Blessings

Life has been so crazy busy lately. I can't believe that this year is almost over. It has been a year of unexpected surprises and changes. This year has been full of blessings along with many trials. It has been a time of reflection and growth. I want to take a few moments to express my gratitude for all the amazing things that have happened this year. I'm thankful for a wonderful family who is so supportive, and who loves me more then I could imagine. I'm so grateful for my friends who have been more than willing to stand by me and offer support and guidance when I most needed it. I'm grateful for a wonderful heavenly father and savior who have given me strength in times of trial and growth. I'm thankful for the opportunity to live in this country that I love. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to obtain an education in a profession that I have such passion for. The one thing that I have learned this year is that everyday is a blessing that we shouldn't take for granted. I'm so optimistic about the future and am so excited to see where it takes me. I love you all and hope that you have a happy thanksgiving.

You look to old for your age!!

As part of my practicum I am working in the Day Treatment. I was facilitating group the other day, and during one of the breaks a client turned to me and said "Crystal, your about 40 right?". I was like "No"....and thinking how dare he think I was forty. He then said "Are you 35?" Again, I said no I'm 28. His EYES got really big and he said "REALLY!!! wow....you look old for your age." I was thinking..........what???......but said "I'm sorry." He then said....You really shouldn't look that old. I said i'll try not to look so old next time.

That day I went home and looked in the mirror and all I said for about an hour is 40 really!!! I think I might have a complex now....because I'm looking at pictures of my high school and even college friends and realizing how much they have aged. I guess we all age......I just didn't realize how fast it happened...........The other thing I realized is there is not much I can do about aging....so I guess I will have to cope.

Life has been pretty busy for me, but I love every minute of it. I'm so excited for the future and to see where my life takes me. Anyways, I love you all....and I'll talk with ya later !!

Thoughts on God

Due to my profession I have witnessed a lot in my life. I have witnessed severe abuse of Children, and of the elderly. I have witnessed suffering of the mentally ill and disabled. I would be lying if I said that this has not significantly impacted my life. A common theme that has come up in my profession...and the word that I absolutely dread to answer is WHY. As A social worker I have heard things like: Crystal, WHY can't I live with my parents? I love them so much, Crystal, Why do I have to suffer with this mental illness or disability?, Crystal, Why would someone take all of my money. BUT THE QUESTION that comes up the most and the one I dread the most is "Crystal, can you tell me WHY would god allow this to happen?. I don't know why....but people ask this a question....but it happens.... a lot. I would be lying if I have not thought this a couple of times myself. As a social worker I answer this question as professionally as I can, but on a personal level it's got me thinking.



Many people feel that God leaves them in their darkest hour, and if there really is a god he wouldn't allow pain and suffering to happen. On my knees I have felt god's love....In my day to day experiences I have felt of gods love..............through my friends and family I have felt gods love. In feeling the love of god I can honestly say that if GOD could help it...he would save us from pain, sorrow, and suffering. The gift of agency that god blessed us with allows us to make decisions that may lead to suffering, or allows other's to do things to us which may cause our pain. I still find it completely amazing that people say " I can do what I want I'm not hurting anyone else." What I have found is our decisions do influence others whether we know it or not. In the midst of all of the suffering I have witnessed I have also witnessed MIRACLES. I can't tell you how many times god sends help in our time of need, but many times we are too wrapped up in the pain or sorrow we are suffering that we don't recognize his Love and miracles. There are angels that walk among us.....many times they are the people that call when we are having a bad day, the friend who picks us up after our heart gets broken, the family member who comforts us when we lose the one we love, or the social worker who shows up to provide help in the time of ultimate despair. GOD does exist! We are his children, and he loves us so much. As we open our hearts to gods love I know that we will witness miracles. To those who are suffering I bear testimony that God will send help, and if you don't think he has take a moment to look around and see what he has blessed you with. I love you all !!!!

YEA for summer!!

This has been a crazy year!!! There have been so many changes in my life, and I have grown so very much. I started my first semester in graduate school this year. After eight weeks of hard work and no play it has finally paid off. My teacher just posted my grades on blackboard and I got an 97% in my stats class. My other teacher should enjoy reading my 117 pages of papers that she made me type. I don't feel sorry for her at all. Now for the next three weeks I will make up for lost time, and I am going to play....play .....play.

