Veterans, Heros

Happy memorial day everyone! I would like to share an experience that I had this past weekend.
As many may know, my father is a Vietnam veteran, he served in the army for two years, and then went back as military police. I am so proud of him and what he has done for his country, and he was wise enough to distill in me a love for my country that I will be forever grateful for. This last weekend there was a festival where I live, little stalls lined the street with vendors selling everything you can imagine. As I walked the street I noticed an older gentleman with a very familiar hat selling handmade flower poppies to the passersby. He was a veteran, my father has a ball cap very similar to his, most veterans do. Looking on, not one person stopped, as I got closer I heard him say "Buy a poppy and support our veterans", Without a moments hesitation I walked over to the man and gave him some money in exchange for the bright red flower. As he handed me the flower and started to turn I stopped him and thanked him for his service, he mumbled a short reply and turned and left, by the look on his face he seemed unsure how to reply. I realized then, that he is someone's father, husband and son, and. I know how grateful I am to someone who will stop my father and thank him for his service to this great country, the tears in his eyes say it all.
The next day I met another man at the hotel I work at, he had another hat on, though his said WWII veteran. I asked him about his service and then said thank you, he stopped and looked at me and said "that's not something people say very much" I replied telling him "Well it's something you should hear more often". I smiled at him and went back to work, having the rest of the day to ponder on what just happened.
On Sunday night I had the opportunity to watch the national memorial day concert with my parents, as we sat there I turned to my father, the man who raised me, who grounded me when I got into trouble, and who would tickle when I needed to laugh, I saw tears in his eyes, I wondered what was going through his mind. I thought of all of the friends that he lost, dying at his side, fighting for a cause that so many were condemning back home. I thought of the hell known as war that he lived through, I took a moment and tried to picture it for myself, but I knew that all of the action movies I had ever seen could never do it justice. As I stared at this great man before me, a new sense of gratitude filled my heart, he lived through all of that, and was still my father. He found the courage to get up every morning, to live his life, and to help so many people around him. To me, that is one of the greatest examples of bravery and courage I have ever seen.
Many people may not understand what veterans go through, but I've lived with one for nineteen years, I've seen the health problems that he's suffered from the chemicals used in Vietnam, I've seen the affects of PTSD, and I've witnessed the frustration over those who still don't consider not only his sacrifice, but the sacrifice of his comrades who fell fighting by his side, as great as other war veterans. I've talked with him about his return home, how he almost didn't even make it out, and how when he got off of the plane, people who didn't have any idea what he went through, and never would, spit on him and called him a murderer. Yet this great man, gets up every morning, goes to a job where he helps people, and still has enough strength left to be an amazing father at the end of the day.
I'm sure there are many more like me out there who have felt feelings such as these, and to them, I know it would mean the world if their fathers and mothers were thanked for the service given to their country. So please, on memorial day, don't just honor the dead, but thank the living, for they are those who must live on with those memories forever in their minds and hearts.
So thank you dad, I love you. I am so proud of you, and I am so grateful for your service and sacrifice. Some of the proudest moments in my life have been on your arm when we walk into a room and you are wearing your veterans hat, when they play the armed forces medley and you stand to honor your branch, or when a flag passes and I know that my father has fought for that flag and all that it stands for. Thank you daddy! I love you! And you will always be my hero.

Day 9: A favorite picture of my best friend

My bestest friend in the whole wide world, my sister Amy! She's amazing and beautiful! I love her smile, and this picture captures it so well! She is one of the prettiest women I know. I love you Amy! ^_^

P.S. She has a blog: http://amysdestiny.blogspot.com/

A poem about my Savior Jesus Christ

Savior

Softly he lifts me, his eyes full of knowing, understanding.

As he holds me close, healing me. Restoring me with

Virtue, by his grace. He looks down

In compassion on my trembling heart. Scarred hands

Outstretched in mercy and love. He holds the key to forgiveness, my

Redeemer, come to rescue my soul, to bring me home.

                                                                       -Katy Woodruff

Day 8: A place you've traveled to

Nauvoo Illinois

My adventures in the snow and God's love for us...

