Merry Christmas

Just wanted to write a little note on here and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Hope you all have a safe, and happy holiday seasons with your families.

Love, Maren, Scott,

& the boy dogs

A Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

A Christmas Confession

This year I have had the worst time getting into the holiday spirit this year. I think it has a lot to do with the fact my parents are divorced. It's been 8 years I think, but it never gets easier. I hate having to go 10 different places to make sure I see everyone, then you add in a 'husband' and his family, and that adds 10 more places to visit. It's a lot, and it's not always a happy holiday season. Feel free to stop reading this whenever, basically I just needed to vent! So I'm sure this will be a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. In all honesty, there are times when I just wish my parents were still married... I think Scott is the only person that really knows that. I, for some unknown reason, volunteered my house to have Christmas Eve dinner this year. That's another thing that has drove me nuts this year-we usually have Christmas Eve dinner at my dads sisters house, but I had a falling out with her son and REFUSE to be anywhere he is at the same time. So, because he is some kind of idiot I am missing out on Christmas with my family, missing tradition, missing time with the only Grandma I have left, and missing out on Christmas with my nephews. Yes, it is my choice to not want to be around him, but if you only knew the story, you wouldn't want to be either. But thats a whole other vent session! So, back to X-Mas Eve I've got to do the cooking, the baking, the cleaning. Luckily Scott is such a genius in the kitchen he'll whip up some amazing grub.. And my Mom will be working her tail off to get everything together. The whole meaning behind Christmas is the togetherness. All I really want is to be TOGETHER with my family, the whole family. Not to be seperated because of divorce, or because of an arguement, or because someone doesn't like the other person. Another weird reason I tihnk I can't get in the mood is because there are no gifts under the tree. No not because we can't afford them, but because Ruger EATS them!! I cannot tell you how many gifts he has chewed through. I wanna strangle him! So I've had to lock everthing up and the tree is so bare and lonely! Another thing this morning before I left for work, Diesel and Ruger were all hyper and tipped my tree all the way over. I cried. I mean really cried. I wanted to just throw it outside and leave it. I'm hoping I get a much needed mood boost, pronto, I've only got a day!

Well for those of you who are still with me, thanks for reading my rant. I feel like I am the only one who extremely dislikes the holidays. And I hate that. It's so depressing! Well, I will update you on my progess or lack there of :)

Merry Christmas ladies

The Worst

I am the worst blog poster ever.... I can't believe November came and went, and now... Well, now 2011 is about here. I'll give the quick and dirty version of the last month....

• I registered for school again. Kinda nervous, kinda anxious, kinda bummed. I haven't been in a year, but I feel I am in a much better place than a year ago. I am taking 15 credits and going to school every day but Friday. I needed an incentive.
• With that, I am also fully invested into the Health Education Program. So, in 4 semesters, I will be graduating. Wow... Graduating. It's long overdue.
• Thanksgiving was spent this year in McCammon with the Nelson family. We had a nice dinner, stuffed ourselves until we were ready to pop and watched some football.
• Black Friday, was a total bust, I had to work! Sooo depressing. It's just not the same going in the afternoon instead of 4am :)
• We are still up in the air about our Christmas activities. I have decided that when Scott and I have babies, the parents can come to us! Haha. We will need a 15 passenger bus to haul all everything. Us, kid(s), dogs, gifts, kid stuff, dog stuff. I'm thinking we'll need a 15 and a u-haul.

I will take some pictures (family shoot, Christmas tree, recent happenings) soon and post them. I promise you all will hear from me before Christmas.

I hope everyone, although caught up with the craziness of the holidays, remembers the real reason for the season. The Savior.

Merry Christmas friends. I am grateful fo reach and every one of you.

Halloween Group

(Top Row: Taylor the 60s girl (my step-cousin), me, and Scott as the Greeks)
(Bottow Row: Travis as Mario (my cousins nephew), Talon the Tornado and Tanner the sniper (my nephews))


Oh yeah!! I forgot this picture.
Have to share this one! My cousin made both of the boys costumes this year.
-Tanner has been something army/GI Joe related the last 3 years,
this year he wanted a Gilly suit.
It turned out so awesome.
- Talon's costume could not fit him more perfect.. Kinda why she picked it!
He tears EVERYTHING up, in a matter of seconds.. Hence a tornado was formed

Hope everyone had a SpOOkY HaLLowEEn!

