"sorry about that....I must have been sleepin!"

I came down to Orem a while ago for a job interview. After it was over, I was on my way to Cam's house because he was sweet and made me lunch and when I was at the stoplight I saw in my mirror that this little red prius wasn't slowing down. Sure enough, he hit me. We pulled off into the parking lot that was right there. we got out and this is what had happened to my car.

After assessing the damage, he gave me his name and phone number. He had to have been 800 years old without a coat. It was dang cold so when he got back into his car I thought it was just to stay warm until the cops came, or to get his insurance information, but no...HE DROVE OFF! So here I am with a broken butt of my car. I called dad, the cops, the man, the cops again and nothin. He wouldn't answer and the cops wouldn't do anything since he left. To make a long story short, he was honest and called. His insurance paid for everything. It really wasn't a super big hassle, I mean it was, but not like it could have been. While my car was in the shop, they gave me this to drive. It's UGLY! Don't get me wrong, it was fun to drive, but so ugly. It's a Chevy HHR.

Anyway, I got my little car back a week ago today and it's been glorious. Overall, it wasn't super bad. All the companies involved were super nice and it turned out just fine.

Return and Report.

So, now that the year is all but up, here is the report on my new Years resolutions. I didn't get all of them done, but I did my best. Next year will be a lot of the same goals but different. Ha! Here we go!

Physically:
1. For the entire year I will lose 52 pounds.

Well, I didn't quite make the 52 pound mark, however I did manage to loose 30. So over half! I still want to loose the other half. Let's say by July.

2. I will learn more about skincare products and neat new makeup tricks.

I didn't do super good at this, but I did learn some new natural home remedies for blackheads. One of them would be to take 1 cup boiled milk mixed with lemon juice and put that on your face. Not while the milk is boiling that would be painful, but soon after.

Spiritually:
1. I will read the scriptures daily. After my shower when I'm awake and can actually think about what I'm reading. I will think for myself and improve my critical thinking skills.

I read the scriptures, but not usually after the shower, it happened just before bed. but I did better about thinking about what I was reading. I learned a lot.

2. I will study a specific gospel topic per month. So for January, besides my regular reading, I'm going to study the Law of Consecration. I haven't picked the other topics yet, but they are bound to be brilliant.

I didn't do this at all. The last few days I've been studying Elder Scott's talk from this past conference about faith and character and how they are intertwined. So that's been great and insightful. One thing he said that stuck out to me is that I have to be daily what I want to be in the end. So, if I want to be a runner, I have to run. If I want to be a journal writer, I have to write in my journal. huh, go figure! : )

3. I will write in my journal once a week. I'd like to work my way up to once a day, but that's not realistic, I know me and how faithful I am at journaling. Once a week on Sunday is definitely doable, so that's the goal.

I did sooooo good at this until school started. So, I'd say I was good half the year but I last checked and it's been since October that I've written in my journal. Shoot.

4. I will be a good missionary and bring one friend with me to church this year. I will continue teaching and helping the missionaries, but like the leaders of the church have said, they are the full-time teachers and I'm the full-time finder.

Diego came to church 2 times with me. He hasn't talked to me since I told him I didn't want to date him, but he came to church and the missionaries had two lessons with him.

Mentally:
1. I WILL GRADUATE UTAH STATE!!!!

Or Utah Valley University! Ya, plans changed on that.

2. I will finish my last CIL test before finals week of the spring test.

Well, I don't think I have to take these at UVU so I won't be taking them.

3. I will get no C's on my report card this semester

Oh!!! This one I did!!!! I got two B's and and an A. Whoot! Go me!

4. I will read 3 books other than the Book of Mormon.

I did this one too! Well, I haven't finished my 3rd book but I will.

I read two books this summer. One was about these old ladies in Philadelphia. I liked that one. I think it was called "The ladies of Tree Hill?" something like that. and the other one was weird. It was a murder mysteryish book. I don't remember what it was called that's how impressive it was. The third book had to be a book about energy and it's called "healing the inner self" somethin' like that. I did love it. If ya wanna borrow it, ya can! : )

Socially:
1. I will make 12 new friends this year. Yes that's easy to do for me because I'm so wonderful and everyone wants to get to know me, but this goal is meant for quality friends, not necessarily just acquaintances.

I'd say I did this. Being relief Society President really helped with this. I met a ton of wonderful people. Lot's more than 12.

2. I will Blog daily. I know this might be a silly goal, but I feel that it will help with my weekly journal writing. Unless it is physically impossible, I will blog daily.

Ya, this was no good. I did good for what a week? This one was hard. Sorry.

3. I will Get Health Insurance. I'm not sure how this fits into any of my other category, but I figured that If I got health insurance I'd be more willing to go play with my friends and be more socially active because I wouldn't have the lingering fear that if I got hurt I'd basically have to die because I couldn't afford to get fixed. That's why I put it in the social section.

I technically did because I didn't get kicked off my parents insurance like I thought. Thanks to Obama I get to be on their insurance until I'm 26.

4. I will get out of debt. I owe my parental units money and they will be paid off this year. This will be quite the task and I will have to switch some things around in my budget, but it's completely possible. (This is another one that just got shoved into the social category. I'm sure it will somehow help me socially.)

This actually went the other way. I got more in debt because I apparently applied for a grant. I didn't want to pay the school back so I chose to pay my parents back instead so paying them off with take longer.

5. I will write Morgan weekly. I know how much I loved getting mail and he was soooo good at writing me, so I will write him every week.

I did really good at this until November then it went ALL down hill. School got busy with transferring schools so he got put on the back burner. Sorry Buddy!

6. I will have one solid relationship this year. Not an emotionally constipated one like the relationship of 2009, but a normal, healthy, good relationship.

YES! I did this one too! I'm in love with Cameron and it's SUCH a good relationship. He's wonderful!

Here are some of the highlights from the year.

My very first surprise birthday party! So much fun! Thanks Jamie and Jamie!

February wasn't to exciting. I was super sick pretty much the whole month. But I did love my two roommates. I love the Keller girls!

in March, my wonderful roommate Sarah Walton became Mrs. Sarah Palmer. I loved her wedding in the Draper temple. She was gorgeous. It was a wonderful day!

In April, my bestest Yamie Joung married the one and only Steve Brown. I love them both! That was another wonderful day I won't forget!

in May a group of my friends and I went on a CRUISE!!! It was a lot of fun, and SOOO pretty!

In June I gained another Brother-in-law. Scott Tomlin. I sure like him! Man...so many weddings this year!

I LOVE the 4th of July! Petrine took me to the Stadium of Fire in Provo and that was awesome, but this picture was at Jamie's house just doin' our own fireworks.

In August I moved back into my apartment with my girls, and Holly! :) I love them, but these were the only roommate pictures we got all semester. Sad!

