No Room At The Inn...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Day 6: My Grandparents/ People I miss

For today's topic I'm supposed to write a letter to people I miss. As I sat down to write this and thought about it I realized I can't really just pick one person to write a letter too so I decided to put my own little twist on this one. I have a lot of people I miss and thought i'd share some of my favorite memories or something like that. As I sit here to do this, the quote "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same," comes to my mind. The only thing is the people that have left quickly still leave an impact. I kind of feel like today is appropriate for this post as I've been missing all my grandparents lately. This post is mostly dedicated to them. I lost two of my grandparents the week of Christmas at different times so this time of year I especially remember them.

Five years ago today I lost my Grandma Badder. She was my "buddy". She use to babysit me when I was younger. I don't remember those days, but I do remember her being one of my most favorite people in the world. One of my earliest memories of her is when we would go visit them or they come visit us after we moved she and grandpa always had a gift for my sister and I. I remember one of the first ones was cabbage patch dolls to add to our collection. Grandma would use to sing to me and teach me fun songs. We always sang the I love you and bushel and a peck with a hug around the neck. She also taught me "This Little Light of Mine" on the way to Canada for one of our reunions. She always had a hug and kiss for me. We may not have always agreed on things but she was always there for me to talk with and was a special person in my life.

Eight years ago on the 27th. My grandpa Elms passed away. Most of my memories with him are of sitting at the kitchen table and playing cards way late into the night. Gin was our favorite. We would fight and argue about rules or turns or whatever, but it was fun. He always had silly songs he would just belt outloud. When Sarah and I would go shopping with him and fill the cart he would never notice or at least pretend not too. We would end up getting a lot of snacks when Grandma sent us to the store. He always had nicknames for the grandkids. Mine was "sweetie pie" I loved it. When I go visit grandma I find that I miss my time with grandpa. I'm thankful for some of the talks we had before he died. He shared some stories about him growing up and dating my grandma.

I'm lucky to still have living grandparents today. My grandma Elms is one of the sweetest people I know and I'm very lucky to have her in my life. She has been there for every special even in my life and if she can't make it I know she has at least made an effort.I'm also lucky to have been part of a huge event in her life. Paul and I were able to join her as she was able to go through the Temple. We all went down a few years ago and got to go through the LA temple with her. Paul and I love going to visit her every year. She is easy to talk to and we have a lot of good times. She is also active and I love doing things with her. I'm thankful for the memories I have been able to make with her. When we were little she would babysit me too and play mcdonalds and house with me. When I went to grandmas I always got to sleep in her room with her. When my parents divorced and we lived with her for a couple of months we made Friday nights our nights for me to have a sleepover in her room. We would always watch TGIF together and have dessert somewhere in the middle of that. She is one of my favorite people to talk too today. I know I can tell her anything and I love the relationship we have.

My grandpa Badder is one of the sweetest men you will ever meet. He is very patient and loving. He is easy to talk to and I love that he loves you for you. I know that he loves each of his grandchildren and are proud of them no matter the different ways we choose to live. Our religious beliefs are different but I know he is still proud of me for me. I never really felt out of place with him but I remember when after I graduated and went back to visit he was telling his brother-in-law about how I graduated seminary and how I spoke at that graduation among other things and to me seeing that he told him made me realize he is proud of me no matter what. I also love going to visit him and he always makes me feel welcomed and has a place to stay there. I also love that when I go there he always has lotion out and will rub my feet for me. I don't know why but he has always done that for me. I can't remember what started it.

We are also lucky to have Grandpa Tom and Grandma Lavina close by us. I feel bad that we have been living so close to them for so long and don't go out and visit very often. That is something I would like to change. Grandpa Tom always has some type of jokes and is a fun person to talk with. Grandma has always reminded me a little of my grandma Badder. Shes is just so nice to talk with. I'm thankful to be a part of there family. Hopefully we can see them more than just at family dinners. I've enjoyed getting to know them.

I miss a lot of people I have several who have passed on or people who are not part of my life now that were before. Everyone I meet and have met have all been apart of who I am today. Im thankful to everyone who has been apart of my life. I'm most grateful for Paul and for a wonderful husband he has been to me. I'm glad to have had the grandparents I do and am lucky and thankful to have the relationships I have had with them.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
If they last a life time they are the ones who truly love you unconditionally. They are angels sent from the heavens above. Cherish them and adore them as they do you.

