Dancing Through Life

Daddy's Update

2010-05-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, OK so this is Jonathan, or as my wife would call me (daddy) :-) we have been kind of fond with the words mommy and daddy since we got pregnant. We both know that our child will be calling us by those names and we started to incorporate them now so we can get use to hearing them, (mommy I'm hungry, daddy come play with me) you get the picture.
OK so Candice is now 3 weeks away from giving birth to our little one, the date is set, June 16Th will be the official c-section delivery date. Both me and Candice are happy to be parents and we are anxiously waiting the return of her body, and mobility when he comes OUT!!!!!
So i would like to thank all of our faithful readers for putting up with OUR (because we are married) complacency and laziness of not updating you sooner on things in our life and family.
I would also like to thank my sister-in-law Jessie for her willingness to keep all our readers informed on Candice's pregnancy progress, thanks Jessie you rock :-) I love you, and i love all of you. till next time, which will be sooner than later.

It's time to UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-21T14:54:00.001-08:00

So this post isn't actually written by Candice. It's Jessi, Candice's sister-in-law, and I decided to make an executive decision. The WORLD MUST KNOW what Candice has been doing. There's a perfectly good computer sitting here, and I am going to tell you all about Candice and Jonathan's life.

Well, the most significant change in their life since getting married in May is that Candice now loves cheese. She never did before and she was unable to understand why Jon loved cheese so much. (Seriously, he's obsessed...) But since she's been pregnant these last three months, cheese is suddenly her favorite thing.

Yeah, there's a little person growing inside of her. He must be a cheese-eater like his father. She keeps referring to him as "him" even though they don't know yet if he is actually a "she." They'll find out in two weeks.

It's not exactly her fault she hasn't been blogging-- being pregnant makes you sick and even before that tobacco smoke at her old apartment gave her lungs a bad time. Happily moving fixed the lung problem, although the little person will not be ready to come out for six more months or so!

Candice and I have been watching all sorts of pregnancy videos on Youtube. It's fun, but a little disturbing. She's not looking forward to having her organs all rearranged, the leg cramps, poor circulation, and the fact that she's going to have difficulty breathing. One video talked about women in the third trimester passing out from laying on their backs... She's not looking forward to that, in particular.

Life is good.

Let's Eat Cake, Just Because We Can!

2009-05-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little side note:
On Sunday Jonathan and I baked a cake, in honor of our "graduation" from our singles ward. I told him we have a reason to celebrate, so why not bake a cake...right? It was a yellow cake, with chocolate frosting. We even put sprinkles and candles on it! We sung the happy graduation song, blew out the candles and then had a piece of our yummy cake. We even added in a little "frosting fight" Let me tell you; a little frosting fun makes for some very sweet kisses and hugs ;-) So much Fun!!!

You want to know one more reason why I love my man? Jonathan will take my crazy fun ideas and run with them, with me. We have so many good times and laughs together. It's a great LIFE!! I love my Baby-J!!!!

Bridal Shower #2

2009-05-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 2, I had another Bridal Shower at Sister Flossie Redford's Home. She knows Grandma well. She has given 2 of my Aunts their bridal showers; so she wanted to give me one as well. Flossie and her husband are SO SWEET and KIND! Their yard is BEAUTIFUL TOO! You can tell she LOVES TO GARDEN. Her backyard is like PERFECT!

For this shower, a lot of Grandma Ostler's friends came to show their love and support to Jonathan and myself. I have learned that a lot of the people invited to every wedding, are friends of the bride and groom's parents. They are all so happy for us!

Even though these are some of the worst pictures of me, they are all I had from this shower. You can't really tell, but it was a great little salad bar luncheon. we got some wonderful gifts too! Thanks to everyone for their kindness & generosity! It means a lot to me and Jonathan.

Sisters: Gail Bley, Barbra Kline, and Francine Capuro.

Sisters: AnneMarrie Effert, Emalina Holmes, & Darla Ferguson

Sisters: Beverly Herron, Catherine Harrison, Beverly Arthur, & Lu McGreahm

Our shower gifts!

Me and all our Gifts!!

Sisters: Beverly Herron & Beverly Arthur

Sisters: JoAnn Petersen, Rose Walton, & Evelyn Cosby

Sisters: Evelyn Cosby & Marianne Sharp

Sisters: JoAnn Petersen, Rose Walton, Evelyn Cosby, Marianne Sharp & Kay Salo

Thanks to Aunt Jill for helping me open the gifts and thanks to Annette for writing the gift list! Grandma Ostler wants me to say that she was behind the scenes taking some pictures.

What's In A Name?

2009-05-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well Dancing Through Life Readers,

as you all well know, Jonathan and I have just under 2 weeks until we are going to be sealed as man and wife; for Time And All Eternity!!!! Yes, I said under 2 weeks. Threaten Days to be exact!!! Wow I can't even believe I just said that!

I am so looking forward to starting our new life together as ONE! I think that as a girl, getting married brings an extra perk because I get to start off this portion of my life as someone new! Having the chance to change my last name, is something I have looked forward to my whole life. It's almost like I have the ability to start my life all over with a clean slate. I hate Emotional baggage!

Just think, soon I will move to a new town with my Hubby; where not many people will know me as anyone other than Mrs. or Sister Robbins :-D Jonathan and I both have the opportunity to leave our past behind and start afresh as a married couple! How cool is that!?? I can't wait!!!!!

On May 11th, We will be moving our belongings into our newly renovated apartment. SO FUN. Today is our last day in the Mar Vista Singles Ward. Next week is MOTHERS day and we want to be with our Moms. The week after, we will be on our Honeymoon! By the way, Thanks to everyone for all the great advice! :) We will definitely try to implement it.

This is someone who is way more than ready to leave her "old life" behind. BAH BYE SINGLE LIFE!

Candice Has Some Married People Questions ??

2009-04-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

So With Twenty-Two Day to go, here is our list of things to do today:
*Burn music CD for our reception
*Call gas and electric company to put the utilities in our name
*Find out about renting a Tux for Jonathan and his dad
*Get in touch with Chris (Jon's best friend) to see how he is getting down here for our reception

I am about to become a married woman very very soon. With that said, I wanted to ask all of our readers 3 questions. Comment and answer honestly and truthfully please!

1. What is/was the best part about your first few years of marriage?
2. What is/was the most difficult part about your first few years of married life?
3. What is the one thing that you do that you feel, has helped your marriage be successful and happy?

We love you all. Thanks for your comments!

Can It Be True???

2009-04-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Daily Countdown Begins.....There Are ONLY TWENTY-THREE Days Until Jonathan and I Are Sealed!!! It's Close I Can Taste It! Being Able To Meet Jonathan In The Celestial Room, is A Dream Come True!

Bridal Shower #1

2009-04-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have had a hard time finding the time and motivation to stay up on our blog.

Part of the reason for this is, we have been trying to make sure things are all in order for our sealing; settings up temple recommend interviews and things of that sort. We have also been going back and forth talking with our apartment manager; making sure all the paper work is in order for us to move in. YES, WE HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE!

Our new apartment is in Norwalk CA. The complex is called Capistrano Gardens. The management changed in early April and they have done a ton of renovating. The management person LOVES us. She has been so willing to help with any accommodations we need. This place has a pool and a workout room, but the best part is that Jonathan can ride his bike to work! We know that it will be tough, but we are both so EXCITED to have our own place!

Now going on, I had Wonderful bridal shower! Here are some pictures to show off what great gifts I RECEIVED for our new place. I appreciate all the love and support I got from my loving family and awesome friends!

Sweet Kiera Came to my "Wedding Party" She is so cute. I love her!

Grandma & Cousin: Tiffany

Cousins: Kirstie, Julie Katie & Aunt: Carolyn.

Aunt: Jill, ME, & My Grammy

Cousins: Kellie & Kirstie

ME & my future Mother in-law Annette

Sister Burrup, Sister Littie, & Sister Chitwood

Cousin: Amy Friends: Whitney, Tiffany & Jen

Aunt: Jill & Sister Shaw

Little Malachi (Bubby) Davis Mommy's little boy!

Kellie & Carolyn

Carolyn, Julie, Katie, Kellie, & Wendy

Special thanks to all those who made my Bridal sower so FUN. I know A LOT of work went into making it a memorable day for me!

License To Wed!

2009-04-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday April 7, 2009, Jonathan and I drove to Norwalk. When we arrived there, we visited the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder/County Clerk office. As you can probably guess, we were there in hopes of obtaining our Marriage License. We have to do what needs to be done, to make our union legal in the eyes of the state. I kind of dislike paperwork and sitting in lines and such, but it needed to be done. Besides I’ll do whatever it takes to become the wife of Jonathan Curtis Robbins; legally and in the sight of God. I love him so much. Forever and always!

Anyway, when we got to the building, we stood in a line to get inside the place. After that, we went online to fill out a marriage license application. That part went fairly quickly. Then we waited in a line to pay for the license we had just applied for. Waiting…waiting... waiting! We got to the front of that line, and we gave the lady $70.00. She handed us a receipt to show that we had paid our dues. After that, we stood in…you guessed it, another line! This time it was to pick up our Marriage License. Again, we waited…waited…and waited some more! Lo and behold, we FINALLY got to the pickup window! We checked over the paper work, gave our signatures, and grabbed our long awaited MARRIAGE LICENCE!! Jonathan and I left with our wallets $70.00 lighter, but we were VERY HAPPY!

We are excited to have our license. It feels good to be one step closer to having our relationship be both eternally and legally binding! It feels so much more real, when it’s down on paper!! :-)
The day I thought might never come, Is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

I know I am a Bad Bloger, But Can You Really Blame Me?

