Today I fell down the stairs...

I realize the title of this blog sounds like the beginning of some silly song but alas it is not. I really did fall down the stairs, actually a few minutes ago. First thing, I am absolutely fine. Sophie did laugh at me but other than that and my pride I am doing just great. The reason I have decided to come out of blog world hibernation is because I thought, hmm. Life is funny. Falling down the stairs describes exactly how my life has been of late. Back in April I lost my job of 2 years. I was absolutely devastated because I really worked hard at that job, so much that I wouldn't even be able to go home and just leave work at work. I took it home with me constantly. When I lost my job I was sort of numb. What had just happened to me? How did this happen? I think after anything rough goes on in our life, we have a period of mourning we must do. Then we pick up the pieces and move on. Unfortunately that wasn't the only bump in the road I was to encounter. I had been complaining of a tooth ache for several months while still at my job but I just kept putting it off because I was too busy and didn't have insurance. After I lost my job, well, I suddenly had all the time in the world and decided I couldn't put if off any longer, despite the lack of insurance. Class, do any of you know how much a ROOT CANAL costs without insurance? (Let alone with insurance) Let's just say, I rather be driving a scooter that I could've bought with the money it takes to fix a tiny, stupid (yes stupid) tooth. Although getting a root canal was a pain I could've done without, I am so grateful for the skilled hands of my amazing Dentist. I will tell you this, I felt literally only 2 seconds of minor pain throughout the whole procedure. He was very thorough and explained everything that he was doing. Moving on... I was heading down to my parent's one lazy afternoon and my car MIL came on(We American's call that the check engine light, In the VW world, we call that the Malfunction indicator light, I have come to know it well.) I took it in...
Quick Readers Digest version of the next few months. I got my car fixed, money was indeed running low. Couple of months later, same problem and my car was in the shop again. It took be 4 months before I finally have now found a great job with amazing people. Yesterday however, my car has broken down again and this time it's a very large problem and will cost significant amounts of money before it's drivable again.
Before you think, "Wow, Liz is the most depressing person I have ever met and why would you dedicate an entire blog to say nothing but left and right mishaps?" I must continue with the things I have learned. First, I have to thank Sophie for laughing at me today when I fell down the stairs. When life keeps throwing you really hard curveballs, honestly, the best remedy is laughter. Along with laughter is prayer, friends, and family. I wouldn't have been able to make it through these months without all of these factors. I have an amazing family that I can call day or night if I need help. I have great roommates who have let me have my moping days but have dragged me out to do things and keep me happy. I have anonymous friends who have left me $50 in the mailbox one day with a note that simply read "Hope this helps" the thing is, yes it all helps! I am so grateful for the opportunity to pay tithing. I know not everyone reading this understands that concept but I pay 10% of all my financial increase and I give it to my church. Through that small step I have never been in want of money or food or anything I've needed. Even though the numbers scream "It's impossible" or the situation screams "You are in trouble" I was always taken care of. For example, I lived without a job for an entire summer. I lived off of BBQs and a gallon of milk. I always had someone inviting me over to eat. Besides the basic necessities of life I had a great summer as well. I went boating this summer more than I ever have in my life. I am so grateful for the people who invited me to do things. I had amazing times with my family and hours of talking and storytelling. I have an amazing great Aunt Claudia who drove up to take me out to lunch one day. I have a best friend, Rachel who talked me through countless hours of crying and trying to figure out what to do. Finally, I have another best friend Betsy and her husband Richard who introduced me to and got my foot in the door of the place I work now. I know there is so many people I could go on and on about but just know how much I love and respect you and know I couldn't have made it through these rough patches without you. I know I'm not completely out of the dark yet but I'm doing great. I know trials make you stronger and I'm getting stronger everyday. So yes, I fell down the stairs, but I picked myself up and I feel fine. Love you all!

Royal wedding - My thoughts

I don't know what my fascination is with Royal people, maybe it's my name "Elizabeth" or maybe it's the dream that all little girls have to be a princess one day but I have to admit I really quite enjoyed the Royal wedding. I thought it was very entertaining and quite beautiful to watch. I loved her dress, I loved the carriage ride through the streets, I loved all the pomp and circumstance.

What I said earlier about my name, reminds me of something funny I heard the other night. I was talking to another girl by the name of Elizabeth and she told me that she thought she was named after the queen when she was little. When asked "Who are you named after?" She would respond with a little attitude "The Queen, duh!"

I will say this, I am grateful not to be a queen. I would hate that kind of life! Yes, sure there would be perks but in reality, you'll never be left alone again.

