When I Grow Up.

At age 15 I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be Dental Hygienist I knew that was what I was going to study at Weber State University, I knew how long the program would take me and what color scrubs I was going to wear, that same summer I did an internship assisting dental assistants, I really enjoyed all the office work and talking with the patients however the first time I asked a patient to say AHH and open wide to clean their teeth I about lost my lunch, I decided that day, this was not for me.

At age 16 I was frantic because now I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up. I didn't know who I was going to be, that summer I took some pictures of my best friend and they actually turned out great, not to mention I really enjoyed it. My journey to being a photographer began, I took photoshop classes and read everything online about photography, this was it.

My senior year I took a college psychology class, it was so interesting and wonderful I loved learning about peoples brains and their ability to do or not do certain things, mental diseases fascinated me and the way I think intrigued me.

While studying art at UVU I got a job working with kids with Autism, I loved it and decided I would change my major to special education. A few more months went by and some of the harder realities of special education hit, I still loved my job but it was emotionally draining and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life feeling helpless. The school year ended and I moved before the next year I was unable to return to that job. While working at La Quinta I missed working at a school, I missed the opportunity I had to teach, the regular hours and the joy I felt from my job, not only for those reasons but many others I left the hotel business.

Today I work for Valley Mental Health as a councilor for at risk kids. I love my job. I am finding out how much I love teaching so this summer I'm going to school to become a teacher or high school councilor, however over the past couple weeks I've been thinking how what I really want to do when I "grow up" is be a mom. I really want to stay home and raise my children, I'm still going to school because you never know what can happen, I am going to study education and continue to do my passion of photography but hopefully when the time comes I will be able to be a full time mom.

Remembering we are blessed.

I was thinking today how blessed we are to live in the United States. God has truly blessed this land, he has given us opportunity, peace and freedom. I am saddened by those who don't have the knowledge and love for Heavenly Father, those who want to take the line "One nation under God." out of the pledge of allegiance and those who believe prayers and religion of any sort should be banned from schools, sporting events and community gatherings. I believe that our faith in the Lord and Savior help us prosper, makes us a kinder more tolerant country, it also allows us welcome all and love our neighbors. Recognizing God's hand in our life helps us remember to pray and be mindful of all those people in countries that have lost all they have to war, natural disaster and poverty. Again I say, we are so blessed, I hope we can remember this not only in times of sorrow but always.

Bring Him Home

We were watching the PBS Les Miserables concert telethon and the song "Bring Him Home." touched me spiritually, I just wanted to share the beautiful lyrics with you, and if you've never heard the song you should look it up and listen to it.

Valjean

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need

You have always been there

He is young

He's afraid

Let him rest

Heaven blessed.

Bring him home

Bring him home

Bring him home.

He's like the son I might have known

If God had granted me a son.

The summers die

One by one

How soon they fly

On and on

And I am old

And will be gone.

Bring him peace

Bring him joy

He is young

He is only a boy

You can take

You can give

Let him be

Let him live

If I die

Let me die

Let him live

Bring him home

Bring him home

Bring him home.

Life Update Posted By Ben

I'm sure everyone has been catching bits and pieces of my life for the past 4 months. Here is the full story. Mid November I was placed on Admin Leave at the Police Department while internal affairs investigated a couple calls. I was still being paid but didnt go to work. So I spent that time looking for a new job. They completed the investigation and 2 weeks ago I was asked to resign or told I would be terminated. I resigned. I was pretty sure I would be getting a job with a company called Media One. I had 3 Interviews and was waiting. I was also waiting to see if I would get unemployment. The job at Mediaone was not offered to me. So I had no Job and No unemployment. for the last week and a half. Monday I was contacted by Mediaone and Asked to come in for a 4th interview however it is really like a 1st interview because it's for different position. I am still waiting to hear back from them. In the meantime, I was offered a position today in the Sales department at Qwest. It starts March 28th. So if Mediaone doesn't pick me I have that to fall back on. More good news today, I was approved for unemployment. So things are looking great for us.