tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51755506052497647402024-02-07T02:26:26.797-07:00Beautifully Inspired MarieLife's ups and downs, life's funniest fails, and life's greatest victories. This is my life.The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-84168803581324797392017-07-05T21:19:00.003-06:002018-04-01T23:28:27.176-06:00LONDON!!!!!<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry it has been a little while since I posted. I have meant to get on here a lot sooner to post all of my stuff for my Europe Trip. I had such a blast on my trip. I have forever been changed! I am working on my next adventure to Europe I will go again next year don't know when or where yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will do a post for each area I went to so I will have 4 posts. So for only a few days was I actually good at writing in a journal in Europe besides pictures. So I will share those tidbits and some other things from London. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 1&2 </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sitting in my swat on the plane heading to Chicago. We haven't left quite yet but I'm sitting here fidgeting and bouncing my leg. I have a window seat, there are two windows for me to look out at and all I see is everything cold and wet. Not to concerning weather but enough to give a slight delay. I'm sitting next to a lady and sometimes when you look at someone you wonder what kind of life the live. She is dressed in black with multiple piercings, her hair is long and you can see just a kind of blue underneath her hair. I can imagine she has a cute tattoo that means something on one of her covered shoulders or arm. I picture her as a manager in a retail store maybe. She pulled out a notebook and is writing so maybe she is a freelance writer of some kind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lady next to her, is an older woman who is knitting. I imagine she is on her way to see a new gran-baby and is making a blanket. She doesn't look very old she reminds me of my mother in her physique. She has the big grandma bag full of different things like Mary Poppins might have. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a little while my neighbor and I started talking I found out she is an assistant manager for TJMax. The older lady had just been visiting her new gran-baby and was heading home. She was knitting a dishcloth. So I was pretty good at guessing a little bit of their lives. My neighbor we started talking and she told me she was writing a book with her husband. She told me a little bit about it and how he came up with the idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally landed and my next flight was already starting to board. So I ran to the bathroom and then boarded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am by a window again but I feel like my space is slightly smaller. I'm sitting next to a Jewish couple and it is interesting. They really don't have a desire to talk to me which is fine. This flight I have a screen in front of me and it has tons of movies to choose from. I ended up watching Collateral Beauty and Rogue One both of which I haven't seen. They served us dinner it came with the flight and it was pretty good. It was chicken and mashed potatoes. There was also a little brownie piece which was delicious lol. It has been a very long 7.5 hour flight. I only have an hour left I am currently flying over Ireland. I look down and can actually see the windmills turning. They gave us a "breakfast snack". I am now flying over England. I will be landing in about 38 mins. I am watching Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them to pass the time. Back home in Salt Lake it is 1 am. I haven't had a lot of sleep I am really tired but I won't be getting to my Hotel until 10 pm tonight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I landed at 11 am, I now just have to find something to do until my flight to London at 8 pm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I walked around and found a quiet spot at the end of the airport and curled up and fell asleep on and off. Then I called my mom and talked to her for a while and went to a cafe and got a ham sandwich and a chocolate croissant. Then after a little while I went back to my little corner and actually fell asleep for about 3 hours. I woke up at 6 pm and got up and got ready to go find my terminal. Little did I know it would be more confusing than I was told. I ran around talking to one person to another worried and on the verge of tears. Finally found a security guard who spoke decent English that was able to help me. I had to run to catch the train to go to Terminal 3 and I was at 2. Caught the train then had to go out and follow the airport around and cross the road. Ran inside and had to go through customs for a second time in less than 10 mins. Then had to go through security for the 3rd time in 24 hours. I finally made it to my gate and had to take a bus to my plane. There isn't a lot of people on this flight so it's only an older gentleman and I in our row and he let me have the window seat when I was assigned the aisle seat. The flight is only an hour and I leave Paris time at 8:20 and will arrive in London at 8:20 it's almost like I never left đ. I am almost to the end of my traveling for a few days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally landed in London and now have to take the train to my hostel. On the platform I met two ladies that were kind to let me sit with them and talk. They were funny and gave some great tips about London and what I should do. When I was done riding the trains and was walking the little bit to my hotel it was very late but it was fun looking at everything that I passed. I can't believe I'm in London! I had the iconic red buses passing me and I just love it here. I also made it to my hostel just before 12 am.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that was only day one and two of just traveling đ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I got up at 6:30 and took a shower and felt much better after my day and a half of traveling. Afterwards I was trying to find some WiFi so I could get my phone working and find a Vodafone. So I went the only way I knew. Towards the station where I got off to go to my hostel. So I head over there and hop on the jubilee. There were several stops I knew only one of them and that was the one I got on at. So I'm looking at the stations it goes to and I feel like my best bet is getting of at Waterloo. So I did. I go upstairs and there is a McDonald's and since I used to work at a McDs I knew they had public WiFi. So I get a pasty from next door and sit in McDs and get on Citymapper and find the closest Vodafone which is in Covent Gardens Market. So I walk over there and they don't open until 10 and it is almost 9 am. So I go walking around and find lots of little stores. As it got closer to opening time I walk around by the store. There was a store across the street called Hobbs that was an expensive clothing store. There was a cute t-shirt dress that I loved but in American dollars it was 100. And