I love you a million Grandma

Last night my Grandma Carpenter passed away. I have so many emotions running through me right now that I feel I need to write to get them out. As many of you know, my family moved from the house where we all grew up about 2 years ago and moved down to Scripps Ranch to live with my Grandma and help take care of her. This experience was so good for my family. It was hard to leave friends that they had known in Escondido for so long, but they soon made friends in Scripps Ranch and really loved the area. It provided many opportunities to them that they wouldn't have had otherwise. While they were living there, Scott, Julie and Mark all made the decision to serve missions and worked to get themselves spiritually and financially ready. My grandma was such a strong influence in their lives, I believe. She is such a wonderful women who led her family with a quiet strength that I hope to emulate in my own family one day. I am having a hard time right now, because I am going to miss her so much, but I am so happy that she will be reunited with my grandpa who she has been missing dearly since he passed away in 1997. My grandma made such an impact on me of someone who holds strong to her beliefs and lives the kind of life that she can be proud of everyday. I will miss her birthday cards every year with the stick of gum, her hugs and kisses on my cheek, her yummy New Year's Day drink, and her telling me that she "loves me a million." I love you Grandma. Your life will remain an example to me for many years to come.

I'm a Lucky Girl!

I know I'm lucky to have found Steve but some days he just reminds me all over again. Yesterday he came home from work with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me "just because." I used to dream about being married to someone like him when I was a little girl and how good life would be. I love that I am getting to live my own dream. Thank you honey for all you do to support me. Life is good with you by my side. I love you so much!

Early Bird!

As many of you know, I was released as Young Women's President (I led a youth group at our church for girl's ages 12-18) It was hard to leave the Young Women's program as I have worked with the girls for over a year and a half and have had many fun times with them and grown to love them so much!
I was recently asked to be the new Seminary teacher!! (I teach Bible & Book of Mormon study to kids in our church at 6:30 AM!!) AHH!!! At first I was a little shocked and definitely felt underqualified but this morning I taught my first lesson and it was actually a lot of fun! We are learning the New Testament this year and I am learning things right along with the kids! I love the guys and girls that I teach. They are awesome! I am getting excited to have this calling and look forward to having fun and learning lots! (and trying to get enough sleep!) Wish me luck!

Roscoe time

Roscoe and I are pretty much buddies all during the day while Steve is at work. We love to play together, run in the backyard and especially cuddle. Steve and I are loving having this little guy as part of our family, (as if you couldn't tell from all our pictures!)

I Left My Heart in San Diego!

This last week we made a quick trip out to California to spend time with my brother Mark before he leaves for his mission to Pittsburg on March 4th. We also got to see a few friends. (Sorry to those of you, we weren't able to see--our trips are always too short!!) It was so much fun...and I also got to spend my birthday out there with my family! Steve surprised me with a trip to Disneyland on my b-day. My brothers Danny and Mark came too--we had so much fun!!! We also had tons of other great times...Petersens Donuts, Happy Yogurt, dinner at BJ's, Solana Beach, dinner with the fam at Soup Plantation, birthday pinata and Mom's yummy tostadas, Confessions of a Shopaholic and lunch by the lake with mom, IMAX, bonfire at La Jolla and laying underneath the stars, and many late nights of playing games, laughing and talking.

Beefcake Roscoe!!

While we were away in California we boarded Roscoe at the vet's and boy did he have a good time eating...they must have fed him till he didn't want to eat anymore...we came home to our little Roscoe--not so little anymore. We're pretty sure he ate one of the cats he was boarded with!