Halloween 2010

Scott and I never dress up for Halloween, so this year we decided to switch it up
We went as Greek Gods :) Super simple. Thanks to Joannes going outta buisness
this awesome get-up cost us about 10$ Haha!

Even my mom decided to get in on the fun this year too
Nurse Sandy at your service

Scott, Me, Hilariy, Tyler

Greeks & Pirates collide!

Me and my amazing best friend ever!
(Please check out my awesome gold slippers. Get you get anymore legit than that??)

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY

My sweet 'nephew' turned 8 years old on Oct. 29.

I can't believe how much he has grown up these last few years.

Tanner, at 8...

* You are almost as tall as me

* You are ahead of your class in about every subject

* You have the patience of a saint with everyone

*You are kind

*And a total softie

Your Maren loves you so much.

I hope you and I always have

the same special bond we do now.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy, hope your Halloween Party was "super awesome"

"I just can't do it captain...

......I don't have the power!"

- Ace Ventura

That's a little like how I feel lately. I keep telling myself I have plenty to tell the world, and then I get caught up in something less important. Who knows what exactly, but I'm "busy" doing something else! I cannot believe Sept was here, and now gone, October was here, and now gone.. November?? Already! Wowzers. Time really does fly. I did manage to get my pictures from Gary Allen up and that provoked me into writing a little something.

My cousin KayCe and I canned up a flippin' storm these last 2 months! We did something to the effect of 20 pints of salsa, 30 quarts and 29 pints of green beans, 36 quarts of peaches, 60 something quarts of stewed tomatoes, 24 pints on applesauce (NEVER again), and I believe 50ish quarts of apple pie filling. We were up to our eye balls in produce for weeks, but everything came off without a hitch and we couldn't be more proud! Word to the wise(r), never do homemade applesauce. Oh my good knight, it was such a long drawn out process and I couldn't hardly use my arms for the next 2 days. Just buy it, and save yourself the trouble! I will get some pictures of my hard work up.......... eventually. I literally have so many jars, I need to have Scott redo my canning closet and make me more shelves! :]

Speaking of Scott, he is COMING HOME!! Finally! 5 1/2 months of being gone. He is so ready and I am beyond ready.. For many reasons really. I hate the hour drive to Grace, the dogs hate the hour drive to Grace, minimal space inside, and the fact that it's just not home. And I'm only there a day or two outta the week. I don't wanna think about being there for as long as he as. So if you are ever going to Soda/Grace, thank Scott for that beautiful hunk of 4 lane heaven! Haha :]

Me.. Well, lets see. I am going back to school after a year! I feel like I've got my head on straight and that things inside my melon have calmed down a lot. That is part of the reason I stopped going. I was on the verge of a breakdown. 2 jobs, 16 credits, only one summer break from 2005 (I always did summer school), the stress of life, bla bla.... I knew I was at a breaking point and that if I didn't 'slow my roll' I was going to lose it. At the time it was what I needed to do and I'm glad I did it. I was able to clear my head and focus. I'm excited to get back in there and get finished. As always, ISU manages to flip and trick you in any way possible and I've learned I need to re-take 3 classes due to added course work. So frustrating, but.. beggers can't be choosers!

Well, I hope everyone enjoys their November. Thanksgiving isn't the only time to Give Thanks. Make sure through the whole month of November you remember to Give Thanks for all your many blessings.

Gary Allen

Me & my BFF Hilairy.

For her birthday I had these shirts made up

On the back it lists all the concerts we've been to together, it's

a make as you go type of thing! We got so many compliments and giggles from it!

Who says a 23 and 24 year old can't have a little fun?? :)

We went to a Gary Allen concert in W. Jordan for her birthday, we had

so much fun. He is an amazing performer. Jared Neimann and Randy Houser

opened for him, another 2 great singers.

Hil's favorite song is Smoke Rings in the Dark, mine...

well, I have far too many to pick from, but it would probably be

Tough Little Boys or Her Man

We had such a fun time, only crappy part was driving home that night so she could make it to class the next morning and so I could go to work! We are already planning our next concert...

Carrie Underwood it is :)

Crisp

this picture really has nothing to do with my post,
it's just something beautiful. A place where I can go and think, reflect.
I can't believe I took this either...

Can anyone else feel that cool, crisp, feeling in the air?

It's Fall and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Work Related Injury

Scott is always finding ways to hurt himself.. And it always seems to be at work. This is the latest of injuries the kid has received since starting in Lund.