I looked at the clock then stepped out the door, it was 11 pm and I was walking home from work. There was snow covering the ground and lightly falling from the sky. The night was so quiet and peaceful, it almost felt like a movie. As I continued my walk home I couldn't help but notice all of the untouched snow, and soon enough I found myself running and dancing through the fluff! Hopping from one place to another, making designs on the beautiful white canvas, I made my way to the next sidewalk. Feeling a little silly and very pleased with myself, I started walking again. Soon enough I came up next to the practice field and saw a glorious amount of fresh snow, untouched, and all mine for the taking. The urge to make a snow angel was almost irresistible, but I held back for a moment, thinking that I didn't want anyone to see me and think that I was crazy. As I was justifying this sad excuse to myself I realized that I didn't care what anyone thought of me, and that I was going to do what made me happy. So I ran onto the field, plopped down in the snow and waved my arms and legs like there was no tomorrow, all the time laughing out loud in pure childish delight. Once all of my angel making abilities had been exhausted, I sat up and looked around, and to my dismay, there were two girls walking past looking at me liked I'd just escaped the psychiatric ward. Standing up with as much dignity as I could muster, I brushed off my backside and continued on. 

The streets were covered in snow and ice so I ice skated and twirled the rest of the way home. Upon arrival I changed into some cozy jammies and sat on my bed pondering about my adventure in the snow. When I had started my walk home, I had been praying, just talking to my Father in Heaven about life, and how my day had been. But as I was walking, I began to notice the beauty all around me, and before I knew it I was acting like a 5 year old in a McDonald's play place. As I sat on my bed thinking about this, A scripture that we had talked about in my institute class that morning came to my mind. The scripture is found in Alma 30:44, in it, Alma testifies of Christ to the anti-Christ Korihor, he also tells him that "All things denote there is a God". As that processed through my thoughts, something that a girl had said in my relief society class the day before also popped up. She had said something about how God didn't need to make the world so beautiful, He didn't need to put all of the beautiful colors in the sunsets, or all of the different leaves in the fall, but He did because He loves us. As I stared out the window thinking about all of this, I noticed the glittering snow flakes falling down outside of the frosted glass, and a thought came to me that each one of those little snow flakes represented God's love for me, and for all of His children, He really does love us that much. Though at times all we can see is the roughness of our trials or the coldness of the snow, everything He does in our lives, every little snow flake is because He loves us that much.

Day 7: My favorite movies

Well, you asked for it.....

• Meet me in St. Louis
• Star Wars
• I like the original trilogy the best, but 1 through 3 are ok too.
• Lord of the Rings trilogy
• Harry Potter
• Chronicles of Narnia
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is my favorite thus far.
• Rocket Man
• Taken
• Tangled
• Mega Mind
• Goonies
• Sandlot
• One Night With the King
• Pride and Prejudice
• Kung Fu Panda
• X-men
• Emperor's New Groove
• She's the Man
• Mulan
• 7 Brides for 7 Brothers
• Indiana Jones
• A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
• Sweet Home Alabama
• Galaxy Quest
• Sherlock Holmes
• Captain America
• Iron man
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Secret of the ooze is my favorite
• Pretty much any Disney movie ever made

Yeah, that's all I can think of at the current moment...

Day 6: A picture of something that makes me happy...

Well, I couldn't pick just one thing, so here's eight. :)

Day 5: A song to match my mood

The closest song I can come up with to match my mood at the current moment would have to be "Nothing Ever Happens" by Rachel Platten. I love this song! It's all about taking control of your own life and "getting out of your own way". I think the lyrics just say it all...

"Nothing Ever Happens"

