Collin came to visit!

So Collin... What an awesome fireball! He has so much energy I could hardly keep up! He is such a sweet kid and it was a great experience to have him with us.

Ashamed that he likes The Voice

Sunday night we got home from Arizona and I gladly introduced him to The Voice. He thought it was silly at first, but soon he was saying, "I hate this show! Why do you make me watch this?" (I go to change the channel... "No! Wait, I'm watching this! I love this show!" Basically he hated the fact that he really did like it. It was a crack up!

Oh, ya know!

For the weeks leading up to his visit I was extremely worried that I wouldn't be able to entertain him much because despite the fact that he was here, we could not stop working. So, He got taken to work! He didn't mind that much because soon after the start of our first dealership he realized that he got to sit in and drool over all the nice cars we work with. The Yellow Camaro's and the sleek black Cadillac's got his attention.  :) We finished work with just enough time to get ourselves fed, courtesy of Collin, and to the Carnival that happened to be in town! Dinner was delicious! It was a big dinner of quesedillas and salad! Notice I said Carnival in one sentence, and big dinner following that. Yeah, BAD CHOICE, MCKAY! The carnival was a lot of fun, but I had to make myself spew halfway through so that my stomach would let me go on more rides. It took a lot of effort, but I finally was able to keep going and it was a blast! We rode every ride worth going on for us big kids, got some cotton candy, and even tried to get Mariah a fish!

This is why these two are friends....

Tuesday we worked again, but to finish off the touches of the day, we went to Chopes! The BEST Mexican restaurant in the area! They make some amazing food! I love their Chili sauces, both green and red! We go there as often as we can. Which isn't often since we try not to eat out a lot, but Collin gave us the perfect excuse!
Wednesday we worked again... it was a REALLY long day. At least I remember it being so... Maybe that was Tuesday that was long... Anyway, I got everything packed up to leave Thursday. Collin helped me clean the house and got himself ready, and Myles did computer work. The second we were ready for the road trip to SLC, UT we headed out the door to meet Mariah at Sweet Cici's. (The only self-serve frozen yogurt place anywhere near here.) We loaded up the sweets and prepared ourselves for the brawl! MARIO CART WII!!! That is a serious game between Myles, Mariah, and Myself. I'm pretty sure Collin thought we were nuts. We stayed there long enough to watch the new Criminal Minds episode. What a great story it was!

Chopes!!

Thursday we busted out the work and hit the road! We left town around 12:45 pm and drove... and drove... and drove... and stopped for the potty, and drove and drove... Holy cow it was a lot of driving. Collin has so much energy and he was holding nothing back in that little space! He kept asking if he could drink the Rock star that was in the car, and we would tell him no. He ended up drinking it anyway and that was more than I was every expecting! He was bouncing off the walls! lol at least it was a little comical for us. He commentated the entire Batman: The Dark Knight movie with such intensity that I can't even explain it! We pulled into Springville, UT to my Dad's childhood home at 1:30 am. What a long day! I crashed out hard once I hit the bed!
Friday was spent apartment hunting and on temple square. We parted ways with Collin shortly after the Temple. His parents also -came up for conference so we dropped him off at their hotel. I will go more into the conference weekend in the Next blog. It was great to have Collin with us and I know that he and Myles enjoyed their time together!

I couldn't find any pictures from the Carnival.. :(

Road trippin' part one!

The house of the Lord in Mesa, AZ

We have been crazy busy over the last few weeks! We had two short work weeks in a row with 2 long busy "vacation" weekends! The first was the week leading up to Easter. What a blessed week it was! We got help from our family in town to get everything done, and were able to do it with plenty of time.

Myles doing one of his favorite things!

On Thursday we spent the majority of the day in the car with Myles' family. We did the 6 hour drive to Mesa, AZ to spend the rest of the evening at the Easter pageant that is held at the Temple. What an inspiring production it was! If you ask Myles, I was hysterical the whole time. I, however, think that I sat there, quietly letting the tears of joy and humility run down my cheeks. The show is about Christ's life with a special focus of his last week on this earth. It quotes the KJV Bible and puts many of the stories into music! The power and awe that was impressed upon me is in describable.
I am beyond thankful for that opportunity. I know that my Redeemer lives and he lights the way for me in all things! His Atonement is REAL and it is for YOU!