CHRISTMAS SHOES

The Christmas Shoes lyrics

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

{ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/n/newsong-lyrics/the-christmas-shoes-lyrics.html }

This is one of my absolute favorite Christmas stories, song, and movie. It really shows that Christmas is about giving, service, family, and most importantly LOVE. These are all characteristics of Christ (along with many others). I really hope as we celebrate the Christmas season that we can remember the true meaning of Christmas and remember the saviors example and try to follow in his footsteps. Christ was Love. Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread Houses

Paul working on ours while I was taking pics. He has more patience than I do with putting things together.

Little Gingerbread House Town
(everyones finished products)

Mine and Paul's finishing product.
Thanks Paul!

Grandma with the babies.

Every year we get together with the Gardiners and make our Gingerbread houses. This is one of my favorite Christmas time activities we do with the family. I don't have much more to post tonight but I plan on starting where I left off with the blog challenge. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

Its What Fun Is!

This year my Brother-In-Laws work had a Lagoon Day and they invited us to come with them. I went and spent a day at Lagoon with my sister and brothers and some friends. It was such a fun day. I really enjoyed spending the day with family. We went on a lot of rides, had a great lunch, and even spent time at Laguna Beach. That was my favorite.

CJ, Carly, and Megan did the Screamer. At least I think thats what it is called.

Such a fun day! Hope to do it next year!

Day 5: 20 Reasons

As I've been finding blog topics for this 30 Day Challenge, I've been putting some twists or my uniqueness in them. I can't remember the real topic for this one. It was 20 reasons for something, but I thought doing a 20 Reasons or things you love about your spouse would be fun. Paul and I each wrote down a few things. To be honest I could've come up with a lot more, but wasn't wanting to go beyond 20 cause then I would never stop.

These are my 20 Reasons/Things I love about Paul:

1) He is ALWAYS there for me no matter what mood i'm in. (That's saying a lot)
2) His patience with me
3) His eyes. They have a sparkle to them. I love that they change colors at different times.
4) His smile. I love the crooked smile most.
5) The look I see in his eyes to let me know he loves me. I know he means it too.
6) Love of Family
7) He is able to take me to the temple
8) His Testimony
9) His interaction with kids
10) They way he can summarize the scriptures and lesson for our sunday school class, especially when I try teaching and still get nervous in a small group.
11) He's sexy
12)He is a kid at heart
13) Never makes life dull
14) Makes me feel safe, secure, and loved
15) Love of people
16) He is a good student and studies hard
17) His Kisses and Hugs
18) Excited for the holidays
19) Sense of Humor.
20) The way he loves me.

Pauls 20 Reasons/Things He loves me:

1) My Smile
2) My laugh/giggle
3) My kindness
4) My personality
5)My surprises
6) The way I get excited about things
7) The way I talk to our cat (when she's good and I'm not mad at her)
8) The way I try to make everyone happy
9) My spirit
10) My kisses
11) When I try to get grumpy, but i'm really happy
12) My love for holidays
13) My love of religion
14) My love of family
15) The way I sing/dance when I think nobody is around
16) My little notes I leave
17) The way I say " I love you"
18) The way I try to make him smile
19) My body
20) ME!

I'm thinking this would also be a fun journal topic. That way I can look back on things and know why I'm in love. I can come up with many other reasons.

Day 4: A Place We Have Been

Traveling is one of mine and Paul's favorite things to do together. One of our favorite places is going to California. For the most part, its because is warm, affordable, and DISNEYLANDS home. We love Disney! Thinking about this post though, I decided to post about a place that is memorable for us. We love going on Cruises and the very first ship we went on is Monarch of the Sea. This is why I chose pictures of the boat. We took the California coast Cruise for our honeymoon and it has been one of my FAVORITE vacations ever! This ship took us to Sandiego, Catalina Island, and Ensanda. We were able to enjoy many excursions with each stop. Sea World and Kayaking were my favorites. Paul like Kayaking the best. Next best place we have been together is DISNEYLAND.

