Happy Birthday Dad!

There is not many things I love in this world more than birthdays! All kinds of birthdays....kid birthdays, adult birthdays, half birthdays....all are just awesome! This week was my dad's birthday. He is the big double nickel...55! Wowee! I am glad he is thrilled he qualifies for some senior citizen discounts! I went to a store called Color Me Mine. My new favorite shop! You pick the piece you want to paint, paint it, then they will fire it for you. My dad loves ice cream so painted him an ice cream cup that says "dad's" It was fun to see him use it. Hurray for ice cream and awesome dads!

Giant Little People at Thanksgiving

This holiday weekend has been was simply incredible! To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about the Thanksgiving holiday because I all my siblings are married and have kids.Sometimes I feel like the odd gal out. But of course, the Lord took care of me and I had nothing to worry about. I was so blessed to have my niece and nephew to brighten my day...every day during the holiday. I was reminded of SO many little life lessons.

My family may say the most important lesson I learned from my nephew Mark is that footed flannel pajamas are much cuter on 19 months year-olds than 261 month-olds. Drat! It's just that he looks SO cute in them I want to look just like him! Mark reminded me that it's okay to cry sometimes when I'm sad, if I eat candy first I won't be hungry for real meal, there are times when if I can't get what I want I should find something else to do, the small things in life--like cardboard boxes, blocks, and baths--are really fun, when something is important to me but I don't have words to explain I can take people by the hand and show them, I need take time to be outside everyday, nothing is better than a good book, hearing the word "no" is never fun, when I want to talk to someone just pick up the phone and to sing loud even though I don't know any words.

I also had such a wonderful time with my sweet niece, Anna. I learned from her that when I'm on a walk to take time to stop and pick up sticks, opening and closing the mailbox is a highlight--even if there isn't any mail inside, it's important to take turns, names are important and everything needs a name (ie: the big yellow ball is now named Fred), sharing is important but a hard lesson to learn, rootbeer is delicious, sometimes people just need a good tickle, and in candyland (or any game) it doesn't matter who wins just moving your piece to the next color is thrilling.

I think the biggest lesson I learned from Anna was when she was bouncing on a ball and hit her head on the counter. When she hurt she turned straight to her mom, no one else could comfort her. I thought about the many things I can turn to when I'm hurt...sometimes I turn to friends, sometimes I hold it inside, sometimes I try to find things to distract me and take my mind of the hurt. She was big example to me. I want to follow her example and rely on my Heavenly Father as she relies on her mother. When I'm hurt or sad, I want to be like Anna and immediately turn to Him for comfort.

Oh thank Heaven for little people and their giant example!

Halloween!

When I watch the great Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, the movie is only 45 minutes because I fast forward all the scary parts. Needless to say, I don't like scary things. I really don't care for blood, vampires, skeletons, devils, or many of the other things associated with Halloween. However, I do like the holiday. I just wish everyone would dress up like inventors or fairys--like me.

One of my favorite things to do to celebate the holiday is to carve pumpkins. This year my friend Dan came over to carve pumpkins with me and I have to say, his pumpkin was much more creative than mine. We were able to put it on! He even carved holes for my pigtails to stickout...what a good friend. Life looks good from inside a pumpkin!

girls just want to have fun!

A few weeks ago my dear high school friend, Celecta, and I discovered our inner child. I think it's peculiar that when I was little I liked to get together with friends to play dress up and now that I'm an adult, I like to build forts and drive cardboard cars when friends come over. I saw this fort as a practice run before my nieces and nephew get here for the holidays. I have this secret goal (that's not so secret) to be the best aunt ever! Building forts....one of many great tactics!

Timing

It seems kind of like my whole life I have had a plan. It is similar to probably most....graduate high school, go to college, find a job...

Now I find myself in a position that I didn't expect.... I did it.

However, instead of feeling a sense of accomplishment, I feel more lost. My plan is gone. Now, two words keep going through my head, "now what?"

