It's Finally Done!!

So...not this last year but the year before so 2010, I decided to make my little sister Shami a blanket. As most of you guys know I was still in school and in my last year which was the hardest of the years. Anyways, I finally finish it!!!! It looks amazing and I do have to say that for my first time make a blanket. ^-^ Even though I took so long on getting it done (which I feel really bad about) I am happy that I turned out like the way it did. Here are some of the pictures that I took (along with Shami in them).

Right after I gave her the blanket, she ran got a book and curled up in it and started to read. Fun, huh.

Christmas 2011

So for you that don't know this but Logan and I really have Christmas on two days. Christmas Eve and Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we go to my dad's side of the family for christmas along with a few other people's house. But this year, Korey got to go again along with Amanda, Steve and the kids. It was such a blast. After the Christmas party, we went to my Dad's and talk with Korey up until about 11:30pm. We than left for home because we had a long day a head of us. By the time we got home it was about midnight, so Logan and I decided to open presents from each other. I got a lot of stuff for baking and making flowers for cakes along with a cd, two movies, gift card to B&N and german chocolate (my favorite!!). Logan got a cd, a movie, a card game and lots of candy.

We than went to bed, woke up early and went to church. We than went to my mom's house and handed out presents there to my sister Brooke, brother Char, mom and brad. About 2:30 pm, we headed over to Logan's mom's house. We was there early and Nathan, Kat, and Nat didn't get there until closer to four. Anyways, somehow I ended up fall asleep on their floor and woke up at the moment Nathan and everyone got there. It's was pretty funny but I also felt really embarrassed about it too. We than handed out present and opened them. We also play a few games before we had to go to the next place. It was a blast. The last place that we had to visit was my Dad's house. Again and for the last time this year, we handed out christmas presents. Everyone loved their presents! I know that I didn't get some of the presents done but I will! I was just over packed with things and appointments and watching my niece and nephew. But even though it was hard for me this year, I really did love the holidays and I always will too. I hoped everyone had an amazing Christmas! ^-^

Craziest Christmas Yet!!!

So quick update on what I need to the last week of Christmas. I had to finish make some scarfs and hats, Shami's blanket from the year before. shop for Logan, my mom's scrapbook and a few other family members that aren't so hard to find some thing for.

I think the most important thing this year that I learned about Christmas season is to always shop earlier. I had started all the christmas stuff the day after I graduated from college and I can tell you now that I won't ever do that again. The holiday season is so crazy!!!

Done With School

I have finally finish school!!! I now have an AAS in Culinary Arts along with a technical certification. It feels great to be done with it. Well, for now it is. I still plan on getting a minor in business management so I can run a business. I went to the College of Tech's graduation also on the 5th of December. Only a few people went to the graduation, Logan, his mother Barbara, and my brother Korey. I also forgot to bring my camera with me so I could have someone take pictures for me, so Korey took a few pictures with his phone. At the moment, I do not have those pictures but once I do I will get them posted. I was so happy to be able to share an important moment with my family. ^-^

As of right now, I am working on becoming healthier, so I can reach my other goals.

November Weight Goals

November was a hard month for me in a lot a ways. I've lost weight and lots of inches but it only happen during the beginning of the month and the last two days. I started the month at 184 and I am now down to 182 but I lost enough inches to go down 2 pant sizes (there's a funny story to it too). So overall I weigh 182 and wear a size 30 in pants. Total weight loss is 51 lbs and I have 42 lbs to go. I think the hardest part of the month was Thanksgiving because I love food but most of people now make most of their food from boxes or cans which makes it very hard for me considering that I don't eat anything boxed or canned but I was able to have dessert!! I made pumpkin cheesecake.

Even though I didn't really lost any weight, I'm still happen with losing so many inches. I still having a hard time believe I've lost enough to go down 2 pant sizes. As for the story...well, it's interesting. I went to Vanity and grab the same brand and type and what not. It was a size 32 just to see that I know that it's not just me stretch out my jeans. Well, when I put them on they were smaller...and I thought that I had not lost inches or the weight. So I went to the cashier to see if she can help me out and I told her what happen and she said that the lighter blue jeans of the brand that I use are more like jrs while the dark blue is more for adults. I thought that was the weirdest thing. Anyways, I got the right pants at the size 32 and 31...to my surprise, they were both to big for me! So I went down a size to a 30 and it was a tiny bit big but it wasn't like the other two and I really don't like wearing tight pants. I was really happy now that I had pants that showed off all my work. I almost grabbed a second pair but than I thought "what if I lose more weight to the point that I need to get a small size???", so I just grabbed one pair.