Diamondbacks game!

We were housed by the hospitality of Myles' Uncle Bruce. He had all 8 of us in every inch of his house! Myles and I were lucky enough to get a real bed. :D
Friday the long awaited trip to the Temple was finally here! I love to sit and bask in the knowledge that comes when you spend in the peaceful environment of the Temple. The LDS Temples truly are places where Christ resides. Following the 2+ in the Temple we went to the massive mall to shop and have lunch with our Friend Austin. It was great to get to know him a little better. What an honorable young man and a good friend! I don't enjoy shopping much, but I did end up surviving and I even purchased some new church shoes. Even though we hadn't been home since 8 am we went trucking on to the last spring training game for the Diamondbacks. It was a really slow game, but it was really fun anyway. We even got to be on the camera in the background of a outfielder trying to catch a home run!
Bruce is a real estate agent so he helped us try to find some apartments in Salt Lake City. We found a couple but only one responded. (See the results of that in a blog soon to come.)
Every road trip needs a touch of Mabee! We were able to spend 4 or so hours with Paul, Gena and the boys. Gena made some delish salad that was a breath of fresh air compared to my previous fast food meals! We told some funny stories, watched Paul be the star of Marshals video for school, Myles and I even went to their ward's Easter activity with them! It was so cute, it seemed Gena was almost bragging about us as she introduced us to everyone she saw!

Myles, myself and Jess at the open house

Enjoying ourselves in the car by feeding the dog hot cheetos

We made it back to Bruce's house in time to get changed into nice clothes so we could get in the car and drive for an hour to their cousins wedding open house. It was a nice gathering with tasty food, nice company at my table, and short and to the point! We left around an hour after we got there because we needed to get to the airport. Here is where our next adventure begins! We were picking up Collin Howald! He and Myles met at EFY the same summer we did, and he was coming to spend his spring break with us.

The set for the pageant

Sunday we got up early and spent the day in the car again. Home again, Home again, Jiggety jig.

We LOVE to see the Temple!

Pride... Is it Contagious?

Things are always an adventure here! We are doing very well as basketball has now come to a close. Myles got to work all the way up to a first round play off game on his birthday! His next task is to bust out his hours at the Boys home for his internship class. In addition to that, he will soon be added on to their paid staff. That is exciting for us, because we like to be comfortable in the savings account but hold onto the pennies that leave. haha Myles has taught me well. I really had no idea how to budget until he came along.
Today I am feeling especially blessed and proud to be who I am. I am proud to be the wife of Myles Maxey. I am proud to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and to belong to his restored church. I am proud of the family that I was raised in. I am proud to be an american, even if sometimes I don't agree with the leaders of this God-given nation. I am proud of the friends I have made and held on to. And even when it is tough, I am proud of the curves I have inherited that make it ever so hard to wear clothes correctly.
I am learning to celebrate my daily victories, and not dwell on the shortcomings of the day. I mean, as long as I make each day better than the one before, I should be good, right? I am doing my best, and some times it is good enough, and some times it isn't. The end result of every day is up to me. Of course there are always things you cannot control, and we must accept that. Acceptance of those uncontrollable things will make our lives so much more peaceful. When things don't go our way though, do we give up, or we work harder to help them go in our favor? The best things in life are things that have to be worked for. Family relations, friendships, schooling, careers, love, strong testimonies, clean houses, etc. We are rewarded what we work for. But is it really a reward, or following through on the things you start? Take cookies for example; When I make cookies dough sometimes I want to just eat it uncooked, as is! Sometimes that is not the case, either way, I have to put those cookies in some pretty tough heat in order to become something "better". (I only put it in quotations because, like I said, sometimes just the dough is best) We all know diamonds are the same. Very few things in my life go exactly as I plan them, so I must learn to roll with the punches, and become better through the heat of each day.
Now, is pride contagious? We all know the haughty, bad kind is, but I'd like to think the accomplished, humble pride is too! Being proud of who you are and who you become every day is something to take joy in! And joy is indeed something that spreads! Each of us can affect the lives of those we come in contact with by being happy and proud of who we are. Humility is true joy.
We all need improving, myself included, so why not decide everyday to be better? Allow yourself to roll with the punches that life involves. Be who you are and take joy and pride in YOU! Let go of the things in life that serve you no positive purpose. I am glad to have these thoughts on my mind lately, and beyond thankful for the person I become everyday with the help of my Savior.