Last Saturday I realized my plan was gone and had a small breakdown. I like to call it my "mid-life crisis." I'm not sure where the Lord wants me to be. I've looked into graduate programs and met with counselors to discuss future educational plans. I've looked into hair school, culinary school, or obtaining a pilot's license. I've looked into cruise lines and flights, investigating the adventures outside of Orem, Utah. However, nothing is fitting. Nothing is feeling right. So then I decided that although I don't know where I'm going, I need to be prepared for wherever the Lord takes me so... I bought shoes. I love shoes. I've always loved them. Not that I need or want dozens, but I like shoes because they allow me to go places. They are the means by which I get around and am able to do what I do day to day. I may not know exactly where I'm going, but I will be prepared to act on the Lord's timing.

I learned something about timing today as I was practicing my violin. I have decided to start a Celtic band with my friend Devan. It has been years since I've really played my violin. Anyhow, as I was practicing the music, it occurred to me that timing is everything. I could have the notes completely right and have the bowings spot on, but it's the timing that makes the song. Timing. I think the Lord was trying to teach me something. To figure out the timing, it takes time. I have to slow down. I have to count out loud and choose to follow the music, rather than do my own thing because if I don't, I won't be in the position I need to be in when Devan and I play together.

I have a testimony that everything testifies of Christ and as we evaluate our routine, like buying shoes and playing music, we will find the good things in our routine testify of Christ love. The gospel is true and I'm so grateful the Lord has a hand in my life teaching me these little lessons day to day.

Spirit of Christmas

I need to be in bed, but I have had a lot of thoughts running around in my head today. I don't think any of it is really profound, and at this time of night I am unsure it will make sense, but I need to explain how I've been feeling.

During the last week or so, it has felt like Christmas to me. I've tried to figure out what it was. Is it the weather? Is it the music I listen to? Is it that I am coming down with a cold and I always get sick during Christmas? All sorts of questions, similar to these, have been in my head. Why does it feel like Christmas?

As I think back as to what has changed in my schedule, I see that within the last week or so, I have adjusted my media and the way I spent my time. I am trying to spend more of my time serving others, rather than thinking of my own needs. I have also reduced the amount of media that I use (hence, deleting facebook) and changing the media I do use (no longer radio alternative rock but Mo-Tab and classical in the car.) As I have changed these behaviors, I have felt a change. These small changes have allowed me to be more in tune and feel closer to Christ....much like a do at Christmas time. The holidays are a time to be with family, remember our blessings, think of others, sing praises and songs to Him, and ultimately turn our thoughts to Him. I decided everyday can be Christmas. Everyday I can love the time with my family, be grateful, serve and invite uplifting music to praise my Savior and think of Him.

Although the last few weeks have been a roller coaster of ups and downs, I have been filled with peace and joy because of the spirit of Christmas. As I was praying in Spanish this morning I was reminded of something I learned from my sister. "mas" in Spanish is "more". Thus, if we combine Spanish and English, the word Christmas could mean "Christ more." Everyday is a reason to celebrate Him and try harder to be more like Christ and have him more in our lives.

My challenge to you....make tomorrow Christmas!

Work?

Awesome picture, huh? When I was driving home from work today I literally stuck my camera out the window and took pictures. Most of them turned out blurry (I should have thought about that) but a few turned out okay. I'm really liking my job. I am the Office Manager at Aspen Grove. My favorite part of my job is what my boss would call the 5% other. You know, the area in your job description that is unpredictable and random? Yep! That's just the BEST! After work today I also went around and picked leaves to bring home. There is nothing better than an autumn leaf to remind me that change is good.

Seeing the Lord's Hand in my Life

On Wednesday night, I was in the Taylor Building doing homework. It had been a long day and I had more homework to do than hours to do it in. While trying to focus, I heard a girl sniffling. My first thought was to go see if she was okay but I dismissed it, thinking she probably just had a runny nose or something. The thought kept coming back to go talk to her but I just told myself, I don't have time.