He was cleaning out a drag shoot (it takes the asphalt up into the silo) with a shovel, and a flight (like a little flappy thing that carries the asphalt up) grabbed the shovel head and cause the shovel handle to wack him in the face! Luckily he was being "On TRACK" with safety (it's a Parson Co. thing) and had glasses on to protect his eyes. The hard plastic from the safety glass was hit so hard it broke the skin really deep. It didn't actually get his eye, just the underneath side...... But, it did land him in the hospital with a nice bruise and 3 lovely stitches. This is the patient post-op. Looks a little unhappy, eh??

Sweet Summa Time

Tanner & Talon Swimming

Talon hiding from me

Me & the boys

We were being silly :)

I love my little nephews- it's no secret, and this summer has been so busy I haven't spent any quality time with them and it was killing me! So last week we made our annual trip to Ross Park.

When I went to pick them up, out came..... BOYS. Not a baby and a toddler like I'm use too! I nearly broke down and cried! Tanner is almost to my shoulder, and he will be 8 in two months and Talon is still fiesty, talks amazingly well and is getting so much older looking. Where did my sweet baby boys go!?

Soon they will be to the stage where hanging out with Mawen isn't so cool, so I had better milk every minute I still have with them :)

Concert Whore

Yep, I said it.... I LOVE me some concerts :)

Me, and 3 of my bestest girl friends ever went and saw Jake Owen

in Burley for their county fair last week. We were right at the stage and I

did everything I could to touch him... Epic fail! :)

(I messed up these pictures so bad-I wanted them in order-so the sizes are butchered!)

Courtney, Hilairy, Marianne, me

He really is talented... And not bad to look at (wink)

So funny story... Jake (we're on a first name basis, haha) was throw guitar picks left and right and I was bound and determined to get one! Well he tossed one RIGHT TO ME!... And it went right in between me pointer and bird finger. But Mare noticed it on the ground and stepped on it so no one else would snag it. So I'm hustling to get it and I notice this women behind us YANKING on Mare's toes!!! She was trying to get her foot up off of it! So if anyone knows me, you know I'm not havin' it. So I got down to eye level with this lady and said, "ummm, no." Needless to say I prevailed, and here's the photo to prove it!! HAHA

And to end a PERFECT night, WE GOT TO MEET HIM! He is soo incredibly nice and really genuine. We were only allowed one photo and just my luck, he looked down as soon as the picture was snapped. Either way... It was such a great time-As you can probably tell by my ear-to-ear grin!

Where has the time gone??

Wow, I always say I'm going to get better about updating and I fail miserably at it! Maybe if I don't mention it at all, I'll get better!

So let's see.... I'll start with Scott.

He has been in Grace for 2 months now. This year it seems like time is flying by, for me anyways. He has had so many things go wrong this time around and he was getting very frustrated. I've never heard him say he wanted to quit so many times this last than I have in my life. Things look as though they are smoothing out and one side of the road is 1/3 complete. He has been working ridiculously long hours, like 5am till sometimes 10pm. We don't see much of one another and we don't talk much either. It's even harder to throw in a weeks worth of information for one another in a 24 hour period when he comes home. He will usually roll in after 6 on Saturday and is gone by Sunday night at 6. It's really a learning experience.

His family also has had some pretty trying times recently as well. Last month, his dad, Danny, was rushed to the ER because he was having some kind of attack.. He was physically sick, dizzy, legs and arms were numb and so on...... After a hefty dose of Valium and a few tests, we found out he has Menear's Disease. It's a problem in the inner ear; like Vertigo on steroids basically! So we were able to get him on some meds, get his ears looked at and things seems to be heading in the right direction. It's weird that a diet can affect your ears. I guess too much caffeine, sodium and nicotine really mess with you. So, the family has been regulating sodium and caffeine. Luckily we don't need to worry about smoking!

Also, last Friday night, Scott's aunt passed away from a massive heart attack. She was 42. It's been hard adjusting to having another funeral so soon, but the family seems to be doing surprisingly well. Again, it's times like these I am so grateful to be a member of the Church and I can pass my faith along to my in-laws that they will indeed see her again.

Me, lets see.....

