Leap of Faith

I am announcing a huge step in my life. I am writing and publishing a book. For those of you who know me this is going to be a book about my testimony and how it was affected by the death of my brother Ben and again with the death of my father.

I am really nervous about this as it is a personal story. I have felt very prompted (or extremely prodded) to get this written and publish as soon as possible. I am praying for the guidance necessary to do this story justice and to acknowledge the help of the Savior and my family in the process. Wish me luck.

New Ward

Sunday evening the Salem 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wards were brought together and divided into four wards.

I have to say this came with great excitement and sorrow. I was so excited to see what ward I would be in but as the new boundaries were uncovered, I was sorrowful to loose some very good friends in my ward too.

I know that this is going to be a new step and exciting but still change is just that....change.

The newest ward is Teton River Ward. I am happy that I will know so many from the previous Salem 3rd Ward. The next two weeks we go to church for just one hour. (Considering that normally church is a 3 hour thing, this is kind of fun.)

Some of the people that I was just casual friends with before better watch out because I am now in need of a best friend in Teton River Ward!! This in no way replaces Melissa, but surely there isn't such a thing as too many close friends. Oh, and by the way, if you are up for volunteering for the BFF position, I am totally looking and just need to find someone who thinks I am as funny as I think I am and doesn't mind talking on the phone. Scrapbooking is a good thing but not required. Dr. Pepper is one of my hugest vices so you have to be willing to overlook this habit. Finally, I kind of have a mild form of turrets. Sorry but it is true. If you can deal with that then I am so looking to find a new friend to do stuff with in Teton River Ward. No application necessary and everyone is automatically accepted.

What Are You Thankful For?

I am thankful for my family, my sweetheart, my Savior, my testimony, my sisters, my friends (you all know I am talking to you), my job, my home, my bed, my crappy car, my clothing, the food I have to eat, my parents, my freedom to worship, the troops who serve in the armed forces, the missionaries of our church, the air I breathe, my life.

Not So Private

So I went private and thought that was pretty boring. I miss some of the people who were commenting that I had forgotten to add. I think the private thing is more of a hassle that it was worth. Besides.....my life is so boring who would want to do anything with my "information" anyway?

I am officially unprivate.

Rocky Mountain "STAR"

Sydney's dance team. She is a Small Star this year.


Ray-Ray, Miana, Brianna, and Sydney



This is the entire team. It is really fun to watch them dance. As you can see, the group is pretty big this year. I even got a bit brave and signed up to do adult hip hop. I really enjoy dancing with the other women and our instructor Michelle is AMAZING!! I keep telling her I need to be in dance special ed but she keeps encouraging me. Maybe I will one day be able to do the entire routine without standing there wondering what I am doing there.

Just Some Photos

Sometimes your family extends to those who you choose not just those you are related to. Here are some of our "family" photos.

The Byrds

The Beagleys

A special thanks to ALL of those who are members of our "family" whether they are related or not. Know you make our lives better because of your love.

About Us

I saw this on Heather's blog and LOVED it so I am copying it.

How long have you been together? 16 years

How long did you know each other before you started dating? 6 months

Who asked who out? Sharman asked me out (I thought he was a geek)

Who made the first move? Sharman of course

Did you go to the same school? Not until after we were married...then we both went to U of I.

Are you from the same home town? No

Who is the smartest? Sharman, definitely Sharman

Who majored in what? Sharman majored in Recreation; I majored in Marriage and Family Studies, Psychology and Sociology

Who is most sensitive? Me

Where do you eat out most as a couple? We don't really ever go out just the two of us.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Hawaii

How many children do you want? We have two adorable kiddos

Who does the cooking? Sharman

Who is more social? Me

Who is a neat freak? Sharman

Who is most stubborn? Me

Who wakes up earlier? Sharman

Where was your first date? We went to a place by his apartment and saw the peacocks and got ice cream.

Who has the bigger family? We both come from families of 6 kids.

Do you get flowers often? I did when we were dating. Now generally once or twice a year.

How do you spend the holidays? We spend it with family. Typically Sharman's as they are much closer than mine.

Who is more jealous? Me

How long did it take to get serious? About 1 1/2 months

Who eats more? Sharman

What do you do for a living? Sharman is an Arborist and I am a Financial Aid Advisor at BYU-Idaho.

Who does the Laundry? Sharman

Who is better with the computer? Me

Who drives when you are together? If it is my car then I drive otherwise it is generally Sharman.

What is "your" song? I Love the Way You Love Me by John Michael Montgomery