My backpack was out of arms reach so I stood up to get a piece of gum. Somehow, before I knew it, my body was kneeling next to the girl's chair and I was explaining that I had the feeling to come make sure she was okay. The sweet girl started crying harder. I didn't know what to do! I had never done anything like this before.

I asked her if she wanted to talk about it. She told me it was complicated and a long story...and that she needed a hug. (Little did she know she was talking to the world's best hugger!) So I gave her a hug and she started talking. She explained that she felt like there was no hope and how she feels like she doesn't have a handle on anything in her life. As she was talking, I looked up and saw a picture of Joseph Smith's first vision.

Once she had finished talking, I got up to get her more tissues. I felt impressed to share with her my testimony...but I was scared. I didn't know how to begin so I tried to push the thought out. I said goodbye to her but as I was standing up, my knees bent again and I started to tell her I needed to share something with her.

I went on to explain that as she was talking to me, I had looked up and seen the picture of Joseph Smith's first vision. I told her one of my favorite things about that story is that when Joseph is praying, Satan is near, and Joseph feels like he is ready to sink into despair and abandon himself to destruction but, he keeps praying and Christ and the Father appear. I then bore testimony to her that right now, she may feel like there is no hope, and she might be filled with despair. But, if she continues to pray with faith, her prayers will be answered and she will be able to see the hand of God in her life.

I know this to be true. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to share my testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, the power of prayer, and the love the Savior has for his each one of His children. The gospel is true. I know this with all my heart. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, that occasionally takes me from my homework, to remind of the real work I have to do.

Meet Sadie

Meet Sadie!

Like all good friends, Sadie is usually pretty reliable, helps me when I'm in a hurry, and keeps me laughing.

Yesterday was the first day I've been able to get into my car for nearly a week. It's been pretty cold in Rexburg. Anyhow, so I was driving to Broulim's with my roommates and when I turned a corner found out my car door had frozen open! My roomie, Stephanie, nearly fell out! It was kind of scary but we were all able to laugh about it later. She was sure to buckle up for the ride home.

Grandpa would be proud this old car is still kickin' around after buying it new over 50 years ago. Hurray for Sadie!

Learning to Learn for the Right Reasons

Today I took my first test of the semester. Although I studied hard, I didn't do as well as I was wanting...or hoping. As I walked back to my apartment I was really discouraged. I kept thinking about school and why I am here.

I love school, but I would not say studying or memorizing is a talent that I naturally have. Although I try to stay positive, I often get discouraged that I have to put in more time than my peers in order to understand the same material. And more often than not, my extra time and study efforts don't show up when the test score appears on the screen. It can be easy to question why I keep trying and studying so hard when the result I think I want aren't coming.

It occurred to me tonight that somewhere along the way I decided work hard in school to learn, not to get good grades.(Although that is really hard for me to remember.) But deep down I believe that knowledge is a gift. A gift I can obtain with hard work, faith, and prayer. I also know that Christ is the master teacher. If I trust Him and work hard, He will teach me what I need to know in a way I can understand it. I just can't give up.

So to all my fellow friends who are reading this, keep learning and don't give up! And remember, oh, thank Heaven! For the blessing it is to learn.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

Tonight my buddy David Hall came over and taught me how to blog! I am so excited about it!

In light of Martin Luther King Day today, I'd like to share a few feelings about integration.

I am so grateful for the huge strides we have made to integrate our Country. I believe all men (and women) are created equal and that we are all great in the sight of God. However, despite all efforts to be equal, I know discrimination is alive and prevalent in our society.

As individuals, we must decide to love everyone, despite race, religion, or any other barriers that may seem to stand in our way. Integrating a Nation happens on a personal one-on-one level. It's a choice. And it sometimes requires us to get out of our comfort zone. It can be hard but I know that when we do make an effort to love everyone, we can have the power to see everyone as the lovely people they really are. As our brothers and sisters. As children of God.

My dream is the same as Martin Luther King's. I dream of equality.