2009-04-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

I apologize to our blogger fans for being such a bad blog updater! We have been going non-stop, with the wedding being a month away and all. I have been so focused on meeting all my deadlines and calendar dates; that my blog has had to be put on pause over these past few weeks. When I have had a moment to think about blogging, RESTING always won out over typing a blog entry. I hope you all can understand. :)

Anyways I figure that the best way to bring you all up to speed on our life is to make a list of all the major March events. So here it is:

*On March 6th Jonathan and I went to support Cousin Ryan who had a part in his High School production of “Beauty and the Beast.” We went with Grandma, Scott, and Jill. Ryan was a member of the ensemble. You could tell that all the kids in this play, put a lot of time and effort into this wonderful production! Let’s just say, it far exceeded my expectations for a High School play. We enjoyed it so much, that we went to see it twice! It was even better the second time around. Everyone loved it! WAY TO GO RYAN!

*The 12th of March was my Father’s birthday. His birthday lands exactly one month before I came along.

*On the 15th Jonathan and I gave our “farewell to the single life” and spoke for the last time in our ward. We are the first of several couples to be leaving the singles ward this year. The Mar Vista ward has been good to us, but we are very happy to be GRADUATING! It was also Annette’s (Jonathan’s mom) birthday on the 15th as well. It was nice to spend time with her, and let her know how much she means to the both of us. WE LOVE YOU ANNETTE!
*March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day A.K.A. my Bug’s birthday, was very nice. I got him two gifts I know he really wanted and needed. Then I took him out to an Indian food restaurant for dinner. Yummy, Good! Afterward, we had cake an ice cream with his family. It was a very pleasant day all around.

*on the 21st of March, Craig, Jenny, Jonathan, and I took a trip to universal studios. I had never been before. It was lots of fun. I can’t wait to go back. The four of us have a blast together! :)

*On the 23, Grandma and Aunt Wendy took me to my second wedding dress fitting. It is exciting t o know that my dress is almost ready to bring home! Special thanks to Wendy for all her help!

March 30th was Phillip’s (Jonathan’s dad) birthday. Jonathan’s parents also have their anniversary on the same day as his dad’s birthday. We lovingly refer to this day as his dad’s Birth-aversary. An interesting side note that was pointed out to me is that, Jonathan is almost exactly 30 years younger than both of his parents.

*I spent the rest of March and the beginning of this month, getting the wedding invitations ready to be mailed out. A wedding is a lot of hard work! It’s also been a TON OF FUN! Thanks a bunch to all who have been a part of the planning thus far. Jon and I both appreciate it very much. Get ready everyone, it’s almost here!

Well folks this ends my month of March Madness. Log-in next time to read about my first Bridal shower given by Amy Davis. This should be great! :-D Until next time America!

2009-03-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU! May your day be filled with lots of GREEN fun.

Also, I'd l like to give a SPECIAL Birthday shout-out to my JONATHAN!

HAPPY 24TH LOVE!

Here's to knowing that each year we share together, will be better than the last!

An E.M.T. Helping Save The World One Live at a time!

2009-02-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

As many of you know already, Jonathan started his E.M.T. course on February 3rd. He is taking a night course from the local Tri-cities R.O.P; here in our area. His class runs from 5:00-9:00 pm, Tuesday through Thursday. His work schedule at Pool Chlor is nice. On average he works from 4; 00 am-12 noon. (Often times he gets off sooner. Half a day’s work, for full time pay) this schedule allows him to continue his education and further his career; Thus bettering his chances of making more money, and making our life easier.

Jonathan has chosen to enter into the medical field, because he LOVES HELPING People, he is the type that needs to be up and about to keep his mind occupied, and (he cannot sit still. He becomes very board) the medical field offers a ton of different opportunities and aspects to choose from, the job security is there because there are always going to be people in need of medical assistance, and there is always something new to learn. I know that the fact that he is always learning something new is one of the things he enjoys most about the field he has chosen. By nature, Jonathan is a Very Helpful and kind person. I know that this is part of what drew him in to the medical profession as well.

He is doing very well in this class. He is getting high scores on his test and quizzes. He is always one of the first to volunteer when it comes to presenting and practicing a new skill. I can tell he is really enjoying it, because he calls me every night on his break; to tell me what he has learned that night. I know he is having a lot of fun and learning a lot about the human body, which he never knew before.

This R.O.P. Emergency Medical Technician class, that Jonathan is taking is, very condensed and moves very quickly! Jon has to learn everything there is to know in the book, in just 5 short months; which means that his teacher covers like two chapters a week. Plus they take time to learn the various medical skills the students will need as on the job E.M.T’s. That’s a lot of hard work! Despite being a little overwhelmed at times and having to SQUEEZE nightly study into his already busy life. Jonny-bug is doing fantastically well at keeping up and retaining the information which he has learned. I think it helps him to know that, I am always here to lend a helping hand. A study partner :-) often, Jonathan is amazed at how much I know about the stuff he is learning. “Wow, you sure do know a lot about the human body baby!”

As part of his training, Jonathan will soon begin an internship at our local hospital. This will put his new found knowledge and skills to the test. When he completes his E.M.T. course, he will be able to get a job making about $9.50 an hour. When it comes to the job of an emergency tech, they say that overtime is where the Real Money is at. Jonny does not want to stop his medical training by just becoming and E.M.T. He only sees his Emergency technician training, as a way to get his foot in the door of the health care field. He is not going to stop climbing the latter of opportunity. Every person in the medical field has had some sort of E.M.T. training, this is only the beginning.

At the completion of this course my Bug is thinking about going on to become a Nurse, but he is still somewhat unsure of where to go quite yet. I think it all depends on what types of job opportunities he finds after this course. It also depends on what type of job will best fit our lifestyle and our needs.

I don’t care what career path Jonathan takes, as long as he loves what he is doing, he is truly happy, and it will work with our families unique needs. I will always strive to be a supportive wife in whatever he chooses to become. I believe it takes a special kind of person to work in the medical field. I am so proud to know that my man wants to help people every day. I am also honored and proud to know that my Husband wishes to spend his life, changing and saving the lives of others! I LOVE HIM! :-)

PS. HIS NEW UNIFORM MAKES HIM LOOK SO HOT! I L-O-V-E IT!!!

Forever & Always: True Love Captured on Film

2009-02-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few of the 178 Engagement Pictures that were taken of us.

Compliments of Amy L. Davis

True Love Eternal knows no bounds, seeks not to find fault, and sees no limitations.

A Confession Of True Love...

2009-02-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I guess I have a small confession to make. I have been holding out on you guys; but things like this will come out sooner or later. I have to tell you all that, There are 3 men in my life! Three boys that each has a piece of my heart! The first is Jonathan of course, but the other two had me from hello. They stole my heart before Jonathan was even in the picture. Just who are these two mystery males to which I am referring, you may ask? Well I am talking about my 3’ 3” super sweet, blue-eyed, heart-throb of a nephew and his little 2’ 9” brown-eyed incredibly handsome and super lovable brother; who I am lucky enough to call my nephew as well!

Did I have you all going for maybe just a sec? …Maybe, probably not though. Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I truly love m y Teague and my little Corin! They both mean the world to me!

Teague is very good at making me feel really good by saying things like “Hi Auntie, It’s me Teague, I here to love you!” or “Auntie, so pwetty.” and “Auntie, you a pwetty pwincess, just like Mony!” Cory cracks me up when he says things like, I SUPERMAN!” or “I sit” (when asking for rides on my chair) and “Cany peas!” (When asking for some candy)

The games these little guys come up with sometimes are so inventive and funny! Teague has a very active imagination and Cory just loves to do everything his big brother does. It is such a joy to interact with them! Everyone knows that little kids say and do hilariously funny things. As you can imagine, my nephews are no exception. The other day while the boys and Marina were visiting, Jonathan was trying to show Teague how to put these intersecting blocks together and he was not paying any attention to him. Marina told him to say that he was three and that he doesn’t care how the blocks really go together. In response to her prompting and without looking up, Teague says, “I fwee I doe Care!” LOL, IT WAS GREAT!! :-D I think that as tinny kids get a little older they just become funnier.

My nephews are turning out to be very sweet, fun-loving, energetic, happy, lovable, smart, well-mannered strong, and compassionate little boys; who are not afraid to speak their minds. Like all children, they both have their “moments,” but they are great boys.

Teague and Corin both have their own adorable/handsome look to them. They are both gorgeous kids! Teague has the cutest little smile and the most piercing blue eyes, I have ever seen! It’s like they cut you to your very core! Bubba’s eyes are amazing!! Corin has got that all around “Model” Quality to his face. He is like a little doll, and that smile of his will melt anyone’s heart right out of their Chest! I hope I have cute kids too! :}

Both of the boys give kisses and hugs that make me incredibly happy to be their Auntie. I cannot believe that Corin is going to be 2 in April and that Teague will be 4 in September! Where does the time go? I feel old. In a way getting older must mean that I am becoming wiser as well. I guess I can handle that.

I don’t mean to go on and on, about how much I love my nephews’ and how great they both are, it’s just that I have never expressed how much those two pint-size heart breakers have meant to me over the years. I love them so much! They are a gift from God! I am truly and extremely blessed to share my life with them. I hope that we always get the chance to remain close! I will strive to always be there for them in their lives. I AM ONE LUCKY AUNTIE!

Love Day, It Couldn't Have gone better :-D

2009-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

I know many in our blogger fan base are wondering how our picture taking went yesterday. Let me tell you; it was SO MUCH FUN!! I have never ENJOYED having my pictures taken, so much in my life! (I usually hate it, with a passion) Cousin Amy was able to get like 178 different shot! She is in love with almost all of them and so are we! It is going to be hard to choose the photo we will use for the invites. Choosing a picture has never been much of a choice for me. We are ecstatic to have so many options to pick from. The weather was Great! Amy had us going all kinds of places in the park and doing all kinds of different poses; It made for some awesome shots!!! (I even got placed in a tree!) When we got there Amy said, Heritage park was a GREAT PLACE to take photographs. You will see why soon enough. I don't think the photo session could have gone better if we asked it to. With every click of her camera Amy said, we were so cute and so easy. I think She had as many laughs taking our pictures, as Jonathan and I did posing for them!! It was an all-around super fantastic, Valentines day experience! To top off a great love day, we had a good meal with my side of the family; which is always nice.