I'm really happy with my progress. I still have a long way to go but I know for a fact that I can reach my goals in the near future. I am bless that this has been a little smooth sailing for Logan and I because at a point I was told that I couldn't have kids but now I know that I will. I await the day to reach my goal! 

Month of Many Blessings

This month as been fulled with so many blessings. I can pretty much tell you that it has been a great month for many reasons. Here is a list of the blessing that I've counted:

1. Korey coming home
2. My thyroid dosage drop twice in the last three months
3. My amazing and understanding doctor, Dr. Laramie Wheeler
4. My amazing and sweet husband, Logan
5. My family
6. My friends
7. The Lord and his many blessings
8. The Temple
9. My new family ward

There's so many things that I have been bless with this last month, that I can't count them all.There wasn't a thing that I would not take back last month. I happy to say that there will be many more blessings in stored for not only me but Logan and I. With the coming of Christmas season and the celebration of Jesus birth and the family time that come with it. Happy Holidays everyone.

For The Next 8 Weeks...

....I will be on a lower dose again!! I am now down to 25mg for my thyroid. I am so happy right now about my health. Everything is going great. I've not checked my insulin for a while but I'm not really worry about it because I'm still losing weight and/or inches. In the beginning of the year, I will have another appointment after get my thyroid checked again. The appointment is on Jan 5th (yes... 2 days before my birthday), my goal again is to get it down to 15 mg. I am scary...especially during the holidays. The up coming holidays has to do with a lot of food and treats, I am hoping that I can't get through it. In a way, I am thinking about just skipping the holidays. I'm really hoping I can make this goal too. I've been doing so well and I don't want to stop. I'm dropping weight at a pretty good pace now.

To tell you, I'm actually really surprised that I have lost so much weight this last 6 months. It's probably going to be maybe another 6 months before I actually heal everything. And now that I've seen what I have done, I am amazed. This has been so hard from me and I hope it gets easier and it may not but I am putting all my faith in the Lord to help me get through it. It will also take a lot of prayers to help out too. ^-^ Well, I will report next month on how I am and what I am.

Korey is HOME!!

The day before Korey got home, I got together with Brea and Shami so we could make his homecoming poster that we took 2 1/2 hours to make (can you guys believe that!) I do all the big words and what not and the girls did the rest of the post with really funny things. We had such a blast hanging out and do it together. We really haven't got together for quiet a while...I think the last time we did something like that was last Christmas or sometime like that. I'm not sure...anyway.

Korey arrived home 20 minutes earlier than plan because the plane got here faster. He arrived at 8:50pm on November 9th ( this almost sounds as if he was just born, not coming home...funny) and boy was there a crowd. Mostly family came and support us and so did a few of Korey's friends...even Korey's bishop stop by too. After an hour, we all decided to go home. There were a few people who cried when Korey started giving out the hugs...I did which surprised me. Shami was also the first one to get a hug from Korey than any one (which by the way, she cried the hardest out of everyone). I guess I have a really great bond with him without even know.  Logan and I went to Dad's to hang out with him for a while with the girls and Dad. We (Logan and I) actually stay there until 2 in the morning talking about his experiences and family and friends. I probably should have gone home sooner because I had a doctor appointment the following morning. But for some reason I could not leave him...in some ways I thought I was just daydreaming about the whole things but I wasn't. Anyways...the pictures that I have are blurry because Logan doesn't know how to used my small camera. Here you go. ^-^

Logan's Birthday

For Logan's birthday (which was October 28th) we didn't really much. He also didn't really want to do anything because he was busy with school, unfortunately. Since we didn't do much I made sure that I got him a present at least. I ended up get him a favorite movie from his childhood from Disney and considering his favorite holiday, I got him "A Nightmare Before Christmas". He really loves that movie because of a lot of reasons. He also got a fun card game from Nathan, Katlin and Natalie. He got a few happy birthday cards in the mail from a few family members from out of state.

