Family Time

I felt like a little girl that's in kinagarten today. She asks her teacher where the markers and paper is, looks and finds it but then proceeds to ask the teacher if she could get the supplies for her because she is too short to reach them!

I don't know why but I just felt like making a picutre of my family. I hope you like it! My mom told me it looked very nice and we even put it on our door!

A day on the Ice

Before my siblings, brother-in-law and I took our day trip to go Ice Skating (it's a sibs only sorry mom and dad!) we made a few cupcakes for one of the missionaries serving in our area. It's his Birthday today and my mom wanted to make sure he got something! After skating and having a few slips on the ice we enjoyed a nice cup of hot chocolate!

Joy to the World

.MERRY CHRISTMAS.

On the day that is most thought of out of the year it would be the one were people get the most presents. But for me and my family we get the least, because we give our time, love and bright smiles to those that need it more than we do. We serve at the American Legion in town every Chrsitmas Day for as long as I can remember! It was wonderful having James and Diana home. It was their first Christmas together! But Joe and Carrie went to Idaho for the holiday with his famliy. It was different but the love of our family and Christ was felt all over our home!

 

Let’s just focus on getting dates.

My family and I always enjoy being together. Every Monday evening we love having Family Home Evening (FHE). Now that my siblings and I are older we don't really have a 'lesson' per say. We just read out of the Ensign or read a talk from General Conference. The talks relate to each of us in some way... not this FHE! THis FHE was different. We were all at home but my brother so we called him and he joined us on the talk that was given! Ha. It was so much fun! It was a Tuesday devontional at BYU-I

http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2011_10_11_Dalton.htm The talk was strictly directed to my two older siblings (not to me because my family and I are worried/ concerned about my oe sister and brother wo aren't married yet! ;) What amazing insight Sister Dalton has on life- on dating! Lesson I learnd,1. Dream Big 2. Move out of your comfort zone, and 3. Go forward with full confidnce relying on the strength of the Lord. Really, all I have to say is GUYS, you better be taking notes on this one!!! You might want to read this too! http://lds.org/ensign/2006/06/dating-versus-hanging-out?lang=eng&query=Dallin+H.+Oaks,+%e2%80%9cDating+versus+Hanging+Out,%e2%80%9d+Ensign,+June

Succees is Time Spent.

From what Google Map says, it takes two, very pleasant and yet long, hours and fifteen mins. to drive down to Carrie and Joe's quant little home North of Dayton. On Thursday the 6th I took a drive to help Carrie with a few things she had to get taken care of. It was different just me driving in a minivan not being able to talk to anyone. But when I arrieved I was overjoyed to see her because I wanted to spend time with her. I wanted to help her. 

Carrie is full of knowledge and information. As a 'school teacher' (she teaches in the Jr. High & High School) she is always finding ways to imporve her teaching skills. She told me all about them. She told me how her classroom decoration helps her students learn by haveing motivational quotes to encourage her students to become better. She is the 'school teacher' I hope to be someday. Not that I ever want to be a 'school teacher' but that example and/ or mentor to someone. To know that when they succeed you too have succeeded! 'But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren...' Alma 29:13-14, 16.

It's A Brand New Year!

January

Happy 23rd Birthday Andrew!!!

Every year people make a goal or goals and never keep with them. Why is that? I found an awesome talk that Elder M. Russel Ballard had given to the Salt Lake Area Young Adults, 'I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don't set goals in our life and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look bcak on our life only to see that e reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principle of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.' http://lds.org/ensign/1983/06/do-things-that-make-a-difference?lang=eng&query=goals Well, I'm just going to say it, this totally applies to me! I think we being humans give up on ourselves way to much and too often. We shouldn't knock ourselves down, but build ourselves up in our good works. This year I made the goal to... you know... walk... run... okay loss weight! Haha. I know what your thinking. WHAT?!!?!  I'm sure I won't because I'm just not that kind of person, but I thought I would give it a try, see if I could really eat less sugar, or actually go out walking. I guess we will see if I actuall make a difference in my life. Will it even effect me? Will it effect those around me?

It was wonderful being able to meet up with my very best friend Abigail! We had a wonderful time eating at a cute little place in BG called Campus Pollyeyes and just talking about life!

After Chirstmas and all of  our famliy and friends leaving, we were pretty mello jello! Except we were pilled with lots of snow which caused Dad to work super early in the mornings and late at night! We have never had our old stump covered before!!!  

My family had a late Christmas get together. But we had a wonderful time going to the Temple before hand. It was our first time going with Andrew in two years! While being with my cousins, I was able to be read to by one of them from a shark book! It was awesome!

Classes are full swing for Spring Semester! Andrew and I started the same day so he drove me to class. But since his class time starts bfore mine I had to wake up extra early... :/ But I still have a smile on my face!!!

