2012

Life is as busy as a beehive. Andy has started his internship... Whahooo... I'm in school and loving it to a point. (love the learning! Hate the testing part.) That is sadly all that is going on.

Spoon vs. Fork

I did an silly argumentative essay on spoon vs fork. My teacher loved it so much she read it to the whole class. Scary, right. I felt I need to share it with all of you because many of you did help me out with a survey. Thanks, by the way.

Spoon vs. Fork

All of us use utensils, 3-6 times a day. Each utensil has its specific purpose, and
proper function. Which one is the most universal? In a survey
preformed by myself, 19 out of 33 people, believed the spoon is more
versatile. Therefore, the spoon out shines the fork by usage,
entertainment, and creating sentimental memories.
The spoon is the shovel of inspiration; anything can be merely scooped into the
spoon and delivered to the mouth with ease. Food can be mashed, cut,
scooped, and stirred. Granted the fork can stab, cut, and shovel
food, but the forks prong like ends, leave gaps for soup, ice cream,
oatmeal, and other liquids, or soggy foods to slip through. Eating
cereal with a fork leaves many in despair, because the milk is left
behind in the bowl. The spoon on the other hand can be used for any
food types, meats, soups, ice cream, and the list goes on.

Spoons can entertain us. Believe it or not, many movies include the spoon.
One in particular is “Robin Hood Prince of Thieves”. There is a
scene where the Sheriff of Nottingham threatens to torture Robin Hood
with the spoon when he says,“I will carve his heart out with a
spoon.” In addition, there are the classic movie scenes where
people are “spooning” each other; not “forking”. Spoons are
used in music as well. For example Bluegrass Percussionist slap the
domed ends together to create a clicking sound. Another form of
entertainment is a card game called “Spoons”. Where someone will
grab a spoon in the middle of the table if they find certain cards in
their hand. These examples all prove that the spoon is imprinted into
our culture.
From childhood to adulthood the spoon has created many memories. We all
have pictures of our first attempt as children eating food with the
spoon. Even in middle school, food fights wouldn't be complete
without the spoon. The spoons convex dome, holds the right amount of
food, and when pulled back just right, it catapults the ammo into the
air landing on the next victim. As adults some collect decorative
spoons to remind them of places they’ve been. Other people have
created memories by relaxing on a stormy nights with a warm bowl of
soup, and the spoon in hand.
In conclusion the spoon can virtually become anything and anyone could
use it with ease, no matter if they are young or elderly. Using a
little creativity, the spoon can become a shovel to dig a hole, or
become a cherished memory, or a part of a favorite movie, or a way to
savor food. In the end, if the fork is missed, the spoon can, always
be filed down to create short prongs, morphing itself into the spork.
This leaves the fork inferior, and the spoon becomes the universal
utensil of choice.

Back to School... Back to School

Do you ever feel this way? "What have I gotten myself into?" " I hope I can withstand the pressure?" "Am I crazy?" "Help!?!"

This picture is a exact prediction of what I've gotten myself into. An idea, which has been string in my, wee little, brain. SCHOOL... COLLEGE! That is right everyone, if you haven't heard it from the horses mouth, you are hearing it now for the 1st time. I'M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL TO BE A HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER...

Like Billy Madison said ,"Back to school, back to school. So that my dad don't think I'm a Fool." For me though, it would say, "...so my future kids don't think I'm a FOOL."

I started last week at DATC. Then at Weber, both Andy and I started Monday. I must say I'm liking the challenge of school. But my poor brain has be neglected for too long. To get it back in shape, has taken some major effort. You know what the smart people say, "If it doesn't hurt, you don't learn."

Already the transportation and parking at Weber has been a joke. Monday we drove up to the campus. We ended up driving around forever to find a parking spot in NO WHERE LAND. This adventure, caused us to be 10 min late for class. Therefore we made plans to ride the bus on Wednesday. Little did we know that this adventure would be the laughing stock of the week. Just image being on a bus, standing inch's away from the next person,(basically sardine's in a tiny can) barley any room to breath. While traveling for 50 Min's, (30 Min's longer than the schedule said) only to arrive at class 30 min late. Lesion learned leave 30-60 min earlier on the bus, to make it to school on time.