I will post a few of our Engagement pictures when I have them. Until then, stay tuned blogger followers!

Rain, Rain, STAY AWAY! Please Don’t come on Picture Day!!

2009-02-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

If you have been listening to the news and local weather reports, you know that in California it rained non-stop last week! At the beginning of this week it was reported that this week, would be much the same as the last. Except it was supposed to be raining Monday, stop Tuesday, rain Wednesday, and take a break Thursday and rain Friday and Saturday, with slight breaks between showers during those days.

So far this week it rained on Monday, (there was even hale and a thunder storm) but it has not rained yesterday, or today. Most of today’s weather reports have stated that the rain will soon return and continue on well into the weekend.

Do to the likelihood of the rain continuing this Saturday, I have been worried that me and Jonny-bug will not be able to take our engagement pictures outdoors at heritage park; like we have wanted to for quite a while now. (We love it there!) I also have wanted to avoid making Cousin Amy make more then one trip out here, in hopes to take our pictures in good weather. The other thing is that I want to steer clear of taking and having to use pictures, that I am just “okay” with. After all, these are our engagement photo’s we are taking. We are going to keep them for like, EVER and also we will remember this experience for a long time!

Luckily, I heard 1 report on channel two; the storm is going to blow out of our area by Saturday, because of a change in the wind. All bets are on that report! Let’s hope that it’s true. Pray the rain stays away for Saturday. I don’t mind the clouds, because I know that, it’s best to take photographs early in the morning, in the evening, or on overcast days. This is because the clouds overhead do eliminate shadows and whatnot from the pictures Amy takes. Yes the clouds can stay, but any rain must be gone! PLEASE, PLEASE, LET ANY BAD WEATHER BE NO WHERE IN SIGHT BY VALENTINES DAY!!! We would really like to take our engagement pictures outside!!! Oh well, I guess we will just have to wait and see if the rain truly holds off. The odds don’t sound like they are in our favor much.

I definitely feel better knowing, that regardless of the weather outside, Amy is coming to take our pictures. If it comes down to it, we will take them in doors somewhere. I have total confidence in her. I know that they will be BEAUTIFUL and I will be happy with our engagement photographs no matter what!

Red-heads’ Like It Hot!

2009-02-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know that I have been coloring my hair various shades of a darker red, since high school. I have always liked red/auburn hair. I think it looks better on me. I really like the way it looks.
I can remember talking to Jonathan on our very first date. He said I had beautiful hair and that he liked it. I can remember mentioning how I really needed to get my hair re-colored; it was all faded at the time. He asked me what color I usually like to get it colored. I said some shade of red! He said really!? Thinking back I can remember how when I said this, his eyes about popped out of his head and he got a big smile on his face!
I later found out that, he has ALWAYS HAD A HUGE THING FOR RED HEADS’! WOW, does him ever!

It is crazy to count all the ways that we think the Lord has made it, so that we fit together! We have so many things in common. This fact is so apparent sometimes, that it feels as though we “share a brain.” Often times Jonathan will say things to me like, “You are on my same brain wave.” Or “are you in my brain?” and “you’re thinking just like me!” It is neat to be that close to my partner. To know what he is thinking before he even says it sometimes. It makes life much easier. Sometimes we can be having a whole conversation, just by looking at each other. I HAVE LOVED being that close to someone. It can make life fun!

I can remember the first time Cousin Sean watched us “talking with our eyes” to each other’s brains; It made him uncomfortable and he said “Well, I can see that you guys have some sort of lover telepathy thing going on and it’s making me freak out a little…can you please stop?” As I write this, I realize that it sounds totally nuts! You all probably think I am talking crazy; but it’s true! Jonathan and I used to talk a lot with our eyes. It still happens sometimes! You should try it with your husband sometime, IT COULD BE FUN!

...Ok, back to the red head talk. Seeing as how my Fiancé’s love and desire for a woman with red hair, is so strong; you can probably guess what Jonathan’s reaction was when I came home looking like this:

We both love my new hairdo so much! I got it re-dyed because we are going to have our engagement pictures on Valentine’s Day! (Cute…huh?) Plus I got very tired of looking at my brunette roots! I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on my new do. Many have asked if I color my hair because Jon has a “thing for red heads.” My answer is no, I just really like the look. If Jonathan wants to think it’s all for him, then sure babe, IT’S ALL FOR YOU! Anything for you love!
My bug loves it so much; he can hardly keep his hands off me or my head! He even tends to give me an extra look every now and then :) I REALLY ENJOY being/feeling this wanted! LOL

Only a few more months and he will have me all to himself! :-D

Our January Wrap-up!

2009-01-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

WOW… this month HAS FLOWN BY! We have been so busy with wedding planning and everyday life. I feel like I have barely had time to breathe; let alone keep our blogger fans updated with the daily happenings of our hectic, crazy, and sometimes stressful, yet wonderful life together! :-) I am going to do my best to give you all a cohesive “wrap up” of what we have been doing over this past month.

On January 7, 2009 Jonathan and I celebrated our first year together as a couple. He gave me some beautiful flowers and we went to the Elephant bar restaurant for dinner that night. It was really good. We loved it! We have both been through quite a bit of changes, exciting times, and some ups and downs, in the past year. Overall this past year together, has been indescribably joyous and life altering! I am so overjoyed with my life and Jonathan right now. I WOULD NOT GIVE UP this past year of my life with him, for all the riches and worldly possessions in the entire universe!!...I mean every word of this statement, from the depths of my soul!

From the 12th through 16th Grandma and I had some somewhat unexpected guests come to visit and stay with us. At about 2 a.m. in the morning we received a call from Drew saying, that he, Malory, and her 3 year old son Skyler, needed a place to crash for the night. The story goes: that the long time friends that they were suppose to stay with while visiting California, live with some roommates that were not very unstinting of their situation. Apparently the roommates couldn’t handle having a very rambunctious and shall we say, “Lively” little boy stay in the house with them. So of course, what is a Grandmother to do? We all know that she would never turn a couple with a 3 year old away; especially in the wee hours of the morning! I think my brother had it planned all along. It was only suppose to be for that night, but they ended up staying with us that whole week. SNEEKY BOY, That’s how her works! The visit was stressful on both Grams and me, for many reason, plus little Sky guy has boundless energy! It is hard to know what hit you with that kid around; but he is cute anyway.
On the Tuesday that Drew was here, Marina, Jonathan and I, had decided the week prior, to meet up at Heritage Park; and let Teague and Cory play on the awesome equipment they have there. Since Drew was now here, he, Malory, and Skyler decided to come as well. I think we all had a good time. As you can see from the pictures, even the “big boys” couldn’t resist getting in on some of the playful action!! Drew and Malory also got the chance to take Skyler to the beach and to Disneyland, while they were visiting. It looks to me like they had lots of fun here! Drew recounts that they went on a few rides, but then Sky- Guy got scared on one of the rides. He would not go on anymore after that. Drew said, they had a nice time overall. Having Drew and Malory stay with us, was actually surprisingly pleasant. (For the most part) it was good for Drew to catch up with our family. He didn’t even know that his own sister was engaged, let alone that cousin Kirsten is now married and that Grandma has some new great-grand kids on the way. He was very surprised!
Our visitors left at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning. I had an appointment at 10:30 a.m. with Donna Anderson from A Dressy Occasion; to try on some wedding dresses. Aunt Wendy was kind enough to drive us out there and to help me try on some dresses. I tried on about four or five very nice dresses, and then I found THE ONE! I put it on, I looked at myself, and I just knew. This was the one! THIS WAS IT! This dress is GORGEOUS! PERFECT FOR MY FAIRYTALE WEDDING DAY!! I love the dress I chose. Sister Anderson was so helpful. I got my dress, my shoes, and all of my accessories all in one shot! SCORE!

On Sunday, January 18th, we had a meeting with our caterer/decorator Shelly Bigggs. She was very helpful as well. It is going to look beautiful at our reception and there is going to be yummy food too! Jonathan and I also found someone to make our wedding cake for us. My soon to be sister in-law Jenny Robbins, is going to be doing it for us. It is going to be a castle cake; it’s awesome! Thank you, Jenny! We love you!! Jon and I have also booked the building for the reception, gathered things for our table center pieces, bought our cake topper, made guest lists, made arrangements to have our engagement pictures taken. And so much more! There is so much yet to be done. I know that no one in our families would nver let us down. We know that no matter how stressful it may become, everything will turn out wonderfully!

AS far as a place to live goes, we are trying to find an affordable place that is somewhat close to home, close to Jonathan’s work, and school, and on the ground floor for obvious reasons. We have a limited budget and somewhat of a strict housing criteria. (Do to my needs) Therefore, the daily apartment search continues. Both Jonathan and I are hopeful that we will find something in time :-}
As you‘ve read, you can tell we have been crazy busy! I have not yet mentioned that my sweetheart starts E.M.T. school on February 3rd; so that will add yet one more duty to his already packed schedule. It will be a little rough, but I have no doubt that he can make it through! I will be here, to do whatever I can to try to help relieve any daily stresses he may encounter. I will be here to give him support and do anything from give an encouraging word, to giving foot rubs when needed. After all, Jonathan is working his butt off just so that we can have a better life together. Showing him some comfort and compassion is the least I can do, to let him know that I understand how hard he is working and I really appreciate everything he is doing for us.
The last thing I can remember that Jonny and I have done this month; we have been out to visit Marina, Kate, (Her mother) Teague and little Cory twice. It is important to both my bug and I, to be there for both of the little boys throughout their lives. We know it is very important to be a support and a great influence to Marina, Teague and Corin. We have chosen to make an effort to see them as much as we can. Plus we just love spending time with that part of our family; it makes us both feel so GOOD inside. Seeing the way that Jonathan interacts with our nephews, makes me sure that he is well on his way to becoming Uncle of the year in their eyes.

The first time we came out to their house, my little Tigger-boy was so proud to announce that he now wares “big boy” underwear! That is very BIG NEWS! Come on people, you KNOW that you’re excited for him too!! LOL.