Day 3: A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

Thankgoodness I didn't really commit to be on this everyday. I'm glad to do this challenge, but I'm doing it my own way. Life is crazy busy but hopefully I won't let too many days go in between. I will commit to do 30 topics and what not. I know we all have many habits. I definitely have a few that come straight to mind, but the one that bugs me the worst is I pick at or bite my nails. When I'm way overwhelmed and stressed out or nervous about something my nails disappear. At one point I was getting my nails done regularly so I didn't have anything to bite. At that point I would tend to start picking but not wanting to ruin them was a big motivation. Getting my nails done regularly was a good habit to have just a little expensive. I know I have more but I don't really want to get into them. I would ask Paul to help with this one, but he is studying at the moment. I think his habit would be procrastination. I think if we both do better at that it would allow us more time together and maybe he would feel a little more prepared for a test. He says he doesn't feel prepared sometimes but you wouldn't know that by his grades. I'm very proud of my husband.

Day 2: Meaning behind the blogger name

I'm definitely not the most creative or most original person. I chose paulandkelcigardiner as our name because that is who we are. We are the Gardiners. I also wanted something I can remember as I give the site out to our family and friends. When I chose this there really wasn't a story or anything meaningful behind the name. I guess there still isn't.

Blogging Challenge Day 1: Meet the Gardiners, Our Story

I feel like blogging is a great way of keeping up with whats going on in my life. It could totally be used as a journal. Anyways I feel like life hasn't been that interesting lately and I havn't been blogging much. I would like to have something to say so I decided to do the 30-day challenge idea that i've seen some people do. I found a lot of topics to blog about, but I decided to kind of change some of them around and make it my own thing with my own style. I'm going to try to do it daily, but we all know life happens, AND if something news worthy comes up and doesn't relate to topic that won't stop me from somehow finding a way to put it in. Before I start the challenge of day one I want to give an update on whats been going on. I really can't believe summer is coming to an end. Ours was one of the most boring I can remember in a long time and a little interesting. Paul did summer school again so we didn't get to take our trip yet. We are planning on that for fall break. In June I got sick and ended up with kidney stones. It was also my first trip to the ER and Urgent Care, followed by 2 extra trips to the doctor. We also had a visit from my dad and his girlfriend. July brought me a new job. I got a month off before I actually started. I now work at Granger Medical Sleep Clinic. I enjoy it there and have been able to meet some awesome people. Paul finished summer semester with a 101% and now has a GPA of 3.97 something or other. I'm very proud of him and his hard work.

Day One of the challenge is to post 15 facts about us. When I asked Paul to do his part he reminded me that we did a Random fact thing a couple of years ago. When I looked at what we wrote down, most of it was the same stuff from that post. I know those of you who read this know us and all, but I thought I'd kind of change this around and introduce us again or whatever.
It also said to post a current picture of us. We had our pics done in July and this is a preview of it before I get my real copies back.

Paul and Kelci Gardiner: Our Story
Paul and I met our JR. year of Highschool. We had first period English together. I kind of had a crush on him but never said anything. I had a couple of crushes back then and one of them was known and I hate when people know things when I don't want them too, so I decided not to say anything about this one. Plus we had different groups of friends and all that stuff. Trust me that should never matter. Anyways near the end of the year he came up and asked me to smile because he saw me smile once and thought it was a great smile. I loved that he was easy to talk too. Come to find out years later he had a crush on me too. That was the end of JR. year. We had tried to get together to hang out that summer before I went to my dads but it just never worked out. Sr. Year I had work release and only two classes a day. I never really saw him. We actually saw each other at Sr. Dinner dance and talked forever and he FINALLY asked me to dance. I know I could have, but honestly that night I was determined to not ask anyone to dance. They had to ask me. I'm glad he kind of got a clue, much later on. :) After graduation we kind of stayed in touch that summer while I was gone. I came home and we started dating, even though at the time we were going to different colleges. We have been married for a little over six years. I work full time. Paul works full time and goes to school full time. I'm so excited because now he can start applying for grad school. He will have his bachelors in the Spring. I'm excited to see where life will take us. This will also (hopefully) get us a step closer to starting our family. We love to travel. We love cruises and going to DISNEYLAND. Paul likes to play video games to wind down, I like hot bubble baths and reading. Shopping is my therapy. We are U fans. (BYU to when not playing each other) I'm more the sports fan. I could prob go on and on now that i've started writing. I'll just stop here. Have a great night!

link to pics

Hello! We recently had our pics done. Here is the link. Go check them out!

www.mardelphotography.net/Photography/Kelci-Gardiner/18403611_4wrCnx/

I'm having a hard time trying to decide what to order. Let me know your faves! Thanks.

July's Highlights

Some of these may not fall under highlights, but I just wanted to share some things that have been going on this last month. I may or may not have mentioned these in recent posts, but this is kind of my reminder what we did and this was basically our month.

