Moving on

I've created a new blog, now that I have a new name and a new life! The new blog is amyerichuntsman.blogspot.com. I'll do my best to keep it up-to-date, as most of you live far away and this is the only way to share what's going on in our lives! So, remove this address as my blog and add the new one. Hope to see you on the new blog soon!

The Draper Utah Temple

A few weeks ago I attended the Draper Temple Open House. Amy (my roommate) and I went together on a quiet, beautiful Saturday afternoon. The peace and serenity of that holy house was overwhelming. Those feelings were strong and I have been reminded of them since the visit. Today I experienced those feelings again, but with more love and power as I attended the dedication of the temple. I feel impressed to share those feelings and the testimony I gained while being a part of this sacred experience.

One speaker shared the following scripture: "For thus saith the Lord - I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end" (D&C 76:5). Upon hearing that familiar scripture, I recognized how much I truly do love the Lord, and when I fear Him it is out of love. I don't want to do anything to disappoint Him, or to keep me from His spirit & presence. But I do need to remember that He is merciful and He loves me. He wants me to be clean and pure and He'll help me obtain the forgiveness I seek. Through the power of the atonement I can be healed from heartache, even if it's heartache I impose on myself. With the atonement comes a level of trust that He'll heal and forgive, upon condition that I'll accept what He's done for me. Not only in the temple dedication, but in my prayers this morning I recognized that I need to utilize the healing power of the atonement. With that recognition today I felt love and peace that words cannot describe. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for that sweet tender mercy of feeling His power and love for me.

President Monson stood to share his remarks prior to offering the dedicatory prayer. As he stood, I had a flash of inspiration. I felt that I was experiencing something similar to the Nephites when King Benjamin called them to the temple so he could speak to them. Overwhelming joy flooded me as I recognized the significance of the prophet of God standing before me, to teach me and to testify of the restoration of the gospel and the blessing of temples. He shared a story in his sweet, poetic manner. He was invited to a funeral of a young mother who left behind 7 children. As he entered the mortuary for the viewing, he saw the husband and 7 kids all lined up by the casket. With tears in his eyes, he stood before the open casket and mourned the loss of this dear woman. He felt someone tugging on his hand - it was the youngest of the 7 children. She said, "Brother Monson, don't cry. When mommy knew she was going to die, she told us not to cry because we would see each other again. She told us that because she & daddy were married in the temple, we'll all be together again one day. I trust mommy because mommy never lied." That tender example of a child's unwavering faith strengthened me and gave me courage to keep pressing forward.

I had one last thought during the dedicatory prayer. As President Monson was saying the prayer, I recognized how blessed I am to be living at this time, in this dispensation, and even more specifically, here in the Salt Lake Valley. I am so blessed to experience the fulfillment of prophecy as the earth is being flooded with temples. Who am I to be so fortunate to live at this time, to experience these blessings and see these prophecies? What is my purpose in being here at this time? I don't have the answers, but I trust Heavenly Father and know that He knows. He has a plan that I don't understand but I trust it with all my heart. I recognize I am not perfect and it will be a really long time before I am. And guess what? He knows that too, and he'll be patient with me as I struggle as long as I trust Him and accept His unconditional love. He'll help me be the woman He knows I can be and needs me to be, again upon condition that I want the same thing for my life.

I love the Lord. As Nephi said, "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord..." My heart is so full of love and gratitude for all that I am blessed with, and especially for the tender mercies I am showered with.

How many times...

...have I said "I'll try to be better at updating my blog"? Too many to count. Facebook has replaced my blogging world, although I'm not very good at updating that either.

I love life - I really do. It's so hard sometimes but I know that's how it's supposed to be. If it wasn't trying and challenging I wouldn't progress. I wouldn't be tested to limits beyond what I think I can handle. And despite all of the trials and frustrations, I know I am so blessed and have so much to be grateful for.

I am most grateful for the love I feel from everyone around me, and the love I feel for others. There isn't anything in my life I am more grateful for. Love is the driving force behind all that I do and all that I am. I am learning to love in ways I didn't know I could, and I am recognizing all of the ways I am loved as well.