Well, I have been staying pretty busy at work as well. Back to School in retail is always a joke, seriously. It's madness! This is my last week of summer school and I could not be more thrilled to say that! This semester has been brutal. Statistics is hard enough in 16 weeks, but 8 weeks... It's been nuts. Lots of long nights and staying after class! But I am doing great this time around. Apparently FOURTH time around is a charm, third time is for sissy's :] Kidding!! I haven't yet decided if I'm going to go back to school in the fall, all the classes I need are now Major Required and naturally, they are all FULL. So I plan on sitting around like a vulture waiting for spots to open up! When I'm not at school or work, I've been spending a lot of time with my friend Courtney at NOP for her Pocatello Slow Pitch Softball games. She plays on 2 different teams, and I love to just sit and watch her play and people watch. There are some characters out there... let me tell ya! :/ Her last game is tonight, and after that I don't know what I'm going to do to fill my time up!

Other than that, Scott and I both try to get out and enjoy the sun when we can. The weather has been so amazing, it's hard to be at work all day (Scott) and having to sit through an afternoon math class (Me), but I always find time to squeeze a little time in there :]

I hope everyone is enjoying there summer and doing well!

Congrats to the few of you who have had or are having babies!

And my thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Until next time (and I promise it won't be so long)

-Maren

Question..

I have a new picture I want to put in the title, but when I do, it's HUGE. But if I do 'shrink to fit' only a little piece of the photo actually shows... Uh, what gives?!

Any help would be great

Thanks :]

May in Review

I haven't wrote on here forever! I feel a little bad leaving all my readers hanging. I know there are a few ;] So first things first...

1. We hit a little bump in the road, which is about A-Typical for any normal person out there. Change isn't such a bad thing, and sometimes it is needed to get you out of a rut.. Again, something just about everyone runs into on occasion. It isn't something you rush, it's something you take your time with.. And I've got all the time in the world.

"Just because two people argue doesn't mean they don't love each other. Just because two people don't argue, doesn't mean they do."

2. I turned 23 on the 21st! Not gonna lie, this was REALLY hard for me. I look at myself and I think, 'well I haven't done this, this, and this.. I really should be here, but in reality I'm 15 steps behind that goal.' It was an eye opener... And I'm 2 years away from being a quarter century old. That makes me feel like crap! HAHA! So ridiculous sometimes :]

3. Scottie turned 24 on the 26Th! He's even older than I am and it didn't faze him a bit. Men...

4. Scott also left for Grace the very same day he celebrated his day of birth! We thought he was going to be leaving sooner, but with the crazy weather it pushed it back. And he honestly, could not have left at a better time. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and that's what we are hoping for here. This is a HUGE job and a lot of the pressure of the turn out is on him. He is the youngest in the whole company and I am beyond proud of him. He has advanced in leaps and bounds, and he is a true 'Company Man'. It's hard though. Living with someone who literally talks about work in his sleep, makes you take a step back and think, "Is this really what I want?" I would rather go through a couple rough years and be happy forever, than the alternative. And that's' the truth. I am so grateful for what Jack B. Parson Co. has done for Scott. It really turned him into the person he is today.

5. This past weekend was Memorial Day and we were able to pay tribute to the loved ones we have lost through the years. Also, we went to the Field of Hero's. Such a somber experience. I've been a few times, and it always gives me chills. I am so grateful to my Dad (Army), both of my Grandfathers (WWII-Army/Navy), and Scott's Grandpa (D-Day-Marines) for having served our country to give us the freedom and privilege's we have today. Thanks to all the other men and women who are serving, past and presesnt. What an honor it is to salute the flag next to you all.

Well all, I promise to be better in June. I will write more and fill you

in on Scott's progress in Grace. If I remember the camera,

I will snap some photos, so you can see what it is he actually does :]

Until Next Time,

Maren

To My Mother

I wouldn't be who I am today without you leading and guiding me through life.

You are always proud of me no matter what the outcome.

Thanks for always being there.

I LOVE YOU MOMMY

Mother

A mother understands what a child does not say. ~Author Unknown

I saw this quote and wanted to share it.

Birthdays

How does something this small, and precious....

Turn into a little terrorizer like this??

My sweet little 'nephew' Talon, just turned 4! I remember the day he was born, I was soooo excited to love on him. He was the best baby I had ever seen! He just moaned and groaned and would occasionally open his baby blue eyes to see who was holding him. He was so tiny, and had a head full of dark hair. (Totally opposite of his older brother; who was a HUGE, bald baby).

Talon, at four, you are your own little independent soul.

