RAGNAR!!

2 weeks ago I ran in my first Ragnar race in Vegas, and it was quite the experience!! If you don't know what Ragnar is, its about a 200 mile relay race in a 30-34 hour time period of 12 runners that switch off running their distances, 3 different times throughout the race. The 12 runners split into 2 vans of 6 and meet each runner in the group to exchange on to the next person. I was runner 8 in the 2nd van.  Oh, and we had 2 teams of 12, so we had a 2nd van of friends with us which made it fun! 

The first van started at 7:30 am, running their distances, and then we started at about 12:00 pm. It was nice to get a good nights sleep before the big race because I knew I wouldn't be sleeping much after that! My first leg was my longest of 5.7 miles. The weather was sunny, but really windy which made it cold, but once I started, I got hot right away! I am such a sweater, that the wind actual made it nice! Most of my run was downhill which was good for me, but towards the end, my right big toe and other toes started to hurt really bad! I just kept telling myself to keep pushing through, but it probably was one of my worst runs! I was so mad to have that happen to me at the beginning especially when I had 2 more legs to go!! 

After I finished, we went through runners 9-12 in our group before we had 4-5 hours of rest until we would go out for our night run. By the time the sun set, the wind picked up even more and it was SUPER cold!! We parked at the main exchange where we'd meet the first group and luckily found an underground parking lot that made it nice to not be freezing our butts off! We ate, stretched, and tried to get some rest, but I seriously cannot sleep in vehicles! I managed to tape up my blistered and swollen toes and hoped it would help with my next run coming up. I also was having tummy issues (constipation) since our eating schedule was so out of wack and wasn't feeling so hot either :( 

By the time I was ready to go for my 2nd run, it was cold as YOU KNOW WHAT!!! It was around midnight when I started my 4.5 miles. This run was one long stretch and when I got going, of course with my body heat, I started feeling warm and strong and any pain on my feet or stomach went completely away! The night run was definitely my best one yet, funny to say!! I felt like I could go forever!! Running in the dark was a little creepy at times, but amazing too!! Loved that leg!!!

 By the time all of our group finished to wait for our 3rd leg, it was around 4:30 am. We went to the next main exchange to wait again at a high school. They had set up for people to set up sleeping bags in the gym there. It was so nice to sleep for a few hours. My stomach was not doing good though! I felt so bloated, but still couldn't go :( My feet too were very raw from the tape I had to rip off to apply bandaids for my next leg! No matter what though, I was determined to finish strong!! Ha ha, I was so desperate to make sure to go to the bathroom before the next leg that I took some Miralax and had about a half cup of my first taste of coffee (not good at all!!), but again was very desperate to do ANYTHING that would help my stupid insides to start working!!! I'm glad I had quite the support about it all from my fellow friends though!! It's so funny how well you get to know each other in so little time and if you are going potty or not!! lol :) Plus, I did manage to go before my last run!! HALLELUJAH!!! My 3rd leg was another 4.5 miles. This one was more hilly, but I enjoyed running in the sun again. By this time though my feet were not doing well, but again, I pushed myself harder and harder and FINISHED thank goodness!!! All of us finished at about 3:45 the next afternoon. About 32 hours total!!! 

Overall, Ragnar was very tiring, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but having the support from each other and spending time with everyone was priceless! By the time I got home though, I was EXHAUSTED and it took me just under a week to feel normal again. Plus, my toes were aweful until I ended up taking them off, literally off! They were pushed clear up in my toe and that it what caused the pain I was having!! All I know is that if I ever do another one, I will definitely be switching things up on preparing for it and making sure my toenails and shoes are good to not cause problems with my feet again!!! 

So, YAY for completing my first Ragnar!! So glad to have experienced it!! Now, what else can I do to add to my lists of firsts?? :) 

UTAH TOUGH MUDDER!!

Just over a week ago on October 13th, I accomplished my 3rd Tough Mudder!! The course was here in Utah, out in Tooele at the Larry H Miller Speed Track. I have to say it was the toughest one yet, but TONS of fun!! I had my brother Jaren with me, his brother in law Eric, his nephew Evan, Evan's friend Mitch, and a workout buddy DeMill. Our team name was Pain Garage and we did AMAZING!!!