Joy! Being proud of my current family and the family I came from! 

Don't Forget Eternity

Jesus Christ will teach his people

Last weekend we were blessed to be able to listen to General authorities in our broadcast-ed Stake conference. (For any readers who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that just means that the members of our stake met together and had speakers satellited to us, rather than them coming to our building. A stake is an area  of members. It helps us be more organized if they break us into groups.) It was an excellent meeting! There were so many wonderful things presented to us, however the thing that stuck out to me the most is this: Every part of the Gospel Jesus Christ taught is tied to Eternity. My mind was drawn to the day before when I had been on pinterest, flipping through whatever was there, and there was one of those silly "Meme" things which said, "Live for right now. Forget Eternity." My heart broke a little when I realized that the message the world and Satan are promoting is just that, to forget eternity.
How has it come to this? Maybe it has been here for a while, and I am just coming to the realization... I don't care who you are, or what you believe, but what you do today always effects tomorrow. There is no way around it! Everything has a consequence. Good or bad is how you choose your actions. At least that's the most logical way I have found to do it. If you don't want a burned hand, you don't grab something that is hot.
Throughout this week I have had several discussions about the Relief Society visiting teaching message for the month. It really has hit me that not only does what we do effect Eternity, but it also effects everyone around us! If we choose to be Christlike in all that we do, others will see and be blessed by that. However, if we choose to let our weaknesses overcome us and for example: not welcome a new face in church, smile at someone on the street, judge others for their weaknesses, or ignore the responsibility we have as brothers and sisters in God to care for one another, Eternity and those around us are effected!
The whole purpose of this life is to live it well, have joy and make it home to our Father in Heaven for ETERNITY! Satan is working so hard to help the world forget this. So how do we fight this eternally devastating message? We have to be firm in our own beliefs, but not forget what the scriptures teach us.
We are free to choose! - 2 Nephi 2 : 27
Every good thing comes from God - Moroni 7 : 16
It is through Jesus Christ that our Eternity is possible -1 John 5 : 11
We are to allow all men to believe as they choose - Articles of Faith 1 : 11
We can only help if we are helping with the right foundation. Jesus Christ made all of this possible. We get to be happy because he loves and blesses us! We are the fastest way his truth gets out to all of the world, and yet half the time we don't take our duty seriously.
I know Jesus Christ lives, and I will do all in my power to let the message of eternity never die!
 Joseph Smith Jr. declared:

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

And so it shall be. God bless!

If you wanted to read the visiting teaching message, here it is! http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/02/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng

Even the Desert Floods

My morning started off stiff and a little slower than I had intended... I had some pain in my shoulder, but I knew I needed to keep on keeping or else the work we needed to get done would never happen. I worked up the umph to get out of bed and shower. During my shower I noticed that there was little to no water leaving the tub after it came from the shower head. That was odd to me, because our tub usually has a really fast drain. I didn't think much past it, other than that I would ask Myles to send a work order to the family housing office so they could fix it.

Putting my food back into its spot

I tried to call my mom about my shoulder, but she didn't answer, so I made my way down stairs only to find water all over the floor. I looked for the cup that it came from, but I found nothing. I did notice the slightest sound of dripping water. Upon my investigation I found that there was water trickling down the walls of my kitchen! AH! I grabbed all the towels I could find and tried to catch the drips. Then I grabbed all the food out of the cupboards that might get wet and ruined. My mom called me back and my question about my shoulder was completely forgotten. I told her about my flood and that I was doing my best to stop things, but that I didn't know what to do. She had her head on straight, and told me to call the land lord. Oh... DUH!

