The Perfect Heart

Heard this this past weekend and loved it to death. Wanted to share with all of you out there. You may have read before but enjoy again.

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.

Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said “Why, your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.”

The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.

The people stared – how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.”

“Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love – I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared.

Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges – giving love is taking a chance.

Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?”

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.

The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side.

Trials and Tribulations

A couple weeks ago the cutest lil girl that I work with right now asked me if she could sing me a song. I of course said "yes." She started to sing a song that she made up and she was singing about her "momma." Momma in this situation being her maternal grandmother as her mother is living on skid row. She started to sing about how her momma took her under her wing, gave her shelter and takes care of herself and two brothers so she does not have to live in foster care. To be honest it was really sweet but also really sad to listen to what she was singing about, her reality is just one that should not be. She sang about how her momma has helped her through her trials and tribulations. Really a 7 year old singing about "trials and tribulations" cute to think of her using these words, not cute that she already knows this saying. So of course this made me think...and think...and think...and think.

I don't know about you but sometimes I find myself thinking "poor me" type thoughts, which is absolutely ridiculous considering the life I have lived and I have to say it is embarrassing to admit that I have those moments where I think "why me," or "come on now really?" As I stumble, fall and occasionally rise through this life I continue to learn major life lessons. One of those lessons, or I guess observations, I have been noticing lately is that everyone has their moments, both good and bad. I reflect often on the course my life has taken, the challenges and the successes, and realize that I am never alone. While I love the life I live sometimes it gets the best of me and I hate admitting that. However, when I think about it, it's really lame that I hate admitting it, because I know you too have probably had a day, week, month, or moment where you felt like life was just beating you up a bit too. I always try to keep a positive attitude and am constantly practicing having more faith, patience and trust in the Lord. As I know without a doubt he is one of the most reliable people who helps me through my own trials and tribulations. Afterall he has never left me feeling lonely when I have prayed for comfort and has never lead me the wrong way when I needed direction. That's not to say that there was lots of work on my end, nonetheless he has never not stood by my side.

This last week I taught the Young Women a lesson on Counseling with the Lord. I was talking to them about how so often we hear people say "just pray about it and it will be OK," or "you just need to turn your life over to the Lord." So easy to say, not so easy to do. I am really trying right now to believe in the timing that my Heavenly Father has for me and trust that he knows what is best for me. Even though I feel confident I know best, the truth is I don't. As I pray to my Heavenly Father for the things that I am in need of i.e. patience, comfort, guidance, strength, etc. I am also trying to have more faith in him. As the YW and I were talking about how we are to counsel with the Lord they all talked about how their answers don't come as they sometimes think they will, how you don't get answers by not taking opportunities to receive the help you need, and how at the end of the day God knows best. It was so great to talk to them about prayer as I feel people often treat it like it is the easiest thing to do, yes the act of praying may be easy but the waiting, patience and trust is the hard part and is that part that really makes our prayers what they need to be. They each had such great words of wisdom i.e. talk to God like he is your parent on Earth (maybe even more so since some of them are going through the teenage stage of not talking to their parents), pour out your heart, he wants to know everything about us our good things during the day and the hard things.

So here's to trials and tribulations and trusting in the Lord.

P.S. The week after this cute girl sang me her song about her Momma she and I sat in my car (just imagine this for a moment, on a crazy street in South Central LA, cops on each corner, gang affiliates walking up and down the street) and I taught her the lyrics and meaning to Lean on Me. We then proceeded to sing Lean on Me in my car to the Glee soundtrack. It was as cute and as special as it could have been. Me and my lil 7 year old Belizean client belting it out and swaying side to side singing Lean on Me to each other. One of my most favorite moments yet.

What do your shoes say about you?

Here is a pile of the shoes that get the most wear in my world. Shoes have always been my most favorite part of an outfit. Ever since I can remember I always loved picking out new shoes and shoes were always a way I expressed myself. I remember when I was younger I used to get so excited about getting shoes. When Doc Martens were popular, don't lie they were and you know it, I tried to get the most unique pairs. My most favorite pair were the ones I got in London, short boot, red patent leather! I LOVED them. I have this crazy thing with sneakers...I love sneakers and always can think of a reason to get more. Afterall pure white pumas were my wedding shoes. I think shoes are such a perfect way to express yourself. The shoes above are the ones that right now have me smitten. The funny thing is is that the shoes above I have always been in love with.

RAINBOWS: I started wearing Rainbows in high school and since then they have always been my most favorite flip flops. I dread having to get a new pair, in fact am currently breaking in a new pair, after the ones I had before that finally got busted and the strap broke off, with the help of Bear (the only shoes he has ever ruined). I love reminiscing of all the places my rainbows visit. My last pair had been to AZ, CA, UT, WY, St. Lucia, Galapagos, had gotten red paint splattered on them from when I painted our front door in Sugarhouse, been on lots of walks with our dogs, the beach, the snow, you name it they had been there. Oh the places you'll go my new Rainbows...can't wait.