Our start time was at 11:00 so we got there about 2 hours before. The weather the day before was really rainy and cold so I was very nervous with Saturday being the same. When we got there though it was nice and sunny, but the wind made it pretty cold. Then about a half hour before we started, a lovely overcast hit us and made things even colder! I have to say I was not looking forward to it since our 2nd obstacle was "Arctic Enema" where you have to get completely in and under ice water! I just tried not thinking about it though as best as I could! Then standing at the start line while the announcer goes over his ritual sayings and with the music blaring, really got me pumped!! I knew I could do this no matter what conditions!!

We started strong running about a half mile before we got to our 1st Obstacle "Kiss of Mud." It's a barbed wire obstacle that you have to army crawl under it in the mud. After we did that, "Arctic Enema" was well in view and my heart started pumping fast! I knew what was coming!! Getting in that cold cold water is like a whole shock to your body and you feel like you cant breathe! It literally takes your breath away! I managed of getting in and out as fast as I could, but once I went under the board to the other side, there were a bunch of people in front of me and I had to wait what I felt like FOREVER before getting out! Once I was out, the wind was blowing hard and that made the cold even more intense!!! 

Once all of us were out, we just ran, trying to keep our bodies warm! We had a good ways to go before we got to the next obstacle. With our bodies moving, I actually felt pretty good and not cold after a bit. We hit about 7 more obstacles one being the "Berlin Walls," another "Kiss of Mud," "King of the Mountain," and "Dirty Ballerina." That one was fun! You had to climb in and out of these trenches full of muddy water and there were about 15 of them! 

The next one that I was nervous about was "Electric Eel." That one is like the kiss of mud, but you get zapped with wires full of electricity that you cannot avoid! Last TM in Phoenix, I got zapped about a good 10+ times and it did not feel too well! So me knowing what it felt like, made it harder for me to do it again! Once I was there and ready to go in, I just hauled booty and went through as fast as I could! Luckily this time, I only felt a few little zaps and one BIG ZAP! I was out of there before I knew it though and oddly enough, it was fun!!  I think it was more of the adrenaline from it that I liked! 

The one after that was "Balls to the Wall." It was a brand new one where you had to climb a wall holding onto a rope about 2 stories high and then come down the opposite side of the wall. Looking at it wasn't bad, but once I started going up and then coming down, I realized how high I really was and kind of froze a bit! I am not a huge fan of heights, especially when I don't feel in control of what I'm doing. That one was probably the scariest one for me! I was glad to be back on the ground that's for sure!!

At that point, we hit quite a few more obstacles where since there were so many people, we had to wait, which wasn't good for us keeping warm and our muscles warm. I think about that time in the race is when I started getting cold and uncomfortable! Plus, there were more water obstacles ahead, so that made it hard to look forward in doing! 

We did the "Funky Monkey" which were the monkey bars over water. The bars were so dang slippery that I only made it to the 4th bar and then fell in! The very first TM I got all the way across, but the last 2 times, my hands just kept slipping! Very frustrating! We also did "Walk the Plank" where you climb up a platform and then jump off it into water. The last time was so fun, but because it was SO DANG COLD, it made it harder this time to do it, but I got enough guts and went for it! And MAN that water was COLD!!! 

I was freezing by that time and was just ready to be done! We ended up doing "Everest" which is a half pipe you have to run up and get to the top! I was so tired and cold, but managed to get enough energy to run up it and luckily the guys at top helped pull me up! My brother tried 3 times before getting up! He did awesome though and kept at it instead of giving up! 

Then last, but not least was Electricshock Therapy." That one is similar to "Electric Eel," but you run through it and the electric current is MUCH more intense! Oh, and you are in water too! As we were waiting and next in line, a group of fire fighters before us went through. This guy in his late 30's got shocked, fell down, got shocked again and again and ended up freezing up and had a seizure right then and there! It was so bad that they had to unplug the electricity and pull him out! He was in real bad shape and after seeing that, me having been through it twice, thought, Not worth it to me at all, and we ended up skipping it to the Finish Line. 