Anyway, all I have to say to end this January wrap-up is, all is well. Wedding READY OR NOT HERE YOU COME! :-D

A whirl-wind Holiday Season! And Oh yea, we’re Officially Engaged!!!!

2008-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like Jonathan and I have been going nonstop since December 24. It has been crazy here in our family! No rest for the weary, or the sick for that matter. As you all now the 24th was Christmas Eve, which we spent at Aunt Jill’s house. That evening we took the time to continue our Hendrickson, Ostler, and Migdat family tradition; of sharing a light supper together, then putting up a little paper doll nativity scene and singing about the story of Christ’s birth. We have been carrying out this tradition ever since I can remember. Our family has used the same nativity set every year, from the time cousin Amy was four years old.

The Christmas Eve nativity night has been carried on year after year, much like Christmas Caroling Monday. Christmas Caroling Monday is always done the family night before Christmas! This is a tradition that has been set in stone by the Shaw/Sharp & the Ostler family. Every year they would take their kids and their friends Christmas Caroling to any families who needed a little cheering up. Both the Ostler and the Shaw/sharp families have always shared a love of music and singing, which they passed on to their children. Now that same love of music has been passed down to their children and so on. And so the Monday night Christmas Caroling has continued over the past 40 years or so! It was so fun to have the little boys, Teague and Corin around to share in each of these activities with us again this year. I know they were the Hit of the Caroling night, with their cute little voices and mispronounced words!! I love kids!!!
On Christmas eve Marina and my nephews spent the night, so that they would wake up at G.G’s house on Christmas morning! It makes it much homier to have little people to wake up with on Christmas morning, Grandma and I enjoyed it very much. In fact I think we all did. It was really nice because I spent that night talking with Marina. We talked for a few hours, late into the night. It was comforting to have that time to catch up with her alone.
As you can see in the pictures that will follow; this year’s Christmas morning went off much like many others. We all woke up and waited for Kate (Marina’s mother) to get to the house, so that we could all open gifts together! She arrived and we each began to open our gifts. A short time later, it started to looked like CHRISTMAS WRAPPING HAD EXPLODED IN LIVING ROOM!!!! It was awesome to see how happy each of the new presents made the boys. Their little faces lit up, with each unwrapped package!

When we were each done opening all the gifts, we sat and ate some breakfast. After that, we all went our separate ways to continue our own Christmas celebration. Marina and Teague and Cory went to her Grammy and Papa’s house, to visit with her family. I waited for my Jonathan to come get me, so that I could open presents with the Robbins family.

On the 26th of December my cousin Kristie received her endowment. Jonathan and I attended a dinner that night to show our support to her and her soon to be, Bradley Corbett. It was fun to be there and learn a little more about the happy couple, before they tied the knot that very next day! WE LOVE YOU BRADLEY AND KIRSTIE!
The 27th was the day Bradley & Kirstin were sealed In the L.A. Temple for time and all eternity as husband and wife, in the presence of the Lord and with the love of many family and friends around them. Jonathan and I love both the Corbett and Perry families very much! We are so happy that Brad and Kristie have found each other, to share their life together. We love you lots Kristie! Bradley, we are so grateful that you are so nice! You have been so warm, loving, kind, and down to earth, with both of us. It has meant a lot to both Jonathan and I! We are glad Kristie found such a good man! Take care of our cousin! We are counting on you. We know you will do an amazing job! :}

Before MR. and MRS. Corbett’s wedding reception, Jonathan and I had his family reunion to go to, at 1:00 p.m. It was clear out almost to Temecula! We spent some time over with his family, and then we shot over to Glendora as fast as we could; to see the bride and groom and share in their special day with them. Needless to say, Jonathan did a LOT of driving that day! He said we put about 180 miles on the car that day; but it was all well worth it. We had a really fun time sharing in the special events with both the families. At the end of the great day, we were both extremely tired though!! As you can tell, Jon and I have been very busy!

Now that I have had a chance to breathe a little, I want to tell you a little more abbot all the gifts Jonathan gave me for Christmas! As I said before, after I finished my Ostler Christmas morning, I went over to Jonathan to open presents with his family! Everyone had finished opening all the other gifts except one. Jonathan had put all my presents from him, in one huge box. Each box that was in that big one, got a little smaller. Each gift had a note that was numbered from 10 to 1. These are pictures of what I found in each box:

Gifts number 10 & 9: Green sweat pants and a matching jacket. Gift number 8: A package of my favorite kind of socks! With the cute pink toes, which he likes.

Gifts number 7 & 6: A toothbrush, because I am obsessed with keeping my teeth clean and he knows that! The other was the Twilight soundtrack, because I LOVE that movie! It's awesome! Gift number 5: A set of walkie-talkies: This is so that we can keep talking, even when Grandma tells us to get off of the phone!! I LOVE THE IDEA!

Gift number 4: A package of my favorite hipster underwear: I use theses to protect my Garments during that "special time of the month" that every woman experiences. Gift number 3: The Bee Movie! This was the movie we went to see on our very FIRST DATE :-) Gift number 2: A stained glass heart: He said, "You can have my heart for Christmas!"
As you can see the number 2 box had a heart in it with the note as pictured above; then he told me to turn the card over and this is what it said:
At this time, I turned to look at him. He was down on one knee, with the Ring in his hand and he said “WILL YOU MARRY ME??” I THEN SCREAMED IN HIS FACE, CRIED, SCREAMED AGAIN AND THEN, SAID YES!!!!!

He caught everyone off guard, including me! I had no idea it was coming on Christmas Day! He caught his dad so off guard, that he missed getting the WHOLE THING on film! Philip asked us to act it out again, but it's just not quite the same!! You can’t redo a reaction like I had. :-D Jonathan says my reaction was priceless and so worth it!! His knees were shaking for a while, after he proposed. It took like 20 minutes for my heart to find my chest again; but after the shock had worn off somewhat, we were both okay!!

We are both so EXCITED and it is still hard to believe that we are now FIANCEE'S!!!!!!! We are both happy, excited, overjoyed, and overwhelmed nervous, and a little scared all at the same time! It’s more a fear of the unknown, kind of thing. Despite our nerves, we both know that, with a little determination, faith in our Lord, and lots of love for each other, we can get through any challenge that may pass our way!!!

WE ARE ENGAGED!
THE TEMPLE SEALING IS, MAY 16 2009
10:30 a.m. In The L.A. Temple
Mark it on your Calendars!

METALLICA!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Ok for those of you who know me, I love my music and wont be caught without it anywhere i go. This is my first concert experience and it was so good, I think im going to turn into a concert junkie :-)

All of you know that I went to a Metallica concert on the 15th of this month. Candice was woried the whole time I was gone. I took my two brothers, craig and spencer with me to the concert, we also took craigs friend Jonathan. The concert started at 7:00 PM and we knew there was going to be traffic, so we left at 4:00, 3 hours early. The drive to San Diego was a long one and there wasn't much traffic untill we got closer to the concert arena. We got to the off ramp and there were tons of cars and people waiting to get into the concert. It took us 45 minutes to go 1/2 a mile into the concert parking area. I was excited about the show so i wasn't stressing about the traffic. So we get into the concert and there are people everywhere, the arena was pretty big and i couldnt even guess how many people it could hold.

The opening act was a band called Lamb of God, the lead singer comes out and introduces there band, everyone starts to scream. The speakers start to sing into my ear drums and im blown away with the intence sounds coming from the stage. My heart immediatly starts to beat faster as the thud of the base gets stronger. Wow i said, "this is cool", the lead singer starts to sing and run around the stage, the guitarist is at the bottom left corner head banging with his long hair. The drummer is just going down on the drums like no other. Me heart fills with excitement as the show goes on. Lamb of God sung about 7 or 8 songs, they where loud and they put on a good show. The band finishes off with a drum solo, than the drummer threw his sticks into the crowd of people behind him. The band leaves and all these people come out and remove equipment from the stage, they also set up the stuff for the next show.

Metallica enters stage

Here they are, first act to the start of a long and exciting show.

They start off with a crazy lazer show, I was trippin out because these lazers where everywhere. they had a fog machine going too, so you can imagine how it must have looked in there. Spencer my brother was rocking out, and the band wasnt even on the stage yet, but a song was being played while the lazer show was commencing.

I dont care what anyone says about matallica they are one of my many favorites. There music is heavy metal, but they aren't all about screaming at the top of their lungs and singing so you can't hear what they are saying. Craig looks over at me and punches me on the arm and he says "HELL YA"

Metallica played about 12-15 songs that night, they played some from their new album "Death Magnetic" they also played all of their classic and original big hit songs from all of their albums.

There where lots of people there as you can see, there where a couple of mosh pits to the left and the right of the stage, people where head banging and running around smashing into each other. I said to craig, "next time we come to a concert I want floor access" of course he agreed with me because he wanted to go down to the pit and throw some people around, if you dont know my brother is 6' 6'' tall and he is built like me, BIG.

The band played sandman, one of my alltime favorites, they also played, "One" from their album "and justice for all" that got the crowd cheering and screaming and head banging. There where these people in front of us that where smoking pot, they just lit joint after joint, I almost couldn't believe that this kind of thing would be going on, but that i realized, Im at a frickin concert, of course people are going to bring drugs in with them, durr.

If anyone knows metallica, than they know that the band does allot of solos, this is a guitar solo played by the one and only "Kirk Hammett" He sure does know how to rock and roll all over that guitar, WOW talk about a show.

At the end of the show the band wanted to see all of San Diego, so they turned the lights off of them and put them on us, it was awesome the last song, so i thought, the band came back for a second time and said you want one more song, and of cours we all screamed yes, so they played a song from their album "ride the lighting" and it was called "fight fire with fire" the crowd roared as they played this last and final song.

