My Dog Loves Me!

I had the experience of spending a bit of time with my family's dog today. She is a friendly dog, and I got a lot of that friendliness today. She decided to sit on my lap and have a little cuddle. The thing is, Missy is a boxer...not a small dog, but she still hung out on my lap and gave me some special kisses. Oh my, I have never experienced such a thing in all my life! She is a loving dog and showed me that love today. She also left a little part of herself in the form of dog hair ALL over me! I sure do love my dog.

She also likes to sit like a person when she is on her couch. She looks like a person sitting there, waiting for something to happen!

Oregon!

I am now in Oregon. It was an uneventful ride up to Oregon from Woodland. For most people, this is an expected thing, but if you know me and my traveling history, this is actually a cause for celebration. Go ahead, break out the streamers and party hats! It is interesting living at home again, as I have not been here for more than a week or so in over 5 years. I have 2 kids that both love to talk to me, and sometimes, more often than not, they try to do it at the same time. We are learning about taking turns! I love being with my mom and dad, that is for sure!

The ward is plenty nice and definitely friendly. They are all so excited for me and I just hope that I can remember people and get to know them.

The temple was wonderful! I met some lovely people there, and I can't wait to go back so I can pay more attention to what is going on instead of being a little nervous about all that would potentially happen...you know what I mean!

ANOTHER transition...

So my time in California is rapidly coming to an end! I can't believe that it has already been 3 weeks! My parents are coming in to town tomorrow, I get to go to the temple on Thursday morning and then we head on up to Oregon! I am excited and nervous (in a good way) about the changes that are this week!

I have loved being here and seeing people from my past! I have seen my family, those who I have loved like family, friends from high school, people from church, and random people I know! I got to see "The Drowsy Chaperone" with GILBERT BLYTHE...I mean Jonathan Crombie, try sushi, go to In-N-Out twice with Linda, read some good books, relax, and hang with my family!

I realize how blessed I am to be able to connect with those that have touched my life and helped me along my path, sometimes without me really realizing the influence they have had on me. I am grateful to be able to thank them for the impact they have made on my life and use their continuing example in my future!

It will be interesting to transition once again to living with my parents and with Derek and Emalee. I haven't ever really been with them for an extended period of time and this will be an adventure, to say the least!

Roots

I am back in Woodland, CA for 3 weeks! It is kind of strange to go back to the place you grew up when your parents no longer live there. Yes, 2 of my siblings still live here, and another was here until a little over a year ago, but it is still strange to be somewhat out of the loop of things. Another crazy part is the kids growing up! I see kids in my ward at church who were itty bitty when I left who are now real people! (oh you know what I mean) I am still not adjusted to the fact that I am not going back to Utah until I go to the MTC in February. I miss it~strange, I know! I think it is more the people I miss...you know who you are! Anyway, it is good to come 'home' before I leave for such a long time!