September gets a few pictures because A LOT happened. This is of our ward retreat activity that Trevor Mahoney and myself planned. It was a Hawaiian Luau. It was a lot of work, but awesome!

Of course our infamous Jackson trip was in September. SO MUCH FUN!

I ran my first 5K. It was a lot of fun. 32:54 (I think anyway)

October also gets more than one picture because October was epic. For Halloween the Kellers were my conscience. and these are our other friends....plus Jake.

Cameron and I started dating! See! I said October was epic! : )

Cam's birthday was in November.

December I moved to be closer to this wonderful man!

and I think this is pretty much my year! Whoo!

Laughing stock: cattle with a sense of humor.

I know that the title of my post has nothing to do with what the post will actually be about, but I just thought it was funny. As for the post, the banner at the top has a lot to do with what's going on. Let me back up about 2 months. Yes, here we are in for the long haul!! First off, Cameron finally kissed me a few days before Halloween. Joel was in the Middle East and Darci had asked me to help her with her kids. We went to "How to Train Your Dragon" in the theater. We were cuddling through the movie and halfway through he turned my chin and kissed me ever so gently. (sorry, that was uber cheesy but that's how it was.) Since then, things were going relatively smooth in life until Utah State decided to ruin my life. Not quite that dramatic because it's all turned out nicely, but in the moment I was full of rage. I've been working with the head honcho sociology advisor Eddy Berry for a while, like almost a year and a half, planning all my classes and in what order I was going to take them and so forth. I went to register a while ago and I couldn't register for a few of the classes I was supposed to take and I couldn't find the other half of the ones I was supposed to find. Turns out there was a bunch of conflict with classes needing prerequisites emailed my advisor which then opened the flood gates for the drama to come spewing into my life. The shortened version of it is that I couldn't register because I hadn't taken the math placement test and in order to even make anything possible I had to email the professors and ask if I could take them all concurrently. No one was emailing me back, or calling so I went almost the entire week with no classes and no answers to know if I could even get classes. Friday was the day that we were going to have a birthday party for Cameron at Jamie's house but little did I know that that day was going to be such an emotional day. I'd been stressed out all week with no answers but excited for Cameron's birthday party and even more excited to give him his present. (I sewed an elephant on the front of an ugly sweater.) After school that day I went and took the Math placement test which was HORRIBLE! I didn't know any of the answers and the lady was being a real crapface. As I was walking out of the test knowing that I hadn't passed I saw that there was a voice mail from Eddy. Yes, the phone call I'd been waiting for ALL WEEK!!! While listening to her message she told me nothing new. She basically regurgitated the information I'd been asking her about all week. Big mess. Needless to say I was 40 minutes late for work because my test took a long time and I was somewhat paralyzed because I was crying so hard. Here was the problem. I could still go to USU and finish my 7 classes, but the way it was set up was it it would have taken me 3 semesters. NO THANKS! I'm not taking a year and a half to finish 7 classes. So work was hard that day because I couldn't concentrate worth crap. Erin was super nice and went and got lunch for us and stayed and talked to me. After work I went to Jamie's still nervous to tell Cameron. He'd called me to see how the test went, but I was not in the mood to talk about it with him right then. I got to Jamie's and still had about an hour before I had to pick him up from the train. I picked him up and pretty much melted right then and there. He was all dressed up and he looked DANG GOOD! He's super cute! On the way back to Jamie's he asked me why I didn't call him back and I said that we'd talk about it later because I knew that if I talked about it right there I'd be a mess and you can't be a mess when you're about to have the birthday party of the century! Uh uh! We had a lot of fun at the party then after when it was just me and him, I told him everything. I told him of the frustrating day and what I was stressed about. He took it like a champ! He had a brilliant idea of me transferring to UVU. I'd thought of that, but not more than "oh, that'd be nice to be at UVU so I could be close to him." The next day we went to the temple and out to lunch with my sisters. Funny story, while were at lunch, when we were ordering the man asked for a name for them to call when our food was finished and without thinking, Cam said "George!" I had to try soooo hard to hold it in! I tell people a fake name when I meet them for the first time (don't worry, I don't do it all that often) but I've never thought to do it to the food people. I guess I'm worried that I'd forget the name I told them then I'd never get my food, and that's NOT ok. But it was funny and definitely one of my favorite moments with him. Anyway, when I got back to Logan I started the "change my life" ball rolling, (of course after praying about it and making sure it was right) I got accepted to UVU, got housing, sold my contract at Bridgerland, and had a few job interviews. I moved here and things have been great there was only two setbacks of a car wreck and a close call with being homeless for a night. (those get their own posts, they're that good!) But ya, I live in Wolverine Crossing now and it's great! I have my own room and AND bathroom! I do love it here.

The only thing that is constant is change!

