shifting through Christmas decorations and lights during Thanksgiving!<br /></div></div>Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-23983101965189703902010-06-22T21:44:00.002-04:002010-06-22T21:52:08.314-04:00Being a Lakers' fan in Boston......has certainly been an experience. As the Lakers and Celtics battled each other for the championship, with the Lakers winning it all, I pretty much feared for my life. Celtic fans are crazy. They really hate the Lakers. During the whole series everyone either wore Celtic jerseys or "Beat LA" shirts. It was pretty surreal. They are so passionate about their team here that I really did not want to tell many people I was a Lakers fan. Here are some responses I got when I told people I am a Lakers fan:<br /><br />1. Oh, I'm sorry.<br />2. You do know you're in Boston, right?<br />3. They suck! I hope Boston wins.<br />4. Are you crazy?<br />5. It is okay to like the Lakers, but you hate Kobe Bryant, right?<br />6. You guys are so going to lose!<br /><br />And there were many others, but those were just some of the highlights. One girl was practically disgusted that I liked Kobe, but we both agreed that you either loved or hated him. Also, I learned that the Lakers have no redeeming value and that they basically suck. In support of my team, I tried to wear purple everyday. I had friends give me such a hard time when the Lakers went down 3 to 2. I was given so much crap.<br /><br />So I cannot tell you how I felt when the Lakers won! While I was ecstatic, Boston is still in mourning. People are still in shock while I have a whole year of bragging rights. It was really funny to watch the news because it was all from the Celtics' perspective. They got all prepared for a celebration out here too, but people just walked home in a blaze.<br /><br />I am just glad it is over because it was crazy.Janae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641378665940574127.post-65831883728610820032010-06-19T19:03:00.002-04:002010-06-19T19:05:15.091-04:00Happy Father's Day!Dear Dad,<br />Happy Father's Day! You are an awesome dad. I could not ask for better. Thanks for everything you do. For providing me with means to get not only a Bachelor's degree, but also a Master's. Thank you for always making sure I have a roof over my head and food on my table. Thank you for always listening to me and providing me with a shoulder to cry on, even when it is from 3,000 miles away. You are the best! I wish I could be there with you today.<br /><br />Love<br />JanaeJanae and Topherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12357944208591964668noreply@blogger.com0