The concert ended and it was an experience i will never forget. Metallica sure does put on a good show, so i beleive i got my 150$ worth out of this concert. As we were heading back to the car there where all these guys selling concert T-shirts, I had to get one, It was only 10 dollers 75% cheaper than inside the concert, can you believe that. The drive home was long, and i started to fall asleep, I pulled over and let craig drive the last 40 miles. We took jonathan home first and than I took craig home. Spencer and me didn't get back home until 3:00 AM this wasn't too good, cause than i had to go to work at 5:30, I would't take the day off from work because i need the money for our wedding and new life together. I love candice and I cant wait to take her to the Temple and marry her for time and all eternity, that will truly be one of the best days of my life on this earth.

Well thats about it, I made it back from the concert safely and with not too much ringing in my ears, but my neck hurt quite a bit, Guess there was too much head banging going around in the concert :-) its contageous.

Oh Tannenbaum, Please Fill my mind with Christmas Memories!

2008-12-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Okay so, I am going to try and put the events of this past week in chronological order. Let’s hope I can do it in a way that makes sense, in a cohesive manner. Here goes! :-)

Last Saturday, the Migdat family came over to put up the Christmas lights on our house Jonathan was here too, but he decided the three boys on the roof was enough; so while Tyler, Mikey, and Matthew were doing that, we took Dunddle for a walk. It was a very windy day on that day! When we got back from our walk, we stayed outside to oversee the rest of the light hanging. (and to make sure that no one slipped off the roof because of the crazy wind.) Grandma was very nice and served everyone pizza and root-beer for lunch! That was her way of saying thank you, for all the help. It was a nice day all around.

On Monday, Jonathan went to a Metallica concert with his brothers Craig and Spencer. They went all the way to San Diego to see them play. Metallica is one of Jonathan’s favorite bands and this was his VERY FIRST CONCERT EVER! This trip had been planed since the summertime; he had been DIEING to go the whole time.
I on the other had was worried SICK, because I was smart enough to know that there would be major alcohol and drug use at a concert like this! (There definitely was) All I WANTED was for all of them to come back, well, whole, and of sound mind! I knew that they could not help but pick up the “sent” of a few drugs, when so many people are using drugs around them. :-/

To try to help keep my mind off of the environment Jonathan and his brothers would soon find themselves in, Grandma and I decided to occupy our time by decorating our Christmas-tree! :-} We listened to Christmas songs as we decorated. As we did, I kept asking the Lord to fill my mind with memories of Christmas past, so that some of the worry would leave my mind. It worked for part of the time, and I think the tree looks GREAT! We got a beautifully full and gorgeous tree this year. Thank you, Jill and Scott for picking it for us! In the end, the boys came back from the concert with NO voices and completely WARN OUT, but they were SAFE! It sound to me like they all had a Blast!! Jonathan came home and said “…I definitely got my money’s worth, that’s for sure!” :-D

On Tuesday of this week, Marina and the boys dropped in to visit with us. It was so NICE to see them. They are both SO Big now! Teague is 3 years old and Corin (Cory) is 20 months. The first thing Teague said to me when he saw me was “Hi Auntie! I Teague, I big and strong now!" (With a HUGE smile and showing me his muscles) and when Cory saw me he said with his arms out, “I superman!” My little nephews are so adorable! I love them so much!! Teague was being my little “helper boy” that day, and Corin is just a doll with his big eyes and cute little face. I am so glad they are living here in California now, I will get to spend a lot more time with those little guys. They're growing up to be such talkative, fun loving, well mannered (lots of please and thank you) little boys! Marina, Kate, Teague, and Corry will be spending Christmas eve/morning at our house again this year. It will make it so much fun to have them all here. That makes me Very Happy! :-D

Teaue is seated on my lap & Corin seated at my feet.

SMILE nice for G.G. Boys!

I Guess I Didn't Run Fast Enough!

2008-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!

This time I was told to list SIX random things about myself. Here is the list I came up with.
(It was harder to do, then I thought it would be.)

1. I HATE the color Bright orange!!! I could never color with an orange crayon as a kid, because just looking at it makes me agitated and angry.

2. Jonathan and I have been dating for almost a year and Even though I know our little “corks” can bother each other sometimes, I still get butterflies when I see him. To this day, my heart breaks a little every time we have to be apart. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!

3. I am a freak about clean teeth, I brush mine more than anyone I know!!

4. I sing Really Loud in the shower sometimes. (okay, a LOT!)

5. I don’t like my feet much at all, but Jonathan has an obsession with all things feet; especially MINE!

6. I LOVE the smell of new books and tires and I still love watching Disney Movies :)

Now I tag: Amy, Sunnie, Aly, Rae, Jessi, and Leah!

The Rules:

1. Link this post to the person who tagged you: Palmyra http://calebnpalmyra.blogspot.com/

2. Post The Rules on your blog

3. List 6 random things about yourself.

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Urinetown: "Where It’s a privilege to pee!"

2008-12-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

You might be looking at the title of this post and thinking, what is she talking about?! Believe me, when I first heard the name of this musical I thought the same thing. Urinetown; “What the heck is this? This is a musical about pee!? Who would write a play about that? That is so SICK!"
On Saturday I and Jonathan went to the Whittier community center with his family, to see Urinetown the Musical. This play was being presented by the students and musical arts teacher (Mr. David Carter, my old chorus teacher) at La Serna High School. Spencer had seen it the night before and said it was funny, so we all decided to see the Saturday Matinee at 2 o’clock.
This was the first play Jon and I have ever seen together. Urinetown is indeed a musical about pee!

There had been a horrible drought in the land for something like 20 years; because the drought, the people of this town, where no longer able to have toilets in their homes. Everyone was then forced to use the public Amenities (public restrooms) around town. Each public amenity has a tax placed on it by Mr. Caldwell, owner of the Urine Good Company. (U.G.C.) This meant that every time anyone in the town had to pee, they had to wait in line and they pay a fee in order to use the facilities. Anyone who could not pay the free and got caught “doing their business” outside of an amenity, was arrested. Repeat offenders were even sentenced to death! (Very sad I know. This musical was quite odd; funny though)
As you can imagine, in the poor parts of town times where tough; so that made it very hard for any residents to pay the fees. Especially due to the fact that Mr. Caldwell continues to raise the toilet tax. Joseph Strong, an old man who is continually unable to pay up to Ms. Pennywise, (the owner of public amenity # 9) is arrested and put to death. For in this town says Ms. Pennywise, “It’s a privilege to pee!”
After the death of old man strong, the people become even more TIRED of being controlled by Mr. Caldwell! A revolt led by Bobby Strong (son of old man strong) begun. The poor people of Urinetown capture the daughter of Mr. Caldwell and hold her hostage, in hopes that he will end the toilet tax. They threaten to kill his daughter Hope if the tax is not lifted!
Hope decides to lead the mob (after the death of bobby strong) She got the mob and the police on her side. They broke into her father’s company, took him down and had him arrested. Hope takes over the U.G.C. Little Hope lifts all the amenity fees and everyone can pee for free! Evan though the fees are no more, there is still a Big problem. Despite all the happiness in the town, there is still a major drought in the land! Due to the fact that the amenities fee is gone, the water reserve continues to become lower and lower until there is nothing left. Without any water many people become ill and pass away!
Wow, right? As the narrator says throughout the entire play, this was not a happy musical and it was never meant to be one. Yeah, I know this play is very odd! The humor was all in the acting. You had to be there to understand it all. It was so strange!
Jonathan and I just have to laugh, because the first musical we have seen together is about urine! NOW THAT IS A STORY TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN!! LOL =)

After the show, we went in such of a new place to eat. Crapes and Grape it was fairly good. We spent the rest of the day walking around and looking in the sops in uptown Whittier. SOOO FUN!!

(Photos shown here are from the Broadway production of Urinetown)

An Unexpected chance to hone my Wifely Abilities

2008-12-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that Grandma Ostler fell and hurt her ribs and hip on her right side; last Saturday. She was going up the ramp from our patio into the house. She caught her toe on the edge and in the shoes she was warring, she could not catch her balance. Kai reached out to grab her, but he was a split second too late! Grandma tumbled backward and hit her back on a lamp table.

When she first fell, she didn’t want anyone to help her get up right
away. Dunddle was very worried about her and he knew something was very wrong!! Cousin Amy says that Dunddle sat right next to her on the floor, until she was ready to try and get up. The Dog was acting as a protective sentinel to our Grams!
I am so glad that Amy, Kai, and their kids were here visiting with her, because I was not home at the time. Jonathan and I came home after it had happened. Once Grandma was able to get up, Kai, Sean, and Jonathan gave her a blessing and Aunt Jill drove her to the Hospital to get x-rays and things. The doctor said that nothing looked broken and that it is probably a lot of soft tissue damage. She is going to be in a lot of pain. They sent her home with medicine, and told her to take it easy.
As you can probably guess, this means that a lot more of my help has been needed around here. I have had to take on the daily house tasks such as: Heating and bringing her, her meals, doing laundry, doing dishes and MORE. It has been somewhat of a challenge, but I am more then up to all the tasks at hand. I would do anything I possibly could to help Grams; especially after all she has done for me over so many years! :-)
In fact if you think about it, this has all been somewhat of a blessing in disguise for me; because having to help out more, has given me the uninterrupted chance to hone my homemaking skills. It has given me lots of much needed practice, on performing my future “wifely duties.” For this past week or so, I have had to do the majority of the necessary house-work. I don’t think Grammy has ever evan realized that I am so capable of all the things that I can do! (She has never really given me the chance to prove myself before) I know she is very proud and thankful for all I have done. She is also much more confident in my skills as a future wife as well. (This makes me happy)

It has been an extremely rough go for our sweet matriarch this past week. I think today was the first day she has actually truly started to feel more like herself. She woke up this morning and said, “This is a great day, I think I am starting to feel better! The pain is still there, but I actually feel better! My body, my spirit, my EVERYTHING is starting to feel better!!” This reaction to her day made me feel much better for her, myself. =)

We know that Grandma Ostler will not be running any marathons, doing cartwheels, or doing the splits just yet, (SMILES and GIGGLES) but I am sure we are all glad to hear, that she is doing well. Let’s all hope and pray that things stay on the upside and mending for her. Let’s also hope that I can keep her from over exerting herself and doing too much, too quickly. Do you know how hard that can be sometimes?!