I couldn't bring myself to pay that much so I left. I went across the street and did what I came to do. I went to Vodafone and talked with the employee and figured out what was the best thing for me to do plan wise. Payed 20⏠and got a plan. I can't believe that is way less than what I spend on my phone plan at home and this plan gives me more! One reason to move to Europe đđ. After that was done I decided to go to Portobello road but the first place I clicked was the wrong one. But on my way there I rode a Double Decker bus for the first time. Got off and walked to where it said to go on my map and figured out then that I was at the wrong place đ. Wasn't a bad neighborhood or anything just wasn't what I wanted. So I click the right place and find out that all of the neighborhood bus stops are closed because of the construction nearby. So I run up the hill to the next stop passing my bus on the way. Get on the bus and finally make it to where I wanted to go Portobello rd. I walk around and looked in some stores. I walk in one clothing store because there was a cute cherry dress that I wanted to look at and I go to leave and it is all of a sudden hailing!!!! It stops a few minutes later and I go walking around again. After a bit I decide I want to go see the London Eye. So I hop on the bus and ride over to Big Ben. Walk around there for a little bit then decide I need a nap lol. So I go back to the hostel and take a 2.5 hour nap. I get up and it's now 7pm so I go to find some dinner. I walk around the neighborhood of the hostel and find a grocery store and I buy a pasty for dinner and some cross buns for breakfast for less than 2⏠I was quite pleased. I eat my dinner and meet a fellow traveler at the hostel named Amok. I go down to the bar to do my homework for my math class and he comes and joins me. Him and I talk a little bit he asked me about a website for a school helped him on that and then he told me a little bit about his life. Then I went to bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I didn't write what I did in detail but these are the things I did.</span><br />
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buckingham Palace, I was told if the flag was flying the Queen is home.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Borough market, this was Costco on steroids lol I loved walking around talking to the vendors and trying the food.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">London eye, I took the cruise and didn't go on the London Eye I loved the cruise.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pay for toilets, I have never seen this before and I was warned but thought it was funny yet annoying.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1">Ha</span><span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1">rry Potter tour I loved going on this tour we saw the streets and buildings that inspired J.K. Rowling for different things in the books</span></span></span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="m_-2288493976569032256s1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lego store, saw a huge Lego Big Ben and a Call Box</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Day 5</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cereal killer café- I found it on a video from Insider travel and wanted to try it. I got a chocolate mint cereal and it was delicious.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Camden Market- this was where I found the Cereal Killer café</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Abby road- this was fun to go to. I love the Beatles. It was a very busy road and you had to be quick and take your picture.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Platform 9 3/4 Kings Cross Station- I was in line to take a picture at the plaque and they did a trivia game while everyone was waiting. I answered one of the questions and won a "real" ticket.</span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sat in a café ate a banana ice cream crepe while drinking a cup a tea while I charged my phone since it was dying. </span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here is a link to my London Photos</span></span></div>
<div class="m_-2288493976569032256p1" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/r1MX34nZamcVtHCXA" target="_blank">London Photos</a></span></span></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-32080963175548180952017-02-24T11:54:00.000-07:002017-02-24T14:04:34.407-07:00Planning and executing my trip to Europe!On February 1st I decided I would take a trip to Europe! I was sitting at work at H&R Block and talking with a coworker and just randomly decided that I would go visit a friend in Spain.<br />
<br />
<br />
As time went on I didn't know if it would be possible but I was determined. I decided I would go donate plasma to help earn money. I donated once and it was an interesting experience. The following week on Feb 9 I got a letter from them telling me I couldn't donate plasma anymore because I got a false positive for a test, so they couldn't trust my blood. I was super bummed about it, but I was still determined.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was constantly looking at flights and playing around with dates, departure cities, and arriving cities. On February 11 I found a great flight to Paris on April 24 and coming back on May 25, so round trip for only 420$! For that price I can fly to my family in GA round trip! So I pulled the money together that day and I bought it! I just made a life long dream a reality.<br />
<br />
<br />
I also wanted to visit friends in Germany and go to other destinations. So I started to look at flights from Paris to London. I had always wanted to go so why not. I found a ticket on Vueling airlines for about 35$ on April 25, the day I arrive in Europe. So I bought it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next, I correlated with some friends in Germany and asked if maybe I could stay with them and such. They said I could so the next step was to find a good ticket to Frankfurt, Germany. I found one through Ryanair for 23$ leaving on May 3, I got it. <br />
<br />
<br />
I then correlated with my friend in Spain who inspired my trip. I asked her if arriving on May 9th at around 2pm was ok. She was so excited and said yes! So I bought my ticket from Frankfurt, Germany to Barcelona, Spain for about 60$! <br />
<br />
<br />
So I had one more ticket to buy. I had to get a ticket back to Paris from Barcelona so when the time came I could go home. I found a ticket for about 23$ on May 19. I wanted to be able to go to the Paris Temple Dedication on May 21. I also wanted to be able to spend some time in Paris and see some of the sights. <br />
<br />
<br />
The final count and total for all of my plane tickets is just under 560$!<br />
<br />
<br />