Here is Praying, my lovely idea becomes the best decision of my life. (beside getting married and going on a mission.) Hopefully I don't end up like the poor dog, in the picture above. Just waiting for the chair of stress to break. Crushing my little bones. Please, pray, or wish Andy and I luck, for yet, another fun chapter begins in our lives.

Burned Clean Off

Saturday night I stared to cook dinner. I thought to myself oh I need to tell Jim and Julie something. I ran up stairs to tell them then got talking. Next thing we all smelt burned toast. Jim asked Julie if she was cooking something she said No. He proceeded to ask me I said, No I'm not cooking anything. But I decided I better check. I ran down stairs while taking the last steps I was swamped by smoke. Sprinting to the oven I found this...

I had burnt our dinner, the pan and the spatula's handle was burned clean off. I ran the pan outside just in case it decided to com-bust into flames. I open every door, window, and turn on every fan. An hour later all that was left was a smoke smell and ruined pan. It was funny I must say.

4 years ago

Four years ago we were on our Honeymoon... I can't believe it how in one blink of your eye, time can pass you by. The last 4 years have been moments of unforgettable memories.

We learned in our first year what it is like to be hours away from family. But it helped us build a friendship with each other I hope never to forget.

Our second year took us even farther away it took us States away from all that we knew. We became hard working co-workers. Then fell in deeper in love with each other and with Austin Texas. We return with very little in our pockets but with many experiences we treasure today. We learned to do without and bask in the simple pleasures we had.

Third year was one I will never forget. We had finally gotten on our feet and were pushing forward with hope in our goals for the future. Little did we know that this year was going to be our first climax in our little life story together. My sweet husband almost left this world but pushed through with the strength, I'm grateful for, I wasn't ready to let him go just yet.

This takes us to this year, Year Number Four, we lost much in weight, gained some back. Andy became a expert in school, he pushed himself forward harder than I have ever seen. We learned to be grateful for what we have. With the effects of Andy getting sick we moved in with his parents. We gained a knowledge of the importance of savings and how to make a budget. We've gone through heartaches with not being able to have children yet. Even with this we mange to lean on each other for peace and comfort.

What I've learned these last four years is that no matter what happens if you have faith in each other and in Heavenly Father all things can and will work out. I love you Andrew Todd Ridd and pray for many more beautiful years to come.

Emery Dwayne Gentry

My grandpa Emery Dwayne Gentry passed away this month. It was a sad but joyous at the same time. Grandpa was getting old and probably was missing his sweetheart Cleo Hall Gentry. Grandpa we will all miss you but we will never forget those Darn Pine nuts or Hell's Kitchen.

I held it all together hardly cried but when it came to seeing the 21 salute and taps... I was balling my eyes out. Then when each son and daughter kissed the flag I was so proud of my Grandfathers service for our Country.

I promise that I will always keep the fish trembling at the name of Dwayne and the pine nuts showering from the heaven all in memory of thee.

Pool fun

We were able to have a little family bonding time after the funeral. I'm gratefully for my family and the opportunity be together. I felt the sweet blessings of my brother and sisters enjoy everyday, which is their little ones

Andy Pantz is what? Yeah you heard right 29...

Andy turned the 29 this month. Super crazy that he is a year away from the big 30. This year we were trying to keep the cost down so I made Breakfast and dinner for Andy.

Breakfast was his favorite Eggs Benedict with OJ. Then for dinner he wanted homemade Enchilada, with Rice and Black Beans. But then I surprises him I made him a tres lechess cake.

He got a switch blade, diet Dr. Pepper from Danielle and Steve (scary... it was funny to see him try and open the switch blade for the first time), Money from parents, gift card from Wes and Jess, a shirt from Abbie and Mike, Then I got him a Soda Stream so hopefully we will save money on soda.

One or a Zero

My sweetie is a computer geek. I wanted to design the blog to the T like a computer geek would... The 1 and 0 's are how the old basic language computer software was written in. For example 1100 would mean decimal number 12, combining them would tell the computer to do a function. But hey I'll spare you the Nerd talk and let you enjoy the 1's and 0's

If you want a Hollywood version of this computer stuff we would recommend Antitrust. It's a good one.

