Who Am I?

Well I am not Jean Valjean, that is for sure. I just thought I would take a minute to post some things about myself that maybe not everyone knows. The hardest part will be trying to figure it out for myself. First, and for most, I am a mother and a daughter of God. Those are the two things that I must remember and they are the things that bring me the most joy. I have the cutest kids. Sammy is almost 7, and Ethan is 4. They are my world!!!

I live in Payson, and I am so happy there. It has always been "home" to me. I don't really enjoy the house I am living in, but I like being in that town. Something about it just makes me feel more comfortable.

I started a new job in March, and I was just moved to a different position already. My new title is Training Coordinator. I am having a hard time adjusting and figuring out the new role, but I am all about learning, and taking on new challenges. I have met some really cool people, and made some great friends already! I also work at Utah Valley Regional Hospital on Saturdays & Sundays. I love being there as well, but unfortunately I can't make enough money there. I might continue to do every other weekend to help get myself in a little better financial situation. Who knows though, I am pretty beat!!!

I am a theatre girl, if you couldn't tell by my first sentence. I use to love to be in plays, and I would try again, but I think it is more important to be home with my kids as much as time will allow. I love broadway, and wish it wasn't quite so expensive, but I have yet to find a show that wasn't worth paying for. I am completely into watching chick flicks. I am a sap, and I judge how good it is by my tears. Not only the movies, but chick flick books. My goodness...and nothing makes you more lonely than that, but I keep doing it to myself! I can't wait til the Twilight series movie comes out, oh the joys of life!

I am hoping to get time to one day put my kids in soccer and coach their little teams. I also want to join a co-ed softball team. I would love to have way more time, but I don't so I have to just want those for now. Luckily I get to go play baseball on Sundays with the Clark fam. They have been teaching Sam and E how to play ball and now I get to go watch my kids this season. They are so excited and it will be fun to watch them, even if it is snail ball right now!

I love my family, and I am so close to them. I have always been best friends with my sisters, but I have grown so much closer to my brothers lately. I love it. I don't know if I owe that to Chalese or to Hank. Either way, I lucked out. They are great, and I enjoy hanging out with them. I am just trying not to learn too many things from them. Ha, just kidding guys. You know I love you!

Everyone knows my favorite color is orange, no secret there. I am a freak I would say. I didn't know life could revolve around a color, but I have somehow found a way. It has always been my favorite color. I was made fun of in elementary school for it, my best friend made me a boondoggle once that was orange and white. She said it was the ugliest one she ever made. Do you all remember boondoggle? Good times, good times. Anyway, back to more important things, like orange. Just kidding, but look at it now, it's everywhere. Even better for me!!!

I love country music, mostly because I can understand every word and can sing to it. I love to sing. Not saying I am good at it, I just love to do it. I can get annoying, and then it just makes me want to do it more. Which brings me to Rock Band...love that game. Best invention ever.

I don't have a lot of friends, but the ones I do have I absolutely love. Maybe a little too much. Ha...For those of you that know me, know exactly what I am talking about there, but I am trying to stop...I promise. I just really suck at it.

My favorite food is probably meatloaf. I don't know though. I enjoy cooking and creating new things. One of my favorite things is to find a new recipe for bread pudding. Yummy, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I have a horrible addiction to Pepsi, and I give it up, but nothing satisfies me like and ice cold Pepsi. Hey, I have to get the love somewhere. Really, that was a joke.

I have started to really read my scriptures again, and it has helped me so much. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful gospel. Thank You Zach for sharing your lessons with me everyday. You don't realize what you have until it isn't there. I have had to work on Sunday, and luckily at the hospital I still get a mini sacrament, but I don't get the full effects. Zach is a great friend of mine who is a seminary teacher in CA. He has been sharing his lessons with me. I hope he knows what it means to me...I need to feel the spirit, and feel of my Saviors love. What a blessing!

I really would do anything for anyone. I am the most happy when I get to do things for other people, but I can honestly say that is when I am the most "bitchy" as well. It is a talent and a fault of mine. One day I will learn!

I sit here and type (a ton, sorry), and realize that I haven't really shared who I really am. But I think that is because I am learning so much about myself lately. This year has probably been the hardest one of my life, but the best at the same time. I am so blessed, and really, I am so proud of myself and the stuff I have accomplished this year. Life is good, and there is so much for me out there. I had a bad day yesterday, but it is days like those that remind me how much further I have to go, but I am headed in the right direction, and I love where my life is going. Thanks to all of you who have helped me to get here.

So who am I? I am Mandy, and dog gone it, people like me!!! (what is that saying from, I can't figure it out and it is bugging me)