Maybe I'll update this at some point in time...but no promises!

The little one has arrived!

Brooke & Travis have welcomed their new little one to the world! He arrived today, October 22, 2008 at 2:02pm. He weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Trav said he has brown hair and big brown eyes. As of right now, he doesn't have a name but Trav said that should be resolved soon!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Time Goes By So Fast Sometimes!

I think about updating my blog at least every other day. But I never know what to say! My life is relatively monotonous (is that the right word mom?). I wake up around 6, enjoy a yerba mate, get ready, and leave for work around 7:45. From 8-5 I work in a large office building (and by large, I mean 4 stories. It's big for South Jordan.) in a small cubicle. My coworker Nick keeps me laughing & sane, and my boss Amber keeps me busy. For the most part, I enjoy the workday. On Monday & Wednesday, from 5-8pm, I work at the child care center for Lifetime Fitness. On Tuesday & Thursday from 5-6pm, I work out with my trainer at Lifetime Fitness. Oh yeah, I usually work out after I work at the child care center too. Any time left over is spent with Nate, and some how I sleep a little and manage to keep my room clean. The weekends are usually busy as I try to get laundry done and anything else I didn't do during the week. I've enjoyed teaching Gospel Doctrine every Sunday since the other teacher moved & hasn't been replaced yet. I wouldn't mind if I had to teach every Sunday for a while...it's my favorite calling!

I just took you through my whole week. Pretty boring, eh? It's the same week after week, with an occasional bit of excitement. I'll post again in a month and I'm sure it will be the same report.

Juror Qualification Form

I stopped by the mailbox on my way to work and found an interesting piece of mail addressed to me. "Juror Qualification Form Response Required" in big letters above my name caught my attention quickly. I panicked for a short moment, wondering if I was really qualified and why on earth I would be chosen. Then I read the first paragraph of the form: "No special knowledge of skills are needed to be a juror, only your personal experience. The thought of jury service may be a bit unsettling and you may be inconvenienced...". Those were my thoughts & concerns exactly!! I know it's not a big deal, and most American adults have experienced something related to jury duty, but this is the very first time for me. A part of me wants to be selected, just for the experience. I guess I'll find out in November if I will sit on a jury!

(I think I watch too much "Law & Order" and "CSI"...my thoughts are all over the place with this!)

So much fun...

Life is so fun right now! Since my last post, I've gone on a few more dates. But better than that is the time I've spent with Nate. Spending time with him makes life enjoyable. Sometimes we have the privilege of having his daughter Paris with us, and that makes our time together so entertaining. She is such a cute girl with a vibrant personality. She's so fun to take to the park and I love watching her "floor routines".

Any free time I have is spent at the gym. I have a new personal trainer who is set on putting me through near-death experiences during each workout - but I LOVE IT!! I think he's exactly what I need to help me complete the goals I originally set but haven't quite reached. I'm so close and his motivation is really pushing me to keep going (Nate helps with that too).

I still love my calling as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I don't know if there's another calling I love more! It's a challenge but I'm up for it.

So, as I said, life is so fun and I'll try to post more soon!

PS - Happy Birthday to: Shane (11th), Trish (12th), Nate (13th), Ashlee (14th), Travis & Clarice (15th)...and anyone else I forgot!!

Nice Guys

I no longer think there are no amazing, single men in the world. They do exist, but they're hard to find. I recently met two amazing, single men who have proven that charm and chivalry are not extinct. They've also proven they have good taste in women because they've taken me on dates! Real dates! Not just hanging out, but DATES! It's been exciting and confusing at the same time. But believe you me, I am not complaining! I am enjoying every minute I spend with them and I love being treated like I deserve to be treated.

Camping & Birthday Pictures

4th of July weekend I went camping with Ashlee, Chris, Joey, Jared, and Shane.