Having a brother isn't too bad, it is really lots of fun! But now I have two, Andrew and Joseph Gunther. And that's not bad either. But now three?!!?! That's right, if I have three then that means someone is getting married!!! Diana is engaged which means I now have three super awesome brother!!! Andrew, Joe, and James! My family figuared it would happen. We just didn't know when, and boy was it a suprise!!! It was in the evening and Diana called us asking if the whole family was there. Why would a sibling be asking if the whole family was home?!!?! Haha.Someting was going on... we all had a super big smile on our faces as we had Diana, James, Carrie and Joe one speaker phone! What an exciting time in Diana's life and in all of ours. Let the planning begin. And as Dad said, 'Two down, three more to go!'

Being in the YSA Branch is just so much fun! I enjoy every one of them. Plus they make the activites fun! Like when we went Tobogganing!!! It was so super cold, but it was worth it!!!

 After we went down the hill/ slide three times we ate pizza! We chated with Amy and her friend Trent!

Andrew was undesided if he would go but Anna-Marie told him he had to and was truly grateful for her encouragement because he saw (Elder) Jeremy Harper! Andrew was Jeremy's MTC Zone Leader! It was awesome meeting someone from Andrew's mission!!!

Home Sweet Home

December

December First was week three until Andrew would come home!

The YSA Branch always has a Christmas dinner.

The Interfaith Nativity Festival was the first weekend of the month. Mom, Dad, Anna-Marie and I were able to sing in the Institute Choir. What an amazing spiritual moment to see so may nativity sets and hear the songs of Christ. When I looked out at the people it put a smile on my face to see Diana, Carrie and Joe, and his parents. Of course you can't forget FRIENDS! I love the Young Women in our Stake!!!

I was able to put some time aside to help Delores, a good friend of our family, put up her Christmas Tree! For me it was such a small service, but for her it was the world!

My family had fun attending the Wauseon Branch Christmas Party!

Finals were the week Andrew would be flying in and I was so excited because if they were after I would have not studed at all! Haha.

Five days, four days, three!!! TWO!!!

I had to work the night James, Diana's boyfriend, landed in Ohio. But when I came home it was like some big pow wow!!!

ONE more day and the house was up and moving around getting ready for Andrew to come home! Carrie, Joe, James, Diana, Anna-Marie and I had a sibs nigh at Toney Packos and visited the Toledo Art Museum! I'm positive every time I go, I get caught using flash on my camera!!! Haha. This is a clip form Andrew's last email he sent to my famliy. 'I can't wait to see more miricales the next few days, amidst our busy dinner and lucnh appointments with church members! I need to accept the fact that everybody's hosting a party specially for me and that my loving little zusters, ana-kun and sarah-kun, mama and Diana too are hleping to make the house tip-top shape for my arrival. It's a unique feeling, I hope that I can do more for each of you and help you feel happy, but this will be great!! I can't wait to meet br. James, yes? two J's: br. Joe and maybe soon to be br. James!! Quite funny I'd say!!... I can't wait to prepare for Defiance College and Wal-Mart deli??'

On Saturday, December 18th, Diana, James, Anna-Marie and I have decorated signs and were all ready for when Andrew arrived off the plane. We had to talk two vehicles to pick up Andrew! Carrie and Joe went up in their car, and Mom, Dad, Grandma, Diana, James, Anna-Marie, and I went in the van. It was so much fun going to the airport, and trying to figure out which terminal we had to go to. Carrie and Joe made it before we did but it was all one happy evening! We were able to find a wheelchair for our sweet Grandmother which I pushed her in. ;) When we saw Andrew, we were all scraming! I'm positive they called security to watch out for the massive group down in baggage clain! Haha. Here are some right before Andrew lfet to go to the MTC for a two year mission to the Belgium Brussels/ Netherlands Mission.

NOW when he returns!

So, have we changed?!!?!  

On the way home Anna-Marie and I called dibs on being with Andrew in the van!!! It was the sweetest feeling when Andrew sat in between Anna-Marie and I in the back seat! It was like old times taking road trips... Andrew had said to me right before we got home, 'Sarah, it doesn't seem like you have graduated and are in college now.' I said, 'It feels like we just picked up where we left off at... two years ago!'

That Sunday we filled two rows at church! ;) It was a tender moment having the whole family together. It was nice to have one of Anna-Marie and Is YSA friends come for work on that same weeked. She was a big help with taking pictures! We took family pictures during Sunday School but it was totally worth it!

It was kind of odd having James leave. He felt like a part of the family already. Little did we know!!! ;) He was such a trpuper with dealing with our crazy, happy, loving family that not onlly made sugar cookies, and then delivered them to neighbors and family during the Holiday, but sang at their door step! James was totally fine with that, because that is what his family does too! We had and early Christmas day for hime to open our presents for him! Diana gave hime a super cute one!

We had another visitor for the Holiday come and visit Anna-Marie and our family. Gail moved to Navada because of a job offer. She really likes it there even though we really miss her. She came to cook Indian food with us! It's the best and we were excited!

It had snowed so much during December. So Christmas Day was just a lovely day. We didn't have any expecting phone call to make since Andrew was with us now! As we woke up to sweet smells of pies and gathered downstairs to open wonderful heartfelt presents that we each gave each other. But Christmas won't be the smae if we didn't go to the American Legion to help prepare and serve meals for those that wouldn't have a meal of family to go to on Christmas Day. It has been our famliy tradition for as long as I can remember... about 15 years!