We also had a great surprise visit too. Kristi stop by to say hi for a moment with her boyfriend, Brendan. It was sad that they couldn't stay and talk longer. It would been nice to finally get to know him and everything but than again we was also in a hurry to be somewhere.  ^_^

After they left we finish getting ready and headed over to the temple for a session that was very much needed (and to tell you the truth, it would be nice to go again soon). We also invited Barbara (Logan's mom) to come with his and I am happy that we did. It was nice to go through with family. It was also nice to go to the temple after 2 years (sad, I know and we should have gone more often but living out of town makes things a lot harder). After a session, we went downstairs and ate the delicious temple food!!! It's the second best part of about the temple in my opinion. ^-^ I loved the feeling of going with my husband and a family member. It was one of my high lights for the month. I hope we make another trip to the temple sometime soon. 

October Weight Goals

October was a good month in a way. This month I started at 189 and I got down to 184 but unfortunately Halloween decided to mean (more of the fact that there was candy in my house and everyone was eating it which made me want to eat a lot too). Right now I am at 186. I'm still losing a lot of inch more than weight at the moment still. I can actually fit better in my size 31 pants...I still have a little roll but not much so I getting really happy. I'm really hoping that I can be the the 70's or so next month. With Korey coming home maybe I'll start working out with him. I'm not sure yet. I think I am going to start working out somewhat on Tues and Thurs starting next week. I'm thinking that I'm going to start doing what I did in high school. I hope it will help make this go faster. I'm also thinking that I will do a few other things but right now I going to take this slowing.

Oh! I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. I will be seeing if we have to make any changes with my thyroid again. I'm hoping for the better. Cross your fingers! ^-^

Korey's Last Email

Can you believe that Korey is coming home next Wednesday!!! I can't and can! I missed him so much. He's done such a great job during his mission and we are all proud and happy to see him again. I still have to make his home welcoming banner some time soon. I'm trying to get my little sisters to help out but I don't know if they will or not. I'll see in the next few days. Plus I need to make sure I wrap his birthday present from May. ^-^ So much to do in so little time ^-^.  Anyways, here's his last email to all of us.


"Wow, I can't believe it has been two years already and then again I feel it as well it has been a long time since I have been home.  I am making sure that I am working as hard as I can out here and not let the fact that I am going home next week get to me.  It can be quite a challenge when everyone around you is always asking me how far away airplanes are, mission joke I can explain it latter.  We went to the temple today and everyone who goes home next week had the opportunity to go into a meeting with the temple president together.  It was really cool since how yesterday the old temple president left and now there is a new one.  Also because he himself presided over this area a while ago as a mission president as well except when the Washington DC North, South, and Baltimore mission were all one in the same.  Because of him and his wife we have what is called the "Festival of Lights" every Christmas and "Why I Believe" every month.  Tomorrow I get to go for my final interview with our mission president President Matsumori, I am very excited for that it will be a really amazing experience.  I am going to make this last week a good one and then I will see all of you shortly.  Love you all."

-- Elder Korey Danklefsen

Halloween 2011

Well this Halloween was very fast and weird. Both Logan and I was really busy with many things including the homecoming of my little brother Korey. We didn't really celebrate this year because of many reasons. Logan's been really busy with rebuilding his pool table that he brought for himself for Father's Day. Anyways, in a way his birthday was Halloween-ish. I got him The Nightmare Before Christmas for a present.

Anyways, we went and brought a lot of candy for Halloween because there are a lot of kids on our street but we only had 7 visits. It was really weird. I was so surprise but then I started to think. Over the weekend, there were a lot of Halloween things that happen in town because it was the weekend. I guess it's a good thing concluding I didn't think about getting a costume this year (or the last or the year before that...........). So we have this huge bowl of candy that I have to give a way by the end of the day or I'm going to start eating it when I know that I shouldn't. So...if anyone wants the candy give me a call. If not then I'll probably drop it off at the pool by the end of the night.