Wow how times have changed! It's only been about two months and my life is, I feel, completely different. How you might ask? Well, I'm now the 27th ward Relief Society President. Ahhh! I know! Me? I'm the most immature person I know! (That's not completely true) It's been quite the adventure so far. When Bishop called me into his office I was sure I was getting kicked out of the church. I could think of nothing else. Little did I know that he was releasing me from activities chair to put me in Relief Society. What a spiritual experience that first week was! I could hardly contain myself I was always spiritually feasting. It was wonderful! Since then, I've lost, at least a little bit, the desire for that constant nourishment from the spirit. It's a lot of work and it is easier to go back to the way things were. I'm still a good person, don't get me wrong, I'm just not in ultra church mode all the time anymore. I felt the weight of the calling because I know how much I love and respect all the relief society presidents I've had and now that was me! I have 44 girls lives that I'm in small way responsible for. I've never been to so many meetings in my life! I don't think I even went to this many as a missionary. Ok, maybe, but I go to a lot! One Sunday a few weeks ago, I was at the church from 8:00 am to 9:30 that night with an hour and a half break in the middle. Wowza! I've got the best councilors in the world! Kacey Chidester is the first councilor. Out of the entire presidency, she is the only one I knew before. She was in the same mission with me. She is wonderful! Alyssa Williams is the second councilor. She is a lot of fun! Ashley Lee is the secretary is the secretary. With her I was a little nervous to call her because she is a freshman and just from the first time meeting her I didn't know if our personalities would work out, but she is fantastic! All of them are extremely responsible and so willing to do anything! I love them all! My visiting teaching leader is Sunita Anand. She is from India and the cutest thing ever! I definitely have the cream of the crop to work with. They sure do make things really easy for me! I love them all! The girls are great and the ward is great. No complaints there. What an experience!
The next item of business is that I'm pretty much getting married! I'm in love with Cameron Gleed. He IS the bees knees! He makes me want to be a better person! That's so cliche to say, but it's so true! This is our story:
We met the first part of February 2008. I was a seasoned missionary getting transferred to Cape May. He was a greenie getting transferred to the same area. Getting to know the new elders was the last thing on my mind, I had Sister Woolley to get to know. Sometime after that we were having lunch at the Tolmans and he reached across my plate. I thought that was super rude and I snapped at him. I must have been having a bad day or something. I'm not sure how much longer after the lunch incidence happened that I got the phone call that Kanatha died. I was devastated. I was in an area where I didn't know anyone very well and I was supposed to deal with this change by myself. That's at least what I felt like. I remember the night I got the emailed obituary from Mertle Rae I read it out loud to everyone there. (The elders, Tolmans, and my companion) I of course cried, but I looked up and I saw him wipe a tear. What a sweetie. He was so kind to me. I could tell he genuinely cared. I couldn't be mad at him after he was so sweet to me. After that we became super good friends. When I got home, we wrote emails and letters pretty much every week the rest of his mission. His letters were definitely the highlight of my week. He got home February 4, 2010 and called me soon after he was home. Mostly because I told him to, but the other mostly because he wanted to! : ) After he got home and was in Washington, there wasn't a lot we could do other than talk on the phone, which we did quite often. He goes to BYU so he moved a few months after he got home so he could start school. The first time we met up was at Temple Square. When we finally saw each other it was magic! He gave me the best hug ever! We went to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and had a quick lunch before I had to go to Kainoa's violin recital and he had to meet up with his grandparents. That afternoon after the recital I called him and invited him over to meet my family and eat some pizza, no big deal. He came over and we had a lot of fun, but that's kind of inevitable when Cameron's around. He's a lot of fun and everyone likes him. We went shopping that night for a tie for Jodi's wedding and just goofed off in the stores before we dropped him off at his grandparents house. After that we would talk more on the phone, but never really saw each other mainly because as we all remember, Trevor was a big part of my life at this time. This part in our story is a little hazy to me, I know we kept talking and such, but that's about all I remember. Well, this summer we kept getting closer and closer thanks to Trevor. I'd call him to complain or to tell him the latest dumb thing Trevor had said and he was so good to listen to me. It then became a joke that Trevor wasn't going go go away until I had another boyfriend. So he was my boyfriend. He started calling me all the time and we'd say things like, "hey girlfriend" "Hey boyfriend" all the time. Then it started not being such a joke. When the Winegars came home he came up to their homecoming but he came up the day before. I took him out to the Adams lake to meet them and they loved him. That is really important to me for them to meet because the Adams are very important people in my life. We had a lot of fun, then that night we were at David Beatty's cousin's house in North Logan watching a movie he held my hand and I LOVED IT! He is so wonderful. We saw each other that next Sunday at the Winegars homecoming and that was fine, but there were a lot of other missionaries there that both of us wanted to talk to separately. Since then, I didn't see him until the mission reunion. When I walked into the gym I thought I was in the wrong place because I didn't know anyone but I saw President Winegar so I started to walk towards him when Cameron turned around and saw me. He gave me a giant hug and said, "hello beautiful!" I melted! The rest of that day he just followed me around and we kinda held hands through the conference sessions. We talked about what is going to happen after I graduate and other random topics. That Sunday I went to his grandparents house in Layton to watch conference with them. I love his grandparents. I went to his family reunion in July so I'd already met a bunch of his family and they are perfect. Not a lot of drama and just super nice people. I felt like part of them the instance I got there. I love that about him and them. They are very kind people. The first session we didn't talk or even sit very close by each other, but the second session he put his arm around me and we held hands then. This was a very big point in our relationship because we were being affectionate in front a lot of missionaries and his family on Sunday. I loved it! I love walking into a room, seeing him, and being able to think, "wow, that one likes me!" I think that every time I see him. After dinner with his family I dropped him off in Kaysville and before I got in the car He told me that he loved me. What a wonderful thing to hear! I'd heard, well read, it before, but never heard it from him. I said it back and got in the car and left. Ok, in all honesty I knew it was coming because during conference I happened to look down in his journal and saw that he had wrote that he loved me and was going to tell me or something along those lines. This last weekend was the Tolman's farewell so I went down and picked him and Kayla up from the BYU game and we went to the DI to find Cameron to find an ugly sweater. He has an obsession with ugly sweaters. After that, we went to his ward talent show. That was great because he held my hand during that too! Another major step taken because now his friends know. The only issue is that I don't know exactly what he is thinking about me. I know everything else what he was thinking, but other than that I'm clueless. I guess it makes it kinda fun because when he does actually tell me what he is thinking it surprises me and I like that, but it would be nice to be able to read his thoughts when it comes to me. Sunday at church with the Tolmans he held my hand during church, but the best part was that he kissed the top of my head. Sweet huh!? Oh I love that man so much! We hung out with the Tolmans that afternoon as well as the Winegars. We went to their house with them and played games. Fun, but kinda awkward to be on a double date with the mission president. After that we had dinner with his uncle's parents in Sandy. That was a lot of fun. They adored me! I can't say I blame them, but they were a super nice and wonderful family. That night he hugged me and that was that. All through the week we talk, facebook, text, and write snail mail. I love it! I really get to know him a lot of different ways. This last weekend he rode the train to Ogden and I met him there. We had lunch and went to Ifly (an indoor skydiving place) with Jamie and Steve which was a lot of fun. I love them! After we dropped them off, we went to an art museum but it was closed. We took crazy pictures and laughed a lot. After that we went to 25th street and just went in and out of all the little antique stores finding the most random but awesome things. After that we went to Rainbow gardens. It is a restaurant/gift shop that was fabulous! I dropped him off at the train station again because I had to go back to babysit for Darci. He makes me so happy. I love that he laughs a the same things I laugh at. He is a great member of the church. His family is super strong in the church. He is creative. He is smart. He is majoring in actuary science. He wants a lot of kids. He is random just like me. OH man, I could go on for hours about how wonderful he is, but I've been working on this post for a very long time. He doesn't know about the plans for us to get married in July, but he will know soon! He is my same kind of weird!

Let me tell you that I love you and I think about you all the time.

I think that sometimes instead of blood flowing through my veins, it's melodies and lyrics. Music is such a controlling factor of my mood. The music I listen to usually makes me happy. I'd say it could be compared to the feeling you get when you wake up and realize that you can still sleep for another 3 or so hours. Oh--what about this situation. Have you ever been in a steamin' hot car and roll the windows down to cool off, when you realize that your hair is a wind-blown disaster? I find myself in that situation quite often actually. My new favorite thing is to not care at all and sing at the top of my lungs. No matter where I am, or what I have to look like when I get to wherever I'm going, the liberating feeling to feel my hair bush/whip across my face is totally worth it. Sometimes it's a little annoying when I have just put on chapstick and then my hair gets stuck on my lips, but usually the annoyance gets blown out my rolled down window fairly quickly and the taste of my hair becomes part of the adventure. Good thing I have clean hair right? Even if I don't know all the words to the song that is blaring over my speakers I make it up. For example, there is a country song that really say something about running away to Vegas, well I never knew that's what it said. I understood the rest of the song but at that particular part I'd always belt out, "GO AWAY, AND FLOAT A RIVER!' Ya, nothing to do with Vegas, but that's how the lyrics went in my head. Anyway, I challenge you to at least try it once. I promise, you won't be able to contain the endorphins that will be going crazy in your body. Oh, don't forget to pay attention to driving most importantly, but check out the other driver's reactions. Priceless!