Ashlee walking to the lake & a beautiful shot of where we were camping.
Me on the 4-wheeler on day 1.
Me on the 4-wheeler on day 2. Notice anything funny with the hair?
Day 3 - Ashlee & I survived a fun-filled weekend of camping with the boys. I think we still look cute despite the bugs, dirt, and wind.
Happy Birthday to me & Ryan! We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.
(Back L-R: Joey, Shane, Chris
Front L-R: Mel, Jodie, Ryan, Ashlee, Me)

Shane hosted a Birthday BBQ for me & Ryan. Kendra & Sarah drove up to celebrate with me!
No one brought candles, so skewers were used instead. We're funny :)

Shame on me

Travis called me this morning and said, "I'll catch up on your life next time I read your blog. Oh wait...you don't update anymore." Ouch! So...here's my promise that I will update within the next few days.

I saw "The Dark Knight" last night. I LOVED it! It's one of the best movies I've ever seen and I'll definitely see it again. There's a start for my update :)

Apples to Apples

Last night a few of us (me, Tori, Jodie, Chris, Ryan, Joey) went to Jodie's cabin up in Oakley. We left around 5 and had dinner at Outback (Ryan's favorite). Then we drove up to the cabin and watched "scary" movies. The cabin has big windows & we left the blinds up to scare us more. We watched Poltergeist, which is funnier than it is scary; Disturbia, which had some jumpy moments but really didn't scare me; and Labyrinth, which I just couldn't stay awake for! David Bowie just couldn't hold my attention. Plus, it was 4 o'clock in the morning. Needless to say, we finally turned the TV off around 5am and woke up at noon. We ate breakfast and then played "Apples to Apples" for atleast 3 hours! It was the longest game I've ever played, but we had so much fun. We left for home about 5:30 - it was a short trip but so relaxing.

Quick Update

-The Jazz lost. Is anyone surprised?
-Went to Park City with Amanda. Good times.
-The weather was beautiful - almost 90 degrees! But then, it dropped to almost 50. Ugh
-Ate at La Caille, a French restaurant, and ate ES CARGO! Yay me!
-Saw the movie "Made of Honor". Loved it! New favorite
-Got my Josh Groban Concert DVD. I'm watching it now. Love it.
-Survived 2 days of work without my supervisor. Scary & boring.
-Meghan (my sister) is coming up in August to visit. I'm thrilled!

Race For The Cure - Again!

I can't believe it's been a year since I ran my first 5k race! Yesterday was the "Race For The Cure" in Salt Lake. I was so excited to run it, especially because I know I'm in better shape than I was last year. This was race #3 for me and I had a goal to finish with a better time than what I had over the last few races & last year's time. I didn't make the time I wanted, but I still did better than I ever have. It was exhilarating to run with so many people - there was over 2000 people there! Ali took pictures, so hopefully I can get some from her to share some of the fun!

Game 5!!

Today the Jazz tied the series against the Lakers! The game was so intense-we won in overtime but we shouldn't have had to go to overtime. We maintained a 10-point lead for most of the game, yet we couldn't hold it at the end. The next game is in LA, so we'll see if the Jazz can hold it together and win there too... Here's hoping!! Go Jazz!!

The Holiday

My new favorite movie is "The Holiday" and this is why: I am Iris (Kate Winslet). I've known for a long time that I am Iris, but as I watched the movie this week, a few lines in particular stood out to me. Iris & Arthur are at dinner and she tells him why she's in LA for Christmas (instead of London). She was getting away from Jasper, the man she loved for 3 years who got engaged & didn't tell her. Arthur says, "Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies, and we have the best friend. You are a leading lady but for some reason you're behaving like the best friend." Iris responds by saying, "You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life!" One of these days I will start acting like the leading lady instead of the best friend! I just need someone to come along who will let me be that leading lady and not expect me to be just the best friend.

Go Jazz!!

I never thought I would say this, but I really like basketball! I've watched or listened to almost every Jazz game this season, which is more basketball in the last few months than in my whole life! The playoffs are intense and entertaining, and tomorrow night is game 2 against the Lakers. I am hopeful that there will be more than 4 games in this round, but...we'll see! Go Jazz!!