He is Risen

I loved these videos, my in-laws shared them with us on Saturday. They really put the true meaning of Easter back in perceptive.

This brings me to my Perfect gospel. Earlier I talked about how my family was perfect it is because of Christ.

The gospel I believe in is perfected by the grace of God and the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. Oh how my heart aches for all that he did for me. I hope to make Him proud of me by my actions today. I'm so grateful for the sweet blessings of this eternal life which was give so selflessly.

My Perfect World

My perfect world! Some people would say, "I don't live in a perfect world." "There is no perfection in this world." "Are you kidding me Perfect look at all the wrong here and there."

Well my world is perfect, Yea I said it. But don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'm rich or famous or have all that my heart desires. I'm just saying my world was made for me. Our loving Heavenly Father created a perfect world for me.

Let me explain this perfection, there are four things that I see, One my husband & family, Two my gifts & talents, Three my home, and Four the gospel.

One my husband and Family, lest us start here today.

Please don't think I'm boasting or saying I'm better than so and so. No way is that true. What I'm trying to say is this, I have been raised in a loving home. I grew up with 2 sisters, a brother, a mom, a dad and many pet animals. My parents loved each of us and each other.

My father would work so hard from 6 in the morning until 6 to 8 in the evening, Monday through Saturday and some Sundays. He taught us what it meant to have integrity in your work. He taught me how to show your love to your spouse. I remember times when he would defend my mom even if it was clear she may have been wrong. He loved and loves my mom so much and it shows through his actions. These moments of learning from him where placed perfectly before me so I could carry that into my family today.

My sweet mother, I have such love for her. I often feel bad that she was stuck at home with 3 hormonal girls and a son who wished he had a brother instead of 3 sisters. I loved the way my mom would pay attention to each of us. She didn't all the time but really who ever could!?! I know even still today if I have a question or need a friend all I have to do is call her. She has shown me what perfect faith in Christ is, which is an open door and loving arms.

My siblings they are perfect.... Yes many are you thinking this lady has to be kidding or crazy. She could in no way have a perfect brother or sisters. Your right they may not be completely perfect. I remember being teased, hair pulled, arguments. Even though these moments happened my siblings have given me perfect examples of Christ like Attributes.

Shauntell my older sister has shown me how to endure with Christ by your side and to have full faith in the scriptures. As I watched her and her family grow I've been blessed to see what it means to have Faith. All the random calls we had she always bore her testimony and the truths she found as she searched the scriptures. Never once have I quested her Faith.

Dwayne my big brother, He was an awesome ability to find Joy around him and for being Patient (especially with three sisters). When I was a teen I was a little to moody at times & Dwayne would try so hard to make me laugh or have some fun. One time he was driving home and decide make a pit stop to flip some doughnuts in the parking lot. I was scared but I got out of my funky mood and laughed. Then I remember I had a paper do in class, I wrote it of coarse the day before and he stayed up all night to correct it, what Patience he had.

Danielle my big spiritual, little sister. She is my 4 years apart twin, I swear we were suppose to be born as twins. She has shown me what Obedience means. I remember there was a show that I really wanted to watch and she flat out said, "I don't think this is allowing the spirit to be here, we need to turn it off." Of course I was mad being the old sister and having your little sister telling me what to do. But I knew she was right, we turned it off. Even today she shows me what Obedience is. She is also a great example of Love. I never feel judged by her, I feel like I belong when I'm around her.

Last but not lest my Sweet Hubby, Andy. He is my other half. I really don't know what I would be like if he wasn't around. He is my calming water, I feel so much peace when I'm around him. Of course there are those days when everything gets on your nerves. Or when your Hubby decides to be a tornado and tare up the house when your gone. But I know he tries so hard to do his best. He shows me that no matter what happens in life you have a choice to be happy or not. He makes me laugh all the time, we have so many inside jokes it's hard to have conversations with other people because they wouldn't get what we're talking about. The thing I love most is he loves me. I could have the flu or look like I was drugged through the dirt and he still would hold me and kiss me. I love him so much.