Little black book.

So, anyone that knows me knows that I'm ALWAYS full of boy drama. Honestly some days I really enjoy the drama because it spices up the day just a little bit. However, there are days that I just wish I could be married and be done with the drama. Not that I think marriage solves all drama, but at least it will only be with one boy instead of the bunch I've got right now. Here is the situation. We all remember Trevor right? The one I met in the temple at Matt and Lacey's wedding? Well he's still in the picture a year and a half later. Ya know, I don't even want to go into all those details from that past year or so. Yuck. It was a long and hard road. A road full of a lot of laughter, deep conversations, tears, silly stories, anger, sadness, and sacred experiences. I've never had to cut off all ties from a close friend before, but that's what needs to happen in this case. I know that no one really understands this and honestly my family is quite pleased that I'm ending things with Trevor, but this is a really big struggle for me. I heard a quote once that says, “Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets.” I'm at peace with knowing that Trevor was placed in my life to help me grow. I feel that I had a lot to learn from him and he likewise had a lot to learn from me. I love him for the person he has helped shape me to become, but deep down I've always known that I didn't want to be eternally bound to him. So, here is my ode to Trevor. In a weird way, this song is basically what I'm feeling towards him right now. It may be a little harsh, but this is my theme song for Trevor.
I won't let this burden bring me down

So here we are again
Staring at the end of what we made and who we are
Never knowing when
One of us will break apart and walk the other way

Love, I don't know what to say
Love, I don't know how to stay
When you won't let me be the person that I am

The writing's on the wall, there's nothing to say anymore
So I'll leave before I fall apart right back into your arms
The writing's on the wall, you gave nothing and I gave it all
But I want something better and I won't let this burden bring me down

What are we to do?
What are we to say to one another now we're through?
Thanks for being you
Thanks for being all the things I had to say goodbye to

I'm over being lied to
I'm over being pushed into the
Person that you want me to become

The writing's on the wall, there's nothing to say anymore
So I'll leave before I fall apart right back into your arms
The writing's on the wall, you gave nothing and I gave it all
But I want something better and I won't let this burden bring me down

Where did we go wrong?
We let it be so long
But now there's no point turning back, let's face the facts

The writing's on the wall, there's nothing to say anymore
So I'll leave before I fall apart right back into your arms
The writing's on the wall, you gave nothing and I gave it all
But I want something better and I won't let this burden bring me down
I won't let this burden bring me, I won't let this burden bring me down


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcYdBfH5ZcM

Everyday is a winding road...

I sit here at Borders thinking how I wish I were more "Granola." Not a true blue granola person because call me crazy but I still firmly believe in, and quite enjoy, shaving my legs. Not only that, but I do have standards when it comes to the openness and use of sex and drugs. However, they do have a lifestyle that is ultra appealing to me. For those of you that might not be quite familiar with this term, according to the Urban dictionary (which is ALWAYS leaking with truth. *note the sarcasm*) being a granola person is "An adjective used to describe people who are environmentally aware (flower child, tree-hugger), open-minded, left-winged, socially aware and active, queer or queer-positive, anti-oppressive/discriminatory (racial, sexual, gender, class, age, etc.) with an organic and natural emphasis on living, who will usually refrain from consuming or using anything containing animals and animal by-products (for health and/or environmental reasons), as well as limit consumption of what he or she does consume, as granola people are usually concerned about wasting resources. Usually buy only fair-trade goods and refrain from buying from large corporations, as most exploit the environment as well as their workers, which goes against granola core values.The choice of not removing body hair and drug use are not characteristics that define granola people, and people, regardless of granola status, may or may not partake in said activities. This definition is sometimes confused with hippy."

For my life, and my definition of being a granola person is just someone that likes natural things. Keeping in mind that there is "moderation in all things." I like being natural and the atmosphere at Borders (yes, I Julia Parker AM in fact in a bookstore on my own free will. Don't fall over dead. ) gives me the feeling of naturalness. (This is my blog so I feel justified with the making up of new words.) Maybe in a weird unknown way, the smell of coffee makes me think of naturalness. This is what's on my mind as of now. One thing I am grateful for is that my wee little brain is fully capable of multi-tasking. I'm also thinking of my dang cute sun dress that I bought today. My next statement might completely contradict my whole idea of being a granola person, but I bought it at walmart. That is such a tisk tisk in the granola world. Walmart is compared to the devil for a true granola person. Since I'm not, I feel ok about making purchases at the said store.



Let's see....what else is on my mind, a lot. Mostly my love of people. Borders is SUCH a good people watching place, far more enjoyable than the Cache Valley Mall. Borders has free Wi-Fi so about once a week or so I'll take full advantage of that. This morning while paroozing around facebook sitting at my far back table my eyes appeared to be focused on my computer when in actuality I was eavesdropping on this random couple sitting on the table in front of me. This particular man and woman were assigned by me in my head to be a couple when who knows if that is actually the case. They seem like the type of people that frequent borders. They were "discussing" the local politics as well as national and international politics and issues. It was interesting to see their different opinions and how they expressed them. Maybe instead of being a couple, they were just sparing partners. You know those types of people, the ones that are just plain fun to talk about anything and everything with. For them, maybe they were that someone that enlivens every part of your communicative needs. Maybe that was them and there was no physical relationship between them. Huh, I like that situation better.
Right after my sparing friends left, their empty seats were replaced by a young girl I'd guess would be no more than 20. I named her Elise, she just looked like an Elise. She was using the Internet clearly for entertainment purposes. Whatever show she was watching obviously hilarious to her because she had the hardest time holding in her laughter. She'd have small convulsions everyone in a while when you could tell that her entire body was filled with laughter. Sometimes it was a little much for her to hold in as she'd let out small peeps every so often, then look around somewhat embarrassed to see if anyone noticed. That was my cue to resume my "EOC" which stands for eyes on computer. I could tell that she loved laughing so if I ever meet "Elise" I just know we'll be instant friends. It really is amazing the bonding power of laughter. It's like free friendship adhesive. Now that I think of it, there isn't a single friend that I have that I can't think of an instance that we've shared when we laughed so hard our stomachs ached. Some friends they happen more often than others, but laughter really does bring people together. I'm convinced that is one of the best feelings in the world. Those types of tears or stomach cramps are ALWAYS welcome with me.