Day 8 of San Diego Vacation - Cale's Graduation and Sea World

We went back to the Marine Corp Boot Camp the following day. We was only there long enough to watch Cale graduate and to help get his things ready to go. Anyways, he graduated very proud. Actually we all was very proud of him. Here's a picture of him:

 

Again, we are all very proud of him. Here are a few more pictures from the graduation nothing to much because it was kind of like the day before so there's not much to show you.

All the battalions

Battalion 1030

After the graduation, we ended to up helping get Cale's stuff so he can take off with his Dad. We had to be back to the spot where we was dropped off so we can go back to the motel. After we got back we decided to go back to Sea World so I can see the Shamu and Dolphin show again. I really didn't get to see them because I was always taking the pictures. We also went back because we missed some the last time we went. Oh...and we got some presents too. It was so much fun. I love being able to watch everything. I loved it. 

Day 6 of San Diego Vacation - Touring the Harbor

When we tour, we didn't do the whole Harbor. There is way too much visit for one day. We did get a tour around the harbor in a boat. I took way too many pictures even for me...and I don't know if I could even post most of them. There were many navy ships and other military things. I was surprise to know there was so many things from the military. The picture to the right is a old Navy ship that is retired. It is called "Midway". We went on the ship because Logan was looking to it so much. It was hard for me because of the smell, it made me very sick. So I stay where I can have fresh air while Logan went and looked around and explore.

We than went on a cruise ship It went around the North of the harbor and the South. It was really nice. There was so many thing that was amazing. Here are some pictures from the cruise. Again there where way too many pictures so I can't post all of them.

Anyways...while we was on the boat, the view was amazing! To see all those buildings and so high too! I could never really be on the top floor of one those...but they are pretty amazing. And there was the bridge too. It was pretty big. We didn't get to go on the bridge or go across. It's pretty amazing. As you can see from the picture, it's huge! I couldn't believe that there was a bridge this. I wished that we could of gone but we never got the time to go over it and what not.


In the end, it was a lot of fun and beautiful. I glad we went to the harbor.

Neglecting Myself

Recently I've notice that I have really neglected myself since I started college and working full time either in voluntary work or jobs/internships. Since the beginning of starting to get healthy I've also neglected myself in some ways. I was worried about everyone or everything else more than my health or me. In fact, it got to the point where even though I really help others, I was being used to much for way to many things that I shouldn't let happen. I'm really starting to learn that I may like to put everyone or everything else in front of me but I also need to really think about myself. I have my own goals to reach, not only for the present but for the future too. I know that this is going to be one of the hardest things for me just because I always valued others than myself especially all those people who have or will have everything they wanted. But now I know it's not easy for everyone. Everyone has their own problems may it be health, family or themselves.

I now know that I NEED time for ME. I NEED to tell people ever now and than NO instead of always saying YES. I need to be there for family but in a way that I WON'T get hurt or used, as the same with friends. I need to be able to be STRONG not only for me but for my future self. I need to have FAITH in myself with my studies and more. I need to SUPPORT my husband and me in a way that only I can. I need to be POSITIVE about what to come and DEAL with my trials in a way that doesn't stress me to the fullest. I need to learn to be able to TALK to people and tell them what I really feel about something or someone. In a way, I have to make a LOT of change but I have come a long way. I need to ACCEPT myself. I am hoping with all these goals that I may be able happy with myself and not always belittle myself.

Day 7 of San Diego Vacation - Marine Corp. Boot Camp

We got up early and got ready. We wanted to get there early but unfortunately the shuttle service was very behind on schedule and we ended getting there an hour later than we wanted. When we got there, we meet up with my little's brother's dad Carl (he is not my father but we share the same mom) and his wife Sandy. We then went by where the graduation was at. All the recruits were suppose to run a mile before being released to clean up. When I saw him I cried and I could tell that his can become such a gentlemen. Again, after the mile the recruits when and cleaned up and we meet them all at the spot where they would be graduating the next day. They than had a small talk with the parents and the recruits. 

He is the first one in the back

 As soon as they released them, everyone ran to see their loved ones...including me. I was so surprised. I was crying and  I couldn't make myself stop. I missed him so much. We then when to a lunch that the LDS Church had provided (that's correct...he was still attending church while in boot camp). We sat and talk for a while about everything and everyone and what he hope to do and what he will be doing in when he went back to work for the Marines. I was so proud of him when I heard that he was was one of the highest rank recruits in his battalion. He ended up getting to rises in the last week. Anyways, while we were in the lunch, the church had a tradition.

These recruits are all of the LDS members who finished boot camp.

The generals there introduce themselves along with their rank and how long they have served in the Marines. Afterwards, they then would give a small history lesson about the church in the service of the Marines. 

This is Cale introducing himself to everyone at the lunch.

The general was cutting the cake with a marine sword...I thought that was pretty cool.

Than the general asked the recruits to state their names, ranks, where they were from and where they will be going.



















After the introduction, they ended the tradition with the cutting of the cake with a Marine's sword. Overall, it was very touching to see and learn what the church does with services.


The Marine Corp Base was an experience that I never thought I would enjoy being there....when I heard that Logan wanted to stay there while we are down there, not only did it scary me but I didn't want to end up seeing my brother everyday and cry every time I saw him. But to tell you the truth, I'm glad that I saw my little brother, Cale, graduate from boot camp. He's turn into such a gentlemen and cares so much for so many people. I think that when he got in to the marines that he thought about his family and his future family. It's not everyday that you can protect your love ones all the time from so many things. And I also notice what so many men and women do to protected their country.

High School Years

Today, I was doing some cleaning and saw my high school year books. I pulled out my senior yearbook and started looking through it. I still remember being silly and enjoy myself back with many old friends. It was also weird that it wasn't that long ago but in a way it is. I remember eating with so many friends, talking about guys, and all that fun stuff. To tell you the truth, I would have to say my senior year was full of so many memories. I got to know a lot of people that I never thought I would get to know. I also thought that I would never make it to a prom in my high school years but I got the courage to ask Logan (not my husband) to sweet hearts. Now that night was fun...along with so many swim meetings. I also loved my job so much at the time too. There were so many nights that we would just hang out and talk or play water games. Let see...it's 2011, so it's almost been 5 years since I graduate from high school. Man....I feel old. Since than I haven't really kept in touch with a lot of people but I still have my very close friends still. Kristi and Brooklin are both in Utah. Kristi is finish up school here soon and Brooklin is married and loving her marriage. I still keep in touch with some of my guys friends too...like Logan and Kyle (both from IF High School). Logan lives in Utah too (sheesh, Utah is such popular ^-^) and Kyle is in Pocatello. And to think that our 5 year reunion is coming up is really weird too. I will have to see how everyone is doing and what they have been up to.

September Weight Goals

So...September as come and gone. It's time for the monthly report on my health. Last month I was weight at 189....well now I only lost 2 lbs but I lost so many inches around my waist and thighs. I right now I wear a size 33 pants but I can wear a size 31 now...only I have a doughnut-top which is embarrassing but I am going to lose it. I may not have lost a lot of weight last month but my body started to work again! Unfortunately at the wrong time did it start to work. Anyways, Dr. Wheeler said everything is going really great...a little faster than most of her patients. Logan thinks that around Valentine Day I should be down to 140. I'm kind of hoping that I can met my goal at 135 for Valentines day. I hope to have more good news next month.

Short Visit w/ Dr. Wheeler

I visited Dr. Wheeler a few weeks before I had an appointment with her. To my surprised, she had some good news in store for me. Just like any visit, I got my vitals done and than I waited in her room. I waited only 2 minutes before she got to the room ( which is one of the thing I love about her being my doctor...I don't wait at all). She was so surprise of my weight lost since the last time I was in which was a little more than a month ago. To her records, I had lost 6 lbs since the last visit but to my weight scale I had lost 10 lbs. She was so impress with my process that I have made. She said that I was one of her better patients for actually sticking to the treatment plan (believe me when I said I am really proud of myself). She also told me that my thyroid was doing really great to this point. So she decided to start taking me off my thyroid medicine little at a time. She said if we want to I can have some more good oils in my oils treatment. I'm thinking about doing it because I really want to get better and not have to take my medicine anymore. Right now, I am taking my thyroid 50 mg one day and 25 mg the other day. The first week of November I have to go get my thyroid checked again to see if it's still stable. I than meet up with Dr. Wheeler on the 10th so we can than talk about my lab results. And from there we will know what to do.

