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 !!

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.

To the Mom’s in my life.

So, I went home this weekend for Mother’s Day, and I have to say that I love moms. Especially mine. I have been thinking a lot lately about the Mom’s in my life and I just want to take a few moments to honor them. My mom always makes me laugh, and is the most amazing woman ever. If I could ever be like anyone in the world it would be her. My mom has always been there for me, and always knows what to say to make me feel better. She has taught me so much about life, and I am so grateful for having such an inspiring person as my mom. The next mom I want to honor is my grandma. I miss my grandma so much, and I have thought about her a lot lately. My grandma raised 10 beautiful daughters who all turned into wonderful moms, and 4 handsome sons. My grandma lost her husband when my mom was 16 and raised 8 by herself. If there was anyone I have gained strength from it is her. She had a way of opening hearts and stepping in….she was funny….loving….compassionate……….and was one of the most Christ-like people that I knew. I miss her every day, and only hope that one day I might gain her strength and compassion. The next mom I want to honor is my sister. My sister is such a great mom to her children, and has been the best sister a girl could ask for. She always has time to listen to my petty problems, and is stronger then she will ever know. She is beautiful and intelligent, and I hope she one day realizes the potential that she has. I love her and hope one day I can be half the woman she is. The last Mom I want to honor is my sister-in-law Tiff. She has such a big heart, and has helped my brother so much. Tiff is so smart and is such a wonderful mother and step mother. Tiff has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen, and she uses her love to influence people to be better. I know she will go far in life, and I hope one day to have half the heart that she does. Today I am so grateful for those women in my life who have made me better. I love you!!

Is it really worth it?

Today I find myself a wreck. Love wasn’t suppose to hurt this much. I trusted my heart, and in the end it failed me. Over the past 10 months I have tried to put myself back together again. I find myself wrapped up in these memories I am trying to forget. People ask Why it is hard for me to trust, and it comes back to hurt and heartbreak. When I think of loving someone again………….I am surrounded by question and caution. Is love possible? Is it worth it? I’m just not sure. The last 10 months have been a roller coaster of anger………hurt………regret…………..and then common sense. I was the stupid girl who put myself in a relationship that was ultimately draining…………….and emotionally unstable. I’m sorry for everyone that I have hurt recently(especially an amazing bachelor that will remain nameless) . Right now I’m just debating whether or not love is worth fighting for. No, I’m not giving up on love…… ….. it’s just one of those days. Talk to ya all later.