So really my thoughts on the whole wedding are this. I'm happy for William and Katherine. They seem very happy and seem to know each other very well. I really hope they make it last and I think it'll be fun to see what's next for them. I wish them well!

In No particular order, here are some photos I got off of Abc.com

Someone posted this on Facebook today and I had to share.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my beautiful Mother, my best friend in the world.

Let me just tell you how important it is to be a mother. This Woman and many women out there are full time mothers. The role includes: Homemaking, nurturing, spiritual upbringing and many more! Mothers are doctors, taxi drivers, film makers, chefs, "HandyWomen," therapists, writers, housekeepers, photographers, coaches and so many other things I can't even name them all.

My mother in particular is a superwoman. She is the mother of 8 Children, that's right 8! I am the third child and often times require a lot of attention. She's so amazing though, she gives me all the attention I need plus all the attention needed for my 7 other siblings, 4 in laws, 2 nieces, 2 nephews and 2 (what she calls) "Grand-Doggies" Not to mention she's a loving wife. Another thing I appreciate is the relationship that my Dad and Mom have. They are best friends and confidants and they still date and are still in love. The respect they have for each other is neat to witness.

I had the opportunity this year to treat my mom on her birthday which was just last month on April 25th. What a fun day! We did lunch, pedicures, I did her hair, we had ice cream and chocolate and lots of fun conversation. I wish I could do this for my mom every week it was so much fun. She's always there for me and I want to always be there for her. The best thing about my mom is what she has taught me about the gospel. Countless times in my life I have memories of staying up late with a few of my siblings, gathered around mom and listening to her words of wisdom. She has a huge testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Her and Dad have raised us up right, we've had many early morning scripture reading that at the time I grumbled over (I'm not a morning person) but now I look back with appreciation.

She has taught me to love so many things in this life and so many people. She's full of love for everyone and has been counted as a mother to many.

Thank you so much for being my mother. I love you dearly!

Left to Right Jesse, Mom, Me, Mica

Congratulations Hillary and Chris

Congratulations Hillary and Chris on your Marriage!

This is my stunning cousin Hillary. I'm so happy for her, she got married this last weekend. It's so cool to be a part of my Big, Fat, Mormon Family. We are always there for each other and know our cousins as if they were brother and sister instead of just cousins. It's always a party when we get together and this past weekend was no exception.

I'm so grateful to be able to celebrate momentous occasions with the ones I love. I'm grateful to be able to be with my family forever through God's plan of happiness.

I'm also grateful to celebrate my mother this weekend for Mother's Day. A blog post all about it will soon follow.

Welcome to the family Chris!

Happy Birthday Sophie!

So I realize that I'm a little early, Sophie's birthday is not until next week on May 11th but I just had to share. Look how absolutely stunning she is! She's one of my favorite models because she's so easy to photograph and takes direction so well.

Besides being an amazing model, she is most importantly, a precious little sister. I love this girl so much and she makes me laugh constantly. Just check out her blog to see what I mean. Sophie had a tough move this past year, She changed schools in the middle of her Junior year but I'm constantly impressed with how she has made the best of her situation and has really blossomed in her new surroundings. She is very talented and creative. In her bedroom are these fun little paper birds that she has pinned to her ceiling. She has great taste in interior decorating and she cooks too. My little sister is the whole package and I'm excited to see what she becomes in the future.

Sophie,

Thanks for being my buddy, for coming to play with me on my random adventures. Thank you for your love of this family and your love of the gospel. You are a great example and I'm so happy to be your sister. I love you so much and I wanted to wish you a VERY happy birthday!

Love,

Lizzie

So fun, Let's do that again!

Now I'm on a roll! The following pictures are of my family's Christmas at Mom and Dad's. We have a lovely tradition of eating Persian Food and receiving Christmas Crackers every Christmas Eve. Additionally we hear the lovely Nativity Story as we watch the youngins act it out. E was Mary, V was the angel and M was Baby Jesus. So cute! We have our Christmas stockings that mom made when we were young. Mine is the one held by the Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas trees, isn't ours cute! Notice our Ode to Florida? - Santa in swim trunks? and last but not least as a special treat I have included an embarrassing photo of Yours Truly in our last Christmas Eve tradition, NEW JAMMIES! p.s Don't knock em till you try em!

Notice Mabs Laughing, and Baby screaming.

Real Quick

Ha! Photos still a little big, but it's ok I think. I just need to figure out how to fix certain things Like the annoying "Photobucket" thingy in the background and all my messed up links on the side. So please, dear friends, have patience with me as this is a work in definite progress :D