I am super impressed with myself for being able to pull it off! The tips and tricks I learned to be able to finagle those good deals I learned from <a href="http://thebudgetmindedtraveler.com/category/finding-flights/" target="_blank">thebudgetmindedtraveler.</a> I love her blog and I am still learning from it.The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-22347897899784090282017-02-22T14:28:00.001-07:002017-02-22T14:28:33.960-07:00Just a little storyIt has been a while since I have been on here. I didn't mean for that to happen it just did. So I have gone through a lot since the last time I posted. I wrote a short little story on my point of view and thoughts. I am not trying to point fingers or anything like that. Hope it just helps you understand a little bit of what I went through.<br />
<br />
There once was a girl who believed in princes and princesses, who believed in happily ever after. She thought she had done right and was following her heart. She fell in love with a man who in the end didnât love her the same.<br />
<br />
He loved the idea of having a wife who took care of the things he didnât want to anymore. He had been married before and had two beautiful children who were his world. She wasnât the awful stepmother as the fairy tales portray. She loved them as her own. She gave them everything she was capable of. Some would say, she loved the kids first and the man second. That could very well be true since the kids were easy to love. The man on the other hand wasnât. He had walls and guards up. He wasnât an easy person. He had an opinion and it was always heard. He had a small world and didnât wonder far from it. He said he did but he really didnât.<br />
<br />
The girl, who felt ugly, unwanted and was desperate for love. She had thought she had found love in this man. He made her feel good, wanted, she didnât mind how he already had kids. She felt the pieces falling into place on her list of things. She wanted to be a mother and wanted to be married and here she could have it all so easily, or so she thought.<br />
<br />
After the wedding bells had rung, tragedy hit. The man never really considered the kids theirs; they were just his, his son and his daughter. Nonetheless she worked hard to prove she loved the kids and him no matter what.<br />
<br />
The son got sick beyond measure and was slowly dying. In an attempt to help and in a small way to prove her love she willingly gave a piece of herself to the son, who she always considered her own. The miracle was it worked he was slowly getting better.<br />
<br />
But as time went and the pressure of constantly having a sick son it wore down the girl but, she trudged on. She loved him. The man grew distant he didnât share things with his new wife. She grew depressed of her situation. She didnât know what to do; she was doing everything she could. She wasnât herself anymore. She was a shell of who she used to be. She gave the man more of her love and attention thinking it would help. He just got more distant and unhappy.<br />
<br />
She finally sought help from the counselor. The counselor listened and saw the problem. The man let her into the gate of his world but made her stay in the yard never daring to open the door to let her in. He was scared. He said he loved her but in the end they were just words. So, she left the little kingdom, she left behind the children who had become her world. She closed the door on her heart. She is now hesitant and nervous of princes who come knocking.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-64562949317156328252015-12-28T16:13:00.000-07:002015-12-28T16:13:22.439-07:00A year I never expectedI can hardly believe it has been a year since returning home from my mission. Technically it is tomorrow the 29th but today a year ago I said my testimony for the last time as a full time missionary.<br />
<br />
A year ago on Christmas I officially met my husband Cody. He apparently saw something in me that when I got home to my family in Georgia he messaged me on Facebook and we started to talk. :)<br />
<br />
I never saw what has happened in that year coming. I have done a lot of things in one year that have been challenging but have made me grow as a better person and I wouldn't change them.<br />
<br />
My mother says I didn't just change my life I leaped and bounded into it. And I did and have no regrets :) I couldn't have imagined my life any better.<br />
<br />
I loved my mission and I do occasionally find myself missing aspects of it but I am happy to be living in what used to be my mission a place I fell in love with too.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful that the Lord inspired me to go on a mission. If I hadn't I wouldn't have met the awesome people I did. Everyone I taught in someway taught me in another. It is weird to think if I hadn't gone I wouldn't have met my husband! lol So I'm glad when the time came that we did we were ready for each other.<br />
<br />
<br />The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-69704520019229388832015-12-08T16:57:00.002-07:002015-12-08T16:57:54.915-07:00Christmas time!So it's the holiday season :) I love Christmas time. At first the beginning of this month didn't feel like December yet because I was in the hospital with Austin. We are now home and I've been getting stuff for Christmas so it feels like it now.<br />
<br />
Last week was our ward Christmas party and Santa made a special visit :) it was cute watching Des wait her turn to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. Here are some pics<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJQzeNuVGumbDSp67vvLCIUwNpbf1-tuvti0qN6B_-31DD__qT5teHEOBKj07pNWaICEAMceLjOX9-2e02aHopr_gUed11zBxPvYEvgNdyZ716Az-rcjQgiaZqcERuDS5sL2Y6JBnHzDs/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJQzeNuVGumbDSp67vvLCIUwNpbf1-tuvti0qN6B_-31DD__qT5teHEOBKj07pNWaICEAMceLjOX9-2e02aHopr_gUed11zBxPvYEvgNdyZ716Az-rcjQgiaZqcERuDS5sL2Y6JBnHzDs/s320/IMG_2354.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQL4auQ9xUfz2Tr8e1JRL6wR672IfMuy1Vebj_ijgu-SoYro_VltLVrSDp3LoFqIsJ63lNggz9Naj6tsA4CnvmhG9iD_e6yKR9SXgXRXpln-_deH-Gm5UFnVO8arxljOta__IdvSEF_fQ/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQL4auQ9xUfz2Tr8e1JRL6wR672IfMuy1Vebj_ijgu-SoYro_VltLVrSDp3LoFqIsJ63lNggz9Naj6tsA4CnvmhG9iD_e6yKR9SXgXRXpln-_deH-Gm5UFnVO8arxljOta__IdvSEF_fQ/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvA8VkfHsyAnL2Ni9ZWgJ2nxH0DnIzdUQYi2D7ycFe4bHs_Bs9mrmdG__PJXttsoW8e3MaTjPBz4fNdVRerMcmxS0KK5PMrDzxM038ESRxaQ4pA-KU0mjfwVj593WUI2VKyNO7vUVY_rw/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvA8VkfHsyAnL2Ni9ZWgJ2nxH0DnIzdUQYi2D7ycFe4bHs_Bs9mrmdG__PJXttsoW8e3MaTjPBz4fNdVRerMcmxS0KK5PMrDzxM038ESRxaQ4pA-KU0mjfwVj593WUI2VKyNO7vUVY_rw/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJBhLZvlhJCFKh5XRlFExgzok1ehc0RjCjqFLF1Crs9PC5ugafEzBtV4PMzckErHadgWAfpl0kDoMNHPLZ3xqdOIbHzu0hQU1_374rJ9mM9FDKyIhh0Y8Cr7AQP3nHa74rbn_nON1ZPWp/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJBhLZvlhJCFKh5XRlFExgzok1ehc0RjCjqFLF1Crs9PC5ugafEzBtV4PMzckErHadgWAfpl0kDoMNHPLZ3xqdOIbHzu0hQU1_374rJ9mM9FDKyIhh0Y8Cr7AQP3nHa74rbn_nON1ZPWp/s320/IMG_2360.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
