Arizona/Grand Canyon Summer 2010

Finally life has gotten exciting enough to blog about it. The beginning of this summer was mostly spend working and working. Very boring at first halfway through i made new friends and had some adventures. I went cliff jumping 4 different times at porcupine Dam. Each visit being different with a drop in the water level. I also began going to play Ultimate Frisbee once or twice a week.

I finally got my flight to Arizona to spend two weeks soaking in the sun. My first week i mostly spent with my parents and i saw a couple friends a few times. Mom and i spent lots of time in the pool which felt really nice! mom, dad and I also took a visit to Box Canyon, which is about an hour and half drive. On Saturday I spent time with Jessica and we made tie dye shirts, along
with catching up on each others lives.

My favorite part of the vacation was the last week when Karrie (summer roommate), Roger, and Trevor took a road trip to AZ to see me! They are the ones that made the two week vacation worth while.
We went to...

Bahama Bucks

Mesa, Arizona Temple

Box Canyon
Hammock Time

Floating the Salt River in Mesa Camping was awesome! It had been way too long since the last time i'd been. The first day we set up camp, and took a few scenic trails up top the grand canyon. We scared my mom a lot by getting close looks off the rocks and climbing around... but we're all still kids and that's what makes it fun.

The second day my Father had a 7 hour hike planned The hike down to the bottom of the Grand canyon was great! Many picture, cool scenery. but the going back up the canyon was another story. It was probably the most exhausting hike i'd ever been on. I was walking so slow and still passing up people.. i'm still not sure how that was possible. I called it successful just for not having passed out. now that i'm not on the trail I can say it was worth it.

After the hike we all got showers! and then went to the main lodge to listen to the Grand canyon choir. (This was what got my dad the idea of camping at the Grand Canyons in the first place). Little did he know, he was going to join the choir for the night! Karrie got a laugh out of this. We all did.. I think he did better than some of the woman did in the choir.Both nights of camping we had really late dinners and we were all exhausted by then. But they sure were delicious. tinfoil dinners, corn on the cob, desserts.. Mmmm
Thanks Mom and Dad for making it such a great Vacation.!

Well its obviously been a long while since i've posted. I will back up a little. Not long before summer came to an End I spent quite a bit of time at my Grandpa's bedside. He had suffered a stroke one Sunday morning and in recovery when two weeks later we were told that he may not make it through the night. The Lord had blessed me in a couple different ways this same week and I could see how he had guided me to be where I needed to be. I worked daytime at the Megaplex theater and they were starting to cut back hours. At first, I was upset about it. I needed as much work as I could get to pay for school. But when I heard the news of my Grandpa I was thrilled to not have to work. I spent Monday with my Mom in Grandpas room. To first see him the way he was, not able to move or really respond tore my mom and I apart inside. We slowly adjusted and shared our tears and laughter along with other family members that came. I also was able to visit on Tuesday. That same day we were told that they didn't think he would truly make it through the night let alone past dinner time. I had to leave for work but 45 minutes after leaving I was informed my grandfather had passed away. Having to look somewhat decent at work was not easy. I am so grateful for those two days that I was able to say goodbye for now and tell him I loved him. As hard as it was to see him go, we and Grandpa new it was time. The following Thursday I spend the afternoon In Logan Job searching, one of my least favorite things to do. After a few hours of what felt like useless paperwork and wasted time I decided to walk into Little Ceasars and fill out an application even though it was not on my list. As I was filling out an application, the manager noticed and came over. While looking over my almost completed application we began to talk, him asking about my past jobs and stuff. And that was basically it. they weren't desperate but he offered me the job for when I got back from my week visit to AZ. Not sure its the job I wanted but I was thrilled with relief that i'd have at least some kind of job waiting for me. Grandpas Funeral was the following Saturday. That week was full of sadness and happiness all in one. But I could see the Lords hand in it. He placed me in South Jordan close enough where I could be near family in time of need, close enough to see my grandfather and still work. Getting a job when my hopes were low. After spending the summer In South Jordan, working, with little social life, I am now back In Logan going to school. It is Great to be back in a social atmosphere. I especially missed the ward. A year and a half of college and still no chosen major but I’m slowly getting there. While some laugh that I work at Little Ceasars, I am actually quite enjoying it. I have made some great friends there and I have an awesome boss. With those friends I have made caramel apples, carved pumpkins, tie dyed shirts and we all dressed up for halloween. Its been a blast! The Lord knows where I need to be. And as hard as it is at first to accept the way things go, I can usually see the reason not too long after.