CONVERSE-Jack Purcell's: Have these shoes ever been unpopular? I doubt it. They are the perfect class sneaker. I just love them like crazy. I have owned numerous pairs of Converse throughout the years, white, black, blue, high top low top, and now my new favorite ones, the vintage Jack Purcell's. I currently have 3 pairs in my closet...obsessed much?

Gladiatorish Sandals: Alright I have to admit these ones have been a new comer for me. I have always been a bit intimidated by them. Am I hip enough to wear them? What do I wear with them? I finally did it and bought a pait a couple of months ago. I think they are perfect, not to overstated with lots of bells and whistles, but still have the look.

BOAT SHOES-Sperry Top Sider's: I have been a fan of boat shoes for awhile now and have for sure gotten lots of use out of the classic brown. However, this past year they did metallic ones and I could NOT pass them up. I love them and always look for a reason to wear them. However, I am a bit protective of them so I get nervous wearing them out where they might get scuffs and dirty. A bit of a predicament since I love them and want to wear them all the time. So count yourself lucky if you see me in them.

TOMS-I saved my most favorite for last. For the last 3 years these have been the GO TO shoe. The best, my best friend of shoes if you will. Since my last pair of Rainbows had been ruined, these guys made the move at the right time and stole my heart. The ones above are my very first pair and well they are getting ready to retire. There are holes in the toes, sides and heels. I just can't part with them though. Even though I have other pairs these ones are the most dear to my heart.

I think my shoes get the point across that I am a pretty casual laid back girl. I like a little bit of sparkle, but never want to sacrifice comfort or the option to be able to jump and run. I like to have fun, get dirty every now and then. Hey I even like to help people out and care about others (TOMS). I have always had the a tom boy side to me so flat and comfy will most always win over the high heels or girly look.

What are your shoes saying???

Summer is off to a good start

My most favorite view at the Montage in Laguna Beach

The last two weeks we have been already starting to get into the summer mode. Over Memorial Day weekend we stayed down in the OC for 3 nights with Rach and Nate and Amanda and Mason. We were so happy to have our family and friends put up with us and our 2 dogs. We enjoyed lots of time at the beach, movies, eating yummy food of course, and just hanging out. It was a mini staycation for us and it was brilliant! Easy, cheap and fun.

Luke is giving GRIZZLIES these days, best hugs ever!

Jeremy, Aaron and Mason doing their HALOTHON

Mand and I at the Montage, and she is 5 months preggers still looking as good as ever.

This last weekend we were hosting our dinner group up here in LA. It turned out to be a great day at the park. We did an Argentine theme and I made dozens of empanadas, 4 dozen to be exact. I then made a chocolate cake with dulce de leche buttercream, I wanted to bathe in the frosting it was so yummy. After playing in the park and chatting up with our bunch we headed off to the Dodgers game with the Waite crew.

The dinner group crew enjoying a night at the park

Mase, Mand, me and Aar enjoying an all American summer evening LA style.

I am so happy summer is here. Even though I don't get off work, no long summer break like when in school, there is just something about knowing that summer is here that makes me happy. I really can't believe it is JUNE...where does the time go? I feel like I will be planning for the holidays in no time.

Dream's Weekend

The view at the ring ceremony.

I just got back from a great weekend in SLC. It was fast and quick and over way sooner than I wanted, but nonetheless fabulous. I went to SLC to celebrate and be part of Aimee's wedding. The weekend started with a visit to Hires, what visit to SLC is complete without that? I made a stop off at my hair lady in SLC whom I love so much and love her pampering. I did lots of building, playing, reading with my lil buds Liam and George.

This lil Georgie would just walk right over to me and climb on top of me. He goes around hugging Liam all the time and blowing kisses. Pretty much the sweetest lil dude ever.

Liam and I had a great time playing around. The best is when he just out of nowhere said
"I just love having you here." Too cute.

The ceremony was at the SLC Temple Friday morning and although there was a crazy accident on the freeway that got in the way of people being on time, they held the ceremony so not one person missed the special occasion. It was the most beautiful day with clouds hovering with sun peaking through. After the ceremony we were off to Midway for the ring ceremony and the wedding dinner at Aimee's dads home. We spent the afternoon and evening celebrating and had just a blast. I loved being able to hang out with so many friends I don't see nearly enough. Saturday was the reception at the Wetzel's home (grooms family) and it just could not have been more perfect. Taylor and Aimee just happen to be the cutest couple ever and it was so amazing to see them so happy together.



I also got to spend lots of time with Ash and meet lil Taylor Beck. It was so funny to be getting ready at the Peterson's home as it was a flashback to when Ash and I were getting ready there for her own wedding. It was wild to be talking with Ash and Clay about their upcoming adventure back East. Aaron and I are so excited for them and can't wait to get out there to visit them. Even though we already live away from them I was emotional about them moving. Crazy to think Aaron and I were in a similar spot 2 years ago.

Little Taylor Elisabeth Beck, I could just hold her all day long.