We were SO happy to be done, were freezing our butts off, but had a blast working as a team and accomplishing 12 miles and 21 crazy obstacles! Like I've said before, during TM I think, why do I do this to myself??, but once I am finished and look back, I am already looking forward to the next one!! 

So there you have it! Just a glimpse of another TM!! I am so happy to have done it with Jaren and all the other guys! It was the most fun I had as a team and hope we can do another one together!! Oh, and a huge thanks to Douglas and my sister in law Kellie who pretty much ran majority of the race to get pictures and video of it all!! So until next time... Here are some pics of the day!!

Before "Arctic Enema"

AFTER!!

Jaren and I 

"Hold Your Wood!"

We survived Electric Eel!

"Just the tip"

Still going strong!

"Balls to the Wall"

Still Smiling :)

Lots of team work!!

Cliff Hanger

WE FINISHED!!

Jaren and Kellie

Loved the Support!!

Another Reminder

I dont know what it's been, but this last week has been a struggling one for me mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, you name it. I've been doubting myself in so many ways that's it pretty ridiculous!! I have really tried letting go of these negative thoughts and feelings, especially when I have been working my butt off to accomplish my goals with work, family, and myself. It's been hard, but I've been trying to keep at it.

Today I was not feeling up to do anything, and I mean ANYTHING! I stayed in bed most of the morning after taking Haiden to school, and then meant to go to the gym and do a few things around the house, but had no desire. I was so mad at myself too because I am one who is always keeping busy and wanting to get things done.

I guess I'm too much of a perfectionist in my everyday life whether it being a good mom, wife, friend, and just all around person. I try so hard each day, but when things don't go as well as I hope them to, I get too hard on myself and put myself as a failure. It is very frustrating.

Later today as I was bringing the kids home from their performing group, I looked in the mail and got a bunch of cds from Jenny Phillips of the Christmas CD and 2013 Youth CD I recorded with her and her choir. I have been looking forward in getting them and FINALLY had a sense of happiness today. As I played the music, I couldn't help but feel a peace within myself, and a reminder of the love I have from my dear Savior. No matter how I feel about myself certain days, I have to remember that He is there, and no matter how alone or lost I feel, I can turn to Him at times like these.

It's been hard not going to church with conflicts of my work schedule, and I realized today, I have lost sight on things spiritually. It's amazing how not doing one simple thing each week like going to church, can slowly bring down a person. Listening to Jenny's music though brought that amazing spirit that I have been longing for, but slowly have forgotten over this past month or so.

I know I can't change my work shift on Sundays, but I now have a better understanding on what I am missing right now in my life. Even if I can't get to church, I can still do things to keep me close with my Father in Heaven. I am truly grateful of getting the music today and am so happy it came just when I needed it, to remind me of my importance and great value as a person.

So once again, a BIG thank you to Jenny, and for her amazing message she brings in her music. It has helped me SO much, especially in my toughest times. I am very blessed to have music in my life where I can feel the spirit the strongest, and feel that warm embrace of love and peace from my Savior, my Redeemer.

One of the songs from her new cd "Stand in Holy Places," she sings "When I See Him." It is just so amazing and I couldn't help but cry listening to it! I couldn't find it yet to share since it is new, but I hope to share it soon.

Here are the words of that beautiful song:

When I count
All the ways that He has blessed me
When I think of Him in the garden
My heart can hardly take it in
My mighty Savior, Lord, and Creator

Chorus:
And one day when I see Him
And touch His hands
And look into His perfect eyes
I want to be worthy and proud of how I've lived
When I see Him, when I see Him
When I see Him

On that blessed day
When I am called to stand before Him
When He pleads to the Father for me
I'm sure I'll fall upon my knees
My dear Redeemer, Molder, and Teacher

Chorus

Let the training begin!!

This week, I am starting my training for 2 races coming up! In October, I will be doing my 3rd Tough Mudder here in Utah, and in November, my first Ragnar in Vegas!!

 Tough Mudder is going to be awesome! My brother Jaren is doing this one with me, so I am way excited to kick some butt with him! We are going to have a blast! I just pray the weather cooperates with us since it is in October and having to get in freezing ice water! We shall see! 