You want this on your wall, don't you?

I called them and they said they would send someone asap. The back door was open, and my neighbor heard me talking. She told me that she had the same issue! The maintenance guy showed up a few minutes later. When he was told there were two apartments involved he said it was out of his hands, and that he would send the plumber that they use as a contractor. 

All the food on my table.

Myles and I had things to do, and a flush-able toilet was severely needed. We left and hopped they would fix the problem before we came back. I was blessed to be able to get into the Chiropractor. He adjusted my Collar bone. Apparently that was making my shoulder pinch weird. I am so glad he always goes for the problem, rather than fixing the immediate symptom. After spending most of the day at Ann's house, we returned home, hoping to find a fixed main line. As we pulled up, our neighbor happened to be on the way out and she said they had fixed it. Our main line was plugged and everything that came from mine,  and my neighbors plumbing went down my wall! SO GROSS! My Toilet is upstairs! :/

My day was blessed, even though it started off crazy! It even rained!

Our Journey Home

This last weekend we surprised my family in Oregon! What a blessing!

Our trip out was a blast! The surprise worked out amazingly! Both Hannah and Kimber were in tears, shaking and laughing hysterically, Chad was blown off his feet (Not literally), Lillian was excited, Mom was pleased, and Dad… Well he had a reaction that is one of a kind. He was sleeping and I woke him up when I got there. He thought he was having delirious dreams! It was really funny! The whole weekend was filled with joy and laughter!

On the way to the airport!

Hannah was amazing in her show! She is really becoming a star! She had to sing in a pretty voice, rather than a belting voice for this show and although it isn’t her favorite, she really is phenomenal at any style she tries. Watching her kiss a boy was a little weird for me, but I’ll have to get used to that, because she is going places! Kissing boys comes with the territory. 

Our plane to PHX

Although the trip was way exhausting, it was SO much fun! Let me tell you about it more than that small detail though. We started our Journey early on Friday morning; however, it seemed earlier than it was! I had been having trouble sleeping for the entire week for multiple reasons. I had been dreaming about being a detailer in one of the dealerships we cover, as well as dreams about my surprise going all wrong! So getting up before 6 on Friday was indeed a difficult task for me.

The plane ride was just like any other, long, boring and nauseating. We had a LONG layover in phoenix, but we had some lovely gelato during our wait.

Doing Hannah's Hair

The hilarious Emma

We arrived in a clouded over Portland around 3 pm. Meredith picked us up and was out “Taxi” driver for the day! She took us into Salem where I needed to stop at the eye doctor. (I broke mine on Thursday.  I needed to see if they could work me a deal.) She took us to the school, where mom and Hannah were, by route of River Road. The closer we got, the more I had fluttering in my stomach, and my hands started to shake! I was SO excited!

GMA and GPA Mabee

Upon arriving at the school we found Tina, the Janitor. We told her of our plan, and she gladly let us into the Auditorium. The door opened, and I was surprised to find out that the entire cast was on the stage getting notes from the night before. There was no turning back! Hannah’s eyes were drawn to the door as it opened. She jumped up and screamed and ran to me. I let her tackle me as her tears streamed down her face and her body shook with emotion! Meredith had my phone and recorded the whole thing! It is hilarious! Anyhow, Witt didn’t like that I interrupted and called Hannah back after not much time. Mom and watched the whole thing from the top of the room. She was glad to see us! Myles climbed the stairs to her and after Witt broke up Hannah and me, I followed him up there. She was glad to see us! She claims she “knew” we were coming because Myles isn’t sneaky about asking when the show is, but I think she just hoped we would come.