The affirmations I live by...

Sister Berry is a member in Cape May that shared this with me. It speaks for itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y26HHEHdAiM

HI-MAY

With Jamie getting married in 6 days I thought it's about time to list the top 5 reasons why I love her so much. Ode to Jamie.

1. She is such a caring person. She is good about asking about how my day is, or what's going on and she actually cares. She does that for everyone. Unless she owes me ice cream for loosing all of her charity.

2. She is willing to do anything random with me. I wanted to poof my hair giant and she did it right along with me and we went to FHE like this. She loves to have fun and doesn't judge me when I'm crazy!

3. She is so funny. I can't tell you how many times I have cried because we were laughing so hard. She has her Blondie moments too and I love them all! She laughs with me over everything. We basically have the same sense of humor.

4. She is so smart. She's graduated USU already so that automatically puts her in the brilliant category. She thinks situations through and has all sorts of good ideas. Not just a hat rack she has, it's got brains!

5. She is such an example to everyone around. She's got such a stellar testimony and it shows. She is so good at reading her scriptures and praying. When I grow up I definitely want to be like Jamie. I feel so special just thinking of her. My life is blessed because of her. She's so wonderful and I love her!

All about me!

Sometimes my mind wanders and I have a hard time concentrating on what I'm supposed to. This is my latest daydream...facts about me! Here are a bunch of random tid-bits about me that make me unique and such a fantastic person! :) Here we go!

I like the TP to roll off the top, not the bottom
I don’t like Swedish fish
Fake people bug me.
I won’t step on the man-holes in the street. I had a dream I fell down one once
I don’t like having the TV on in one room and the radio on in the other, it’s to many distractions.
I want to move somewhere other than Ovid, Logan, Jersey, and Bountiful.
I love smiling, especially on men.
I love Anne of Green Gables
I like using pencils to mark my scriptures but I like using a pen for everything else.
My feet are shrinking. I used to wear 8.5 and not I’m 6.5-7.
I wish I were a morning person.
Sometimes I love getting all dressed up and being girley, but sometimes I just like to be average. Sometimes I love being alone.
I don’t like salt water taffy.
I love wearing hats, but I don’t very often.
My favorite thing about me is my eyes and laugh.
I love love love to travel,
Peaches are my favorite fruit.
I’ve had 9 jobs so far in my life. Babysitting, Berry picking, Erins, Bear Cave, Lakeside pizza, Kmart, teaching Karlie, Ink Solutions, and Lasting Engraving.
I had a scar on my forehead the size of a quarter from a curling iron burn
I’ve done a dance solo in front of hundreds of people.
I’m allergic to rabbits and eggs in my hair. (I used to use egg whites as mousse)
My favorite FHE’s were playing baseball in the field and going to Riverdale.
One of my favorite childhood memories was snuggling with my dad by the fire before school
I love brownies-not cake or pie
I love cinnamon rolls.
Science is my favorite subject.
I’ve always wanted braces but never had them.
My first kiss was over a toilet.
I hate it when people spell things wrong like boyz instead of boys, or karz instead of cars.
I used to not like raspberries because of picking them, but now they are ok.
I don’t like sewing clothes, but I like sewing other things
My favorite elementary school teacher was Mrs. Pedersen. Middle School was Mr. Heinzeman, and high school was Mr. Hill.
I miss the smell of the ocean which is weird because it used to make me sick.
It takes me a long time to like a clothing fashion. Example: fur-lined coats.
It bugs me when people wear sunglasses indoors.
When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut
I want to learn another language.
I love peanut butter.
I love Jackson Hole.
Band-Aids really do make me feel better
I love sandwiches.
My dream date would be an adult version of prom. I’d love to get all fancied up and go swing dancing.
Growing up my favorite Disney movie was The Little Mermaid
Sometimes the thought of having kids scares me.
I love blueberry and peach yogurt.
I don’t like power aid
I bite straws.
Men with earrings bug me.
I love the sound of rain on umbrellas.
I’ve never wanted to use drugs or alcohol.
I don’t like oldies music.
Spit on sidewalks makes me sick..
I’ve only been in detention 2 times in my life. One was in 3rd grade for a food fight and one in 7th grade for annoying Mr. Heinzeman. Both were with Chelse Matthews.
I hate touching or looking at chewed gum, even mine.
I don’t like red sauce
I love organizing!
I read newspapers and magazines for pictures.
Girls with white lipstick/chopstick freak me out
I can drive stick cars, but I’m not super good
I like evenly cut cheese.
I hate spaghetti
I used to do my hair then my makeup, but now I’m switching
I want to be a florist/photographer

There ya go! Hope we are still friends! ;)

Thank you Diego

So, I spoke in church last week. I asked to because Diego was supposed to come with me, but he didn't so I just spoke. I feel like it went well. I chose to speak on Testimony and Conversion. Here is the gist of how it went.
Honestly, I can't think of testimony without thinking of Sister Knorr. She was a less active that told us once that gaining a testimony was like having a baby. Ya, I was just as confused as you are. When she explained a bit more she said that a testimony is something you have to work for, it's all yours and it will grow with time. Elder Hales said, "The testimony received and carried within us enables us to hold a steady course in times of prosperity and to overcome doubt and fear in times of adversity." What are the parts of a testimony? This can be an issue in any ward, but sometimes especially in student wards. They turn into "thank-a-monies" or travel logs. When it comes down to it, a testimony is a simple statement of what you know. The foundation would be knowing that we have a loving Heavenly Father and that he has a son Jesus Christ that lived and died for us. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. One last part of a strong foundation of a testimony is that we have a current prophet called to lead and guide us today.
Now that we know what a testimony is, how do we gain one? In Alma 32:27 it talks about having a desire and exercising faith in that thing that you want to know about. So, if you want a testimony of the Book of Mormon, read it and live by it's teachings. A testimony is something like Sister Knorr said, is something that you have to work hard for. It all starts with a desire and grows through experiences. Not necessarily all bad experiences though. Jamie and I decided that we could tell a difference in homes where the priesthood is actively honored and kept sacred. All growing up I had that power in my home so it was something that just felt normal to me. However, after going into several homes on my mission and noticing the difference in homes that didn't have the priesthood, that experience strengthened my testimony even though I wasn't struggling I knew that the priesthood was a real power and something that is essential to have. Not only that, but experiences when we are struggling can be times of growth for our testimonies. The thing that first comes to my mind is when Kanatha died when I was on my mission. I felt like it was "sink or swim" for me. Here I had been teaching about how families were eternal and that God has a plan for us for over a year, but did I really believe it? I do! Elder Scott said, "A strong testimony is the unshakable foundation of a secure, meaningful life where peace, confidence, happiness, and love can flourish. It is anchored in a conviction that an all-knowing God is in command of His work. he will not fail. He will keep His promises." The thing is, it's not enough to just know what to do. It's like knowing how to cook, but never buying ingredients and actually making dinner. You'll starve that way. Same thing spiritually, you can't just know what to do, you have to do it. That's where being converted to the gospel comes in. Elder Christofferson said, "How can you become converted" How can you make the gospel of Jesus Christ not just an influence in your life, but the controlling influence and, indeed, the very core of what you are?" Having a desire and an open heart. Elder Oaks says, "it is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something. To testify is to know and to declare. The gospel challenges us to be "converted, ' which requires us to do and to become."
In the scriptures there is a great example of people being converted not just having a testimony. In Alma 24:6 it says that the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's were truly converted. They made covenants with the Lord and kept to them.
Elder Christofferson goes on to say that, "to be converted, you must not only open your heart to a knowledge of the gospel and the love of God, you must practice the gospel law. You cannot fully understand or appreciate it unless you personally apply it in your life."
The thing that I really love about testimony is that it's not a one time deal. I can ask anytime. Our loving Heavenly Father isn't going to say, nope...I told ya once, that's all ya get! In fact, church leaders have challenged us to do so. My only question how long has it been since I've prayed about my testimony of Joseph Smith. It's not that I'm questioning if he was a prophet or not, it's just adding another drop of oil to my lantern.