I'll stop this novel right here and maybe add my other perfect thoughts latter. Thanks for reading and hopefully you were entertained.

My Angels

Last friday night I had worked on a client that has had chronic neck and shoulder problems and I was blessed to work on her. When the session was over I had the sweetest comment that

prepared me for a ruff night. She told me I was a miracle worker, and kept raving about the massage. It felt like this praise was a little hug from my Heavenly Father telling me I'm doing what I'm suppose to do. This lady was my first Angel that week, sending sweet messages from heaven, thank you.

My second Angel came last Saturday at work. My boss and I had an couples massage appointment together. Our clients where 1/2 hour late and this gave my boss and I sometime to talk. The first thing that came out of her mouth was, "Are you and Andy thinking about having kids?"

Of course this has been a subject that is tender to my heart. Because Andy and I have been trying to get pregnant for 3 year now, with no luck. Then to top it off I had a major emotional melt down the night before and was up all night thinking about it. I had went to work not prepared with sleep, and emotionally unstable so when I heard my boss ask the question. I broke down and cried... if you want an humbling experience break down and cry in front of your boss. I felt so stupid.

Lori, my boss, is such a wonderful person she was patience and kind as I cried my heart out. She helped me so much in that 15 minutes I felt blessed to have her wise thoughts and concern for me.

A little bit about Lori, she has a disease that causes her to take medication for the rest of her life and if she didn't her body will attack it self and this can lead to death, and also makes it near impossible to have children. Even though she has this disease she has pushed forward, I love her example of endurance. Her husband and her have been blessed to be able to adopt two sweet girls.

Lori talked to me about adopting children, she put to rest many fears that I had. Also she encourage me to talk to families that have adopted so I can talk about the fears I have. I must say it did help to talk about it with her. She was to inspired to say what she did, I couldn't really talk that much because I was crying the whole time but the spirit whispered what I needed to hear. Thank you Lori you were my Angel that day.

Then I was blessed with two other Angels this week. first my mother who is the most wonderful listener I've ever known. She is my anchor to the truths of the gospel she leads me to the Savor every time I have a trail or need guidance. Thank you mom.

Then my last angel was a simple text from my big sister... She told me how much I meant to her and how I'm apart of the family. She didn't even know what was going on she just sent it. Oh how this small message gave me the brightest moment that day. Thank you Shauntell.

I know how hard it can be in this world I'm so grateful for the sweet angels that God sends us when we need them. Thank you for those moments.

Sweet Inspirational Talks

The sweet inspirational messages that comes from General Conference is such a blessing. I've been feeling the weight of the world lately. Things that I hold onto or allow myself to be bugged by, or just a negative thought, these feels humbled me to ache or look for General Conference this April.

I prayed so hard that our loving Heavenly Father would speak to me through these men and woman. I have to tell you, I not only receive an answer I was blessed with sweet inspiration. I weeped for joy in the truth of the subjects that where given in Conference. (I mean every talk, I was wiping tears and holding my breath so I wouldn't start crying my head off) I felt more prepared for General Conference this time and it was a wonderful experience.

It was funny because we watched Conference at the Ridd's house and I went straight down stairs after dinner, to watch the 2nd half of the Sunday session. About half way through the session, Morgan my nephew came down and asked, "Why are you down here and not up stairs with everyone?"

I responded by, "Because it is quite down here and I really need to listen to these men, I need the spirit to talk to me." I hope that he understood that I wasn't trying to be anti social but that I needed my Heavenly Father and I needed His spirit so bad I had to give up something to make me strong. Not to be selfish but to fill my cup so I may fill others that depend on me. After that I had so much processing I had to go on a walk. I flipped on Pandora to a LDS station and walked until Andy came searching for me... I did tell him where I was going he just got board so he went Camille hunting and he found me...

I hope none of the Ridd's where put off by me for being in my own world. I really have been having a hard time with somethings just like we all do. I had to recharge, get my head on the purpose of life and give thanks to my Loving Heavenly Father.

Thank You to all who fasted, prayed and pondered on a subject to talk about this Conference. You inspired me, gave me hope, filled my empty cup and sent the love I needed. Thank you for listening to the spirit, I know you found one of the lost sheep and guided it/me back home.

