Institute

For the first time EVER I found myself envious of those going back to school this fall.  I miss the days of change every four months, the social scenes, the learning, and all the possibilities that come with being in school.  Four years ago I never dreamed I'd ever feel this way, but here I am.

That's why I decided to take two institute classes at the U Institute of Religion this semester. And I love them!

I'm taking a D&C class.  The class size is small, most likely because of the time since the teacher is amazing!  I took a D&C class while at BYU, but it is definitely different when you are being graded vs being able to just enjoy the wealth of knowledge.  The other class is titled Gospel and Christian History and its packed full - standing room only if you're late.  I love these classes because they are typically taught by people who have spent time in the Middle East studying the history in the area.  This class is no different.  Brother Peterson has been there, he can depict real images to us, and my favorite part was how he was able to break down much of the biblical jargon, back to its Hebrew roots, that can be so difficult to understand.

Its going to make for a busy semester juggling these two classes with the rest of my busy life, but I couldn't be happier to be learning again!

Life Happens

My Saturday started out decently.  I went to the church building to clean since today was my assignment.  After we finished cleaning, I did a little Relief Society work on the clerk's computer.  Then I went out to my car with the intention of heading to my parents' house to alter my temple dress so it will fit me better.

Unfortunately, there would be no dress altering today, or anytime soon.  My car had been broken into and the only thing they took was my temple bag! The window was shattered and glass was all over the back of my car and in the parking lot.

I totally take blame for leaving my temple bag on the floor in the back of my car instead of in the trunk, but I was only there for an hour!  I do consider myself lucky, however, because my purse was under my driver's seat.  The thieves must have seen the green bag/XL purse that my temple clothes are in and thought it was going to be full of valuable things.  They smashed out my back window, grabbed it and left.  Didn't even search any other part of my car.

So instead of spending my day altering dresses, running errands, etc, I started replacing my stolen items and took my car to get the window replaced.  Not a cheap Saturday, but I guess sometimes Life just happens.

Rider's Cup

Special Olympics Utah

Saturday, I spent all day in Park City at the National Ability Center volunteering with the Special Olympics.  This was the first year of the Rider's Cup so there were some logistical issues, but overall it was a total success!

I started the morning assisting with the Equestrian competitions which consisted of cheering for the participants and helping distribute the medals.  I love the participants!  They get so excited about completing the competition and receiving either a participation ribbon or a placement medal.  You can see the excitement in the video below...best to watch to participant in the middle.  He loved to dance, did it all day!

After the Equestrian events ended, we took a break for lunch, then off the Cycling events!  This was much more exciting as a volunteer.  There was more interaction with the participants and coaches.  

I had to mentally revert back to my days with the Events Management Team at BYU and the Splash n Dash races to get the stop watch timing routines working.  Again, since this was the first year for the Rider's Cup, the Volunteer Coordinator didn't have any good direction for how to time the races.  Times like these I am very grateful for my experiences at BYU!

I made a lot of friends today: Lisa, Tyler, Cody, Frank, Tyrell, and others.  I just wish I had a camera with me instead of just my phone. But at least I got one of the participants.  I truly admire their excitement and courage!

I think its safe to say I'll be back again next year!

Wake Surfing

This past weekend I was in Bear Lake with friends and my ward.  It was a lot of fun and I got a great tan!  

Originally, I was planning to make chocolate raspberry homemade ice cream for the party as my new thing for the week.  I tried to make it, but unfortunately it was an utter failure!  Pretty sure I did it wrong because it never set up. I guess I could use the attempt as my new thing for the week, but I wanted to do something successfully.

So, when given the opportunity to wake surf, it took it.  This is on my list of new things I want to do and I just couldn't pass it up.  See documentation below. :)

As you can see, there are NO boots to stabilize me on the board.  It was pretty choppy so it took a lot to get myself up.  

The rope is only about 10 feet out from the boat.  Other than these two things, getting up is just like wake boarding... only it takes a lot more energy!

1...2...3... attempts.  Not up yet.

Almost there...

And I'm up!!!  

The water was super choppy, enough so that I couldn't stay up very well.  I was up for about 1 minute, which is not nearly long enough to be able to drop the rope and really surf the wake.  Next time I get a chance, I'm doing it again!

Robert Keddington Family Reunion - Yr 1

For the first time in history, we had an official Robert Keddington family reunion.

We headed down to Zions National Park and stayed at the Cable Mountain Lodge.  It was a beautiful lodge and it had a great pool!

We arrived on Thursday evening, and hung out for a while.  The next morning some of us hiked Angel's Landing.  At the same time, some of the parents and Grandma and Grandpa took the kiddos on a smaller hike. After we returned and ate lunch, it was pool time! 

The next day we battled the rain as it came and went.  After packing up we drove home and stopped in Kolob Canyon for lunch.

I didn't take too many pictures, which I always regret.  But, I did get some good ones when we stopped.

Donut Falls

Mike and I decided to take a small hike last Wednesday.  It was a downpour earlier in the day so we weren't sure if it would be a good idea or not.  But the rain was coming and going so we thought we'd risk it!  I'm glad we did... every time we were outside, it was just humid, but as soon as we were back in the car, rain!  Perfect timing!

Needing another Roommate

8/12/10 UPDATE: Filled.  Only took me 5 days!


Its time again.  Another roommate is heading on to new pastures, which means I have another room available for rent!

If you hear of anyone needing a place to go, the room will be available Sept 1, and is a month to month contract...

You can send them the link to my craigslist posting below. 
Private Room w/ Walk-in: Female Only

I appreciate your help!