There are boys as wonderful as my daddy....

This is an ode to the fantastic boys that live downstairs. I talk about them a lot because I love them all and they have blessed my life in so many ways. Elder Rasband talked in the CES fireside last night about the power of having good friends. These boys definitely fit in that category. They are fantastic! So, here is a little bit about each one of them.

This is Kevin Jackson. He is from West Haven (Ogden-ish area). He has a wonderful family that is all musically inclined. His older brother was in my ward last year. If you ask him what instrument he plays he'll say, "the radio." Which might be true, but he sings, and plays the trumpet or something like that. One of my favorite things about Kevin is how funny he is. He doesn't think he's being funny or he doesn't try to be funny and that makes it even more funny. He served his mission in the West Indies. He is currently engaged to Chelsea Haws. He is studying Engineering of some sort. So yes, he's brilliant.

This is my little "Kader-tot" Ok, so his real name is Kade Richardson. He is from Roy and proud of it. Honestly, he is only partly a Roy-ite. He grew up in Pocatello for a long time too. He has siblings still in Idaho. He's the youngest in his family. Random, him and Kevin were in the same mission. They were never companions nor did they plan on being roommates, it just worked out that way. Small world. He is dang good at singing too. He loves life and being random, and I like that about him. He's very smart and going into economics I think. Honestly, I'm not quite positive what his major is. Oops! Sorry Kade, I'll learn that someday. One thing we both love doing is laughing at youtube videos and watching friends. He has a talent for finding the most HILARIOUS youtube movies. One of my best memories of Kade is when he proposed to me by singing a Taylor Swift song in the middle of KOHLS. HILARIOUS!!!

This is Shmandrew. Andrew Spratt is his real name, but we mesh words, so somehow his name came out Shmandrew. Andrew is from the land of Bounty. I know what his major is because he makes it known. (in a good way) He's an English major. One of my favorite things about him is that he wants to go to Princeton. YES! He wants to teach English, and he should because he is a fantastic teacher. He's always teaching me new words, or telling us about the latest book he's read. One thing that I love about Andrew is that he is so spontaneous. This picture is of him helping me make earrings over Christmas break. What boy does that? Oh Andrew does! He is up for pretty much about anything. He knows a lot about cars and loves watching Top Gear. He served his mission in Arizona and loves the fact that he's lived in a trashy trailer in Thatcher Arizona. This trailer was his favorite because of the noisy heater. And the hole in the window or floor, something like that. He said there was cactus in the back, but really I think he said that it was just a pile of leaves. I really love how freely Andrew gives compliments. The thing is that he means them.

This is Steven Haws. He is the sweetest man alive. He is honest, pure, hard working and absolutely wonderful. There is not a mean bone in his body. He is from Bountiful too. Kevin and Steven have been super good friends for a while and if you notice, Kevin is engaged to a Haws. Yes, it's his little sister. He is quite the matchmaker. Steven served his mission in Washington and was such a wonderful missionary. I love talking missions with him. I remember one night he came up, or somehow it ended up just being me and him in my apartment talking about the ups and downs of missions for a while. He is so pure and innocent. That's honestly the only way I can describe him. He laughs at everything I say, so naturally I love being around him. He makes me feel funny.

I love mostly knowing that 4 completely worthy priesthood holders live 32 steps away from me. Last week I was so stressed out and I asked them to give me a blessing. They came running up all dressed up and ready to help. I have learned something unique about myself because of something they have each taught me. I've loved being their neighbor and I love that we are eternal friends. We have soooooo many inside jokes, it's kinda ridiculous. BFF's forever boys! :)

Dance in the rain and forget about the storm.

I'm pretty sure I've never been this busy in my life, other than my mission. Here is a typical schedule for me. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays I babysit for Brother and Sister Adam's. They have 4 kids. I go in the morning from 6-8:30. Home for a shower, school from 10:30-2:45, Work at Lasting Engraving, then work at Ink Solutions until 9, homework, talk to my Trevor, and bed. Tuesday and Thursdays I go to the gym in the morning from 7-8 then a quick shower and work at ink solutions then Lasting Engraving. Seriously, I get so worn out, but I love being busy. Oh, and I'm sick again now to top it all off. Sore throat, runny nose, man voice...you know the usual. It's literally a sick cycle. I work myself up and take on more than I can handle and stress myself out then get sick and I never get better. So, like my title says, I'm trying to dance in the rain and forget about my storm. Life is good none the less.

Somewhat switching gears, I just wanted to write about something I learned in church today. Our sacrament meeting was fantastic. Backing up a bit, all day I'd been thinking about fire and the symbolism of it. In sacrament meeting, Justin spoke about that same thing, fire. He pointed out that a fire takes a lot of work to build. Then after you build it, that's not all you have to keep continually putting wood in the fire to make it grow. Fire keeps us warm and brings light into our lives. The part I was thinking about today is that the refiners fire burns away impurities. That's like our testimony and the trials in our lives. We will always have trials, but we have our testimony to fuel our fire that keeps us going. It keeps us warm, but can also cause us pain when we are being refined and having our impurities burned off. So the things that are hard are also a blessing. That reminds me of that scripture in Ether 12:27. My weak things can be made strong. But do I really believe that? Do I work for that? Do I want to make my weak things become strong? It's easy to do that with some things that I struggle with, but what about my "pet sins" do I really want those to be a strength? Am I putting wood in the fire so I can keep getting refined? Even though it's painful am I trying to become better? These are just some questions that have been on my mind. I don't really have answers, but just like Nephi says, I know not the meaning of all thing, but I know that God loves His children. I know that God loves me and he's waiting for me to progress.