We celebrated the 4th of July as a weekend event. My mother-in-laws b-day is the 3rd so we did a family bbq on the 2nd and went to lunch with her on the 4th. We also had a bbq at my moms and Paul and I went to the West Jordan Firework show. We had never been to that one. It was fun. We also watched fireworks on the hill at my mom's house on the 2nd. I love the 4th of July. I love all the fireworks and am glad that they let them go pretty much through the 26th thanks to Pioneer day too.

My brother turned 21. We had a big dinner for him. It was a fun night.

I ended up back at the doctors. Luckily I didn't have to go to the ER again. Come to find out the pain pills they gave me caused issues with the other issues I was having so when stones tried to move they couldn't. They gave me more medication and got me on the right track for treatment. I really feel like we are headed for the road of recovery. I have had two good weeks without getting sick cause of the stones. I'm so thankful to have Paul by my side. I feel bad we havn't had as good of a summer as we could.

My sister-in-law was put of bed rest for rest of her pregnancy, so I've gone to visit her. Hopefully I can put in more time for visits next month. I feel way bad. I hope she can get through the next three months. I don't want the baby to come early and him not be healthy. I can't wait to meet my new nephew though.

Paul got an A on his second test for this semester. I'm happy he is enjoying this class a lot more than he did last summer. I guess its more interesting than regular statistics.

I got a gift card from a photography place, so Paul and I had our pictures done. I can't wait to get them back. They will for sure be posted.

We celebrated Pioneer Day. I love the month of July with all the fireworks.

The biggest thing this month is I got a new job! I'm so excited. I start in August. I'll have a few weeks off that I need to find stuff to do, but I'm so looking forward to something new. It really couldn't have come at a better time. Its full time, more pay, and benefits. Paul is looking to go part time for the next two semesters of school so he can graduate next spring and we can move wherever grad school will take us. I'm trying t help out by working full time and hoping to get through school faster so eventually I don't have to work and I can be a stay at home mom. I feel like we are in the right direction for my goals and dreams to come true too! I also feel like with out clinic moving downstairs and having to combine with others it would cause problems and I would come to not like my job. I can honestly say in the years I worked at the SMART Clinic I have never once dreaded work. I hope with this new job I will feel the same.

My dad's divorce is final too! He doesn't have to put up with his CRAZY ex anymore! Hope she will leave him alone.

This pretty much sums up our July. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

Happy Birthday America!

HAPPY 4TH!

This 4th of July was a long weekend adventure for us. Friday the 1st we went to the hill at my moms house in DayBreak and caught a show of the fireworks around the valley. I love going there for that. On Saturday we had a lunch with my Aunt who was in town and we also celebrated my mother-in-laws birthday. On the 4th we went out to lunch with Pauls family then had a BBQ with my side. We also decided to go to the West Jordan firework show. It was really cool. I love fireworks. I also loved having an extra day off from work! I took a few videos of the fireworks and can't figure out how to get them on my computer right now so i'll use them as photos. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Family Fun

Family Pictures
Taken at the BBQ we had at Rhett and Becky's.

Random shots of our fun.

The last weekend of June, we had some of our family from Texas in town. Unfortuantely, Paul actually had some plans that weekend and missed the visit. He had a good weekend out with the guys. At least I was able to go out and play too. We met our cousins for lunch on Friday then went to see Cars 2. I gotta tell ya that is a great movie. Later that night we went bowling and out for icecream. Saturday I met little Eli for the first time. Rhett and Becky hosted a BBQ at their house. Jill took a lot of fun pictures. I love the ones of me and my sisters-in-law. Then we added Lynette too. Notice the missing guys? Josh and Rhett were the only husbands there that night. We had so much fun though. I love when we have family come to visit. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Kelcis Update

Just a quick update for whats been going on with me as far as having been sick for awhile. I ended up in the ER last week for what I thought had something to do with my gallbladder but it ended up being kidney stones. I have been sick the last couple of weekends but havn't wanted to do anything about it. I just thought it was stress and what not. Plus it would always go away and it only came on the weekends. I found that odd, especially when I can go and have a good week and work and stuff. It was just stomach pain and what not. I finally decided to go to InstaCare only to be told it was the flu. I knew it wasn't. I had sharp bursts of pain in my chest and ribcage and it made it hard to breath. You can only imagine my frustration when all the tests and labs came back normal. Then they found blood in my urine and determined with what I was facing that it was small kidney stones. They havn't passed yet, and I'm nervous about what i'll be facing. I just hope it happens soon. I'm sick of being sick over my weekend. I want to get out and have fun. I did yesterday and today I feel like I've over done it, especially since I have more pain today. I want to thank my amazing husband for all he did with all the craziness of last week. He never left my side and he put up with me be onery. I love him and couldn't have asked for a better husband. His patience is amazing and I don't know what I would do without him.