Diana and Anna-Marie were off to Utah with a car loaded of clothes, books, food, and so much more!

Thanks & Giving

November

When Andrew was set apart to be a missionary of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, our Stake President said for us not to count down the days.... Well I just had to put it on the clendar! November first was week seven until Andrew would come home!

Because of me working I had to miss quite a few YSA activities which I was bummed about. But there was on last Youth Dance that I just couldn't miss...! It was in Liam so it was even more important to go to. They always have the best decoration/ ideas and they still do. I was pretty ecited to see I was not the only YSA to sneak into a Youth Dance, Aaron joined in on the dance too!

Anna-Marie and I were still able to keep our tradition from High School. We would eat lunch together in the parking lot at school. So now in college we get lunch and eat it at the park! It's the cutest thing. Just imagine two young women siting in a small car in a big park parking lot eating, talking and best of all, Laughing!

It has been a goal of mine to attend the Temple every month. I enjoy spending the time with my parents, but this time my friend Mary and I were able to go together with her parents!

On Thanksgiving Day, Mom, Anna-Marie, and I were able to spend the day going through lots of tolls just to pick up Diana form the Chicago Airport! Diana had the opportunity to spend the summer with the study abroad program through BYU and went to South Africa! While she was there she hit the front page of the Dispatch!!! http://michellehsolomon.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/18-11-10.pdf

It was different being on the road for Thanksgiving, and not having Dad with us, but it was sweet to have Carrie and Joe invite us to their home before we went back home. Carrie had an amaizng meal made for all of us, plus it was good to see Joes parents too. We were on little sleep and when all of us girls get together we tend to laugh. A LOT!!! Haha.

In My Eyes

In order to be a real writer you must have your classic collection of Mokeskine from Barns & Noble, which Diana loves, and the best pens ever, Pentel R.S.V. P. I know I'm not the best at writing but I'm trying so I'll sum up Five long and at the same time, very sort months into one post. But I don't think that will happen. So here goes lots of fond memories that the ink on the pages will never fade!

October

All I really did was read lots of textbooks for my first semester of college and work! http://www.northweststate.edu/ I was able to start my first job at The Barn Restaurant. It was so very unexpected yet at the same time it was truly a blessing. I have Anna-Marie to thank for helping me get in. Anna-Marie has worked there for more than 5 years. http://www.saudervillage.org/Food/barn.asp

I always enjoyed Seminary, but Instiute is way better! I have learned so much. Brother Josh Allen is such a great teacher. The church has some cute and funny clips about Institute. Check them out!http://institute.lds.org/videos/

The Wauseon Branch had it's annual Fall Festival at Rudy and Peg Allen's home. They are such great host.

May family was able to celebrate my Grandmothers 73rd Birthday! It was a wonderful evening to spend time with my family!

College- it's just typing more papers, reading more text books, and studing... a lot more.

For the start of college I will start a bolg of… me! My life and my family! It’s crazy so you might have a few bumps, bruises, and tears along the way but, don’t worry, when it’s over you will have a big smile on your face and people will hear you laughing in the next room over!

For most my childhoood, and now adulthood, I have always thought, 'My siblings have don it, then I can too!' So I graduated form High School and now I'm embarking a 'new' life as a college student. How cool is that?!!?! !

I was able to go to orientation with my sister Diana. She was the best one to do it. She helped me find my classes and set a 'Day List' instead of a 'To Do List'! I think I will learn real quick how to balance my time. (I better read up on some past General Conference talks!) As we were both sitting on the chairs in the lobby I realized that when Diana graduated from H.S. and went to college at BYU, Brigham Young University, she didn't have my parents or any sibling help her schedule her classes for her, get her books, find her classes or even help her find friends. I thne looked at her and where she is in life now... she made it! She has been in college more than the average four years but she has accomplished so much. She has had some jobs that require so much of her time, sleep at night, and social lilfe. She is a photogerpher, taken pictures of her H.S. best friend and others, my senior pictures, served in Haiti, the Deominican Republic. And now on a study program to Africa. She has met so many new people (I should check her Facebook to see how many people she really has met! Haha.) Diana knows what fruit snacks to buy, Sunkist! And she knows what to ask mom to send in her 'Care Package'... bbef sticks from Pettisville Meats, and of course, chocolate from Stella Leona! Diana knows what it's like to live on her own even with crazy roomies! She also knows what it means to put her faith and trust in the Lord. I think that is what makes Diana so awesome; in all that she does she knows how to not live off barrowed light. She kows thaty you must ask Heavenly Father in deep prayer.

For me, that is the key to this semester. Prayer! I was talking to a good friend at a recent wedding reception I attended. He is a professor at a near by university, married and has three beautiful daughters. He told me as I explained to him about my life as a college student, ‘Sarah, you need to know that when you pray before you study for one of your classes the Lord will help you retain that knowledge for the test or quiz.’ That is so true. Why would our loving Heavenly Father not want us do well in a class? Or in general, life? That’s right, he does want us to succeed! Ether 12:27 In all that we do, be it school, work, or family, we must humble ourselves, we are not perfect. So we need to allow the atonement of Jesus to come into our life.