Even though, I'm busy and overwhelmed I'm dancing in the storm.

Checking in..

Nothing says Happy Valentines day like a reporting of my goals thus far. Let's see...So far I've lost 6 pounds. I've done so good at walking to campus. I only can go to the gym Tuesday and Thursday mornings but the rest of the days I walk to and from school. I've done good at eating smaller portions and less sugar, so I'm down 6 pounds. According to my scale at least, Trevor's said a whole other number yesterday....that's NOT OK with me. I haven't really learned much new on the makeup tricks yet though. I have learned some cool facial exercises. I look and feel silly doing them, so I only do them in the shower.


As for the Spiritual part this saddens me. I've done good on everything else, but I think there has been a few (less than 10) days that I haven't read my scriptures. And I totally forgot about my goal for specifically studying a gospel topic, so I didn't do that either. I still want to study the Law of Consecration, but I just haven't done that yet. I will repent and do better. I have written in my journal once a week. That's the one I thought I'd have the hardest time with! I'm working on finding someone to go to church with me. I was thinking of Diego to come again, but he hasn't talked to me in a while, so I don't know how that is going to work out. Someone else will be provided I know it.



Mentally, I'm still working on graduation, it's still a way off. I will take the CIL test after spring break and before finals, so not yet. So far I've got all A's in my classes, but we've got a few mid terms coming up, so we shall see and I haven't read any other books yet, but I will start one soon.



Socially I'm doin' awesome. My friend for January is Aramantha VanDeuser. Crazy cool name huh? She's great. She is in 2 of my 3 classes and she's wonderful. She doesn't really have a hometown, she moved a lot as a child but when ya really ask her, she'll say that she's from Vegas. She has one brother and one sister that is her roommate. She is thinking about minoring in Sociology with a major in Physical education? I'm not sure. When I had my dumb cold a while ago, she was so sweet and took notes. I really like her a lot. She's gorgeous too! I'm still working on the debt thing, I think I'm a little behind schedule, but I also bought a car so now I have another payment, so the debt goal might be altered a little. I don't have health insurance yet, but I did finally get a hold of the lady that's been helping me. I'm working on all of these so I'd say I'm doing pretty good. I've done fantastic at writing Morgan every week. Sometimes I mail the letter on Friday, so he has gotten 2 in one week before but I still have mailed him a letter every week. As for having a solid relationship, cross that off! Yes, it's with Trevor, but things are so good. He is so sweet and has really stepped it up a bunch. We have had some wonderful talks and really gotten to know each other. I like him a lot. He spoiled me like CRAZY for Valentines day. It was so much fun, Valentines day gets it's own special post to come later. Just know that I feel that this is a solid relationship. I'm not sure where it's going to lead to, but he has really been wonderful and so much fun to date!

So, that's me lately. I'm happy as ever! Life is good!

A breath of goodness...

This past week or so I've felt like a missionary again. I'm constantly busy! It's been so good and somehow I've managed to get just about everything done. And when I say done what I really mean is being caught up from being sick. I had the worst cold for 2 weeks! It started with a sore throat, then went to everything after that and back to a sore throat. Yuck! For a while I sounded like a man, then I sounded like I was going through puberty. Not fun! But, I'm feeling much better now and have got caught up in my classes and I love that feeling.
Yesterday in my theory class I decided I wanted to get to know me a little bit better. I decided to make a list of things about me. I've narrowed it down to only 54 things, but some of those things that I can remember.
1. I hate Swedish fish
2. I love the sound of rain on my umbrella
3. I love evenly cut cheese
4. I love organizing things
5. I love straws.

So, that's what I came up with about me. I was going to write more but honestly, I'm pooped and I have to babysit tomorrow. Love it!

a day late and a dollar short...

I try and stay on top of things, but I always find myself trying to play catch up. -sigh- I'm not even procrastinating! (not too bad anyway!) Life is good. I had a wonderful weekend. Friday I went to Salt Lake to Trevor's niece and nephew's birthday party, then to Jamie and Theron's house to watch a movie. Saturday I worked out with Jamie and got SUPER DUPER SORE! Yes, that was Saturday and today is Tuesday and I'm STILL walking like an old grandma. After the workout we went to get haircuts! Whoot...I love haircuts! I look gorgeous. Pictures to come. We went to the grocery store after that and I had some of the best eye flirtage EVER!! How's that comin' anyway James? Do I have a date yet? :) Then Saturday night I went with Trevor to the auto exbo. He was so cute! I've never seen him this excited about anything, he was shaking and couldn't hold still. We had lots of fun looking at his dream car which is a 2010 Range Rover. (again, pictures to come.) After the auto thing, we went out to dinner with Matt and Lacey. That is always a good time. The 4 of us are hilarious together! I love us! I had to go home that night because Rebecca (my mission companion) was coming to stay. Sunday was the usual, church, dinner with Gram. This week we had it at Krystal and Sean's house....YUM! Then we went to ward prayer and when we got home we randomly had the dance party of the century. My friend Dede and I were dancin fools when in walked none other than TREVOR!!! He came up with his friend Cavet. They stayed and played games with us and we had a lot of fun. Monday Rebecca took me out to eat for my birthday, then we bummed around the rest of the day because I was sick. So, that brings us to today....work. So off to do homework and rest before mom gets too mad. :)

I am the gate keeper of my own destiny...

Since they are my goals, I have the right to modify them right? This blogging daily is a lot harder than I thought and a lot less important than I thought. So, I'll shoot for every other day. We'll see how that goes. OK, backing up...my birthday was wonderful. I got a boyfriend and a billion friends to show their love. It was so great. Long story short, Joel and Darci had a fantastic party for me on Sunday. They made super cute signs. ( As you can see by the way Georgia is posing by her dang cute sign that has me as a 24 year old balloon.) We ate cobbler and played twister. Thanks Johnson's! Then on Tuesday, Jamie(sister) and Jamie(friend) had a surprise birthday party for me. It was in Bountiful and so great. We ate sloppy joes and veggies that Jamie was so wonderful to prepare and Jamie Young was in charge of inviting everyone. Wow. I loved it.