This summer I did not get to spend much time with my family, but the time that I did spend with them was wonderful. My family is the light of my life, and are the people that keep me going everyday. Whenever I am having a bad day I think of my nieces and nephews. I have Kristin, Gavin, and Mathew trained to tell me that I am their favorite. The thing that makes me laugh so hard is how Kristin always tells me "Crystal, You spoil me the most and I like it..... Your my favorite but don't tell my mom okay!!!" Gavin also cracks me up he is too smart for his own good, and always tells me that he loves me " Crystal, I love you all the way to outer space and back....Do you know that is a long way a way." When I went to Rexburg this summer Mathew and Gavin plastered my door with pictures and notes telling me how much they loved me. The notes now hang in my room. That was Mathew's idea. Then there is Quienton who has a heart of gold. I have never met a little boy who loves as much as he does. He always tells me, "Crystal, I missed you sooooo much." Then there are Caroline, Jonah, and Isabelle. Caroline has this quiet sense of humor, and has a loving personality. No matter what my mom says Caroline loves me more :D. Jonah is my little devil, and my favorite thing about him is his hugs and kisses. He is a true grandpa's boy, but every once in a while he just wants me. Then there is my Issy. I say mine cause literally she loves me so much. When I am around she does not want anyone else. My favorite thing this summer is when I went home for the first time after moving to Boise. I walked into her house and called her name. She looked up and saw me and started to jump up and down until she reached me. She jumped in my arms gave me 5 big hugs and kisses, and wouldn't let me put her down. Like I said I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked with my family this summer, but the time I did spend will last a whole lifetime.

I'm so excited for the future, and for gaining more education. I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all !!!

A tribute to the Dad's in my life

A tribute to the dad’s in my life. First I would like to take a few moments to honor my dad. My Dad is my hero and I love him very much. He has always been there for me, and can do anything. Ever since I was little I have trusted my dad to help me through the good times and the bad ones too. He has inspired me to shoot for the star’s, to work hard, and to never give up. As I have grown I have even come to appreciate him more. His quite example of being honest, having a strong work ethic, serving others, and love has been an inspiration to me in my life. I am so grateful for the woman I have become for being raised by such an amazing man. I am so lucky everyday to have a dad like him. Second, I would like to take a few moments to let my brother know how proud I am of him. He has grown into such a wonderful father, and it’s a beautiful thing to see him interacting with his children with such compassion. Although, the road for him has been rocky he has been able to overcome obstacles in his life. His love and devotion has touched my life, and I hope one day to have the love and courage. I am so lucky to have a brother like him. Third, I would like to honor my brother in law. He is such a caring individual and love’s his children so much. I’m so grateful to know him. Lastly, I want to honor my grandpa’s for raising such wonderful children. I was unable to get to know my grandpa’s, but what I have heard about them has brought pride to my heart. There influence has effected many generations. I also want to give a shout out to my uncle’s who have also touched my life. Although this is late….Happy Father’s Day. I love you all!!

I have also attached Pictures of my recent visit. We celebrated my mother’s birthday, Isabelle’s, Caroline’s, and Jonah’s 2nd birthday, and Father’s day. Kristin, Mathew, Gavin, and I had our annual sleep over. It was fun. Kristin kept saying “whoever thinks this is the best sleep over ever raise their hand.” And all the kids would yell "ME." Isabelle and Jonah were so excited to see me that they fought over me. Isabelle got so mad at one point because I was holding Jonah and not her. That she threw herself on the ground and started throwing a fit. She didn’t stop until I picked her up. Then on Sunday before I left Quentin said, “Crystal, I love you sooo much.” I said I love you too…he said “I love you first.” I happy to know that I am still the favorite aunt. It was so good to be with my family.

Pictures

Going Crazy or something like that !!!

Seriously!!!

For the past 6 years I have worked a forty plus hour work week, volunteered with special Olympics and big brother/big sister, and done other activities to keep me busy. For the past two weeks I have only worked 15-20 hours and it's killing me. I decided to hold off in volunteering somewhere as school starts in two weeks. I know that I should enjoy my time relaxing, but it's driving me crazy not having anything to do. I guess I could make a quilt or do scrap booking to pass the time. All this free time is making me go crazy.....I know I'll eat my words in a couple weeks.....as for now....I'm so bored.