Fridays and Summertime

I am SO HAPPY that its finally summer time around here! I've had a couple of great weekends along with some of the bad and scary stuff. I have officially decided that I love having Friday afternoons off, especially this time of year. Last Friday after work I went over to visit my brothers and mom. My sister and her kids were over there too. We had a fun and relaxing afternoon. My mom, sister, and I did some shopping. DayBreak has an amazing bakery so my brother and I took my niece and went and got some dessert. We also took time to play in the water. I didn't get pictures of me, but I got some cute ones of the two of them. Halle was wearing a dress and was standing right over one when it went off. That was funny. As I took my turn the wind shifted a little and got me soaked. I guess you can say that was pretty funny too. We also went and played at the park with some of my brothers friends. My favorite thing was kayaking on the lake. You can always find something to do at DayBreak. I love spending time with my family. I also love being able just to hang out and have a great day. Its a great way to start off the weekend!

CJ's Graduation and My Birthday

Congrats CJ!!!

CJ Graduated from Herriman High this year. His graduation happened to be on my birthday so we had a busy day. My dad and his GF Jody came out and we had fun visiting and getting to know each other. They all went downtown on Tues. while I was at work. Josh and Meghan also came out to visit on the way to Missouri. It was fun to have everyone at our house.

On Wednesday we had a birthday/graduation lunch at Joe's Crabshack. We also celebrated Nowers b day too and they had us get up and do a Mexican Hat dance around the sombrero. Very embarrassing for me. I know the others liked it, I have to admit it was a fun lunch though.

After graduation and pictures we went back to my moms house for dessert. It was a good day. I love celebrating with my family. I'm very proud of CJ too. Hope everyone has a good June and enjoy your summer!

My personal transformation

For those of you who didn't know I've been on a diet for the past five weeks. I had been feeling down about myself and decided to do something about it. I want to have good health. I want to be a young mom and have energy for children. I found a clinic that was able to help me. The diet was hard. I found that my 3rd day into it that I was craving things I wasn't allowed to eat. There were also a couple of lemonade detoxes through out the five weeks to help cleanse my body of candida. With the program I also had an appt. each week to go exercise with oxygen, do the sauna, and have a body wrap, all of which helped me to lose inches too. It was hard but i'm very proud to say I didn't cheat at all. The first pic is Easter, the day before I started and the 2nd one is at CJ's graduation the day after I was done. I lost a total of 18 lbs and 15 in on my body. I'm happy with the improvement and now that I'm aware of a lot of things I hope to continue it but also not have to have such a strict diet. It has also helped me with my happiness and also helped to boost my confidence. It really worked!

Moms Birthday

This year we had a lot of things going on the last week of May and first week of June. To jump start all of the celebrations my grandma came in a couple day before my mom's birthday and my moms birthday pretty much kicked everything off. We had a birthday, Memorial weekend, my dad coming to town, my birthday, and my brothers graduation. It sure kept us busy but it was very fun. We went out to dinner for my moms birthday. It was a lot of fun even though I couldn't eat. I only had three days left on my diet and I refused to eat. These are pictures of all of us.

May 2011

It seems like I should have a lot of catching up to do since its been awhile, but this month has been just another month. Some of Mays highlights in our family would include...

