Epiphany

I've had one.
Today I've been slapped in the face with a reality, and I'm gonna tell you about it, thinking out loud.
A few days ago, I went visiting teaching for the first time and one of the ladies I teach is a ballet teacher for BYU. She has her own studio and we got to talking about dance, and she said, "Do you want a job teaching the little girls ballet?" My instant reaction, "YES!!!!" This a wonderful opportunity, I can finally do a job I enjoy! I came home crying I was so excited! Well today I went for the first time assisting, and basically to make a long story short, it was not what I expected. The girls were wonderful and cute, but the teacher..was not exactly the nicest or easiest to work with. I left after 3 hours kinda confused and a little heartbroken. While I was driving home I asked myself, "Karol, what are you doing here? You're done. You're done." And this is the reality that I am now facing.
I'm done with dancing. I'm not in high school anymore. No more wishing, no more hoping, no more comparing myself to other dancers. No more wanting to be better, more flexible, or having prettier feet. I'm done. I cried all the way home.
It's a hard thing to let go of. Your comfort blanket for 17 years, the only thing that really gave me a purpose and happiness in high school. But things change and people move on. And so do I. I'm done with trying to be somebody I'm not. There are more important thinigs in life. I look at my Modern Dance teacher back at Dixie State and she's 32, not married and no kids. She just goes to her dance studio everyday and dances her heart out. And I find that this is the case with A LOT of dancers. Don't get me wrong, it's great they are doing what they love, but shouldn't there be more? There should be more to life.
I want to be a good wife, not a good dancer. I want to be a good mother, not a good dancer. I want to be a good friend, daughter, and sister-in-law, not a good dancer.
Dancing will always be a part of me. It will always be held dear in my heart. I'll always know I was good, really good! No one can ever tell me I wasn't the bomb. I've experience a lot, danced with a lot of different people, both in high school and college. I danced with a professional dance company which was my dream not just once, but for 2 years! I know A LOT about it, and will never forget what it taught me or who it made me.
And someday when my little girl wants to dance, you better believe I will show her all the tricks and she will be even greater than I am. (You better watch out for her!) But for now, I have a new focus. It's time for change, and it's time to grow up. I'm taking my final bow.

Junk In My Trunk

So I was just straightening my hair because I'm going visiting teaching in 2.2, and a thought came across me. I thought about trunks. Yes, trunks. Not only that, but how trunks change. For instance, the trunk of my car used to be full of dance shoes, books, and black dance pants. Now... it's full of tennis rackets, golf balls, first aid kit, and a basketball. Why? Marriage :] This made me smile. Basically I would never carry around that stuff if it wasn't for Jordan. My trunk has changed because of marriage. Trunks change through life. Think about it, next you have babies and your trunk is gonna be full of diapers, toys, and a stroller. And when your more elderly your trunk is gonna be packed with blankets, granola bars, and possibly a walker. :] This is just a little food for thought. I like having sports center behind my back seat! It's a great time in life. Trunks go throughout stages just like we do :]

Happy Father's Day

This is a shout out to all of those wonderful fathers in my life! I am so blessed to have you as examples! I look up to you (miss you) and really appreciate how you have helped me become the person I am today :]

Happy Fathers day, I love you!

Now I think it would be appropriate to write a little somethin somethin to my wonderful, outstanding, loving, handsome daddy.

I love my dad with all my heart. He has always bent over backwards for his kids and made sure we had the greatest and easiest life. He is my hero, what better word to use when describing him? He is so strong in the gospel and such a prime example of the person and parent I want to be someday! I have my dad all figured out :] He acts tough sometimes, but there is no fooling me. He's a big softy, and its a huge blessing! He would literally do anything for his little girl, and I'll always be daddy's little girl! Dad, THANK YOU!! I will never be able to pay you back for all your generosity, or loving kindness. Thanks for being the greatest dad in the world! I love you:]

My Recent Endeavors

Pathetic.

That's about all I have to say.

So with that said, we will get right to the update :] Let's see...What have we been up to...Well,

Last Monday night, Jordan, Myself, Wickel, and Whitney went to the Owlz Baseball Game. Glad Jord and I got there 1/2 an hour early cause there was a huge line. We bought tickets for all four of us so Whitney and Wickel wouldn't have to wait in line, and then we went and watched the game! Our seats were great, basically behind home plate, and up pretty close. I had a foul ball come hurdling for my head so I literally ducked and almost flew off my chair. And everybody looked at me like I was an idiot cause there was a net in the way. But let's be real. If you saw a baseball flying towards your face...you would flinch too! lol We got a laugh outta that! After we went back to our place and watch a movie, "The Dilemma." Pretty sure I hated that movie. I didn't like it at all, it made me frustrated, wasn't even funny, and dropped the F Bomb at an unexpected place. (I hate it when movies include that word, it's so unnecessary.) But it was a great night, and I hope Landon and Whitney had as much fun as we did!