So I decided I would make a wreath for Christmas since Cody doesn't really have decorations and I've always wanted to try my hand at it. So today was my first time and I think it turned out great :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZj_-jlmv1k41NlAGGhxef3VeSSa65W9dtUSfazkmL7D1Dnn9lol-KDGua_jx74RerJgUfAJQCgEaLqX7CPkOWh1ix24QQt_HnzRHlsmZbKOGizJFGlBpzR5j0lSbRZyKv_s1qeIsmqfd/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZj_-jlmv1k41NlAGGhxef3VeSSa65W9dtUSfazkmL7D1Dnn9lol-KDGua_jx74RerJgUfAJQCgEaLqX7CPkOWh1ix24QQt_HnzRHlsmZbKOGizJFGlBpzR5j0lSbRZyKv_s1qeIsmqfd/s320/IMG_2362.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IGJPIYNXvObVDFotjORc07lOWhuFPLiUpULZc7Vt2tvjlAaJnWIOZkRLcTwhd2y1TVOW2LKEl46NyzoLwz7U1Gimvufcaca7yhG8l75zzMPj8c0Zn-_BoU-bD6vgPDVXMvTyhI71VBaO/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IGJPIYNXvObVDFotjORc07lOWhuFPLiUpULZc7Vt2tvjlAaJnWIOZkRLcTwhd2y1TVOW2LKEl46NyzoLwz7U1Gimvufcaca7yhG8l75zzMPj8c0Zn-_BoU-bD6vgPDVXMvTyhI71VBaO/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-27298892271602465892015-11-25T22:40:00.000-07:002015-11-25T22:40:26.163-07:00Post SurgerySo I didn't post a pre surgery but I'll at least do a post surgery.<br />
<br />
On Friday this week it will have been a month since I donated my kidney to my stepson, Austin. I can't believe it has only been a month.<br />
<br />
Austin is doing great! On Tuesday he got his staples out and is doing better than ever. He is happier than I've ever seen him and it is fantastic! His incision is looking good so far.So here is some news on his progress since surgery. He used to be fed through his J-port but now he is being fed through his G which is straight to his stomach. He is starting to taste food more. We found he likes salty better than sweet. Since the staples are out we are going to start putting him on his stomach so he can learn to crawl. :) We can't wait until he can start going on his own. He is also starting to say different sounds he has a new one and it is the letter "B". It is just great to see him progress when before he really couldn't. Here is what it looks like now and then to compare.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXoeKBu7qWAv7zZHZmKn_T5-MfxsVVES3Jo3misQshhf4IHlaMUF_LvQUYVs3H4MpZRgMpfS_JPksnOh2bqTBlSMACiFBhv2NLUDkFdScKBeXnSBORMoyc6iPzQcepov8dsgyA-ML4sMU/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXoeKBu7qWAv7zZHZmKn_T5-MfxsVVES3Jo3misQshhf4IHlaMUF_LvQUYVs3H4MpZRgMpfS_JPksnOh2bqTBlSMACiFBhv2NLUDkFdScKBeXnSBORMoyc6iPzQcepov8dsgyA-ML4sMU/s320/IMG_2307.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo7wRtnEQUHUc9vAdlmvpnNpvcHZSunlkBGNhC1_TGdq36SUXP0zB7zwdvUVDl5zaHuqxOhIoNKSM9HYYcHme5OSJtdTaS-xxbiLSrRHNEoejl4rsekPl9_hXcI3vfQ4uZknf24V1_oHw/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo7wRtnEQUHUc9vAdlmvpnNpvcHZSunlkBGNhC1_TGdq36SUXP0zB7zwdvUVDl5zaHuqxOhIoNKSM9HYYcHme5OSJtdTaS-xxbiLSrRHNEoejl4rsekPl9_hXcI3vfQ4uZknf24V1_oHw/s320/IMG_2253.JPG" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am also doing great. I am healing very well and now I only have a red line on my stomach. Everyone asks how I'm doing and such. I have almost no pain now every once in a while if I have done a little to much I ache but it's nothing that I can't handle, and yes I am being careful :). The only thing that was a bother for a while and I mean up until last weekend I really couldn't wear pants! lol My pants button would rub against my incision when I would sit so it was a little uncomfortable. So when I actually left my house I'd wear pants but when I was at home and most of the time I was I would wear sweats. But now I'm good and can wear all my normal clothes again. Here is a pic from now and then for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInJ32qywjAeA8m9HZxg5L7rMlTw3e6RC9S-O0MiFCmQBzUB722SmdxeZknGvr9MTAz0ubkGKz2ttSvDE_gaww3EhETT7e2n6NAwzgJ_L9tepsgR5Ssd1EzhMTXxPrk1kCgXABWKt3Ml3K/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInJ32qywjAeA8m9HZxg5L7rMlTw3e6RC9S-O0MiFCmQBzUB722SmdxeZknGvr9MTAz0ubkGKz2ttSvDE_gaww3EhETT7e2n6NAwzgJ_L9tepsgR5Ssd1EzhMTXxPrk1kCgXABWKt3Ml3K/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHIwTetWPYSorYDN4StDaM6C8jHT9kZNb9kNfhYuaNzOIhYehAcjjIpRrOtyHOM_AdhpCoGtRlQX_jvBZXi-sD0vyChwQ57EJe86vXH1W-tzPgi_7rEXG-TR3l39QWh9iNSjzwuywMrOE/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHIwTetWPYSorYDN4StDaM6C8jHT9kZNb9kNfhYuaNzOIhYehAcjjIpRrOtyHOM_AdhpCoGtRlQX_jvBZXi-sD0vyChwQ57EJe86vXH1W-tzPgi_7rEXG-TR3l39QWh9iNSjzwuywMrOE/s320/IMG_2248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To all who paid a visit, prayed or was just an uplifting support during this process, I couldn't thank you enough. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-75862623648174900152015-11-23T14:22:00.000-07:002015-11-23T14:22:21.226-07:00ThanksgivingHolidays a time usually spent with family and friends. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got to say I am a bit nervous about the Holidays. Nothing bad just trying to figure out how we can combine what my family did while I was growing up and adding Cody's family stuff too. For Thanksgiving I think we've got it figured out. Since my family is back in GA and just going through surgery for Austin and I we aren't going. Next year we will hopefully go for Thanksgiving or Christmas. But for Cody's big family Thanksgiving dinner I've made my moms sweet potato casserole, homemade pumpkin pie and my pecan pie. But nonetheless it will be interesting spending the Holidays with my new family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got to say I don't think I ever realized how much work goes into doing the Holidays lol. I am just glad I am not doing the Turkey that just seems daunting. One day I'll do it but not anytime soon. I can cook simple things, I'm still learning how to cook meals constantly for my family and I. I cooked my first Salmon like a week ago the recipe I used wasn't the best so I'll have to try again but it wasn't to bad cooking it. I just need practice and to continue finding recipes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-80205130052521616232015-09-05T00:42:00.001-06:002015-09-05T00:42:42.272-06:00Only 2 months<div>
It has been 2 months since I married my Husband and got two wonderful kids in the mix.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Austin-</div>
<div>
July as some people have seen was eventful with Austin being in the hospital constantly. Finally went home the beginning of August. And started a new adventure of him being on peritoneal dialysis. Was Austin's 2nd birthday in the middle of August. And at the end of August sadly Austin got a UTI. Right now we are in the hospital for Austin who has a Fungus in is peritoneal area which is a little scary. We are finding out the options and figuring out what to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Destanee-</div>