~ Paul finished Spring semester at the U. He finished with a 3.8 or 3.9. He had two weeks off and as of last week started summer semester. He found out he can be done by next spring so he is trying to finish up. He was also told that if he can keep his grades this high he will graduate with honors.
~ I'm actually looking forward to being able to move or have some type of adventure in our life.
~ Paul is getting ready to register for GRE and apply to grad schools. '
~ Work is going good for us. Its the time of year where things kind of slow down since we see only our DR. patients so I'll have some time off. I like it, but at the same time feel like I need more hours. I think I'll look for something part time to help with that but allowing me to keep my job. I'll see what happens, so don't quote me on that.
~ I restarted my Mary Kay business. I hope to get it going at a steady pace. It is nice to have a little more income. I had a debut and it went good.
~ With the knowledge that we are moving next year I just keep thinking we need to start saving. I'm 95% sure we will move. Paul is applying out of state. We need all we can get. He needs more than just one school for his degree. There really isn't another school here, but if he doesn't get accepted anywhere but the U we will go there just so he can finish. I'm proud of him and his hard work.
~ I have been trying to get healthier and stay healthy and tried a candida diet. It was interesting. More on that to come.
~ I think one of my favorite things this month was being able to see some very good friends of ours. They moved to South Carolina last year and I miss them tons. I miss our date nights. I also miss the kids. It was fun to spend some time with them while they were here.
Thats about all for now. Hope everyone had a good May. I'm so looking forward to good weather here. I can't wait for Spring/Summer.

Easter 2011

Easter with the Clarks

Paul and I with Aunt Norma and Uncle Ray. Two of our favorite people.

Cousin Time

CHANGES

About four weeks ago I started a 90-Day Transformation program with Allison Lamar. This program is for self businesses and how to become successful and many other things. For me though, this became more than something to help my Mary Kay business, this has helped me to go ahead with changes I have wanted to make in my life. For the last few months I've been thinking that at my age, I'm not quite where I planned on being. Growing up, my goals were to get married and to start a family. I wanted to have 2 by the time I was 25. I wanted to be done with my family by the time I was 30. I wanted to be a young mom. I wanted to marry somebody older than me by two years and him have an education and be done with school. Somebody who can provide for us and live happily ever after. For knowing what I want I feel i'm pretty close, but things weren't how I planned. I found my prince. We have not been able to have a family pretty easily. It still frustrates me, but I know things will work out and will also happen on the Lords time. I will become a mother no matter how my children come to me. I have an amazing husband who is currently in school and will be for a little bit. I can't wait til the day comes when I will have my marriage without school. He will and does provide but education will be a good few years. I will have my happily ever after but it will come in time. The point is I know what I wanted and even though not all has happened yet I know it will. I don't have to just sit around and wait though, I can make things happen and prepare for things. I have to admit I have been feeling a little down lately, especially when I've realized I havn't gotten everything I wanted. I don't mean to sound like a brat or anything, but there is a way I've pictured my life. I have most of it, but not all. I want to have it all. I can have a positive attitude and make things happen. I want to be able to set goals and to reach them. This is where the transformation program comes in. One of my goals is to get my Mary Kay business going again and to be able to build clientel. Allison Lamar is a wonderful example of somebody I would like to be. She joined MK at the age of 26 with a lot of debt and she went all the way and made it to the highest position you can hold within 2 1/2 years. She retired from the company at age 31 and is now a motivational speaker for women, not only those in MK but to all who owns businesses and is in direct sales and whatever else. Anyways her first week was about Goals and the 8 lanes of life. I've realized that her whole lecture that day not only related to my business but to my life. It made me really think about what and where I want to be. It talks about Spiritual life, personal life, professional life,physical life, etc. That whole lecture is what inspired me and this post. I've realized I've made a lot of changes and i'm about to make more. I don't want negativity in my life. I don't want people who don't respect marriage and friendship in my life. At the risk of sounding like a brat again I will get rid of people and things that make me feel uncomfortable and won't put up with things that bring me down. I mentioned earlier that I have felt down, to get rid of it I've found a program that will help me detox the body of candida, lose weight and keep it off, and get more energy. I'll need the energy to keep up with kids. I hope this program works. I officially start Monday, but I haven't had any pop in a week in a half. Thats good for me. This transformation has caused me to really look into my goals more and has given me the chance to fix things so I can be happy. I'm really looking forward to it.

