Twinkies!!

Welcome to the fiesta!

In 1994, I was serving a mission in San Fernando CA for the LDS church. I was in Palmdale... and there was a family there that "adopted" the sister missionaries... Toby and Gabby Ramirez. There is no possible way to describe how I felt with their family... other that completely loved! This is one of the most amazing families on the face of the planet! I will admit I probably spent a little more time at their home than I should have... but what can I do about it now?!

They have twin daughters... Angie and Nellie. Gabby calls them her "twinkies". This weekend, we celebrated the twinkies coming home fom their full time missions! They both served in different missions in Texas: Houston, and McAllen.
Angie & Nellie

They have other beautiful children also... Mandy who is all grown up and married now to Brandon. I love them soooooooooooo much!

Mandy & Brandon

And then there's Nefi. He was about 2 years old when I was on my mission, and I have the cutest picture if him sitting on my lap. Now he's all grown up too- and a senior in high school. He is one of the most "travieso" kids I know... that means trouble-making, practical joking... I think he is the best! This weekend, someone suggested that I pick him up- just like "old times" for a picture... so I did. We all had a good laugh. Then- HE PICKED ME UP! Want to talk about laughing until you cry?!

Bianca and Chelsea, Gabby and Toby's nieces live with them also. I have to say... they are just adorable girls! I loved getting to know them better. I sort of helped them make a fruit punch- it was REALLY GOOD! They did the work... I just "helped" if you know what I mean.

Chelsea & Bianca... in the middle

I love Gabby and Toby. I wish everyone I know could meet them and know just how completely amazing they are! Toby is like a big old teddy bear... who you can talk to about anything. We had the best talk Saturday afternoon- he gave me some really good advice to follow, whice I really appreciate. Gabby- my favorite Gabby in the whole world! I ADORE HER! I wish the whole world could know her- we would have a better world if everyone did. She is the best!!!My favorite Gabby

Toby- the big teddy bear in the back row!

WOW!

More than 20 years ago, I had a really good friend, Jeff. I haven't talked to him since 1992 or so, and we lost contact for a very long time. This past weekend, he found me on facebook. The only way to describe how I am feeling is WOW! We have been talking on the phone the past couple of days, and it has been amazing.

There has been a lot of life that has been lived by both of us. I have been through ups and downs... things he hasn't been there to experience with me. He has been through many ups and downs also- things I could never imagine. What is absolutely amazing to me is that in being reunited with him, the 'me' he remembers is the teen-age girl before many life struggles came my way. It has been so amazing to see that part of me again- and have a friend who knows that part well. It is so mind-boggling to realize that part of me is still in there... and really wants to be seen again!

Sometiemes, when we go through things in life, we hide our authentic self- behind a layer of 'armor'. We feel we are protecting our heart from getting hurt. What really happens is we are hiding our true self deeper and deeper behind layers of pain. We use those layers as a protection- not letting people see who we truly are in our heart, not letting them know our deepest desires. I know I have done this in my lifetime. I know exactly when I started trying to protect... or hide... myself, and I have seen the person I have become because of it. I have been a good person- but not complete.

There is a book, "The Knight in Rusty Armor" by Robert Fisher. I absolutely recommend it to everyone! It's a really quick read, but also very profound. One line, on page 9, has struck home to me this week... "One never knows be it days, weeks, or years, when the pupil is ready, the teacher appears." Finding Jeff is like finding that teacher. He is helping me remember the innocent, fun, cute part of me that I had hidden. The teacher has appeared for me- and I have to say, this is really fun! I am so excited to remember this part of me... WOW! What a journey this is going to be!!!

Thanks for finding me Jeff!

What a trip so far...

Zane and I are in Las Veags. Our teen- age friends who live with us had a school sponsosred trip to see a couple of shows, and were in need of extra chaperones. Their mom came as well, and this has been absolutely amazing! Of course we were hard pressed (ya right!) to come down and have to see KA and Phantom of the Opera... and hang out with a bunch of the most amazing high school kids I have ever met. I would do it again in a heart beat!

KA was amazing. There is simply no way to describe how the entire stage floats on the air, moving here and there... and the actors were flying, doing acrobatics right over my head- we were 6 rows from the front! I highly recommend it!

Now Panhtom of the Opera on the other hand... no words could posily descrobe the experience! The drama teacher who was in charge of the trip has a friend in the cast. The performance was absolutely out of this world amazing! After the show, we waited in the theater and got to meet Ben, the friend. As we were asking him questions, the girl who plays Carlotta cam on the the stage... and she came and spoke to us too!! She was beautiful! I will post pictures on my blog later when I get the chance.

Then the most amazing part of all. Daniel, one of the theater techs, had come out before the actors to tell us they were on their way. After the actors went home, he asked if we would like a tour of the stage. That's a duh! We spent about an hour and a half on the stage! I got to touch the boat, (which cost $250,000!) learend how it works, see all th scenery hanging from the rafters... learned how everything works. It was mind boggling!! I am not sure there are too many people inthis lifetime that get the oportunity to do that! We also got to feel the material they use for the Phanton's scar on his face... that was a little gross.

One of of the girls who live with me is an amazing singer. She stood on the stage and sang "Over the Rainbow" and her voice filed the entire auditorium. That was amazing! The other cute girl that lives with us is just adorable, and a quite petite. Daniel called her a midget. It was hilarious!

Of course there is more to tell, but these are just the highlights so far. More will be coming...

Friendly admirations!

Today I had a friend share something with me that is very personal, and very painful for them. The comment was made "I would understand if you want nothing to do with me ever again."

I want you to know, my friend - and this is for ANY friend of mine - I will always love you. We may not always see eye to eye on things, but I will always be there for you: through the good times, the bad, and the difficult times. To me, friends are not people that you take lightly in life. A friendship is an unwritten commitment in my heart forever. Seasons come and go, flowers bloom and die... but a friendship is something more precious than gold. My friends might make choices that I do not agree with, but how does that make them any less of a friend today than it did yesterday? They are still the same person, they are just experiencing their life in a way that I choose not to. It isn't good, it isn't bad... it just is.

I wish all my friends in this world could meet this one particular friend... they are so amazing! There is nothing like being with them to make you feel happy, light-hearted and free. I want you to know, friend, that you are absolutely wonderful. There is a very special place in my heart for you. I will be your friend forever... I guess you are stuck with me!!!

"Dance with life...
Feel the rhythm in your feet
And the music in your soul!" - Brittany Gonder

Photo Journal

"The reflections of a million years can never be seen or heard
in the images we percieve as truth, as real, as life." -Brittany Gonder

Kolob Canyon

Zion National Park

Snow Canyon

I have had an amazing week. I am amazed at the absolute beauty that we can find all around us. There are times, I realize, that I haven't taken the time to stop and see the wonder that God has created. All creations are there for us te be reminded of God's great love for each of us. Each day, as we acknowledge beautiful things, we are, in essence acknowledging God. Today I will take the time to slow down, see the beauty, and take the time to share it with those I love.