Anyways, now I am one step closer to making my goals....well actually our goals. We are one step closer to having a family. ^-^

Day 9 & 10 of San Diego Vacation - San Diego Temple and Coming Home

For the last two day of our vacation, we didn't really do much. I got really sick on Saturday morning so we was only really able to go to see the San Diego Temple towards night time. It was beautiful even if we only got a few moments because we both read the bus shuttle wrong. So we ended up getting to the temple and back within 17minutes when we still had 30 minutes to look at the temple some more. I wasn't able to get many pictures at this temple but here is one of them. Even through we didn't get much

time to walk around, it was nice to see a new temple. This temple kind of remind me of the Salt Lake Temple in some ways. I love seeing all these temples.

Anyways, after we got back we decided to pack up most of our stuff besides what we needed the next day and getting ready for our long trip back to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Sunday was a really long day not only because we were traveling back to Idaho but because we visited some family while we was in Utah. We stop by Logan's grandparents and one of his aunts to see how Nathan, Katlin and Natalie were doing since they moved to Utah. We started by getting ready for the day and waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the airport...which by the way, we was almost late getting there because the shuttle was taking so long to pick us up. We got through the airports really fast and we even arrived back in Utah 20 minutes early. Lucky for us Susan was there when we got off the plane. Anyways, we went back to Logan's grandparents and told them about our vacation. Soon after that we stop to see Nathan and everyone else. They were slowly getting used to the big city life. We didn't actually start leaving Utah until 8 or 9 o'clock after we stop and got some dinner. We arrive in Idaho Falls after one.

From the whole trip, I really loved the scene and the warm weather. It was so green and the ocean was so beautiful, too! I would love that kind of scene here but we wouldn't get as green. I already miss San Diego, even if it's a huge city. I can't wait until our next vacation!! Logan was told that we will be going to Puerto Rico in June for a whole week and all we have to pay for is my plane ticket there and back. I bet that it's going to be just as beautiful as San Diego.

Day 5 of San Diego Vaction - Museums Marathon

Well, this day was pretty weird...I had gotten sick in the morning from all the heat and what not. It was ONLY 72 degrees and I got sick?? I'm so weird. Anyways, we ended up going to about 1/3 of the museums because I was sick and in a way...their museum aren't all that. Anyways, there were a few that we like. Unfortunately, we didn't get around to all the museums...I feel bad because we didn't get to the ones Logan was so looking forward too. Later he found out that they didn't really have anything new that he hasn't seen before. There was one museum that actually caught our eye. It's kind of like ours where there's a bunch of exhibits in one big building. In the basement, they were showing an exhibit that was about gems and we not talking cheap gems...it's the priceless one. Everything was so beautiful! It was so weird to see so many guards in one place. Anyways, we ended up buying a few things at a U.N. store. There were a lot of stuff in there...

Anyways, here are a few pictures of the trip at the museums and a slide show of the some of the gems we saw.

Day 4 of San Diego Vacation - Sea World

On Monday September 12th, Logan and I went to Sea World.It was so cool to actually go there. For the longest time I wanted to be a marine biologist (which is another story) and so seeing all the marine life was pretty amazing to me. Logan thought I was acting like a little kid the whole time we was there. I couldn't help it! We were able to watch the Shamu show and the dolphin show. Logan and I both agree that the whale do an amazing job at break dancing...well, that's what it looks like to us. ^-^ I also got to pet a dolphin!! I was so surprise when she come up to me and let me pet her!! I also got to feed the sea lions...and meet my worst enemy too!! Who would of though a mere bird would attack you over a fish that's 5 or 6 inchs long??? ^-^ The only thing that I didn't get to do that I wanted to do want swim with the dolphins...it was so much for just an hour. I'm hoping if we go to a Sea World again, we will have enough money planned for it.

It was such an amazing experience and I have to thanks Logan for being a great husband.

I decided to put just a few of my favorite pictures on the blog, because I  have over thousand from Sea World. I know...kind of crazy. But we enjoyed it alot.

Shamu Stadium

Dolphin Feeding & Petting Stadium

This birds end up being my enemy by the end of the day

Dolphin Stadium