You go to preschool, and attempt at making friends.

You have a HUGE attitude, good and bad :]

You are a lover.

And very much a fighter.

You love baseball and soccer.

And you love to go to the pool with me and Tanner.

'Mayen' and Scott love you little boy. Hope your 4th birthday was a blast!!

Better Late Than Never

This post is so late, but I said I was going to post pictures from the Luke Bryan/Jason Aldean concert... And I'm just getting them off my camera and onto my computer (sooo lazy!). So here it is. Some of the pictures are blurry, that's in respect to my jam session I was in the middle of.. You know you can't just stop to take a photo in the middle of a jam session?! Haha :]

I can't put into words how much I LOVE concerts.. As a matter of fact, I'm going to 3 more this summer: Sugarland, The Country Showdown (lots and lots of bands i.e. Eric Chruch, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Jack Ingram), And Trace Adkins! I needed something to keep me busy while Scott was away... Gezz!

It's that time again.....

We found out early this week that Scott will be leaving in 2 weeks for the summer... Wow. I knew this was coming, but good grief. This came way sooner than I anticipated! It's bittersweet really. It's good he's going and getting back to work, but it's so hard being without him. Three months was rough last year, this time around- the possibility of 6 months. Me and the boys will be regulars in Grace when this is all said and done, we may even take up residency :] So he's been bookin' it to get the trailer back in 'order' for living in. A good clean, inside and outside, and refilling. It's nearly impossible to think of all the things you may possibly need in 6 months, hopefully Grace has a good store, and it helps that his Mama isn't that far away either.

This is just kind of a funny story that just popped into my head.... When Scott left last year, me and Diesel were having to make trips to Malta at least 3 times a week... Not because I missed Scott, but because the dog missed Scott! He wouldn't eat, he wouldn't sleep... He just paced and cried for a good month! I hope he doesn't pull this stunt again! Scott seems to think he'll take him and he can live with him over the summer, but I think the same would go if he were away from me for too long... This dog is a child, I'm not even kidding! Haha!

Well, that is all the news going on around here. Hope everyone is doing well!

Until next time,

Maren

Marathon

I have somehow convinced myself I am going to run in the Pocatello Running the Gap Marathon in September! Any of you who know me, know that I had had less than perfect knees since... uh, birth! Haha. And also know how much I HATE running! But, I really wanted to get serious about getting back into shape, so what better way to do it than by a good run!? I have been training A LOT. And I am so impressed by what I can do, despite what I thought I couldn't do. I'm totally proving myself wrong. Thank goodness I have a willing, awesome, keep me motivated kind of partner... Diesel Dog, of course!! He loves our runs and has made great friends with the neighbor dogs :] I love being able to go to my old elementary school and use the track there on the weekend, but during the week while the kids are in school, I go to OK Ward Park. One lap around is .2 more than Chubbuck, so I get to push myself harder there and slack, just a little, on the weekends! I'm working on getting my lungs use to an intense workout (asthma) and I am about able to run for 30 minutes straight... Considering 3 weeks ago they felt as though they were going to blow up around .5 mile! I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. I'm hoping to really bump it up now the weather is getting SO NICE!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather as well.

Until next time!

-Maren

Conference & Easter

I love Conference. And what a blessing it was to be on Easter Sunday this year. At first I was a little bummed because I love to go to sacrament and listen to the messages on Easter. But then I thought, well what kind of messages am I going to hear if they are from the prophets?! Duh... It took me a minute. I think I've said this a few times before, but I always feel as though the leaders speak right to me. The last 2 years have been so rough, losing my grandma, Scott's grandpa, my uncle Scott... the list could go on and on. I thought the talk on not letting the earthly things, get in the way of the spiritual things (I wish I could remember the Elders name). Wow. What a powerful message. I looked over to my mom, and she was crying. She knew what he was talking about. Conference is such a great way to start fresh for the next 6 months. It's like a clean slate every conference. They give us the knowledge we need, and replenish our spiritual need a few months later. When President Monson opened up about his wife, I saw a new man. A side I don't think you really see of him. It was neat to hear him talk about her. With President Hinckley, he always talked about Marjorie, always. It was a pleasant surprise. The messages this go around were powerful, as usual. But I felt a different motivation from this one. It means something, but what, I'm not sure of yet :] I am so grateful I am a member of the Church. How lucky am I to have been born a member. I loved listening to Elder Uchtdorf talk about the converts and all they went through, just to be a member of the church. You really don't realize how lucky you are to have been born in this faith. Even though all the persecution we've been through, and will continue to go through. I know the messages the Prophets give me are true, and I know this church is true.