HaPpY FaThEr'S DaY DAD!!!

since I am alone here at Snowbird at the moment, I thought I'd publicly say Happy Father's day to my wonderful Father! I could not ask for a better father than the one i already have. He is the most patient man I know. He makes the home a place of peace and refuge even when all his kids have moved out. Dad always seems to know what to do. He is always by my side when i need him helping me figure things out on my own and guiding me through difficult times. Dad, You have taught me so much.... riding my bike without training wheels, being grateful, respect for others and myself, patience, the value of work and Love. You have been there for me every step of the way both holding me close and letting me go. I am so Grateful for everything you are and everything you do!!

Happy Fathers Day DAD!!

I love you With all my heart!

Life in South Jordan

So much has changed since my last post. I am now living back in my hometown, South Jordan.
My first two weeks here were spent picking up job applications, filling out applications, turning in applications, and interviews. Thanks to my mom for helping me fill out some of the many applications I had. They turned out to be a success. I now have a summer job working at Rumbi Island Grill nights and weekends and I am about to start at Megaplex theaters. I've got food and entertainment pretty much covered. Not completely my first choice jobs but I'm just grateful to have two jobs to save up for college and keep busy

I am living with long time family/friends that I've known since I was little. It's a lot more chaotic living around here since i'm so used to either living with a few roommates or just my parents. It is entertaining and I am enjoying having the company just about any where I go around here. Dinners are great together. lots of conversations and funny stories. Tonight I enjoyed the stories of my dad flashing, singing, feeding bad eggs, just being his happy self on various campouts. I can't help but miss dad when I here them! the once annoying singing has become something I miss and cherish being away from home.


One of the greatest things about being back in SoJo is being able to see many of my favorite people. I love being close to my siblings. Thanks to JoAnna for letting me stay at her house for over a week. It was great to hang out with her. I haven't had a chance to really hang out or see Cory yet but I sure hope I do more often. He always can make me laugh!
I now feel like I have 3 homes and families now. My own biological family, The Morley's, and the Roberts. Annette and Trish are my two other mom's. I love visiting the Roberts, playing with the kids I used to babysit, attending their performances or activities, running with Trish, eating good meals. When I was little I was always wanting to do something as a family, now I have that wherever I go =)

My entire family and I are Extremely happy to say Grant has finally been able to leave the hospital and go home! He is absolutely adorable! It is good to see him dressed in regular clothes. Check out his blog for pictures if you haven't already.

I sure am Blessed

Conference weekend was Great! Ashley came an visited me! We didn't do anything wild and crazy but when i'm with her I feel more at home, free to be myself, say anything, do anything and Laugh! Thanks for being a Great Friend and coming to visit me Ash!! We had the opportunity to go to the conference center for the Sunday afternoon session and it was great, of course!



Sunday Night was a very special Moment for me. I got to hold my one and only nephew (as of now)! Pictures don't do justice to show how adorable he is. His little body is so perfect on the outside i still wonder how such a beautful living thing could be so scattered on the inside. As i looked at him I could help but to think that in his first two weeks in his life, he has gone through probably more than I will ever go through in my entire lifetime. Poor little guy! But we love him so much and are blessed to have him with us!


My mom spent a couple days with me this past week in Logan. Its been fun having her around! We successfully had my blood drawn with no fainting or dizziness, we accomplished being in Wal mart for at least 3 hours deciding Easter stuff, and baked some delicious cookies. Its great having my best friend around for some time with little other distractions. We are still thinking of my dad though back in AZ. since he has been back to AZ, he has been real busy catching up on things, and has been working on the White Car making it just perfect for me here in Utah. With of course some bumps on the way such has having the key break in the ignition. It was as easy as a car could get. not being able to lock it, sitting down and just turning it on with what key was left in there. I consider it a success that it was not stolen with how easy it could have been. I guess no one want and old car like that. haha no one but me! I love that thing. Its roomy, good view through the windows, inexpensive(besides repairs) what's better than that? anyway Thanks Mom and Dad for all you do for me. I love you!

A glimps of a Mothers Love for a Child

This is a little late but I am officially an Aunt! My beautiful little nephew, Grant Kyle Hicken, was born 12:23, March 20, 2009, 7 lbs 8oz. 20.5" long. The day was long as everyone with any relation to Allison and Kyle, anxiously awaited for news of Grants arrival and safety. It felt like days.

I was astounded as to how I reacted when he arrived. With Grant's condition of HLHS, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I was definitely excited that I would be an Aunt, but having a nephew with only half a heart left me confused on how I would be when he arrived. Its not like I expected Grant to pass away quickly but I had fears that that may be what happened. So maybe I tried to not expect to be attached or I expected it to be like when any neighbor or someone i knew had a baby. I'd see him/her, think he was just so cute, hold him, and go on with daily life not thinking about it. This turned out differently. I thought about Grant, Kyle, and Alli all day long, each hour hoping for a call with news of his arrival. I tried to keep busy so I did not get too frustrated from not being updated with any information from my parents. I was thrilled to get the text that he had made his entrance at 12:23am.