My New Job

It's 11:30pm, so this will be a short update. I am starting my 3rd week with Arkona and I love it! It has been a challenge and I've learned so many new concepts. The automobile industry is fascinating and overwhelming and complicated. It will take me a while to understand it all but I look forward to the learning process. My coworkers are so patient and are really helping me learn my responsibilities.

When I was leaving American Crafts, someone asked me how big my new company is. I wasn't sure, but now I know: 1,046 people are currently employed by DealerTrack. DealerTrack is kind of a "one-stop-shop" for car dealerships, and they own Arkona (go to www.arkona.com for more information). I am fascinated by the logistics and policies & procedures a company of this size. It really is the corporate world and I like being a part of it!

May I Run?

May is the month to run! I have already run 2-5K races and have at least one more. As I've been running, I've discovered (again) that it is something I actually enjoy doing! Every time I run, I want to run more. I want to run longer distances. Sometimes I want to run faster, but I find more satisfaction in going longer distances. This next Saturday will be the "Race for the Cure", which was the first post I blogged last year. I can't believe it's already been a year since that race! I'm excited to do it again, especially now that I am in better shape and have more of a desire to run it.

Time for change

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."

- Alan Cohen

For the last few months, I've felt a need to make a change in my life. I'm not talking about a new hair style, or a different color of nail polish. The type of change I felt was in store was something drastic. I've been wanting a new truck-that's drastic (and silly with gas prices right now). Maybe I could move back to Arizona. Too drastic. So, why not change jobs? Now that's drastic, but not out of my reach. Since I moved to South Jordan, I've been commuting to work. I drive at least 60 miles every day, and it's starting to wear me out. I feel that I'm losing 2 hours of my day by driving. In addition to driving, I've been feeling a little complacent, and that my job was no longer meaningful. After thoughtful consideration, fasting and prayer, I knew that changing jobs would provide the movement and change I was needing.

I talked to my roommate Amy about my desires to change. Amy checked up on me every once in a while, and one weekend she told me about a job opening with the company her sister works for. The job description sounded perfect for me, but the pay wasn't enough. I continued to pray and think about this change, knowing I needed to work on it. When Amy & I were in Arizona, her sister called her again and asked if I would be interested in the job if they were willing to pay what I wanted. Everything fell into place from there. It has been an amazing experience and it's all happened so fast. I feel it's been divinely guided. I've made new friends, gained confidence, and felt a reassuring peace that this is the change I'm supposed to make. My resume came together, I was calm & confident during my interview, the job was offered and I accepted it. American Crafts has been so supportive since I informed them of my opportunity to make this change. And when I told them I was offered the job and that I accepted it, I was blessed with their support and confidence that I can make this change.

My last day with American Crafts will be April 18th. I am sad to leave the family I have there. I'll miss Kendra, my twin & a best friend. Four years is a long time to be with the same people, day in and day out. But I am excited for the opportunities that are in store for me. I'm anxious for opportunities to progress in my life. Maybe I can get my truck now!

Something is in the air...

When I was in Arizona a few weeks ago, I was talking to my grandma. She told me that there will be 8 great-grandchildren born this year. However, over this last week I found out that there will actually be 10! The Fenns are reproducing like rabbits! (Amanda made a comment that there must be something in the air. My reply: I hope I don't catch it!)

So, I started thinking about how many people I know who are pregnant right now, family & friends and I thought I'd just do a huge congratulations to everyone all at once.

• Brooke & Travis Fenn
• Audrey (Fenn) & Jaron Chapman
• Jackie (Fenn) & David Hatch
• Laura & Jared Fenn
• Kara & Zac Fenn
• Jenn & Tyler Fenn
• Brenda & Michael Earl (Fenn cousin)
• Chelsea & Dustin Fenn
• Jenn & Kris Barlow
• Staci & Nate Leishman
• Courtney & Josh Heck
• Shalynn & Jared Snow

Congratulations again to Trish & Josh, and also to Melissa & Matt Earl (Fenn cousin). I'm so excited for all of these new sweet babies!