Then with Ragnar, my friend Nicole had some people in her team dropped out last second and so she  invited me to join them! I've been a little weary doing one, since I am not a big runner, but with the team support you get and the experience of 2 days and 12 runners, will be totally worth it that I couldn't say no! I'm not quite sure yet on what runner I am and what legs I'll be running, but no matter what, I will be ready for it! When I commit to something, I work my butt off to do my best for it! 

So, training starts tomorrow for me!! I am going to be doing a running schedule, plus a variety of weight and cross fit training! Wish me luck! I will be blogging my progress on my training blog!! 

Jaren and I did a 5k yesterday! A little preview before the Tough Mudder!! So Excited :)

Is Summer really almost over??

Wow, this Summer is going way too fast!! I can't believe in just a few weeks my kids will be starting school!! It's sad for Summer to be over, but exciting for school and the fall to come! Haiden is starting Kindergarten this year which is SO crazy to me! Then Kenzie in Preschool! It'll be weird to have a few hours to myself a few days in the week! I just can't even imagine when they both will be in school full time! Just a few short years away! I won't know what to do with myself!!

Last Saturday, my brother invited us to go to Lake Powell with them! I hadn't been in 5 years, so I definitely was going to take the opportunity and go!! Douglas had work unfortunately and couldn't come, so it was just me and the kids! We had an amazing time! We stayed on their houseboat, went swimming, tubing, wake boarding, knee boarding, lots of eating, playing games, and relaxing! Lake Powell is one of my very favorite places! It is so peaceful and beautiful there! There is no way I am going to wait another 5 years before I go again! I'll post pictures when I get all of them! :)

As for Frightmares, unfortunately I didn't make it :( My audition went really well, but I guess I wasn't what they needed, but really, it's a blessing, because my schedule would have been so hectic and crazy that it's nice not to have to stress about it now! It was fun to audition though! Who knows, maybe I'll give it another try next year! As for Premier, we have one more show until we'll be done for the summer. It has been such a blast doing what I love and with some amazing girls too!! They are some of my dearest friends!! As for the rest of the year and next year, we wont be doing a Christmas show (thank goodness,) but will be focusing on our Valentines Show, (Yep! We are doing another one!) then after will be doing another fun summer show for next year!! I am so excited and look forward to another fun year :) Kenzie will start her group in September, and I am so excited for her too!! She will do amazing!!

This Summer, I was hoping to do a Triathlon. With everything else going on, it just hasn't happened, or will happen, but in October, I have the Tough Mudder to look forward to, so at least I'm doing something! My goal next year is to do an Olympic Tri though and of course another Tough Mudder! It'll consist of lots of training, but it'll be fun to have a set workout again!

Even though Summer is at an end, we look forward to the fall, the holidays, and the many things our family will be doing to keep us busy! Can't wait :)

Mekenzie is 4!!

Oh my! Where do I even begin with this cute girl!! Yesterday, July 25th, my beautiful Mekenzie Marie turned 4!! I swear just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital and now look at her! All grown up!! We celebrated the day by going to Lagoona Beach, had yummy icecream, and enjoyed presents from the family!


Words cannot describe just how blessed I am to have Mekenzie for a daughter! She is such a sweetheart with such a witty personality! I am constantly amused with the things she says and does!! She loves and I mean LOVES all types of animals, loves to sing and dance like her Momma, loves the water, playing dressup with her dollies, and is a good sister to Haiden.


I put together this collage last night, and when I started going through her pictures, I couldn't help but cry with sadness on how fast she is growing up, but more importantly with gratitude on having this sweet spirit brought into our lives! I am so honored to be her mom and have enjoyed every moment of it thus far!!


I look forward on what is in store for her as she continues to get older! This fall, we are going to put her in Premier Productions (where I dance at) and have her start performing too! She loves coming to my shows and is always dancing and singing to my songs, so I thought it'd be perfect for her to start now! I just found out too that the youngest cast will be a small group of girls that will be putting on a Disney Princess show, where each of them will be a Princess and sing different songs from the movies! With her being the little blondie she is, she will fit perfect to do Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, or Cinderella! I am so excited for her to start dancing and persue on what she loves doing!!