I haven't been a mom long or anything but can't believe my daughter Destanee starts Preschool next week! When I first met Destanee while I was on my mission she had just turned 2 and she is now 3 1/2! Right now she is eating me out of my house lol she is having a growth spurt. Just the other day for lunch she had 3 hot dogs, a pb&j sandwich and some applesauce! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is crazy it has only been 2 months I feel like it has been longer than that. But I would never change it. All I can say is that I love my life with my little family :)</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-68690851174152071792015-09-04T22:01:00.000-06:002015-09-04T22:01:30.938-06:00My new planSo my last post <a href="http://beautifullyinspiredmarie.blogspot.com/2015/07/pace-yourselfmake-plan.html" target="_blank">Pace yourself make a plan</a> I epically failed. Lol I was trying to do something new and get myself excising but that way didn't work. But this last weekend I was doing something new with my diet and I felt great! I ate only natural raw food. I did the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/raw-foods-diet?page=1" target="_blank">Raw Food Diet</a>. I am still learning about it. It was a little hard but I felt great afterwords. I drank lots of water more than I usually do which I need to change. I was preparing for a Glucose test I was taking on Monday. One weekend wouldn't have changed the results of that test it was over a period of 3 months it tested (that is what I was told). But it was good to do it anyways.<br />
<br />
The reason I had to take that test and I have been trying to get healthier (everyone should try to be healthier anyways) was I am trying to be my sons kidney donor. I had taken a blood test (not sure what it was called anymore have taken too many) and it was a little too high and was showing I could be at risk for being pre-diabetic. So that was a little nerve wrecking. But after finding out the results of the glucose test I am not which is very good!<br />
<br />
But my new plan is I am going to do Pilates at my house (I have a fun exercise dvd) and going to the gym on my husband's days off. The way I am trying to remember to do these things are alarms on my phone. Lol it is sad I have to do that to remember but when you have other things on your mind or doing something else you forget. Setting alarms is how I most of the time remember to give myself and my kids their meds on time. I say what ever works works! So this month we shall see how it goes.<br />
<br />
Also sorry I don't get on and post a lot. We don't have a regular computer area sort of thing and it takes a lot to set up my laptop so I just haven't.The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-80763403851970983432015-07-31T21:02:00.001-06:002015-07-31T21:02:18.401-06:00Pace yourself...Make a planSo I have been thinking of how I want to get healthier and stuff. I wanted to become a runner but I know over time it is terrible for your legs (so I've heard and somewhat experienced). And I kind of don't like running anyways lol. But I have tried I have done a 5K the color run. Which was a blast but I didn't run it but it is a start. I have to pace myself. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I need to make a plan and stick to it. So I am telling you all my goal :) they say if you tell someone you are more likely to stick to it. On my mission I gained a bit of weight that doesn't put me in the most healthy range but it isn't terrible just isn't where I'd like to be health wise. So my goal is to be in a healthy range. I have a gym membership but being a mother of two doesn't always mean you get to go all the time. So my plan for the gym is going at least once a week when my husband is off. When my life settles down a bit. (For those who don't know my son has been in and out of the hospital this month) And the other days I have a pilates video that I will do that I enjoy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will also take extra measures at doing a bit more for example I'll take the stairs instead of the elevator. They all add up and will help in the end. I used to do 5 push ups every night before bed because I used to get made fun of because I could barely do 5! Each week I would add 5 more eventually I was able to do a lot but then I stopped and I should start that up again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if anyone wants to join me in my own challenge of doing 5 push ups every night that would be great. I'd also love to hear about it too if you do :) I am going to start tonight because why not! And continue it through the month of August and we shall see the results. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will keep you posted on my progress :) so I am going to keep a measurement of my biceps and will see if I can see a difference maybe not but that is what I am going to do once a week every Friday. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bicep measurement day one: 32.5cm</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-51571532006970205622015-07-23T15:15:00.000-06:002015-07-23T15:17:11.250-06:00How to be healthy?So how does one start to eat healthier?????! I don't really know so I googled it.<br />
<br />
First thing I am finding is of course more fruits and vegetables! I love fruit and some vegetables I'll have to get better at that. And my daughter loves fruit and she eats her vegetables very well for a 3 year old. My husband who I am going to call Mr. Mom cuz that was what he was before I came around, doesn't eat fruit but loves vegetables. So some of this will but wont be a challenge lol.<br />
<br />
Second thing was Eat Real Food! I looked at that and was so confused by it at first but after I thought about it those packaged things we buy, the fast food we eat, and junk food aren't real food! Makes sense.<br />
<br />
And last thing was Drop the Liquid Calories! I was happy to see this one. I don't drink soda anyways! But it is more than just soda it is the juice and sugary water and energy drinks. I love juice but most of the time juice isn't real juice either.<br />
<br />
So here is the start of a journey of healthier eating.<br />
<br />
I know there are lots more things to being healthier but we all have to start somewhere! :)The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-16260917828742704392015-07-23T14:55:00.000-06:002015-07-23T14:55:14.043-06:00My new lifeHey :) it has been a long time since I've posted. Since the last time a lot has happened for me.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I got home in Dec from my 18 month mission in Ogden, UT</li>
<li>I started dating</li>
<li>I got married!</li>
<li>Now I'm a mom</li>
</ol>
<div>
That wasn't really a whole lot since Dec 2014 but it was to me. :) So let me tell my story:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In June of 2013 I left my friends and family to serve my church for 18 months. During that time I had met my current husband but I only saw him twice and wasn't interested at the time. The second time I saw him was Christmas and it was four days before I went home. During the time I hadn't seen him every once in awhile his mother would talk about him to me and me to him. Also during that time I got to get to know his two kids. He had been previously married and they had a girl and a boy, Destanee (3 years old) and Austin (23 months). Austin has had kidney disease since he was born so he is a very sick little boy but he is such a fighter. During Christmas we interacted a bit but, when I got home four days later he messaged me on Facebook and we began to talk. Eventually I gave him my number instead of messaging on Facebook back and forth lol. We got to know each other and became good friends. At the end of January I drove cross country from Georgia to Utah. My plan was to go to Weber State and go into Social Work. Well sometimes our plans don't go according to what we thought. Cody and I went on our first date in Feb, to Boondocks which was a lot of fun. In March we had our first kiss. In April we said we loved each other. Cody proposed to me on May 25 Memorial Day. And on June 30 we got married. It was a whirlwind of several months but I would never change it. Cody and I went to Yellowstone for a couple of days for our honeymoon, I had never been so it was a lot of fun. So now I am a stay at home mom which is fun but has its moments like anything else would but I love it.<br />