Our Star

Mom sent us to the house really quickly because she was afraid we were going to miss Kimber. She was right to send us, because when we drove up Kimber was sitting in the front room, looking out the window. She was waiting for Raymond to come get her and was confused when my mom’s car drove up. Realizing that someone had seen us, there was no delaying this one either! I hopped out of the car and jogged up the sidewalk toward the door. In the meantime, Kimber let out a blood curdling scream and came to the top of the steps, launching herself quite gracefully off the deck, and into my arms! She was balling and shaking just like Hannah did. She kept saying, “McKay! This is not a funny joke! This is not funny! Oh, McKay!” I’m not sure what she thought was a joke, but it was reality and we were really in the same place! Lillian and Chad came to see what the screaming was about and were just as shocked as everyone else! Lillian screamed at the top of the stairs and ran to us. Soon we had a group hug going because Chad got to the top of the steps and got the greatest look on his face! He said, “McKay? How are you here??” He ran down the stairs and hugged me as tight as he ever has! One of the best parts was that he had asked me the day before when we thought we might be coming next. I told him “For sure June. Hopefully sooner” It is great to feel loved!

Dad was home sick and taking a nap. He does a weird freak out, shaking, zombie thing whenever someone wakes him up in the first place, but as the noise from all the kids barging in filled his room it was especially bad. He started shaking before I even put my hand on his shoulder.though it isn' laughing histerically, Chad was b His eyes opening into tiny slivers. He looked really confused. Then his eye got huge and he said, “ARE YOU MCKAY?” Everyone was laughing hysterically at this point! I couldn’t answer him I was laughing so hard, so I just nodded my head yes… He let out a huge sigh, grabbed my head and slammed it into his shoulder. He was trying to give me a delirious hug. Heh heh!

We spent the next hour with those who were home. Dad even got up from his nap to make us some food! I was glad about that because the last time I ate real food was 5 am their time! I had a chicken burrito then…. At dinner time dad made us breakfast! Haha we had omelets. After dinner we rushed off to the high school to watch Hannah’s show! The whole show was great, but I am completely biased… she was the BEST part! She doesn’t like to sing in her “pretty” voice, but she is SO good. Anything she puts her mind to she will accomplish. We helped get everything put away afterward… 

Just like old times! I miss that!

At home we caught up with everyone and then went to bed. I never realized how crazy uncomfortable that bed I used to sleep on is! Holy Cow! With the exception of camping, I never felt so stiff in my life! Saturday felt as though it came way too early. I was already so tired, so that isn’t saying much… We spent some of the morning dying Hannah’s hair darker so her hair piece matched, and the rest of the morning we spent at La Perla with a family from Myles’ mission. They were so thrilled to see Myles it was cute!

We had a great time and some good eats, but before too long, we had to get back to the family so that we could spend time with my grandparents, who were coming to the show that afternoon by chance. They were excited to see us! We watched the show for a second time. It wasn’t as good as the night before, but still good.

We had some Frozone: Frozen Yogurt with the Grandparents. It was super delish. They couldn’t stay for long, they needed to get over the pass before it got too dark

Myles and I ran some errands for everyone and their dog, then made it back to the school before the last chance to see Hannah in her show. That performance was great! They all were! AH! Hannah is so much more talented than I am! In not so happy news, Lillian rolled her ankle when we got home. It swelled so fast! It was crazy!

Lillian got taken to Urgent care on Sunday morning because mom was concerned about some of the pain she was describing. I was getting updates most of the morning while we were in church. It was great to see everyone! Susan was ecstatic! I really do like her! The rest of Sunday was spent with family. We watched a movie, Hotel Transylvania is really cute, by the way. We cleaned, cooked, and ate together. Played some games. Ray and I fixed my computer. I was so glad to be home! Mom was so kind as to adjust both Myles, and Myself. That was so good. I don’t think I was off too horribly, but it was nice to get back on track.

Monday began at an early 3:30 am… Dad drove us to the airport and our return journey began.  This one was only slightly shorter, but it seemed much more so because I slept the whole time! We got into El Paso around 1:30 and unfortunately had to work. That was one LONG day.

All in all, we were SO glad to be there and to have been able to visit! I miss them so much! We had a fabulous time and we can’t wait to get there in June! :D

Lessons Learned

Not unlike any other time I sit down to blog, I don't know what to write about. I don't understand why that is! I mean, lets be perfectly honest, I am an opinionated lady! I get that from my mom. ;) The last blog I wrote was about starting anew and being an example of Christian behavior. I have been able to do that everyday, even if it is the smallest of things. The thing that sticks out to me most is something that happened today.