"Easter is a sacred day, a day of thanksgiving and divine worship,” President David O. McKay once said. “It is not a day just for rejoicing because of the opening of springtime, not merely an opportunity to display beautiful hats and fine clothing—it is an occasion for the expression of gratitude to God for having sent His Only Begotten Son into the world to be ‘the way, the truth, the life.’ ” I got this quote out of an Ensign from 1982. Isn't it wonderful?!

Hope everyone had a great Easter/Conference weekend

Relapse

Although I know I have a few readers who are dying to know what's going on in our lives (said in a totally sarcastic voice) I'm sorry to report, once again, we are still lame! Haha :]

We did find out Scott will be leaving for work sometime in the next 6ish weeks. He's only been home for 4 months and I don't feel fully ready for him to up and leave again, even longer this time. I'm lucky this time around because he'll only be an hour away, instead of 2 like last year. Trying to focus on the positive! Haha. He recently got a promotion and is now a full time "Hot Plant Foreman". He has busted his butt to get to this point; put in loooong hours, and literal blood, sweat, and tears (usually from me). I'm so lucky he is such a hard worker. He loves his job and his company. I'm so blessed he has such a great, secure job in this struggling economy. I will admit there are times when I HATE this position, he's gone all the time, and works strangely long hours. But I realize he is working for US not just him anymore. He's such a good guy, and I ocunt my blessings daily.

As for me... Well, I'm still working and keeping busy with that. A few weeks ago, I had a strange feeling to get onto the ISU web site and search my major. Without thinking I did, and I stumbled upon something miraculous!! They changed the requirements, for the BETTER!!! ISU decided to remove the 6 classes they added 3 days before I went to offically apply!! I was so happy, and relieved, I cried! So with that being said, I jumped onto the registration page and signed up for summer school. It will be a fully online class, and I couldn't be happier! It made me realize the power of unanswered prayers. The worst of things can happen, for no particular reason, and witout a second thought, the best things can happen.

Pretty much, that sums up what has been going on. We did go to the Jason Aldean concert, so I will have to add a few pictures from that. We had a blast, we LOVE Jason! And Luke Bryan was good too.

Until next time,

Maren

Spring............

Is that you??

Olympics and Catch Up

I really enjoy watching the Olympics... for the first few DAYS! But after 15, I'm ready for normalcy! Haha. And I'm really bummed the US didn't beat Canada for the gold medal. That would have been the icing on the cake... And I don't even like/watch hockey! But whatever! I, well everyone who watched this year, saw some really amazing events happen. I remember when the winter Olympics were in Salt Lake City. My mom took me and my cousin down and was amazing! The energy was almost too much to handle. And standing in linefor 13 hours, yes folks 13 looong hours, at ROOTS for a stupid hat. Well, that was just stupid! HAHA. Live and learn, correct? But I'm not gonna lie, I think I would stand in line for those cute little gloves with the maple leaf on them and the cap with the moose!! Awww, I do love winter Olympic wardrobe! Anyways...

We had a safe trip to and from California. It was a hard couple of days. But we made it. On our way to Vegas from Salt Lake, we were 5 minutes or so from landing and the captain comes on and says President Obama is leaving the LV airport and no planes can come in or out, can't get in his airspace (???) and we would have to circle Las Vegas for 30 minutes... Uh, not cool. I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Obama and this little event did not add points for him. Neither did the fact I almost puked AND missed my connecting flight... Tender, right?!

So other than that, everything went well. My mom had to give a little talk on her brother and I thought she did very well. As I sat and listen to hear tell stories about Scott, I wondered what it would be like to have stories like that to share. As all of you know, I am an only. So there will never be stories about my brother poking me from the backseat of the car, or going ice skating together. My mom has gone through a lot in the last 2 years; losing her mother, her job, breaking her wrist, and now burying her brother... Her strength amazes me. I really got lucky when I was chosen for her. If I am half the women she is, I'll be in a pretty good spot.

This was just a quick catch up on what's been going on around these parts. Not much of anything really. Trying to get back to normal life, if there is such a thing :)

The Tough Stuff

"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."