<br />
My Plan now:<br />
<br />
So now my blog is going to change a bit. I started it on my mission and I still want to post religious thoughts of mine every once in a while but now its going to be a couple different things if I can keep up with it lol. Since Austin has kidney disease he is going to get a transplant hopefully in the next several months and I want to try to be his donor. But with a new kidney and me with one less we have to eat carefully so I am going to do a health section on things I am trying or have found.<br />
<br />
I am going to keep a religious section and post up lifting things like I used too.<br />
<br />
I'll have a section of my happenings of being a mom, wife and experiences of donating a kidney (hopefully) called My Life.<br />
<br />
And as I decide I may add a few other things.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! :)<br />
-Vanessa</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-46494390938869335902014-12-02T12:13:00.001-07:002015-07-23T10:35:14.513-06:00He is the GiftHaven't written in a while so much has happened! Well this month The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has put out a video about Christmas! It is so good that I am going to share it :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uzjFEMmM0Xs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
there is a url for this as well it is <a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/">christmas.mormon.org</a><br />
So this month I will be sharing little inspirational things about Christmas! Yay! I love this time of year! Everyone is so much more focused on Christ and it is great because everyday I teach and talk about Christ!<br />
so lets #discoverthegift and #embracethegift so that we can all #sharethegift<br />
<br />The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-73088525473930131812014-08-28T14:56:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.572-06:00Utah Ogden Temple<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been a little while I have been super busy like I said in my last post, since I have been helping out with the Utah Ogden Temple Open House.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this quote that is shared in the video by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I donât know how to speak of heaven in the traditional, lovely, paradisiacal beauty that we speak of heavenâŠI wouldn't know how to speak of heaven without my wife, or my children. It would not be heaven for me. Now, you can say thatâs wishful thinking, or you can say, 'Thatâs just because you love each other and you've gotten cozy here on earth and you like each otherâs company.' Itâs a lot more than that. There is something eternal in the statement that neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man in the Lord. That isn't just good sociology that is theology, itâs eternal."</span></div>
<br />
So some of you may be asking <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples?lang=eng" target="_blank">Why do Mormons build Temples</a>?<br />
From the days of the Old Testament, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples-sacred structures where He could teach, guide, and bless them. For example, the Lord told the Israelites to build a portable tabernacle that would be their temple while they traveled in the wilderness.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the place or time period, temples are the most sacred place on earth-a place where earth and heaven meet and where we feel close to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Well I love going to the Temple because of the Peace and Love I feel inside that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for me.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions about Temples they can be answered <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples/frequently-asked-questions?lang=eng" target="_blank">here</a>! Or by me :)The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-91954455000376477732014-07-31T10:39:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.618-06:00Busy month coming :)Hey sorry it has been a while since I have posted!<br />
<br />
This next month starting tomorrow I am going to be super busy! It is the best reason to be busy too :) I get to work at the Ogden Temple Open House!<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures from ldsliving.com<br />
<a href="http://ldsliving.com/story/76489-new-indoor-pictures-of-remodeled-ogden-utah-temple" target="_blank">NEW INDOOR PICTURES OF REMODELED OGDEN UTAH TEMPLE</a><br />
<br />
If you are in the area you should stop on by and see this gorgeous building! The peace and happiness you feel you just can't understand through a picture.<br />
<br />
Someone told me yesterday that they hope that Heaven looks like the Ogden Temple. It is just simply beautiful.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there! For tickets click <a href="https://templeopenhouse.lds.org/tickets" target="_blank">here</a>!The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-48738165693077944212014-06-26T09:36:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.519-06:00Choices....its a big decisionChoices they are so hard to make sometimes! I have lots of things that have been going through my mind but I am happy to say that I am choosing to follow Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eleven</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We believe in the freedom to choose. Or in other words the ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
âAgency allows us to be tested and tried to see whether or not we will endure to the end and return to our Heavenly Father with honor. ⊠Agency permits us to make faithful, obedient choices that strengthen us so that we can lift and strengthen others.â âRobert D. Hales<br />
<br />