Busy Week

This week has been a busy week for us. Even though I never came straight home or got a night off til Friday night I had an awesome week. It is ALWAYS fun when we have family in town and birthdays to celebrate, but I don't think you need an excuse to have fun. My Uncle Chuck and his family came into town on Monday night and were supposed to spend a couple of days with us, but it ended up being more. They had quite a trip. They saved to be able to come for Spring Break and on the way here the car breaks down. They barely made it to my moms. On top of that my cousin had a toothache and ended up going to my mom's office and the tooth was messed up and something was going on that they had to pull it. Nothing ever goes right for them. Last time one of my cousins had to get stitches while visiting.At least it doesn't get them down and ruin the trip. It was great for us though to have a few extra days with them. We had a big family dinner for a few nights and we also went to AirBorne. Airborne is a trampoline place. It was so much fun. I loved the pit. I was scared at first, but it was my favorite. I have never been the best at tricks on trampolines so my plan was to just go and jump. I didn't know I shouldn't wear my socks. I jumped to the end, didn't feel like I was high enough so I stopped (which is something I shouldn't have done) and took a couple more bounces got ready to jump in pit, lost footing and slipped. That made me go face first in the pit. It was fun though. The best part was my mom belly flopped in the pit her first time. Paul was amazing and did a flip as he lost his footing. After that was the time my brother decided to tell us its because we were wearing socks. I think we were entertainment for their friends that were there. We also celebrated JJ's 24th birthday this week. We went to Ole Spaghetti Factory. It was fun to go out with his family too. He has a great family. Sarah is very lucky. Last night I had a girls night with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. It was fun. I love when I have busy weeks, especially when they are memorable.

Six Years

Six years ago last Friday I married the love of my life. Paul has been my best friend, a wonderful companion, and the most amazing guy ever! I'm so glad he is by my side and my eternal companion. We have been through a lot and I love him and am very lucky to have him. It seems like we try to out do each anniversary. Its fun, but expensive. This year we decided to stay home and have a weekend to ourselves. We turned off the phones and spent all of our time together. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Timpanyakis on Friday. Saturday we went to dinner and Desert Star Theater. We saw Beverly Hillbillies 90210. It was funny. I love just spending any time I get with him, especially lately as he is finishing school and stuff. I'm just thankful to have him in my life. I'm glad to have him Forever!

WHAT a weekend

This weekend was one of the best i've had in a long time. I was able to relax, and not dread anything coming up. There is a story to that but its more for a journal than a blog. Its a good thing I love my family since we spent it mostly with them. I was able to enjoy the What A Woman Wants show with my mom and sister (and her kids) on Friday afternoon. It was fun to go with my family. They had a lot of cool stuff and I came home from a great shopping trip. I always love going to that expo when it comes to Sandy. Hopefully one day I can have a MK booth there. The rest of the weekend was pretty much spent with Pauls family. His parents took us out to dinner on Saturday. It was nice to visit and relax with them. A few weird things did happen, but I won't go into too much detail, in the end though I just could not relax. Paul and I did a movie night after dinner at home. I love relaxing with my husband. Sunday we went to Drako's blessing. Afterward Rachael and Josh had a luncheon at their home. It was fun to be with most of the family. Drako was so cute. I have had a ton on my mind lately and today has not been any different. I know this doesn't really include the weekend, but oh well. Today is my brother Hayden's 27th Birthday. He passed away 6 1/2 years ago. I miss him tons. I'm so thankful to have had a wonderful brother. It may not always have been the best, but I'm glad he was part of my life. One of the last memories I have of him is telling me He loves me and thanks for being a good sister. I will never forget that and am thankful that was one of the last conversations we had. Its a good memory to have. I love you Hayden. RIP

Always There

My Wonderful Family

My AMAZING siblings with our dad

Most AMAZING husband EVER!

Paul's Wonderful family, and best in-laws ever!

Friends will come and go, but your family will always be there for you!

NO MATTER WHAT!

Even if our family is " full of nuts" they will always be there for us. I just wanted to let my family know how much I love and appreciate them. I love that I always have somebody to talk too. I'm so lucky to have found Paul and to be part of the Gardiner family. I have amazing sisters and brothers. Its amazing that with how different we all are, it works. I know they will drop whatever they are doing to come help us, usually without any questions. I'm glad that they hold the priesthood too. It was amazing to see all the guys be able to be part of the setting apart of Paul's parents for their mission last year. I'm just lucky to have the love and support I feel from them. I'm also lucky to have the most AMAZING mom ever. She is a great example. I love how close my brothers and sisters are. We have so much fun together. I love how JJ and Paul fit right into the family. JJ is amazing for Sarah and has been a wonderful husband to her and they have a beautiful family. I have to add that I have the cutest nieces and nephews on both sides. I've been stressed beyond stressed lately and have really appreciated the love coming from my family.They will never leave, even if it feels like I'm pushing them away. They have been on my mind a lot and I'm so blessed to have them in my life. I have the most amazing and supportive husband ever and wonder how I got so lucky. I can't believe we are coming up on six years of marriage this week.