Lastly, I know we would both like to thank all the family and friends who have so willingly lent us a helping hand, while Grandma Joan is on her road to recovery from this injury. It means SOOO much to us! We appreciate it all, more than words can say!! We love you each very much!

Please keep the get well wishes, calls, and cards coming. She really likes those and I know that it will help continue to lift her spirits. ~Thanks =-D

Raise your hand, If You Believe in Fate!

2008-12-01T22:46:00.000-08:00

This year the Whittier California stake of Zion celebrates its fiftieth anniversary! In honor of this celebration, each family in our stake (and the singles too) was asked to come down and have a professional family photograph taken. Each person or family then got two pictures taken of them. One of the photos was then placed in a beautiful pictorial directory. Everyone also received a free 8x10 to have for themselves.
The pictures for the 2008-2009 directory were taken earlier this year. Yesterday at church, we finally got the final product and it is beautiful! Each person who got their picture taken, got to have their own color directory for free. They are SO NICE! When the Robbins family got their family photograph taken, I got to be in one of the one they took (and bought) they took a few, then Jon’s day, (Phillip) Said “Jonny, why don’t you bring Candice in here.” It was cool, I really liked it, and it made me feel like I was already a part of the family. =)
It was funny because, by the time I had gone to have my family photo with Grandma; the photographer laughed and said, “boy, I have seen you around a lot!’ By this time I had, had my pictures taken twice. His reaction was great! =-D
Jonathan and I were looking through the directory and we had to smile, because our photos were right next to each other in the Mar Vista singles ward section of the book. When I went to Bishop Smith and asked him for my membership record number; he commented on how our info was all right next to each other in his big book as well. He gave a little chuckle when he noticed that. Now every time I ask him to look something up, he comments on it in some way. I like it, I think it’s cute and it makes me feel good!
Now is it fate, coincidence, luck, or divine intervention, that alphabetically our last names are right together; and that we ended up wanting to be together forever? One may never know the true answer to this question lol. All I know for sure, is that our Fatter in Heaven definitely had a hand in bringing Jonathan and I together!

My Thankfulness Count down!

2008-11-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

Top 10 things I am most grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day =)

1) The Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life! Having The Gospel in my life, has to be the single most influential factor that has shaped the person I am today. Without it I would be lost!!

2) My life and my health! I am thankful for every day I have to live! I know all to well, that every breath I take is a gift from my Heavenly Father. I am also thankful for my health. The ability I have to lead a frailly "normal" life the way I wish; The ability I have to SPAKE and fulfill my desires. I enjoy using my voice and the power of the spirit, to influence people good!!

3) This beautiful Earth on which I live! I am So thankful to my Creator for giving me such a beautiful earth, on which I will continue to live out the days of my probation. I will do whatever I possibly can, to keep it clean and safe.

4) The atonement! It is because of the sacrifice of God's son, that his great plan of happiness is made possible! It is through the shedding of his blood, and true repentance that I am made whole. I will stand spotless before my Savior, and return to live with my Father in Heaven again someday.

5) Jonathan Robbins! He is truly my "other HALF" and the love of my life! So many opportunities lay ahead for the both of us. Together, with faith in our Father In Heaven and love we can conquer anything!! (maybe we might even take over the world! =D...Just kidding)

6) My Whole Family! We all love each other SO much. I know I can count on any of them, for everything! (some family members not included in photo)

7) My Mother! She has taught me to believe in myself and to remain strong, no matter what "storms" of life I may encounter next! She has given me the confidence in myself; that with faith and love, I can face the world and overcome any challenges life has to offer!

8) My Grandparents! Their wise words of wisdom and loving guidance throughout the years, has helped me become who I am today; a young women who is strong in my convictions and beliefs who knows right from wrong,, someone who has common sense, and who is an all around loving and caring person.

9) My Nephews! Teague, Corin, (and Cyrus too) They each bring SO much love, light, and happiness into my life. Helping care for them, has helped me gain the confidence I need. Now I KNOW that it is possible for me to care for children of my own someday. As I watch them grow every day, I look at them and think How Can Some People say there is no God?

10) My Freedom! I am thankful to live in a FREE county, in which I have the freedom to choose how I want to spend my time. I am very grateful to all the service men/women, who fight to keep my beloved country free and Safe!

Plans to Carry on Our Polar Tradition :-D

2008-11-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

For my first Relief Society activity as enrichment leader, we are doing a Christmas dinner and a short program. We are going to socialize as Sisters, have yummy food, a little music, and then I am going to share the story of “The Polar Express;” with a spiritual twist at the end.
It is one of my family traditions, to read this story every year. I can remember many a Christmas season, spent sitting by the fire in our P.J’S and listening to the narration of “The Polar Express; while drinking hot coco and looking at the book, with Mom, Grandma and Drew. This has been one of the many traditions’ our family has had, which has meant a lot to me throughout the years. Reading this story was/is always a reminder to “hold on” to the SPIRIT of Christmas all of your life, no matter how old you become. This is something my Mother has always shared with us every Christmas season; “You should never, ever, loose the Christmas spirit…It’s what makes this season special...after all I still believe in Santa!!”
I couldn’t find our copy of “The Polar Express” to share with everyone, so I called Borders bookstore and got a new copy. This actually made me beyond excited, because now I have my own copy of the story that I can take with me; and share with my own family! Now as I embark on the new adventure with my Husband of raising family of our own, we can share with them the many seasonal traditions’ we have each taken part in and enjoyed throughout our lives; as well as create many of our own!
I am Ecstatic to share the holiday season, its many traditions’ and life and ALL it has to offer (the ups and the downs) with my future husband. (and our future sons and daughters)
Along with many other things my family has taught me, I hope to give our children a love for the holiday season and the togetherness it brings. I also hope to instill a love and understanding of the TRUE meaning of Christmas in our children. Much as my parents have given me.

THANKS MOM AND GRANDMA!

(the book is way better than the movie, by far!!)

I HAVE BEEN BLOGER TAGGED!

2008-11-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

I guess I am suppose to give random tidbits of info about myself, so here goes:

Tagged Part 1: Find the 4th picture from the 4th file: This photo is from when Jonathan took me to the zoo, on my last Birthday. It was tons of fun!!

Tagged part two: It is supposed to be crazy 8's but I am just going to do crazy three's.

1. 3 Shows I watch
~Ir's me or the Dog
~Super Nanny/Nanny 911
~Take Home Chef

2. 3 Favorite Restaurants
~Mexico 1900
~Islands
~In-N-Out

3. 3 Things That Happened Yesterday
~Went to Church
~Got a new church calling: enrichment leader (ideas anyone???)
~Watched the fire burn in our fireplace with Jon and Grandma

4. 3 Things I'm Looking Forward Too
~Getting my ring
~Getting Sealed to Jonathan
~CHANGING MY LAST NAME!

5. 3 Things On My Wish List
~That when the time comes, Jonathan will find his dream job, stick with it, and make us good money!
~That the price of rent will go down in California
~That I will have children someday

6. 3 Things I Love
~Family/Friends
~Jonathan
~LIFE!

7. 3 Things I Can't Stand
~Smokers!
~Lies!!
~people with bad manners!!!

3 People to Tag - Your IT!

~Aly, Shannon, and Heather :)

America's Next Top "Mock" Model Will be...

2008-11-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning, I was watching "America's next top model." When Jonathan came over he saw some of it too. He started commenting on how silly he thought it all was; how outrageous, funny, and overdone the whole modeling thing really is.

The next thing I knew, he was standing in front of me, doing all of these hilariously funny poses and action shots!! :-D He had me in tears and gasping for breath, I was LAUGHING SO HARD!!

What do you all think of the Critiques given to my fun-loving, and a little crazy Boyfriend; on "America's next top mock model" by our very own panel of judges:

"Always keep the Clint you are modeling for in mind. It's about what they want. Pull back on showing your Sexiness. It comes naturally to you, don't force it! Too much sexy can actually be a bad thing, high fashion modeling."

"A true MODEL always knows their angles. You nailed it in this shot!!!"

"This shot is fierce!! We can see the intensity written all over your face!"

" Ooh WAY too much backside!! We have completely lost your face in this shot! Remember, modeling is all in the face."

A Forgotten God ...how can we complain?

2008-11-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I received an e-mail, from my best friend’s mom. The e-mail reads as follows:

“IF YOU NEVER READ AN EMAIL, READ THIS ONE!

Subject: Remarks from CBS Sunday Morning (everyone should read!)

I can only hope we find God again before it is too late.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning. Commentary.My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, and ‘Christmas’ trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a preacher, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it’s not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her, 'How could God let something like this happen?' (Regarding Katrina). Anne Graham (Lotz) gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein”

As I read this, it really got me thinking. His words rang very true in my mind and heart! How can we expect God to abide with the world (us) if we constantly push him away? Another question that came to my mind is, How can we live in a truly peaceful world, when we shun the very creator of it? WE CAN NOT AND WILL NOT SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM!
It was comforting to realize that there are others in this world who still believe as I do! We all must remain strong, and have the courage to teach our children that God is central to the reason for this earthly life; despite what the world may think.

It's So True: Nothin' Bout Love Makes Sence!

2008-11-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

To break up the monotony of posting about political issues,
I decided to get a little creative with one of my favorite songs!

Nothin' bout Love Makes Sense
by: LeAnn Rime

Like a cloud full of rain shouldn't hang in the sky

Ice shouldn't burn or a bumblebee fly If you feel so happy, then why do you cry?

Oh nothin' bout love makes sense. Like an ocean liner shouldn't float on the sea A pearl in an oyster or a circus of fleas Someone so perfect can't be falling for me.

Oh nothin' bout love makes sense.