I <3 this

I was filling up with gas-a not so happy experience-and I noticed a man right away who seemed to be bundled up a lot for the cold and he was pacing, I assumed that to be because he was cold. He walked up to me, seemingly nervous, and said, "Excuse me miss, I know this is a lot to ask, I can see you're already spending money right now, but would you happen to have some change I could have. I haven't eaten in 2 days and I am looking to buy a sandwhich." I quickly pulled my wallet and asked him how much. I was fully willing and ready to give him everything he needed for his lunch. He turned it down and said he only wanted $2 from me. I finished filling up the car and went on with the rest of the day. As I drove away I thanked my heavenly father for the opportunity to serve someone today.

Goofy is my middle name!

Over the last few weeks life has been crazy busy. Myles' older brother got married. It was a nice ceremony and reception. I helped out with some of the decorating and did some sound things for the actual wedding portion of the day. It was a fun and exciting atmosphere, but I do have to admit the gratitude I felt that someone else planned my wedding. I was exceptionally pleased with the decorations at both receptions, and the Temple sealing truly is a great experience. Although there was some drama, by our own choosing we filled the night with fun! It was a long 2 days, but they were seriously fun ones! We were asked to give talks on the following Sunday so that was a little more hectic than we anticipated. Our talks were very much guided by the spirit.

Our job has some major ups and downs when it comes to a first week to the second kind of a basis. We get paid per car. We have absolutely no control over what lots have how much work for us. Because of that our pay checks can vary a lot, causing our money conscious minds to freak out a little bit. We started looking into new job opportunities, however after much prayer and a visit to the temple, we have been instructed to stick this job out. We don't know if that will be another month or until May when we move, but we are thankful to have a job, and we will stick it out as long as the Lord asks us to.

This might be my favorite picture

My new calling in the ward is Relief Society Activities Coordinator. I really had a hard time accepting this to be my call, but I told the bishop I would do it, and I started into my new job. It was a hard experience at first! You will all be glad to know that I have had a change of heart! I have my first activity planned and I am so excited! I am thankful for the people that have accepted to be on my committee. They are a real blessing to me! Our Valentines activity is going to be a great one!

I am in love with my visiting teaching route and my fabulous companion Christine. She is a great friend and I know it was perfect for both of us at this time. The Sisters we visit are strong, faithful, ambitious, beautiful women who are examples to me! I'm thankful that God has provided this program to women in the Church. It really is inspired, even if it takes me a while to get out of my dear mothers attitude. :P

Bridesmaids!

Our wedding pictures came! Sharlene Fagersten with Your Good Side Photography did a super amazing job! The pictures have an assortment of beautiful pictures, serious pictures, and down right fun ones! I am so thankful she agreed to do it, even while she was in school and working, both full time.

We are FAMILY!

Myles got a new tie from Hannah

We went to the Temple this past weekend. It was, as the Temple always is, a beautiful experience. I wanted so badly to have "more profound experience than I have before" moment. However, I asked in my prayers that I would only have what I was ready for. That proved to be a hard thing for me. It was wonderful! However it was the same wonderful as I always thought it was, and I was feeling disappointed that the feeling I thought I wanted didn't happen. I walked out of the temple, trying to keep my head high, but I had this nagging wish that something more would have happened. I became bitter and then saddened because I knew that isn't a feeling you are supposed to have when you come out of the temple. The following day I was able to be touched by the spirit and was finally able to be taught something. I have been taught this by friends, teachers, loved ones, and the spirit countless times. The lesson is: The Lord works in his own time, no matter how faithful and obedient we are. I am now beyond my negative feelings and proud to say that I love going to the temple! Despite my desire for a "profound" something to happen, I know that God is going to work in his time. He is constant. He always has done things in his all seeing time, and he always will. My little human mind sometimes can't grasp that concept. Good thing God sends me the same lesson over and over. Maybe one of these times I'll get it.

My hair is getting its length and curl back at the same time!

I hope everyone is doing well! We are so blessed and thankful to be where we are at right now. Be Faithful!

PS-If you want to see more pictures, there are tons on my facebook!