Happy Birthday my sweet Kenzie Girl!! Every day with you is a blessing, and I look forward to many more birthdays to come!!

Frightmares!!

This year, I have decided to audition for Lagoon's Frightmares entertainment!! I have a few friends who perform in the summer cast, and they had mentioned to me that with some of the girls leaving, they need more singers and dancers for Frightmares season. So, why not?? I love performing, I LOVE Halloween, and I get paid doing it, so yes please!! It's only for a short time too and on weekends, so it'd be perfect with my schedule :) I'm a little nervous to audition since it's been forever since I have auditioned for something, but thankfully for Premier and performing this summer, I feel comfortable and confident that I will do well! Auditions are on August 4th, so I have just about 2 weeks to get myself ready! Wish me luck and hopefully good things will come of it :)

Summer Time!!

Summer so far has been going well for us Belshes :) We've been busy busy as always and having lots of fun! This year we decided to get Lagoon season passes again, which is always a blast for my kids and I. We go about 2 times a week. I just love having the variety every time we go, whether it going to Lagoona Beach or the rides, there is always something different to do! Haiden is now at the height to go on some of the bigger rides like Wicked, Colossus, and the White Roller Coaster. He is such an adventurous little boy and has loved every moment. Definitely my boy :) It has also been fun watching the entertainment with a few of my friends performing. Mekenzie LOVES the singing and dancing! Definitely my Girl :) Ha Ha!! Here are some pics so far of our fun times!!

I have also been busy performing!! It has been SO MUCH FUN!! We have been able to perform at Thanksgiving Point, Camp K, The District, The Gallivan Center, and many more! I just love our cast too!! We have a great group of girls who I have become so close with! Love them all so much and look forward to the fun shows ahead of us :)

On June 4th, Douglas and I celebrated 7 years of being married!! 7 Years!! Can you believe it!! We didn't do anything big this year, but had a nice night out going to dinner (yummy sushi) and a movie. Looking back, Douglas and I have gone through a lot of good and bad , but I am so blessed to be where we are today! He is my rock and has always been there for me and the kids! I am so grateful I made the choice to marry him!! I love him SO much!!

Then

Now

As far as Triathlons go, I really want to do one this summer, but am looking to do one in August/September. I still workout and love going to the gym, but with doing the Tough Mudder this October and Ragnar in November, I decided to throw a tri in before, just so I can train for all of them close together. Better than splitting up my training schedule! We'll see which one I will try and conquer this year :)

I just can't believe June is almost over with!! Time goes by so fast when you're having fun!! Cant wait for July!!

5 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Me :)

Ok girlies!! You got me wanting to add to the fun of our blogging :) So here it goes...


5 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Me


1. As laid back and calm I may seem on the outside, I am a HUGE adrenaline junkie!! Throw anything to get my heart rate going, and I am all in! Whether it be going into an unknown cave, jumping off of REALLY high things, swimming and diving into the depths below of who knows what, well, you get the point! I am all for it!! I love that feeling of your body either about to pass out or go a million miles per minute!! That is why I love scary movies, races, performing, crazy rollercoasters, scaring myself to death, you name it! As long as I get that adrenaline going, I dont want to stop!! Of course with being a mom now, I am more responsible than what I was, but I still love it!!! :)


2. I hate and I mean HATE laundry with a PASSION!!! Most people dont like doing dishes, bathrooms, you know, the really gross jobs, but I'd do them any day if it'd take me away from doing laundry. Some people just dont like the putting away, but for me, it's everything about it!! It's kind of embarrassing because you will see my house all nice and clean, but then you'll see piles of clothes sitting there for weeks not being put away. Douglas is my knight in shining armour though and handles the laundry pretty well Thank Goodness!! Heck!! Why cant we all just be naked and not even worry about clothes!!