Nothin' bout love is less than confusing You can win when you're losing, stand when you're falling I can't figure it out. Nothin' bout love can make an equation nothin' short of amazing Wish I could explain it But I don't know how The way that we dance, the reason we dream

That big Italian tower, well how does it lean?

Something so strong shouldn't make me this weak

Oh nothin' bout love makes sense
Nothin'bout love is less than confusing You can win when you're losing, stand when you're falling I can't figure it out. Nothin' bout love can make an equation nothin' short of amazing Wish I could explain it But I don't know how.Like the lights of Las Vegas going out on the sand

A jumbo srimp or a baby grand How you're touching my heart

when you're holding my hand
Oh nothin' bout love makes sense Oh nothin' bout love makes sense
Oh nothin' bout love, makes sense No no no, oh it don't make sense.

Our Fight for Prop 8 Continued Before Just Election Day...

2008-11-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Last night Jonathan, Spencer, Skyler, and I continued to help support proposition eight. We stood on the corner, at the interception of Whittier blvd. and Colima. Each member of our stake was asked to do this at some point or another. Every ward in our stake was assigned a certain street corner to stand on, and hold YES ON 8 signs. Jonathan and I stood with other members of our stake. We each held our sign high and said PROUDLY, yes on 8; to the busy motorists and passersby. Other people from our group made sure to stand on every corner of that intersection. As they crossed, they continued to hold up their signs. We had signs that said things like: PLEASE VOTE YES ON 8, PROTECT MARRIAGE, and YES ON 8=RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, PROP 8=PARENTAL RIGHTS, and my personal favorite, HONK IF YOU SUPPORT PROP 8! (There were others too, I just can’t remember what they said) At this time, there were no, NO ON 8 supporters anywhere to be seen.
We got a TON of supporting honks. Cheers, and thumbs up for yes on 8. As time passed though, we got some people flipping us off and yelling. We got the “F bomb dropped on us a quite a few times. Angry people also yelled things like: Gay haters, No on 8, Looser, Bigots’, among many other things. The way I chose to respond to these types of outburst was by saying, “we love you anyway!” This one lady even got her little girl in on the action. They both started yelling obscene things out their car window; asking us, “don’t you have anything better to do with your time?!” Nothing anyone did or said really hurt any of us. I know that this is because we all knew; we were all out doing the Lord’s work. The only thing that hurt me a little was that one lady. How saddening, and unfortunate that a grown woman would stoop to that level, not to mention drag her little girl down with her! Jonathan and I both want to teach our children to learn to respect the opinions of other, much more than that!
We stayed out there from about 4:30-6:30, and then we went to dinner. As we were driving home, we drove through the intersection of Imperial and Beach blvd. There, Jon & I saw some no on 8 and yes on 8 supporters, standing on the same corners together. That is when I and Jonathan got the brilliant idea, to drive back through the intersection; (in all directions) and wave our YES signs out the car window! =) That made the Yes on 8 supporters cheer really LOUD. That made us both happy! A guy driving next to us with his family saw our signs and cheered as well. It was great! We have done all we can do. Now we must wait and see if proposition eight passes! :-/ We will soon know if all our heard work has paid off. I hope it has!
Grandma, Jonathan and I have done our part! I hope y’all have done the same. Remember, it is your duty as an American citizen, to VOTE and make your voice heard!

Who Stole the Candy from the Candy Bowl?

2008-11-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween was quite fun for me this year. I usually stay home and help Grams pass out candy to all the little trick or treat Monsters, Goats, witches, goblins, and other fantasy characters that come in search of something sweet. I was never one for going out to trick or treat myself. I don’t like any kind of candy or sweets all that much, so when we were young my brother and I would go out trick or treating together and we would make a deal every year; as long as I got some of the Reese’s, he could have all the rest of the candy in both of our candy bags. This arrangement work out fine for all the years I can remember. Later on down the road, I became the designated candy passer outer person in our house. While my brother still tried to go trick or treating at way past 18! Some people will always be kids at heart.
This year Jonathan and I passed out candy, at the stake trunk or treat party. It was actually very enjoyable. We both think it is great that the stake has that party every year! There is food, fun and games. It is an awesome way to make sure that all the little kids (and big ones too) have a fun and SAFE Halloween. We passed out candy at the car, got to see all the kids in their costumes, ate yummy hot-dogs, took fun pictures, played around, and got to talk with some friends we hadn’t seen in a while. It was lots of fun! Some of the parents get very creative with their children’s costumes. Let me tell you! There was the cutest little kid dressed up as a picnic-table, with food on it. SO adorable! I WISH I had a picture of it to show, but I don’t.
This year, Jon dressed as a “punker” along with his cousin Skyler. Spencer (Jonathan’s little brother) dressed as a vampire, and little ol’ me? Well, I was a princess of course!! (Very original costumes, I know) AWW, the punker and the princess, PERFECT MATCH! LOL!!
Okay, so I have to tell you all something. This Year we had a Candy Thief! When Grandma returned home from visiting Amy and the kids at Jill’s house; all the candy she was going to pass out was GONE! She had no candy to give to the trick or treaters in our neighborhood. Someone came in the house and took it all!
Alright!! ALRIGHT! So I admit it, the candy bowl thief was me. Grandma and I had a huge misunderstanding. I thought that because I wasn’t going to be here, she wasn’t going to pass out candy after all. I thought she was going to spend the whole evening visiting with Jill, Amy and the kids; I didn’t think she wanted to be alone. I thought that she wanted me to take it to the party, and pass it out there. We needed more candy to pass out, so we came back to my house and got it. Grandma, I TRULY am SORRY for the Halloween mishap! Next year you won’t have to turn out the lights, and pretend you are not home! We will buy our own candy to take with us. SORRY, SORRY, SORRY!
Hey, at least it went to a good cause. The candy made a lot of little kids happy and Jonathan and I had a fun night together!

Amy, Cambria, and Kiera!

The "Punker" and his Princess

Skyler & Spncer

Sexy Scary man!

"What up?!"

Suprise, Suprise!

2008-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Jonny, why did she leave me? that was so much fun!

Dunddle Sleeping on his back.

Come on Libble, play with me!

Lets burry my ball!

On Thursday October 22, Grandma, Jonathan, and I arrived home from Costco, to find luggage on our porch, and Aunt Libbie on our lawn! She came down to surprise Grandma, and have a short visit. Libbie says that when she got here, no one was home. She tried to get a hold of someone in the family, but no one answered; Surprise, surprise, the joke was on her! Poor Libbie had to spend about an hour waiting in our yard. We had a nice neighbor who was out walking his dog; he decided he needed to keep her company for a while, so she had someone to talk to for a bit. It’s lucky we got home when we did, because it usually takes us a very long time to shop at Costco. I’m glad Aunt Libbie didn’t have to wait too much longer.
It was fun having her here. We went out to eat a few times, Libbie and Grandma got to work on some family history and stuff. All n’ all we just got to spend some quality time together. While Auntie Libbie was here, Dunddle (the dog) fell in love with her! He got so much attention, playing and loving. She was trying to fix my comforter one day, and Dunddle thought it was great fun. He would not leave it alone! He kept pushing His ball under it, then getting it out again. Later on that night, he decided he needed to lay on it to sleep. We all laughed because he thought it was all just for him and soon enough, he was out like a light. He stayed there all night!
Libbie stayed for four days. Ever since she left, the poor dog looks longingly at the front door awaiting her return. If Jonny weren’t here to pick up the play in her absence, I am certain Dunddle may die of a broken heart. :(

Killer goose on the loose!

2008-10-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Jonathan and I went to the ducky park in La Mirada. We both like to be outdoors, so this activity makes for an inexpensive fun/enjoyable date. I love to walk the park. It gives us a change of scenery and more uninterrupted time to talk with each other. I also like to stop and feed the ducks in the lake; we like to bring a loaf of bread from the 99 cent only store, to feed the little guys. Right when we take a seat, they all come swarming around us, because they all know whats coming. As soon as you take out a piece of bread from the bag, it is like a Mega Feeding Frenzy! It is hard to tell what has hit you right away. I swear, the animals act like they have never seen, let alone eaten food a day in their lives! Sometimes the ducks will fight each other for one little piece of bread. In fact, the last time we went two of the ducks were fighting, chasing, and trying to drowned each other; over some food and a female.
Ducks are NOT the only animals at the La Mirada Park! There are also Geese! The geese will come right up to you, honking and fighting for food as well. Sometimes the geese get more then a little too close for comfort, in my opinion. Everyone knows that I am very picky, about who I let into my "bubble." To me, geese are loud, honking, space invaders, that will do anything to get your attention; including bite!
I don't mind feeding most of the geese, as long as they keep their distance. Jonathan helps keep them at bay, by walking towards them and pushing them back. Most of them behave themselves. There is this one male goose who I call killer. We think he is the alpha male. The last time we went to the park, he was quite mean! We think, he thought that we were moving in on his territory and stuff. He started hissing, honking, and trying to bit us while getting food. Jonathan almost had to kick him, because he was getting to close to me. He was very aggressive!

This time when we returned on Saturday, we were minding our own business, feeding the other ducks and geese. and I was a little nervous, because they got very close! I was also afraid that killer would come around at any moment. I am scared of hm. The next thing I knew, here he comes running from across the way; Hissing honking, and all! Jon grab me and we had to run, because KILLER WAS CHASING US!!
It was a scary part of the day. Needless to say, I am afraid of all geese!!!! Over all, it was a very fun eventful day. :-)

The Puzzle Pieces of Life

2008-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrate my one year anniversary, of becoming an endowed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! As I look back and reflect, I am amazed at just how much things can change in only one single year! At this time last year I didn’t even have any prospects for a boyfriend, let alone any possible thoughts of an upcoming marriage. I can also say that I was very naive in my true understanding of the gospel; in so many ways compared to now.
I can see that I have truly grown and become more mature in my everyday life, as well as in the gospel. I know that when I went through the temple for the first time, I came to more fully realize, my true propose and potential in life, and in the hereafter. Now that I am more mature, I recognize that I am only beginning to understand and grasp my uniquely divine place in the Creator’s wondrous plan.
I learn something new every time I enter the temple! I love it. I love my Father in Heaven SO much! I know that if I always live worthy of his spirit, he will bless me beyond my comprehension. I know that as long as I repent when needed and strive to do what I know to be right, the Lord will bless me with all the desires of my heart. I know that the puzzle pieces of life will always come together; without fail. All I need to do is PUT MY FAITH AND TRUST IN THE LORD!