Texas all the Way

For our spring vacation we decide to head over to Texas. We moved between Austen and Dallas. I would say it was one of our favorite vacations because we just did whatever we wanted no set time or place. We ended up visiting the state capital, a Maverick basketball game, to many amazing restaurants, and exotic animal store.
A few things that we miss in Texas are...


1. Traffic lights are horizontal
2. All officers wear cowboy hats
3. Star or the State or Texas flag plastered everywhere
4. Waffle Iron the shape of the TX State.
5. East side Pies
6. BBQ joints everywhere.
7. Meat is the main and sometime only course in the meal.
8. Hot weather
9. Friends in TX
10.The sloth at the pet store
Here are the things you love pictures....

Capital of TX

Wildlife Rescue Center in Dallas

This Rescue Center was awesome these Wild cats where left to die and the founder of the Center found away to save them.

This was Harley

This Lion was just rescued but he has a hard time eating. They tryed to feed him a chicken leg that was the face he pulled

AVA Basketball Stadium in Dallas

The Mav's did not win but we had fun watching them play LA Lakers

We went to a few exotic pet stores this one had a pop belly pig as an exotic pet.

We visited with Amber a Friend of the Ridds... her boys were so cute

Blacks Restrunt getting our meat on or in our bellies.

Baptized by Fire

Zach got baptized at the begin of this month... Then to celebrate we took the Ottely kids to Idaho and played on the snowmobiles for one last time. This was the 1st time AJ got a chance to play on them it was really fun. But with all Fun somethings have to come to a end. The big blue chair fell apart so to give the chair a final farewell. Steve gave this blue chair a fire salute good bye. It was funny Steve put fireworks in the fire so it had a 21 gun salute.

Snow BRING IT...

Andy and I decided to go visit my family this weekend. We really didn't think to watch the weather channel or prepare our selves as we went on a wild adventure through Sardine Canyon. As we got closer to Brigham City we started to think, "I didn't know it was suppose to snow tonight." But we kept on trucking forward. As we entered the Canyon it had a warning sign, "FRONT WHEEL DRIVE OR CHAINS REQUIRED." Did we worry at all, maybe, not enough to make us turn around and head back to Fruit Heights. We pushed our little Sliver CRV onward. Then as we were 1/4 the way through we thought this is going to be a long drive.

Have you ever been on the Star Trek ride in Disney Land. You know that part when you just board the ride and it shoots you through a warp speed tunnel. All the lights are zooming past you and everything is dark all you can see is the blur white lights whizzing by. Just imagine doing that but only going 20 MPH, all the snow being blast at your wind shield sticking to it like glue & only seeing about a few feet in front. That is how it was for us Friday night.

Thank goodness Andy was driving he is really amazing with driving in the snow. I swear it is a gift. Anyway as we sluggishly drove through we found some other daring people one of them became our Buddy, a small Toyota car, he was our personal plow man. We would follow right behind him tracing his tracks.

You know the saying, "The blind leading the blind". Well it got so bad our Buddy got a little confused and he took us on the wrong side of the barricade heading into on coming traffic. Thank goodness there wasn't a lot of people on the road and that everyone else were hugging the right side of the highway. As we hugged the left and searched for an opening in the barricade.

After 20 mins of share white knuckle, griping, panic we finally made it to the right side and broke free of the white out.

Lesson learned make sure you have a full tank of gas, chains and be more app to listen to the warning signs. We are so glad that everything turned out just fine and that we were protected.

Enough of the scary stuff on to the fun we had Saturday. With loads of snow that we received my sister Danielle and her hubby Steve invited us to go snowmobiling and sledding. Saturday morning we packed up our snow cloths, dolls and dishes hitched a ride up with my dad and the Ottley kids to Idaho. I think the best part was to see my dad hop on to one of those snowmobiles and drive like a bat out of Heck. He had a grin plastered on his face the whole day. It was nice to see him have some fun, he works so hard.

All in all even though it was nightmare trying to come up to Logan it was all worth it. Here are some pictures.