I am so glad that we have the ability to choose for ourselves what we want. What will you choose to do with your agency?The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-61901515107788956392014-06-18T15:30:00.002-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.553-06:00A rainy summers dayHello again :) For the past couple of days where I have been working have been cold and wet here in Utah! Once again weird weather!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tenth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Paradisiacal glory means- a condition like the Garden of Eden</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks for coming to read my blog! The things that I post are what I know and believe in and I want to help you to come to know these things too contact me on Facebook-> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ingram.vanessa" target="_blank">Sister-Vanessa Ingram</a></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-59347591985141053732014-06-17T11:35:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.547-06:00Year mark!<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe I have been on my mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a whole year today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been serving the Lord with all I have and will for another 6 months! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it is sad to see that the time has flown by. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have met so many amazing people and I have loved them all! I have served in some great areas too! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to share what I know to be true:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that my Redeemer Lives! I know that Christ died for all of my sins because He loves ME! I know that I am a Child of God! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be THE true church! I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet called of God! I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it contains God's words! I know that we have a living Prophet on this Earth name Thomas S. Monson! I know all of this to be true and more!</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-72733756817625174052014-06-13T16:45:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.559-06:00Friday the 13th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I love when Fridays land on the 13th it makes me laugh. And no I haven't seen the movies nor will I :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ninth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
reveal means <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/revelation?lang=eng&letter=r" target="_blank">Revelation</a>. Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Revelation is so important! Without it we really would be in the dark, wandering around in confusion. It helps us in our daily lives. Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence. It is a tender experience to petition our Heavenly Father in sincere, heartfelt prayer and look to Him for personal guidance.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our Heavenly Father knows what it best for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rr8xvw0cgw0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-89866735427972716732014-06-03T17:18:00.001-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.606-06:00Summer!!!!!!!!! Can't believe it is June....I am so excited that it is Summer but this year is going SO fast!!!!!! Anyways I will carry on with my topic of the Articles of Faith.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eighth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OK I have to say this Latter-day Saints or otherwise known as Mormons DO believe in the Bible! I am currently reading it! I love the Bible!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The reason we say that we believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly is because some people take it and change, add and corrupt it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Joseph Smith taught that âmany important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.â He also said that the Bible was correct as âit came from the pen of the original writers,â but that âignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors.â (HC 1:245; 6:57.) The Church reveres and respects the Bible but recognizes that it is not a complete nor entirely accurate record. It affirms also that the Lord has given additional revelation through His prophets in the last days that sustains, supports, and verifies the biblical account of Godâs dealings with mankind.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Book of Mormon is also TRUE! Read it and find out for your self if you need one click here </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--> <a href="http://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon" target="_blank">Free Book of Mormon!</a></div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-82184786602362235802014-05-09T16:02:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.593-06:00It has been a while...Hello readers! Sorry I haven't been on in a while. I have gotten transferred to an area where I don't have much computer access so these posts will be sparingly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seventh</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We believe in gifts of all kinds! But these ones are talking about spiritual gifts. We all have some and we can all develop them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/spiritual-gifts?lang=eng" target="_blank">Spiritual gifts</a> are blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1975/12/how-to-receive-spiritual-gifts?lang=eng" target="_blank">How to receive Spiritual Gifts</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First, one must identify needs. Spiritual gifts for specific needs are available âby the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit themâ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.8?lang=eng#7" target="_blank">Moro. 10:8</a>); but exactly what gifts do you need?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having identified specific needs, it simply remains for us to truly express the desires of our hearts to the Lordâto ask that a gift might be granted. </div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-1240040222585876382014-04-23T14:02:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.478-06:00A Plan of Happiness<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry I haven't written in a while. I have been contemplating a lot on the Plan of Salvation or another name for it is the Plan of Happiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently found out that my Grandfather died. He had Alzheimer's so we were already losing him piece by piece. It was heartbreaking seeing him that way. It is hard losing a loved one. I now know that I had already guessed when the time came it would be hard but not as hard as I thought. So today I want to share something that gives me peace about my Grandfather who I grew up calling Papa.