Flashback Friday - 6 years ago

Wow.... it's been 6 years!

I could go back today!

Australia - February 26, 2003

Cory, Katie, & Ashley in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Manly Beach, Sydney Australia.

Dad & Katie on the Fairy Boat in the Sydney Harbor.

I have no idea what I am doing here..... probably talking to Ashley and she snapped a pic. (I know we were in an airport) But, wow.... holy DARK hair!

Best Vacation EVER. Great Memories.... with the BEST people.

Like a Bird I Sing...

Kristian's Chior Concert was tonight. She has really enjoyed Chior this semester and was excited to participate in the Concert. Grandpa Chris & Grandma Arlene came to watch too.

She did a great job and I am excited that she is experiencing and finding out these things that she enjoys.

In A Matter Of Seconds....

....Life can change. Are you ready for it?

This is what I have been pondering today.

Something interesting, and strange happened yesterday. Yes, it has something to do with the following pictures, but not entirely.

First, to explain where my head was, I have to say I have been doing alot of thinking and praying for my family lately. Memories of my Brother's accident a few years ago have been on my mind, and I have just felt like something was going to happen, and we needed to be ready for it.

Cory called me around lunch yesterday, asking if I knew where Dad was working. I didn't. But he was insistent, and I asked why? He then told me there was a page for a rollover accident on Southbound I-15 for a White Ford Ranger.

(Stomach drops)

(Memories come back)

(Heart races)

I call Mom to find out..... and he left earlier in the Day for work. Can't be him. Whew!

Skip ahead 3.5 hours and you get THIS.

A 17 year old girl pulled out right in front of him in Roy on his way home. Right in front of him is a girl, looking at him coming at her in a truck, and he knows it's going to hurt her, but has nowhere else to go. His truck hits her broad side at her door. She was knocked unconscious, and Dad was afraid she was dead. She was pinned between her door and the console of her camaro. So far, Dad is fine, just a sore shoulder from the seat belt. The girl had some internal bleeding, ruptured spleen, and a broken pelvis. (we found this out after Dad called the hospital and spoke with her Dad)

So today I am thinking about our choices.

We have heard the statement: "It's My life", and yes, we were all given the gift of free agency.

We are free to make our own choices.

But our choices effect our friends, family, and loved ones.....

and perfect strangers.

Am I blaming or accusing this girl?

No, not at all.

Dad is lucky, this won't effect him much, physically he is fine, and he even is lucky enough to have another truck. (Which is much bigger and heavier, so we are grateful he wasn't driving it yesterday)

I am asking myself today, to pay more attention to how my choices affect those around me. Not just the obvious like my family and friends. But perfect strangers. (And I am not talking about the way I drive!)

So today I am asking this question..... Yes, our Father In Heaven is aware of us, and wants us to be happy. But is our life mapped out for us? Do we have a pre-determined destiny? If we have our agency, and are fee to make our own choices.... wouldn't it make sense that we need to remain close to our Heavenly Father, do what we can to stay close to the spirit so that we can make those little choices every day that will determine not only our futures, but those around us?

We are reminded of this many times. But for some reason when it hits closer to home, we pay more attention.

We NEED to be ready for it.

Flashback Friday

I am flashing back to this photo for several reasons. It kinda covers a few memories for me.

1. My hair looks like this in many of my photos of childhood... always 2 bows.... always on the top of my head like little mouse ears.

2. My sister.... she is in most of my childhood pictures.... and I love her, she's awesome and this just reminds me she's always been there, and always will be..... sorry, you're stuck with me.

3. My mom and her long "flowing" dresses..... for some reason, that's a memory I have of her.

4. The brown paneling in our front living room of the Syracuse house I grew up in. It was there for years, but I do remember the day my mom tore it down.... it was a good day for her.... she hated that paneling.

5. Last, but probably the thing that jumps out the most.... The Couch. That couch was there through the majority of my childhood. It's ugly and obtrusive... but that's what I remember the most. Mom was finally able to get new couches, but I was in my teens then. This couch is my chilhood couch. Lovely, I know. (There is a reason they dont make them that durable anymore)

KIDZ KICK OFF!!!

My friend Tara over at KIDZ has come up with the most amazing and inspiring blog. I love it, and have been a faithful reader ever since discovery.

Families finding something wonderful and wholesome in a world of chaos and lost dreams.

Everyone needs something to put thier problems into perspective......

Go on over and check it out..... you just might need a few kleenex.

Flashback Friday

Thanks to Facebook.... I am on a serious High School kick...... So these are from Senior year.

The ever famous "Living Room" shot before leaving for the "Big Dance". This one was homecoming 1991. Yes, I have the ones with my date.... they will come later with a post about dances.

Some friends and I went to Vegas for our senior trip. Had a blast.... and did things I can't believe I did. How freakin stupid.... Like picking up these guys on the Las Vegas Boulevard, going for a ride with them in their hot mustang convertible, and then back to their hotel room at the Luxor. Seriously.... I would strangle my 18 year old daughter if she ever did anything so stupid. We are lucky we survived.

Again.... the trip to Vegas. What a blast. Great memories. Awesome friends. Let's do it again girls!

New Hospital

Bear River is getting a New Hospital!!

Woo Hoo!!

So on Saturday morning Cory and I took Gage with us and headed over to take a tour for their open house before they officially open this Wednesday.

Checking out the new OR with Layne and Michael in the green scrubs.

We had a Personal Tour from Mr. Layne..... (he's not at all excited:)

It was fun, and really beautiful... you'd never know you are in Tremonton.... It feels like Ogden. We are lucky to have such a great facility so close to home. And all of those great employees deserve to work in such a great place!