Please Answer A Prophetic Call to Action! Yes on prop 8!

2008-10-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

In the family: A Proclamation to the world it states “…The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.”
As we have been told marriage should only exist between a man and woman. This is for the purpose of creating life. Just recently, some judges in this state overturned the vote of the people and legalized same sex marriage in our state. If prop 8, (which says that only a marriage between a man and women is valid or recognized in the state on California) does not pass, then gay marriage will continue to be legal in the state of California. This will have a drastic impact on all of our lives!
If this measure does not pass, then teachers will have to continue to teach our children that homosexual marriage is okay, and that a family can be made up of whatever we choose. Many churches adoption agencies including ours will have to close their doors; because we refuse to adopt to same sex couples. Think of all the children that could have been to given to good families, that will no longer have the chance. The failure of this prop to pass will also result in a restriction of our freedom of religion. If gay marriage stays legal, we will no longer be able to be married in our temples. This is because a sealer will no longer have the authority, by the state to marry anyone; because they will NOT marry same sex couples in our temples! Any Bishop would lose his authority to marry couples as well.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, what we would then have to do to make each marriage legal in the state of California, is we would have to go down to the court house and be married by a justice of the peace, and then go to the temple to be SEALED for time and all eternity. The state can never take away our right to be sealed to one another; because we do not call it a marriage. It is a SEALING. In my opinion, this just adds another step, which we shouldn’t have to take! I have only listed a few things that would change in life, if this does pass. I am sure there are many more.
Opponents of prop 8 say that everyone should be treated fairly under the law. In every domestic partnership a couple has the same right and privileges as heterosexual married couples. It is listed in the Family Code that there shall be no exceptions! The only thing denied, would be the TERM MARRIAGE.
As you can see Satan is doing all he can to tare the FAMILY apart. Because he knows that it is the center of the Creator’s plan! Now is the time to STAND as a light to the world! We must stand strong for what we know to be right and true! Remember, if gay marriage is legalized in California, it is more likely to become legal in states all over the U.S.
Please tell everyone you know AND LOVE that marriage between a man and women is Ordained of GOD! Tell any resident of this state, to PLEASE VOTE YES ON PROP 8, on November 4th! Help keep families together forever!!!

Stand As A Witness!

2008-09-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I know it has been a while since I have written anything. This is because my lovely computer decided to have a complete and total melt down! We hooked up a router, so that Grandma's laptop could have Internet access and my computer didn't like it much. I had to spend some money to update the memory and what not. it was a much larger deal than I thought it was going to be. Now everything seems to be working just fine. ...thank you Uncle Scott & Jonathan! Now I can get back on track with my blog! :)

I lot has happened since I wrote last. The major thing that has kept me from writing is, I started my new College Coarse on September second. This class is entitled "Contemporary Social Problems." After being in this class for a few weeks, I have come to realize that I really dislike it. It is very interesting, but it is hard being LDS and taking this class. Some of the questions are very hard to answer, without interjecting too much of my religion into them. Often times I feel as though my classmates disagree with my answers, and bash me a little for what I believe. I try not to bring up my beliefs, but it's so hard not to, when I am asked to comment on such things as Homosexuality and Prostitution. These are just some of the issues brought up in class. I feel it is my duty as a Doughtier of God, to STAND AS A WITNESS. State where I truly stand on these problems; especially when dealing with these types of issues! This class has kept grandma and I, both very busy. I am not the only one who hates my class. I have let cousin Amy read some of the things that myself and others comment on. She has said "Poor girl, I hate your class and I'm not even in it!"

I completely agree, but never fear; I will make it through! I have Good family, good friends and my strong foundation in the gospel to help me make it. I am grateful for the temple as well. Being able to go there and partake in those blessings, has helped me maintain an even stronger stance on everything I believe.

I am actually blessed to be taking this class, because it has helped me to recognize why the things I believe are so important, why my beliefs are absolutely vital in today's world, and to remain strong and immovable in all things; despite what other around me may say or do!

"We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places; as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity. We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation"

(Young Woman's Theme)

I think that is what makes a true Person Of Character. May we all have the courage to stand STRONG in an ever changing world! This is my prayer.

My Weekend with Vampires and a pack of Wolves

2008-08-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend Jonathan has gone up to his home town of Phelan California, to visit his best friend Chris Gorge. Everyone needs to spend time with good friends. He seemed as though really needed some guy time, and I was happy to give it to him. (trust me) Chris is going to be going into the core. Jonathan wanted to take the weekend to go be with him before he leaves. I'm guessing they are going to do, whatever it is that two guys (with girlfriends) do; like... um... maybe I don't really want to think about what it is that guys actually do, when they are with each other! (lol...Just kidding) All I know is that before he left, Grandma and I both told him to "play safe" and return to us quickly; which I trust that he will. While he is away, I am seriously hoping that for my sake, the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder thing will set in. Lets just say, the more relaxed, loving, and happy he is when he comes home, the better my day goes! Everybody knows, that the better the women's day goes, the better life is all around. ...you all know it's true!
As I was contemplating what I could do to keep myself busy while Jon is gone, I was excited, because I think I will be able to finish "Breaking Dawn!" This is the 4th and final book in the "Twilight" saga, by Stephanie Myer. In my opinion, this book is good and just as exciting as all the rest! I hope to finish it this weekend, but poor grandma starts to go blind if we read together to long; so I will have to wait and see how much we actually get read. In a way I can't wait to see how the saga ends, but I have really enjoyed being able to loose myself in a world of blood sucking, stone cold vampires, phasing, hot blooded wolves, and humans. What a great love story; mixed with action tragedy, and suspense! I've grown attached to Bella, Edward, Jake and all the rest! I haven't read this much since "Harry Potter! (which says a lot, because I am not much of a reader) When this is all over, how am I going to clear my mind? What fantasy world will I fall into next?? We will have to just wait and see. It has to be something really worth reading, to hold my attention. To the characters of the "Twilight" saga, I hope everything works out for the best. I bid you farewell!

Dancing to freedom's song on two new feet!

2008-08-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

As I reflect back on these past few years, and especially these past few months, I realize that I am living a whole new life! Not only has attending the singles ward open many doors and given me tons of opportunities, thanks to my wonderful friends and ward family; dating Jonathan Robbins has broken down the door of opportunity even further! Since dating him, the lightness and freedoms my spirit and body have felt are indescribable, and seem endless! We have gone, done, seen, and said so much! I have never been able to experience this kind of fullness of life, ever before! I see a whole new life laid before me, each and every day! In his eyes, I can see the future I NEVER thought I would get to experience in this life. Even though neither of us is perfect, I am convinced that we are both more than willing to work through the ups, downs, the highs and lows of life with one another. He loves me despite my faults and weaknesses, as I do him. I know Jonathan loves me with all of his heart. He also knows that some day I will be made whole. I know that I am precious in the sight of our Lord. I feel blessed to have found a man, who sees me with eyes near to those of my Father in Heaven. My bug knows that in the next life I will not be restricted We will be able to experience so much more together. I think he will be honored to be numbered in my company, as the man most dear to me! One of the things I love most about Jonathan is he knows, that a loving heart, a willing mind, and a love for our Savior Jesus Christ, are the things that matter most about a person. Everything else falls into place. I truly feel that with this man by my side, I am finally fee to live the life I have hoped for and deeply desire! Jonathan has freed me! With him, I can now DANCE to the songs of life with my (his) two new feet!!!! (I think that only my Mother and Grandma, will be able to truly understand how much that statement means to me) I love my BUG!

Double Dates and Tunnel Vision

2008-08-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Shortly After I received my endowment, I gave a talk in church about going to the temple. As I was speaking, I looked up and could see that a "new guy" that had started coming to the Mar Vista Ward; was staring at me and listing very intently to my words. Every time I looked up, I could feel his eyes on me! After the meeting, He came up to me (Long Hair, Big Beard and all) Shook my hand and thanked me for my beautiful Talk. I can remember he held my hand SO tight! He did not let go until I looked down at my hand. I can also remember this same guy from when I WAS waiting to go into the Bishop's office. A few of us were standing outside his door chatting. Then this guy starts taking about how full beards keep you warm and cosy and are very soft! He kept telling me to touch his face. I finally did, ....ewww! I hate Full Beards! a week or so later, my Friend Amy calls me and says "you have a date on Saturday, we are going to double up, because I don't want to go alone! Jon is bringing his cousin Skyler along for you" I didn't really want to go, but something told me to so I did. To make a very long story much shorter, Jonathan and I ended up being the ones who hit it off really well! We talked the whole night, and all of his attention was totally focused on me! hehehe! We had great conversation, but after going home that night thinking they both were lame because us girls had to pay for our food; the spirit prompted me to give Jonathan another chance. (I Had a hard time understanding why exactly) Which I did. We went out a few more times (alone) and had a blast! We became an item in January and have been together ever since. I truly feel, that because I had now stepped up, and was doing what was right, the Lord saw it fit to bless me with one of my greatest desires; to love and be truly loved in return.

Doing what is Right

2008-08-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, this is my first blog experience. I started one because a lot of my loved ones have been asking me, what has been going on in my life; and I have come to find that this is the best way to keep in touch with most of you. ....The truth is a lot of life changes have gone on recently. I have been attending the singles word for a few years now. Attending my singles ward has helped to give me a lot more self confidence. I am much more out going and have a lot of good friends! I RECEIVED my endowment in October of 2007. That is when I truly discovered that when we take all the step to do what is right, The Lord has promised us he will fulfill our most long awaited, deepest desires! Stay in touch to hear much, much, more!! I love you all!!