Overall the weekend was a blast. I missed having my best friend Aar with me, as he was out of town for work. I loved celebrating an eternal marriage and reflecting on the importance and sacredness of such a union. Attending a temple wedding is one of my most favorite things to do. Being that I was one of the first in my group of friends to get married I have had the opportunity to witness many of my dear friends join in the greatest blessing.

Lately in LA

While work is crazy nutso for Aaron and I we try to fit in as much fun as possible. I must say we do a pretty great job living a fun life together. The last couple of weeks have been filled with excitement.

Two weeks ago we celebrated Jeremy's 30th BDAY with a BBQ at his place with friends. But the real celebration took placed 13, 000 feet in the air when he, Aaron and his friend Jake went skydiving to ring in the 30th year. Aar and Jer have been talking about this one for a long time and it finally happened. I need the pic from Jer of the guys before the jump, but here is Aar's certificate he got. I swear I felt like I could not breath all morning while they were doing it and now I am crazy jealous I did not join in on the fun!


There is doubt we have been having a great time cheering on the Suns the last couple of weeks too. So much fun to cheer on your home team and I love cheering against the Spurs any chance I get. Now I get to cheer against the Lakers which is even better!!! While some may think they don't want to cheer on the Suns due to their political position on the illegal immigration law in AZ, I say even more of a reason to cheer them on. I get there is an issue and something needs to be done but come on AZ, so embarrassing to see how they are dealing with things right now. I guess what can you expect though from a state that did not want to celebrate MLK day. I am still holding out faith though that my home state will come around. In the meantime though I will stay distracted by the SUNS and keep cheering them on. Did you see Nash's Eye????? Gnarly, rest up Nash we need you and you deserve this. This next round is gonna be tough but I will be right there cheering them on.

Lucky for us Mand and Mase had tix to Chicago at the Pantages in LA that they wanted to sell off so I jumped right on the opportunity. I had been dying to see this forever and it just worked out perfectly. Aar and I went closing night and enjoyed the most EXCELLENT seats dead center. I love a good broadway show. I swear from the start of the show all the way to the end I had a smile on my face. I have always loved the music and the dancing of Chicago and the Fosse Era and I was just in Heaven!!! Thanks Waites.


We have also enjoyed some much needed time at the Beach with great friends. I swear to all those southern cali friends of ours, Saturday was the most perfect beach day. We headed down to Trestles in San Clemente for Aar to take out his new short board. Mand and I chatted the day away while our boys surfed away. It was lightly breezy with a mild sun...the most perfect temp for a long beach day. Of course we ended the day with food from the Argentine market we love down in the OC.

Now it is Sunday night and our work week is approaching...always sooner than we would like. But on to the next couple of weeks with again some fun activities to look forward. The biggest one of course being the wedding my DREAM. Can't wait to get to UT and celebrate!!!

On another note I am pretty much freaking out with excitement that in about 4 months I will be completely done with all my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Work) hours for the state of California and will therefore soon be Licensed in CA. This is what I have been working so hard for since undergrad and I am so excited that I am almost all the way there.

Here's to another week in LA and living life.

Some mobile pics

Bella and bear just chilling in the sun together. They play fight like crazy and sometimes I have to break them up but they really do love each other and I love when I find them just relaxing together.

This is how I found Aaron one afternoon. The best is that shortly after I shot this pic Bear laid down and started licking Aaron's hand. They all three were snuggling together.

My DEEBEE. Diva is my lil girl, well my mom's girl now. But I love her still all the same. She is for sure crazy and neurotic but I love when I get to visit her in AZ.

These pics of flowers are from my dads cactus in his yard. Each flower bloom lasts for 24 hours. They are absolutely stunning!!! While I was in AZ this last weekend I was able to catch a few right when they blossomed.


This is my awesome sock monkey I made about a month ago. I have to admit I am pretty impressed with myself.

This is a sample of the doodling I do during work meetings. I get pretty stressed when I am sitting in a meeting unable to do work that I need to get done. The only thing that helps me focus on the meeting is to doodle. Every Tuesday I make 1-2 sheets that look just like this. I actually listen a lot more when I am doodling.

These guys are just the BEST. When I was in UT back in March we went to the zoo one day. They are the bestest of buddies.

Do I need to say much about this guy? I mean check him out, just cuteness all around. Can't help but smile when you see his little face!

And then there is this lil fella. He is always so happy and smiley. I can't get enough of him. I pretty much want to eat him up .

Here I am one afternoon up at the Bu. After getting some yummy eats at Neptune's Net.

This is a classic shot of my Aar Bear. Always checking out the waves and surfers. He just loves the ocean and I swear he could watch over the ocean all day long, except for when he is in it of course.

Huntington Pier one sunny afternoon after treasure hunting. This is the best beach for sand dollars. I always find at least 3 full sand dollars every time we go to this beach.


Got to uploading my phone pics tonight and thought I would share some good ones. I love having pictures on my phone so if I am having a rough long day I can just scroll through and smile.