She dreams of where she's never been

A story starts where it should end

She keeps a bible close

And folds the pages down she needs the most

Her faded walls are closing in

So in her head she leaves again

They've painted ceilings blue and green

And brilliant colors she's never seen

But nothing ever happens if you stay in your room

Nothing ever happens if you leave the party too soon

Never be a winner if you're not in the game

And nothing ever happens if you always play it safe

Make a little space and get out of your own way

A ticket out sits on her shelf

And gathers dust upon itself

Cause chasing chance is for the brave

Maybe soon she'll feel that way

But nothing ever happens if you stay in your room

And nothing ever happens if you leave the party too soon

Nothing ever happens if you don't get hurt

And nothing ever happens if you never get dirty

Make a little space and go on, get out, go on get out

Leave what you don't need

You're free and the pieces will fall into place

You and you only who can make a little space and

And get out of your own way

She sees the sunlight through the cracks

It's only her who holds her back

And so she takes her deepest breath

Shuts the door and walks down the steps

And nothing ever happens if you stay in your room

Nothing ever happens if you leave the party too soon

Never be a winner if you're not in the game

And nothing ever happens if you always play it safe

Make a little space and get out of your own

Oh, get out of your own way

Get out of your own way

Oh, get out of your own way

Get out of your own way

Day 4: My (amazing) Parents

I have to tell you the cutest story! So a week or two ago I was sitting in my room working on some Christmas  presents when my dad walks in. He comes over to my bed holding a picture of him and my mom at their wedding. He points at my mom and says "that's my sweetie", then he gets teary eyed and says it again, this time getting choked up and starting to cry. He looks at me with a smile on his face and tears on his cheeks. I could see so much love and appreciation in his eyes, it made me stop for a moment to really think about the very real feelings that they share for each other.

Every Christmas, actually more like every Christmas, Valentines day, and anniversary, my dad buys my mom jewelry. It's the cutest little ritual I've ever seen!
So it starts a couple of weeks before Christmas, mom tells dad not to get her jewelry using the usual excuses, "not enough money" "I have enough jewelry" etc. Of course dad just says "Yes dear" and looks at us and smiles because we all know what's going to happen.
Then the week before Christmas, he sneaks out and buys her something beautiful.
On Christmas morning, we go through the whole traditional present opening and such. Then after everyone has finished opening their gifts, dad goes over to the tree and picks up the little boxed that he stashed and gives it to mom.
The moment he puts it in her hands she scolds him and then starts to open it. As soon as she sees it, she gasps, looks at my dad and starts to cry, telling him how beautiful it is and how much she loves it. All the while dad has been crying since he handed her the box.
This is something that I've seen happen my whole life, year after year, and it has affected me more than either of them know. The underlying message of love, appreciation and service have sunk into my heart over all the years. I am so grateful for their example, and I hope that one day I'll have the kind of love that they share with each other.

My parents are the most amazing people in the world! I know, I know, your parents are great too... But mine are the best ;) No I am not biased! lol

My mom is seriously the most wonderful woman in the world, she's my rock and one of my best friends. She's always there when I need her, she knows me better than I know myself, and even though I won't admit this very often, she's usually right about everything. :) We've shared a lot of really great experiences together. She has this great way of fully understanding what I'm going through without me ever having to say a word. Her life has been tough, but she has always been strong and optimistic. She's taught me to find the best in people, to serve others, and how important family and love is. I love her so much! She is the best example of a mother I have ever seen, I am so lucky to have her ^_^.

My daddy is my hero. He is the epitome of a patriot, and one of the most selfless people I've ever met. He served in the Vietnam war, then came home and worked as a police officer and even a fireman. Now he coaches people and helps them build skills so they can support themselves and their families. He has taught me to love my country and everything it stands for. He's also taught me the importance of family and helping others. He is a great man, and I'll always be a daddy's little girl ;).

As you can see, I wasn't lying when I told you that my parents are the best!

Day 3: My first love...

I've had a first like and a first love, so I'm going to go with the first love kay? ;)

On June 8th 2010 I met my first love Jason Peterson. He was from Wisconsin and was out in Utah on vacation. He had known my sister when they had both gone to school at Nauvoo University. Unbeknownst to me, she had talked to Jason about me quite a bit while they were at school together, so when he was here in Utah he came out to visit. I met him and he met me and the rest is history. We talked over the phone and computer for the next 2 months, I went out to visit him and his family in August, and by the end of that week we had fallen in love. We dated long distance until March 31st when he went on his mission for the LDS church. Our relationship has changed a bit to fit our current situation, and I am so proud of him for serving the Lord and helping others to find true happiness.

It's hard to tell you exactly how I feel, but Lucy Woodruff (wife of George Albert Smith, 8th president of the LDS chruch) put it perfectly when she said of her soon-to-be-husband: 
“Tonight I retire with a thankful heart to God … and pray that he may give me strength to be more deserving of the love of one whom I firmly believe to be one of the best young men that was ever placed on the earth. His goodness and kindness causes tears to come to my eyes.”