After a go in the fields we decide to go to an area to sled. To get there we made a path with the snowmobiles and drove the Chev out to a hilly part. While we were waiting for my dad and Steve to make the path we ended up at a cow farm. Maya and Zach found this huge pile of snow and Halie was all dressed in her snow cloths so Dani pulled her on a sled. Well Halie wasn't to fond of the sled but it was cute to see Dani try.

The snow was so fluffy that we couldn't get the sleds to go anywhere. Steve took the snowmobile up and down the hill until we had a nice sledding path.

Steve and my dad where trying to pack down the snow so they tied the sled to the snowmobile and tried to make a nice sledding path. But it didn't work that way the sled just broke. It was entertaining to watch.

Atonement

I've been thinking about this great subject the Atonement and the power of Christ. I been meaning to dig out a book in our packed boxes called, "Jesus the Christ". As we have been studying the Savor in the New Testament I have a burning desire to get to know Him, and all that He did. The Atonement is such a powerful act and bond that was created. It is what fuses us to true Love, the Love of our Heavenly Father.
Lately I have had some experiences that has made my heartache with the desire for those I love to be healed or touched by this great miracle that we have. But we the loving watchers of our brothers and sisters have to step aside and allow a choice to be made by those we love. This is the hardest thing for me I want to step in, pick up, dust off and gently guide them to our Savor.
I know I can't but I can bare a pure testimony that will hopefully plant a seed.
I know we have a Loving Heavenly Father. When I work on people I feel that love, the spirit whispers the truth of His love everyday. I know He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to be slaughter like a perfect lamb so that we all may live again.
Jesus Christ is real He broke the chains of death, He bought us with His precious blood. He is among us if we only humble our self and kneel in prayer to ask Him to be with us. I know there isn't anything He can not do. I've seen hearts mended, lives saved, peace brought to those in great pain, and much more. I know these things are true I know there is Hope if we only have Faith and Endure. If you feel helpless you are not alone. We all go through hard times we all need help and that is okay, that is what makes us children. We need our Heavenly Father and Mother and most of all our Big Brother to teach us and bring us Home.
I love you al,l I know I'm not perfect but I know I have a perfect source to go to. May you have those blessings you need. Again I love you and if you need an ear I would love to listen. Please remember who you are and that many people pray for you and are waiting to serve you with tender love.

What's that... homemade fun.

This weekend we ended up in IDAHO, at my sister Danille's, house. We got up there late Friday night, of coarse we stayed up late. Then we woke up late Saturday morning had a wonderful breakfast. Then dressed up for a fun time in snow cloths.

Steve got some older snowmobiles for his Christmas gift this year. Then one of his buddies and Steve got a super cool idea. They built there own ski chair out of ply wood, nails, 2 x 2's, old pair of skies, blue fur, and lots of padding. What they did was strapped the homemade chair with a tow rope to the snowmobile and presto you have a homemade ski chair. I have to say I have not had so much fun on a low budget in a long time. Steve you are an inspiration, you don't need tons of $ to have fun.

Danille and Steve live by miles and miles of fields. It had just snowed enough that we were able to take the snowmobile for a spin. Steve let Andy drive the snowmobile while I was in the ski chair and I almost ended in the ditch once. Then Steve let me Drive while Andy was on the ski chair and I almost jackknifed Andy. I guess I'm a crazy driver when it comes to snowmobiles. I ended up breaking off one of the ski's. I didn't break the ski just a screw thank goodness. Any who Steve had to go back and get tools to fix the chair.

Mean while Andy and I were stranded with Reggie, my sisters dog,in the field so we got a little creative and dressed up the poor Reggie.

After the eventful afternoon we headed to the busy town Preston Idaho, where we went to a fabulous fabric store, and the DI and a movie. Then we played two new games that I fell in love with... Bang and Spot it.

In between the fun I grew more in love with my sweet Niece Halie, she is the funniest thing ever. She is super smart and she laughs at herself all the time. At church she would wall walk to Andy hit his shoe and Wall walk as fast as she could back to her mom and dad while laughing. What a goof.

Then Sunday night we went to my moms stayed until Tuesday. Monday I went to Old Navy and got 6 things for only 30 dollars, one of them being a green wool coat for only 7 dollars. We had fun and hope to do it again. Here are some pictures.