3. Speaking of naked, I love having as little clothing on as possible, especially at home. Ya, I'm one of those lame people who like to walk around in her Gs and I don't care one bit who sees me in them. Attractive huh? What it really comes down to, is that I get hot all the time, so why layer myself with clothes when I dont have to? I LOVE sleeping naked to! A little bit too personal, but that is what makes this whole blog fun :)


4. So everyone knows I love to sing, dance, and perform in front of people no matter what size audience, but when it come to speaking, I am literally terrified!! Get me up to sing a song, no problem, but when it comes to having to give a talk in sacrament, teaching a lesson (mainly in front of adults), back when having to give a school report, ect, I become sick over it!! It makes me cringe just thinking about it!!


5. I am a sucker for reality TV. No matter how much drama is on there, I love it!! Some of my favorites are of course the dating ones like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, the adventurous ones like The Amazing Race (which I'd LOVE to be on), Survivor, the food ones like Master Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Cupcake Wars, Competition ones like American Idol, SYTYCD, Biggest Loser, and the list goes on and on!! I am hooked!!!


So... there ya go!!! Hope you enjoyed reading. Can't wait to hear from other bloggers :)

Let's play again! What can we do next??

Camp K

Last night was such an amazing experience for me! The Company Girls and I (my singing and dancing group) got to perform at Camp K, also know as Camp Kostopolus. It's a camp for the disabled up near Hogle Zoo in Emigration. Premier Studios have performed up there many summers before, but this was my first time going. I have always enjoyed being around those who are disabled and involving myself with them as an aid in High School, different events, and those that have been in my ward, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to perform for them! When we got there, they all knew exactly who we were from years before, and looked at us like we were movie stars! They were so excited to see us! The show went very well, where one song we each grabbed someone from the audience. I picked this cute down syndrome girl who was so excited to come up and dance with me. She was so cute shaking her booty and trying to do what I did! We continued on with our show, with those singing solos, had someone come up and help sing. They loved it!! By the time we were at the end of our show, the whole stage was filled with people dancing and singing along with our music! We stopped our actual choreography and just had so much fun with them!! I loved seeing the looks on everyone's faces! Such a sweet moment! After our show, they did a talent show for anyone who wanted to come up. I cant even describe how awesome it was to see the sweet spirits these people showed through their singing, dancing, story telling, and even some magic tricks! One boy came up and dedicated a song to "Captain." Not sure who he was, but he started singing "Called to Serve" and was sobbing the whole time while singing. I couldn't help, but get teary eyed! Another boy in a wheelchair came up and sang "You Raise Me Up," and Man! That was a such a tear jerker too!! I was also so excited to see my Brother in Law's Brother Tyler there. He cant talk much, but when I went up to him and said I knew Frank and Taunie, his eyes lit up! It was so good to see him after many years :)  Being there around those kids was such a humbling experience for me and made me appreciate more of the things I have in my life. No matter what their disability was, they had such a light about them that I cannot describe!! I am thankful to know that we will be performing a few more times this summer for other groups going up there! I just love Camp K :)

Arms of the Rescuer

This past Sunday, I performed at another fireside. Every time I go and sing, the spirit is so strong, but this time was very different for me. I dont know what it was, but I have to say that it was probably one of the most spiritual moments that I have ever experienced! For each fireside, we go through the same songs and talks in the program, but during the end of it, Jenny spoke about Christ and the importance of not forgetting why we really are here and the important things that matter in this life. As we sang the last song, "Arms of the Rescuer," I couldn't help but get teary eyed during Jenny's solo, and as the choir joined in singing "I know that my Redeemer Lives," I broke down and could not control my emotions. The spirit hit me SO strong that all I could do was mouth the words. I might have looked stupid, but I cannot even explain the feeling that came over me. It kind of was like He was saying to me "Amanda, I'm here, I love you, dont forget about me." feeling, and it made realize just how far away I have distanced myself from the Savior. I mean, I haven't done anything horrible, but even with going to church, firesides, ect, I have just put myself into auto pilot and have forgotten the reason behind why I go, and the important every day things I have let go from my life. I haven't been as dedicated in reading my scriptures, praying, ect, and mainly I have been so focused on the every day things like work, kids, school, kids, dance, kids, ect, that I have stopped doing a lot of the important daily things I should be doing, plus with some of the hardships that have come on with my family, I have lost site on who to turn to, which I usually am so good at!! It's made me open my eyes and see the big picture of getting myself into shape spiritually. I need to be that example to my kids and husband and have completely lost site of it. That is what I love so much about Jenny's firesides. It makes you see what really matters in life and that getting caught up in the worldy things will just bring you down, which it definitely has for me! I am just so blessed that I went Sunday, which sad to say, I didn't want to go! I am so grateful though that I did, so I could really feel Jenny's message for myself and make me want to change my ways. It is such a powerful message that I hope every person gets an opportunity to hear it!