The next morning, I had Grant on my mind wondering the latest new on how he was doing. All I got was "they are good and Alli is tired". This was of course good news but throughout the day I began to get a little emotional. I finally had a nephew of which I could not drive to go see nor did I know any information concerning Grant and his condition. I was finally able to talk to my mom on the phone. I don't know why but I got teary eyed when talking to her. Grant was doing great! nothing bad for my mother to report but for some reason I cried. partly out of frustration of not knowing information and partly from relief of talking to my mother.

The next morning (Saturday) I anxiously awaiting going to Salt Lake to see Grant. That morning, while getting ready, I was informed to look at grant's blog. Grant had crashed (flatlined) friday night. I broke into tears reading this. I felt heartache for Kyle and Alli as they stood back watching 12ish people gather around Grant trying to help him. I felt heartache for Grant. I can't even imagine the pain he may be in. That's when It clicked to me. I got a gimps of that instant love a mother has for their child. The love I felt for Grant being a part of the family, my nephew. Its an instant connection, whether I had seen him yet or not. He was my Nephew and I was so proud of him. It was even more frustrated when the time I could be with family got later and later into the day.

I was able to see Grant not too long after I had arrived. He was so beautiful! You would think there was nothing wrong if he hadn't had all the tubes going through and around him. I held back tears as I watched him try and stretch or move tugging at the darn tubes that he was stuck to. It was so cute to see Kyle with him. Kyle was so gentle, fearing any touch would cause him pain.

Later that night the family gathered around Grant to give him his name and a blessing. It was definitely a difficult night for everyone, but a memorable one.

As of now, Grant seems to be doing well and keeping strong. We all hope to minimize tubes as much as we can soon. For any one interested in updates and pictures of Grant, his blog is grantmeaheart.blogspot.com. That blog gives more and better details than I will ever understand of grants condition.

I love Grant very much and I can only Imagine his parents love and worry for this handsome little boy. They are absolutely amazing and we pray for them! Grant's heart may not be fully there but it is a heart of Gold!

Spring Break!

For FHE before spring break we borrowed a projector and rockband and set it up in our apt and played. I'm pretty sure that is one of the most fun FHE's we've had yet.. plus my roommates and I were lucky to make good use of the projector watching movies before we returned it the next day.

Spring Break started off well. Friday night Brittany came to Logan to visit and hang out with me! we talked most of the night then watched Dan in Real Life. Saturday we made breakfast did a little shopping, ate at cafe rio then drove to her Grandparents in Preston Idaho, visited and stayed the night. Once Brittany left I was left alone with the apt to myself for a couple of days. I was looking forward to this because every once in a while I enjoy getting time to myself to do whatever, listen to whatever, and take my time. On Monday a lot was accomplished. Since it snowed All Day Long I slept in, cleaned and organized the apartment, took time getting ready, and applied for a couple of jobs online. I also got to chat with someone I hadn't talked to in what seemed like forever. Tuesday wasn't as productive but I did a little grocery shopping, made scones and fruit salad, and did a little more jobs applications. As each day got less busy, by wednesday night, I was thrilled to go to South Jordan. The first night I stayed at Roberts house. It was so much for to see them and the kids again! I hung out at their house until friday evening when brittany picked me up and we went to Keith's(Brittany's boyfriend) basketball game. I slept at her house and cory picked me up bright and early to go meet my family at IHOP for Breakfast. I got to see Mom and Dad again which was of course good.

After breakfast we went to visit Grandma Sharp. This went so much better than I had expected. Grandma who has alzheimer's disease, was receptive to us being there. She smiled more than I've seen her smile in the last year. When we pointed her to Grandpa she almost acted like she really knew who it was. She put her arms out to give him a hug. In a conversation between us all she also mentioned something like grandpa and her always being together. and would say they needed to get going. It was so cute and made me happy to hear since she usually would just sit really still like she was drugged and look at us all like we were strangers. This time it was like she knew somewhat who we were. I also thought it was cool when I showed Grandma a picture of my yellow and pink bear she gave me. I asked her if she remembered that bear and she said yes and reacted in a way I could tell she did remember it. Makes that little bear even more special to me. We all think she looked so much better possibly because she was on less medications. my mom also mentioned that someone with alzheimer's disease may get better near the end. (since she is in her last 6 months) either way I was so happy to be able to see Grandma especially to see her the way she was!

After Grandma's visit. Cory and I headed to his place. We did a little shopping on the way. At his house Teresa came over, we hung out, ate dinner and watched Fast and furious,tokyo drift.
cory and I met up with Mom and dad to go to church in our old home ward parkway 8th. I love going back to visit and seeing everyone from my little kid days.

Well now i'm back in Logan and school. I really enjoyed the break but its good to be back with home with my roommates!