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Plan of Happiness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mine or your life didn't begin at birth and it wonât end at death. That is an amazing thing to know! It doesn't end with death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before we came to earth, our spirit lived with Heavenly Father who created us. You and I knew Him, and He knew and loved us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He had a plan for us and we all knew it would be hard. But He isn't going to leave us alone to roam in the dark. He promised His spirit would be there when we needed Him. Even though it feels like it sometimes, weâre not alone in our journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The secret to Happiness to True Happiness comes from following Christ, serving others and helping them to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, and following the promptings of the Spirit. Regardless of what you do or donât have in this life, your deepest, most lasting happiness will come from knowing Godâs plan and following it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes bad things happenâeven when we make good choices. A Faith that isn't tested shouldn't be trusted. We will <i>all</i> have hard times. We get sick. Loved ones die. We lose our job or home. Our spouse is unfaithful. Itâs hard not to ask why God allows us to suffer so much. But all these things can bring us closer to Him and even make us stronger if we endure faithfully. Turn to Him! He doesn't like to see you suffer He understands your pain and can help you through your trials.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After all this we have endured we can <i>ALL</i> live again because of the gift of Resurrection that Jesus Christ gave to us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that Christ my Savior and Redeemer lives! I know that God lives and loves me so much! I know that I will see my Papa again and I know that he is in a better place doing the work of the Lord. I love God's Plan of Happiness! It means so much more to me know personally! And I KNOW that because of this plan that I CAN LIVE AGAIN!</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-55738770544282567152014-04-02T16:02:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.533-06:00April ALREADY!?<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe it is already April and in 2 more months the year will be half over! AH!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sixth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Primitive church? being the first or earliest of the kind or in existence, especially in an early age of the world (dictionary.com)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles?lang=eng&query=apostles" target="_blank">Apostles</a>? The organization of twelve apostles who are chosen as special witnesses of Christ to all the world.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/prophets?lang=eng" target="_blank">Prophets</a>? Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/bishop?lang=eng&letter=b" target="_blank">Pastors</a>? We call them Bishops but it means, Greek episkopos, meaning âoverseer,â an office or position of responsibility. Hence, Jesus is called the âBishop of your soulsâ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/2.21,22,23,24,25?lang=eng#20" target="_blank">1 Pet. 2:21â25</a>). Judas is also spoken of as having a âbishoprick,â reflecting the fact that the Twelve are overseers (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/1.20?lang=eng#19" target="_blank">Acts 1:20</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/114?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&C 114</a>).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/evangelist?lang=eng&letter=e" target="_blank">Evangelists</a>? evangelist is defined as a patriarch<br />
<br />
We have all of these in the restored church! I don't know what I would do without all of these callings! I am so thankful for them!</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-23402396876745888072014-03-31T12:54:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.491-06:00Snow days...Where is Spring?<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday was a crazy day! It SNOWED! At points when it wasn't gusting winds and hailing it was beautiful don't get me wrong I still want my Spring :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have talked a little about today's simple principle before but it is never a bad idea to do it again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fifth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.</div>
<br />
Called of God? "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.16?lang=eng#15" target="_blank">John 15:16</a>) We don't randomly pick a person to do the work of God. He is chosen by God to do the work.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/prophecy-prophesy" target="_blank">Prophecy</a>? "I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/4.12?lang=eng#11" target="_blank">Exodus 4:12</a>) A prophecy may pertain to the past, present, or future. When a person prophesies, he speaks or writes that which God wants him to know, for his own good or the good of others.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/laying-on-of-hands?lang=eng&query=laying+on+of+hands" target="_blank">Laying on of hands</a>? The laying on of hands is the procedure revealed by the Lord for performing many priesthood ordinances, such as confirmation, ordination, setting members apart to serve in callings, administering to the sick, and giving other priesthood blessings. Those having the <i style="text-decoration: underline;">proper priesthood authority</i> place their hands upon the head of the person receiving the ordinance. In doing so, they serve as instruments through whom the Lord blesses His children. (<i>emphasis added</i>)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <b>know</b> that many people who are in leadership positions have been called of God. I have been called of God to serve Him and His children in the Utah Ogden Mission! I love every minute of it!</div>
<br />
<br />The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5175550605249764740.post-52089227946822308292014-03-29T16:17:00.000-06:002015-07-23T10:35:14.526-06:00Fourth Principle<div style="text-align: center;">
Today has been a nice day :) it has warmed up but we shall see how long that lasts. Did some service today I helped paint a house it was fun. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fourth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is Faith? To me it is believing in something that you can't see and also ACTING on that belief.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repentance? A way I think about it is a <i>Fancy</i> word for <u>change</u>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baptism? <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.5?lang=eng#4" target="_blank">John 3:5</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng&query=holy+ghost" target="_blank">Holy Ghost</a>? He âwitnesses of the Father and the Sonâ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.18?lang=eng#17" target="_blank">2 Nephi 31:18</a>) and reveals and teaches âthe truth of all thingsâ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.5?lang=eng#4" target="_blank">Moroni 10:5</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are all <i>SO</i> important to me! I love these principles! I please ask you to consider these, they are something so dear and near to my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks</div>
The Traveling Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14238679009459603743noreply@blogger.com0