I've often asked myself, when will it really be worth it? There are so many things in this world I wish I could understand. Life and death, just death really, is something even at (almost) 23 I struggle with. I don't really know how to post this post into words, and it will probably come out a rambling mess... So be prepared.My uncle Scott, my moms brother, was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer at the beginning of the year. Scott has always lived in California and he was always traveling. It wasn't very often I got to see him, but for some reason, I always connected with him more than my moms other brother and two sisters. He is my favorite. And now, at a ripe age of 56, he's dying. He is the same age as my Grandpa Nielsen when he died, from liver cancer. In April it will be 2 years my Grandma Nielsen died, from liver cancer.

When is this worth it?

We made a trip to Simi Valley 2 weeks ago so we could see him, more than likely for the last time. It was goodbye. When we got to the hospital I worked myself up for what he would look like. Cancer does tremendous things to the body, so I knew it wasn't really going to be Scott sitting there, it would be the cancer. He was almost unrecognizable. He was skinny, and pale, and gray haired. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to upset him. So we talked football (He LOVES Brett Farve, and is a purple cheese head for life-Vikings/Packers) and about school and work. It sounds like him, but its not him. When I was getting ready to leave his room, his frail arms lifted up to give me a hug and he told me he loved me and 'to be good'.

When is this worth it?

When we left Sunday, he was getting his first dose of chemo. He was nervous, and visibly upset. Rightfully so. I'm sure it was a toss up between the treatment and the possibility he may never see his family again. He was given the possibility of 3 months. But the Oncologist also told us there is almost no normal liver cells, its all cancer. My mom takes a deep breath every time her phone rings.

When is this worth it?

On the 11Th, my mom and I were talking about a phone call one of the sisters had gotten from the hospital. The social worker wanted to tell us Scott more that likely wouldn't make it through the night. I sat, in disbelief and thought maybe it was a false alarm. Not 2 minutes later, the telephone rang. (Deep breathes) The social worker was right, he didn't make it through the night. On Feb. 11, 2010 my favorite uncle Scott, passed away from liver cancer around 8pm MST.

When is this worth it?

We'll be leaving this Thursday to go back to California to say our final goodbye. He is being laid to rest in the most amazing, peaceful cemetery I've ever been too. It's in Camarillo and its outlined in palms and tropical looking flowers. It's away from the busy California lifestyle, it's quiet and serene. It's a nice place to be. I just wish it were in Idaho.....

I miss him already. My mom misses him already. So to ask the question again, when is this suppose to be worth it? Cancer is so hard to deal with, those of you who haven't dealt with it, I hope you never have to. It pops up so much in my family, you think it would get easier.. But that's a lie. I think it gets harder. It's miserable. It's a life ruiner. I do know Scott is in no pain. He's happy, and he's safe. He's with God, and if God likes football, I'm sure they're discussing whether or not Brett will come back with the Vikings next year :] I am so lucky I am a member of the LDS church. Times like these makes me grateful that I have the knowledge that we will meet again. But it's still hard. Why do the good die young?

So, Uncle Scott.... I'll always love Manning, I'll never like 'The Pack'. I promise I'll make it through school, I promise to be good, and I promise to take care of my Mom. There is no 'trying,' it's just 'doing'.

I love you. Rest in peace.

Until we meet again.

To Scott:

Happy (late) Valentine's Sweetie. This is the one day of the whole year, besides your birthday, that I can tell you how much I love you. You are my best friend in this entire world. You make me giggle when you tell 'funny' jokes, you make me smile when you sing a little (a lot) off key, you make me cry when you do sweet, totally random, nice things for me. I could go on and on about why I love you, but mostly, you already know. You are the light at the end of the tunnel when I feel like there is zero hope, you are the becon I need when I go a little off path, and most importantly, you are the loving arms I need when I just can't take it anymore.

Scott, how I ever wound up with you is totally beyond me. Out of all the girls in this world,

you picked me to give all your love too.... How lucky am I?

Love, Maren

Colts V. Saints

No shocker here, this clan cheers for the Colts!

A Whole Lotta Nothin'

Nothing new is going on around our house! And I mean nothing! Haha, it seems nice for a change actually. It was WAY weird not getting ready for 'back to school' and even weirder about how relieved I am that I'm not there. I feel for my friends who are in school and already know it's going to be one of those semesters! I feel your pain, friends! I thought I would just do a quick post since January is half gone... Good knight, where does the time go?!

Hope all is well with every one!