Jord and I like to play tennis. I've never played tennis in my life, and I enjoy a lot! It's fun and a good work out. I just feel bad for Jordan sometimes, it must be frustrating to play with someone who is so bad at it. I can tell sometimes he just wants to play a good, close game. Hopefully I'll improve.

Last Saturday, I went boating for the first time in forever! It really was a blast! Yuba was so full, and COLD! We went out with the Jones family, and squeezed just about everybody on the boat. We drove over to Painted Rocks and Paul, Jord, and Gary jumped off of a HUGE cliff! Scared us! Then we tried wakeboarding :] Jordan, Mike and Keisha are really good at it!! Jordan has a way of talking me into doing things and even though I did not want to get in that icy cold water...I did it anyway. And thus started my first wakeboarding experience. Jordan got in the water with me, and tried to help me learn how to do it. Here's a run down of how it went: First try= got slapped right into the water. Second=belly flop, hard! Third=Smack down. Fourth= I got slammed so hard I inhaled a bunch of lake water and my sternum hurt for days after. Fifth=the rope got yanked from my hands and burned them. Sixth try= I got up!! I was so excited I didn't even know what to do! So that lasted about 3 seconds..and then I fell backwards. Seventh= I got up again! But only for a few seconds again and then belly flopped. And that was the end of that. I can't wait to go back and try it again, it will be a lot more enjoyable when it's not so freezing cold. After we went back to shore, talked for a bit, then it was time to go. We went to Richfield to see my dad for Father's day, and it was nice! We had a wonderful dinner and surprised my Grandma Dorothy with a table Jordan made, and it absolutely made her day. She was so excited, and I was SO glad! She needed a pick me up. We went to my home ward the next day, and then drove to Nephi for dinner. I loved the weekend, we had a lot of fun!

Paul and Sleepy Connly

Gary jumping.

Connly driving the boat :]

Look at how high that is :S

Mike and Madix

Tough Guys :]

Jordan scaring the kids. lol

Mckel and I with the little rascals :]

 Gary, Lori, and Avia

 Paul doing a flip!

Such a funny picture of Jordan! Haha!

Take a look for yourself! :]
"Papa now you try it!!"

I'm a baking fool. Is that what marriage does to you? I LOVE making no bake cookies. I'm seriously like addicted to the chocolatey peanut butter goodness. I don't think Jordan minds.

Jordan and I love camp fires. We have this spot by Utah Lake, and we go make a fire, roast marshmellows and hot dogs, talk, and enjoy eachother's company. It's quite enjoyable. Except for last time we went, there was Ton of Mosquitos. Like millions. The most I've ever seen. Sick. Mosquitos freak me out. Next time, we are taking bug spray...which reminds me...I forgot to pick some up at Wal-Mart...Dang it!

I've gained weight since I've got married. Not a whole lot, but it feels like it. My pants are too tight, and my swim suit bottoms barely fit me. Guys...my bootie has grown. And this is exciting, but the pudge on my tummy has got to go! I need to get motivated and start working out again. Sit ups, Sit ups, Crunches, and more Sit ups. Cheers.

Grandpa TJ

Theodore Jones 1935 ~ 2011

Theodore Orton Jones, beloved husband, father, grandfather, age 76 passed away May 8, 2011 in Nephi, Utah. He was born March 27, 1935 in Parowan, Utah to Bert Theodore and Elta Orton Jones. He married Donna Faye Malmgren April 16, 1955 in Levan, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple, April 19, 1972. Raised during the last of the depression, he learned at a young age the value of hard work. He kept this work ethic throughout his life with many jobs. He worked as a sales representative for 16 years for Pexton Wholesale. In 1972 he built a new building and owned and operated TJ's Drive Inn for 18 years with his wife. He was employed by Mid-States five years before retiring at the age of 67. He gave services to his community by membership in the Lions Club for 40 years and serving as President. He was a member and president of the Ute Stampede Committee, member of Nephi Western Credit Union credit committee, and member of the Nebo Posse. He was a member of the LDS church serving as a home teacher. He was a fun loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Donna of 56 years; sons, Michael (Ann) Jones; Gary (Lori) Jones; Val (Heidi) Jones; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren all of Nephi. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marie Bostwick; brother, Don W. Jones; great-granddaughter, Reggie Bell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011 in the Nephi Stake Center, 351 North 100 West. Family and friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 94 West 300 North and at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Nephi Vine Bluff Cemetery.

I took this from Keisha's blog, hope she doesn't mind. The passing of Grandpa TJ was hard for the family, but if it makes them feel any better, the funeral was wonderful and peaceful! I loved the talks from each son, and really enjoyed the stories they told of their dad. I really wish I could have gotten to know TJ more, he seems like an incredible man who will be missed by many. "Families can be together forever," this is the greatest comfort we can have! TJ, we will all miss you so much!

New Calling!

Jordan and I have gotten a new calling!

Drum roll please.................

NURSERY LEADERS!!

:]

((very excited!))

New Favorite Quote

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with perfectly manicured fingernails.

I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.

I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing my neighbor's lawn.

I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.

I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.

I want to be there with the children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder.

I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley