A new journey begins....

At times in our life, we find that things are hard and we seek guidance. We chose which guidance we will listen to, the light side or the dark side. The Lord has told us that we are here on earth to learn from our trials and to gain a greater knowledge of things. So I would really like a sneak peek into what I should be gaining? I know that whatever trial doesn't kill us will make us stronger. Well with that being said, I should be a HEAVY WEIGHT LIFTER of at least 1000 pounds!!!

I haven't said much about the trials currently in my life as I need time to process everything. I will have been married to Joseph Nuttall 12 years as of July 7. However, I have filed for divorce. I think back on those 12 years and will say, they involved the best and worst times in my life. I do not regret anything and do not wish for anything different.

It may be weird to hear my say that; however, I have been able to learn the following:

-Marriage is something that both parties must be willing to work at (one can not do it all by themselves)
-I am a daughter of GOD and my worth is untold
-I am stronger then I ever could have imagined!
-My happiness is not nor should it ever be dependant on anyone else
-I have a firm testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know that the gospel is TRUE!
-Life never goes the way we think it should
-When the road gets rough, hang on and try to find joy in the ride
-I will be OK
-I have the gift to be comforted and carried along the way
-My family and friends support and love can fix ANYTHING!!

As I begin a new journey and chapter in life, it seems very scary, but I am willing to hold my head up high and know that things will work out the way that my loving Heavenly Father wants them to. I have felt his surrounding love around me as I have started this journey and know that he has had to carry me many times; however, I am grateful to have him carry me and walking beside me during this time.

I'm sorry that my story does not have a happy ending, but it has a new beginning. Joey will know that he is loved by both parents and life will continue with just a new path being taken.

I have had a rough week and I'm so grateful it's almost over!! I have had two rough days at work that just make me come home and want to go straight to bed! :( I try to think about other things, but at some point it is just worth it to go to bed and try again another day!

I am very excited to see Patty and Mike McFarling, my friends from California. I haven't seen them since January, way too long! They are here for a week, it will be really nice to escape from reality for a few days.

I am busy with work, commuting, tending to Joey's needs, Joey's homework, getting Joey in the shower, and to bed within reason, making dinners, trying to spend some time with Joey. I don't feel that I have enough time in the day, but I don't want to add any more hours, with my luck it will be added at the end of the day when my patience is already thin.

I'm frustrated that Joey is too old to let me put him to bed. He hates when I come in and give him a good night kiss. When did he grow up and why is the one last thing I enjoyed taken away. It's so hard, not sure I'm ready to have a grown up kid. But sometimes he will cuddle with me for a few minutes before bed. I wish that I didn't lose my patience with him as much as I do. I am still learning and trying to get things right...

I need to go to bed, but I just can't sleep. Life is hard and frustrating right now. I am grateful that I have testimony of the gospel. I know that the Lord will help me through the next step/phrase in my life. I am very grateful for my family and friends and their support in my life!

So many things...so little time

I haven't been very good about getting this updated as you can tell, life has been a little INSANE!! So we moved to Utah and are currently living with my sister. I LOVE being near family, but I do miss my California friends like crazy. Joe is currently still in California and Joey & I are in Utah. It's super hard to be a single parent, but I have a ton of help from my sister and her family.

I got a new position and am loving it. I do not like the commute, I drive 51 miles one way to work daily. I am happy with the job and where I live; however, I would LOVE to take the commute out! I have met a lot of great people and really enjoy my job.

Joey is enjoying school, well sort of..he is in the same class as his cousin, Carter and he seems to enjoy it. He really loves being here in this neighborhood because there are a million kids outside playing (seriously, there are a ton of kids, we do live in UTAH after all). That kid is outside playing at every chance he gets!! We got his bike out of storage and it's like Christmas for him. He loves riding it and riding his scooter. I hardly see him these days. With the Summer in the air and it stays light until after 9, it's super hard to convince him it's time to come in.

So I'm hoping to get this blog updated soon with the craziness of our lives... :)

Detours Happen

So life doesn't always go as planned...so Joe moved here with us and then about a week and a half later, Joe discovered that his transfer did not go through. I had already started at my new position; however, Joe's transfer was denied. We found out the week of Thanksgiving. So we were able to spend Thanksgiving together, Joe had to head back to California the day after. It was a rough time, but he was hopeful that things would be straighten out in no time.

Again... life doesn't go the way you plan, it has been six months and he is still in California. While Joey & I are in Utah. We are not sure when or if he will be able to transfer. Life can give you detour your route without you having any ideas!!

We have MOVED, again!!

So we have moved...We made a decision for our little family and have made the HUGE decision to move to UTAH. Joe got a job transfer and I applied for a new position. Before we knew it, we moved from Northern California to Provo, Utah. I swore that this was the last move I would do!! So we have moved 13 times in the 11 1/2 years we have been married. I will say that I am a professional at packing up boxes at this point. It's a talent, I don't enjoy but hey you got to do what you gotta do!! Joey and I moved on October 30th and Joe later followed us two weeks later!

Do you HEAR what I hear?

Do you hear what I hear...yeah I don't think so. It was last July I blew out my right ear drum. So the doctor said it would most likely heal on its own and there was nothing to worry about. At the time it did not cause any discomfort so we left it alone, about four or five months ago my ear started to bother me. Well the ear still had a hole in it and it started to hurt, the doctor told me it could be fixed, however, it would mean surgery...I was not excited about that thought.

So I was off to see a specialist, he then advised me of my options...he could do surgery or let it be. I don't do needles so the thought of surgery was not easy..the doctor started to explain the process of the procedure, he aburptly stopped as I about passed out in the chair. The date was set and we were good to go...

So big day had arrived, August 15 and it was time....I thought I was ready to go... Um I was unprepared to say the least.

We showed up @ 8:30 and we were scheduled for an 11:20 operation...they started the iv at 9 and then they let Joe & my friend Patty in the pre-opt. Area..we were able to watch tv and visit. So the nurse informed us we would be up in no time. Well that soon turned in to me not being wheeled back to surgery until after 1. That was the longest 5 hours of my life!! I was very nervous, but they gave my good drugs and I was out before I even remember why I was there.

I woke up in recovery room at 5:00 p.m. and I remember I was really hot. They cooled me down and let me go home by 6:30. It was a way longer day then I planned on...

So the road to recovery was suppose to be a few days of pain, and I would be up and around in no time. YEAH RIGHT!! I was laid out flat for four days with pain like none other. I called to get something else but the doctor said he didn't understand why I was in so much pain. He said he needed to do a check up to ensure there was no infection. There was no infection and stronger meds were given (percot). The doctor placed a spoung thing in my ear and it will b taken out the following Monday.

It's amazing how much I took for granted my hearing. The last week I have felt like a fish under water on one side and then everything super loud on the other side... walking was a whole different story...the balance was off...I had to really pay attention to what I was doing..the boys have had to help me walk or to go to another room...they have been a big help to me...

So with the post opt appointment, all looked great and the spoungy thingy was removed. The best part was that I was not in any pain when he removed the spoung. However, the ear pain was still pretty intense and I was not able to walk or drive completely at this point. It was decieded that I needed an additional week to heal and so that meant no work. In theory that sounds good but to do the normal things in life was a chore and overwhelming!

During my recovery we were showered with meals from our Ward family! It was actually really nice to be on the receiving end of that once!

However, it has been almost 4 weeks since the surgery and it has been 5 days of no pain medicine at all!! :) I have my balance back and am almost at 100%. I still can't bend over completely to get anything off the floor. I get crazy dizzy and then I can pass out. So we will leave that one alone for a little longer!

I can hear out of the right ear almost like normal, it is still just a little muffled but Doctor said that it should come back after 6 weeks.

So life is somewhat back to normal! :)

A little Change.....

Life has been a little more then crazy with work, Joey's baseball, house duties, and church callings...so I need to have a little change in my life...so here is the new change!! Its fun and I am loving it!! Hollar Hollar!!

We are still ALIVE..

So it has been a while since we posted anything...we are all still alive and well!! It seems life has just flown by and I am on the sidelines watching everything zoom by...

We have busy with Joey's school work, paperwork, Joe recovery from his eye produce, cub scouts, paperwork, baseball, sick boys, paper work, work, working extra hours, more paper work, church callings, paper work, life, trying to spend quality time with our little family, and just in case I didn't mention, PAPERWORK! Some days I hit the pillow and don't remember anything until the alarm going off the next morning at 5:00 a.m.!

We have for the most part enjoying life, its a little busier than I would like but all is good!!

Joe has been recovering well since his procedure. He has be able to gain majority of his eye sight back, however, in the last two weeks his sight has not improved nor worsen! So good thing is that his sight is back for the most part...Bad thing is it hasn't gotten any better! Joe is handling this trial very well! He has been in very good spirits about the whole ordeal, the only minor set back is he is going stir crazy confined to the house!

Throughout this trial he has gained a great relationship with Joey, has built a model that he has been putting off for the last 10 years, and learned the joys of being a stay at home parent! We are all adjusting to him being home all the time rather well! We go to the doctor on March 7, a week from Monday, at that time Joe's eye will be re-evulated. We are sure there will be another procedure done at this time. This will then have Joe out for an additional 6 weeks to recovery. Joe is not excited...JOEY couldn't be HAPPIER!! This means dad's at home and he doesn't have to go anywhere else!! :0) I'm dealing with everything well, I just want him to heal and not rush into going back to work. I would rather fix it now, then turn around a few weeks later only to have him pulled out of work and start the process all over again! I have complete enough paperwork between State Disability and Dishnetwork that I will be ok to never fill any more out the rest of my life!!

This trial has also brought about several blessing that we couldn't never have imagine in our lifetime! We had never felt such great love from our Ward Family as we have with this situation. Its amazing how wonderful people are!! Everyone is concerned and have just come out of the woodwork to assist us in anyway, shape or form. The unconditional love that has been felt just leaves me in such AWE! It is such a great feeling that when you don't live around your family, the ward family has jump to the plate and taken over!

We have been busy with everyday things and with Joe not driving, the errands seem to pile up at the end of the day and only have a few hours to complete them! I will say that I am not fond of driving! I have driven everywhere under the sun, it reminds me of when I first got my license and mom had me doing the grocery shopping. Um thanks, but I DON'T want to DRIVE again!! LOL..

Joey has started up baseball seasons, he is so excited! We had a hard time keeping him from talking to his team mates the first practice! He told me that he was talking because he had made new friends!! He does not like school and can't wait til his old enough to move back to Arizona and be with his cousins. He has informed me that he wants a "guys night" with his boy cousins in Arizona and he wants to go Shopping for Cowboy boots?!?! I told him that he could have Taylor take him so he goes to the right store!!

We will keep you all posted on the events of March 7th. We love you all and miss each of you dearly. The plans for this year is to come visit and spend time with our loved ones!!

We mean business!!

Joey and Joe are enjoying the new video game Joe received from Joey for Christmas. Joe wanted a new helmet for his birthday (the one he is currently wearing), so then Joey decided that he would wear the helmets during the "WAR" game. Boys will be boys!

Enjoying the new RIDE!

The pure Joy of the new gift from SANTA!! It was only nice for a little while..He was loving every minute of this!!

The Missionaries Come to STAY!

Joey recieved the Missionary bears from Grandma and Grandpa Moore. He loved them!!

HE CAME, HE FINALLY CAME!!

Joey had the hardest time going to sleep this year! We attempted to put him to sleep at 11:00 p.m. and then we were going to get up at 4:30 a.m. (I had to go to work and be there by 7AM) Joe and I were enjoying a few movies..Joey reminded us several times if we didn't go to sleep SANTA was going to come!!

Finally, at 1:30 a.m. he came in to our room and told us to go to bed, SANTA was not going to come!! At this point, mom, dad, and Joey are all upset cause we are all tired, and no one is going to BED!! Well, finally at 2:15 A.M. Joey come running in our room to let us know that SANTA has come!! We gave in and we celebrated Christmas!! Everything was opened by 2:30a.m. and mom was back to bed to get up n a few hours for work. Joey stayed up to enjoy all the new goodies.

Santa brought the electronic scooter..Joey was dying to try it out...Christmas day was foggy and rainy..Joe finally let Joey go out about 10:00ish, the rain had let up long enough for him to ride it!!

I have a new respect for you MOM & DAD, you did this every year!! I don't know how you did it!!

Christmas Eve...

Christmas Even enjoying Hot Coco...we were getting ready to watch a Christmas movie..we also were tracking Santa on the internet.

Joey was super excited!!

Mrs. Clause drops by our house!

Joey received a new pair of Jammies from Mrs. Clause! The shirts says "I'm pretty much one of the Best People I know" its from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. (one of Joey's favorite movies).

Joey was so excited for this wonderful gift that he wrote a thank you note and left it for Mrs. Clause.

The note said, "Mrs. Clause you are one of the coolest people in the world! Love your friend, Joey"

Christmas 2010

The traditions continues..Joey always puts the star on the tree. Joey is getting so BIG now...He was so excited to get the tree decoated..

No Blogs will be coming...

Sorry to say but at this time we have cut the internet off to save a little money and so I am not able to update my blog. As soon as Joe has made a full recovery and is back to work...I will be able to update the BLOG, I have the internet at work, but can't upload pictures!!

We love you all and thank you for the Love and Support you have shown to our little Family!! It is very much appreciated!! :0)

Life...a precious gift!

So this morning I had a few reminders that there is someone always watching over us!


I awoke to my alarm this morning (5:00 a.m.) and hit the snooze button like normal. The thought of, "this is not NATURAL to be awake at this hour" kept running through my head! I could hear the rain really coming down outside..then a thought came into my mind, Renda you need to leave early this morning for work. First let me just say, Um its too early to be thinking, let alone comprehending what was being said. So I just said, "OK" and began reading the back of my eyelids. Again that thought came back: "Renda, you need to leave the house at 6:00 this morning, you need to allow extra time to get to work in this weather!" This thought kept coming back every time I hit the snooze button. So I decided I needed to get up and get ready for work!



I was off to work at 6:00 a.m. and the traffic wasn't heavy like normal. I was feeling better good! Every day I take the same route to and from work. On my daily route I have to go through a little mountain pass. Nothing too big, but there is a hillside and a little cliff on the sides of you. So I have gotten pretty comfortable with driving this road and its doesn't really bother me.



So as I came up the hill, the fog was really, really bad. The fog was so bad that I had to slow way down and could barely see anything in the front of my hood. I was thinking how grateful I was for listening to the spirit this morning. Well at the top of the hill traffic all of a sudden came to a dead stop. I was the last vehicle in the line of cars and had time to get into the other lane. We were on our way down the hill, keep in mind, this highway has two lanes with a cement center divider. There was no extra room!! Since traffic had stopped, everyone used caution.


Well about halfway down the hill there was a accident. A SUV had flipped over and was in the ditch next to the hill. There were about three cars behind the SUV that were facing at the hill , several cars on the side of the road. Keep in mind, there is about 30 cars on a two lane highway in foggy, rainy weather with no ROOM to do anything.

My heart sank! I had just come so close to causing an accident myself with the way traffic had stopped, now, right in front of me was one! WOW, I didn't stop, several people had pulled over to assist these poor individuals and there was no where for me to pull over. I was coming to the bottom of the hill and a police car was racing to the scene. Then about five minutes later, there were another police car and ambulance racing to the scene.

I felt like I was in a dream, I couldn't believe what had just taken place. I was grateful for listening to the spirit, for my life, and being kept safe!! I called Joe right after I got to work to tell him that I Loved him and Joey! Wow, I kept thinking how blessed I truly was!

So in the news, the accident happened at 06:15 a.m. (5 minutes before I got there), no one was hurt. The news also advised that the road was closed for 90 minutes while waiting for a tow truck to come! Not only had I missed the accident, but I missed the traffic. If I had left the house at my normal time, I would have been caught in the middle of the traffic jam and extremely late for work.

I will say that I kissed and hugged my family a little harder yesterday!! It has made me think how truly blessed I am to be alive and how precious life really is! We do not know when it is our time to go, but I will remember always....Life is a precious gift and is not meant to be taken for granted! Make sure you give your loved ones a BIG hug and KISS!! Life is truly too short!!

Thanksgiving Dinner!!

Joey enjoying the fine feast...if you look carefully on Joey's plate there is something missing.... any ideas? It is TURKEY!! the kid only ate potatoes, corn, rolls, and CHIPS!!




























The boys kept talking in a "fancy" accent. They had fun putting their glasses up and toasting to each other. They kept saying, "fancy"...the boys had a great time!!

This is the feast!! We went to some friends house for Thanksgiving dinner after Joe's parents festivities. We had a great time!! We ate and ate some more...the boys watched a movie and the girls went shopping!! We had a wonderful dessert bar, I didn't get a picture because we left the boys home a lone with the goodies! At least we did get to try some of the yummy desserts!!

A little B Ball - on Turkey day!!

We enjoyed a little bball before the grand feast!! We met with Joe's family at the church building for dinner. It was fun to play ball with the boys!!

Friends Come to visit!!

So we had some friends over to play. The girls were scrap booking, minding their own business, when we went under attack!! So then it was WAR!! The boys against the girls..if you ask the girls we won, if you ask the boys they won... All in all it was a great time by all!!

Joey was so done with me taking pictures, they kept shooting me cause they were ready to play!!