After Sunday, I have such a stronger testimony that He lives, our Savior Jesus Christ, that he loves each of us SO much, and he doesn't want us to forget him.

Here are the lyrics to the last song we sang. It has such a special place in my heart now. I wanted to find the actual song and post it on here, but can't find anything. This is also for Trek firesides, so keep in mind of that!

We will all have times

When the plains seem unending

And the rocky ridges are

Testing our strength

Times when we can’t feel our feet

When we’ve lost our way

And we are weak

And we need

[Chorus]

The arms of the rescuer

Where grief is swallowed up in His love

In the arms of the rescuer

Where darkness has no victory over us

We’re lifted up

To be enough

In the arms of the rescuer

We will all have days

When we feel out of chances

When we’ve wrecked our cart

And we’ve failed again

But His love for us is without end

He is there each time

We reach for him

Again

[Chorus]

I know that my Redeemer lives

What comfort this sweet sentence gives

He lives – He lives who once was dead

He lives

He lives

[Chorus]

I hope you dont forget our Savior like I did. He is there for us through our journey here, and wants us to do our best so we can return into his loving arms again. I am so grateful for that reconfirmation of his love for me and am striving to better myself, so when the time comes, I can embrace him with no regrets!!

Belshe Ranch Weekend

Last weekend was so fun! We went to Colorado and spent time with Douglas' parents and Uncle Lon and Aunt Josie. It was mainly just hanging out at the house, but we helped Susan and Josie plant their tire garden, Douglas helped his dad in the barn and kitchen, and the kids had a blast playing on the tire swing! We also took family pictures there which was way overdue! They turned out quite well with just having us do them :) Wish we could have been there longer!! I just love going to the Belshe Ranch!!

A little bit of Vegas!!

Ahhhhh!!! In just 2 weeks from today, I start performing my summer show!! The girls and I have been getting in extra practices for it and are SUPER excited to get on stage!! This show is going to be so much fun!! I am totally in my element :) I am just so grateful to have this opportunity to do what I love most, especially at my age!! So watch out everyone! We'll be bringing a little bit of Vegas to good ol Utah :) Cant wait!!!!!

Thoughts and Prayers

These last few weeks have been quite scary to say the least. Both of my Grandparents have been in and out of the hospital, my Grandma with pneumonia, and my Grandpa really sick with some of his meds he's been taking and partial pneumonia as well! It is just so scary because of their age and how frail they have become. Luckily now, they are both home and are doing well. It has just been never-ending with them, especially my Grandma, so I hope they can get a full recovery! We don't need them to leave us any time soon!!

Then for my sister Trisha, she has had a lot of problems mentally and physically. She got admitted into a clinic for a week that I hope helped her get back on track of things, but I know she is still struggling to get her life in order. For such a long time now, both her and her husband Nick have struggled all around with their lifestyle. They are both overweight which has caused a ton of health issues for them, and the way they have been living has not been good at all. I am not one to judge, but it is so sad to see them go downhill these last few years. I pray that with this last situation with Trisha, things will look up for them and their family. It has to be them to make those changes. I love Trisha so much and pray that she will have the motivation she needs to be that healthy, happy woman I know! All we can do is pray for them and show our love for them!

On a lighter note, this last weekend was Easter. We got to celebrate with my family and had dinner and an easter egg hunt at my brother Jaren's house. My sister Amie was in town which was so fun!! The kids had fun getting candy and playing with their cousins. My Grandpa was able to come too :) I know there are a lot of struggles that come within my family, but times like these are where we can have fun and enjoy each others company is what I cherish most with my family! Here are some pictures!