My cake was awesome! Trevor helped me decide what to do. Yes, it was a bunch of oreos stuck in a gallon of ice cream. Isn't that the epitome of delicious? I think so! So, the whole Trevor thing goes as follows. He hadn't talked to me for 2 weeks, he called, he came to my Birthday party and brought me gorgeous Gerber Daisy's and then asked me to be his girlfriend on the way home from the grocery store. We worked out the kinks of our relationship and started a new and improved Trevor and Julia relationship. He really is wonderful! I think the world of him. It's been SOOOOO much better in the one week we've been dating again than it was before. Our communication is a lot better and he's starting to be more mushy which I love. I went sledding with him at Mountain Dell this past weekend. We had SOOO much fun and the best part is was that there were no broken bones! Yeah! So, I don't know why it's underlining everything, but I'm to tired to figure it out. My first day of school was WONDERFUL! I love my classes. They are going to be hard and challenge me, but that's what it's supposed to do right? Life is good. The end. Or as Trevor would say, The beginning, the middle AND the end.

The Phone call

Tonight my friends and I are watching the Phone Call. Remember that Dad? It totally reminds me of Morgan and Daddy. Almost as good as KKKAAAUUULLLEEENNNEEE!!! Oh good ol' Sunday's at the Parker house. Good times. Today was nice, I guess. I decided to write 3 good things that happened out today. So for today's list it is:
1. I played with my animal crackers at work.
2. My roommates came home! Yeah Keller Sisters.
3. Jamie and I had a long, VERY MUCH SO NEEDED date. We went to this new place in town called Pounders. It was pretty good, but man I'm full.
So, today was great day. I love friends coming back and spending time together. Yeah!! I have to babysit in the morning so I'm out.

Weddings Galore...

So, I hooked up with Trevor this weekend, when I got home my roomate told me that her and Niels got engaged and are getting married March 13th @ 9:00 in the Draper temple. I'm so excited for them. I love them both and there couldn't be a happier couple together. You really can feel that they are perfect for each other on so many levels. Yeah for them. My second wedding is Jamie. She is my bestest bestest friend I love her dearly. She is the sweetest girl in the world. I love her and tonight I found out that they aren't technically engaged, but getting pretty close. He finally kissed her for the first time tonight. I'm so dang excited for her and him. They have a perfect relationship. They really are the twinkle in each other's eyes. I will put pictures up of the happy couples soon, but not tonight....I'm pooped. AND I'm blogging about my birthday tomorrow. Oh glorious day!

This is Jamie and Steve. This is Sarah and Niels.

Happy Birthday Eve to me.

So I'm fantastic and absolutely excited for my birthday that is in 40 min. Yeah! Goodbye 23, hello 24! My birthday eve was wonderful. I babysat for the Adams this morning went home and had a nap then drove to the land of Bounty. One of the elders from my mission took me out to lunch and out for ice cream. Yum yum and more yum. Then I came to Jamie's house for a quick bathroom stop then I went to primary with Jamie. Soooooo much fun. She teaches special needs primary. They are wonderful. They sang to me the "hello hello hello hello" song complete with sign language! I loved it! We had dinner, a wonderful lesson from Ki, then out for more ice cream. Whew...what a lovely day! I've loved it and tomorrow will only be better because it's MY BIRTHDAY!!!

After 2 weeks....

Yes, he finally called me. I'm so annoyed at how he thinks that everything is OK if he just ignores me for a while. What sense does that make...NONE! Anyway, he called me tonight to tell me about teaching gospel doctrine today, him loosing his voice on New Years, and about some hoorah with school and how he might not be able to go on the cruise because he can't pay for both. That's totally fine, I just wish he would make up his mind about something and stick to it. Ah, so frustrating! He is a wonderful friend, but blah...
Tonight was wonderful! Church was great but after that I went to the Johnson's for a birthday party. When I pulled up, there was a sign on the door and when I walked in, Joel and all the kids were hiding behind the couch. They jumped out and yelled, "SURPRISE!!!" It was so cute, I loved it. The kids made me the cutest signs that I will put pictures up tomorrow of them. We had a delicious dinner and an even better peach cobbler. Evan finished his cobbler and said, "Dad, I want some more corn on the cobbler!" SOOOO CUTE! I love the Evanisms. He's so creative! I love how kid's minds work. Georgia and Adam are pretty smart themselves. I will give an example when I post their dang cute posters they made me. We played twister and I lost miserably. Eliza was cute with her smiles while she dreams. My present was awesome too! Darci made the cutest little apron and gave me a great cookbook. Yum! I'm excited to get to cooking! Thanks Johnsons! You guys are wonderful! I sure do love you! When I got home, I layed on the couch and talked to Jamie while she played with my hair. Oh I love doing that because me and her giggle a lot, but can still get our serious talks out. I love her. Overall, it was a good day. I have to babysit in the morning, so I should get to sleep. Beans and Nachos!

All dressed in white

I know this is technically January 3rd so I would have missed the second but I'm counting it as the 2nd since I haven't gone to bed yet. I have to at least make it a week on doing well on my goals. So, Georgia's baptism was awesome today! She's such a cutie! I love her so much. Not to make anyone jealous but it really made me smile when I walked into the primary room today to see what the kids were doing when Jackson Johnson asked me if I was Georgia's aunt. Before I could respond she gave me a big hug and said "Yes! And she's my favorite!" I usually have to prompt her to who is her favorite, but I guess repetition really is an effective tool. She was so pretty. Eliza was a doll too! It was dang cute when Jamie kissed her ear and Eliza DID NOT like that at all! She gave Jamie the biggest crusty ever. My morning face isn't even that scary! They both looked absolutely gorgeous! I love them!
Tonight my friend Matt Smitheram came down from Pocatello and hung out with me. We made cinnamon rolls that tasted like pancakes. I'm guessing it was because we used pancake batter. Hu, go figure! It was the only recipe I could find that didn't require yeast! The boys from downstairs came to play and Jamie and Steve were here for a bit. We played hookie 5 and watched copious amounts of Hulu videos. I love my friends! They are so wonderful! So, that's a wrap on today!

What would New Years be without resolutions...

I had a FANTASTIC New Years party last night. I'll write about that later, but now it's time for my goals of 2010. In church last week they suggested that we let others know our goals so they can help achieve the goal, so that's your job to help keep me motivated. Another thing that was mentioned in church last week is how setting goals is a form of repentance because we are changing, growing and progressing towards something higher. Isn't that so true? Somewhere in Mark, maybe Matthew, Luke, or John...one of those books, it mentions how Christ grew physically, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Since that's my ultimate goal is to become like Him, I have centered my goals this year on developing in those four areas. Before I get to the goal part itself I was reading my scriptures this morning; I finished the Book of Mormon and the last chapter is absolutely splendid! Moroni 10:23 is going to be part of my motto for this new year. It says, "And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me." I feel like my 2010 goals are "expedient unto Him" and I have the faith that I can achieve them, so therefore I can do all things. Yeah! Isn't that refreshing to know that we have that power? Backing up a bit verse 7 of that same chapter says that He worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men and that he is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Wow! If he is the same, and the miracles can be the same, then there really isn't anything I can't do.
I've been thinking about miracles lately because last week at Grandma Sorenson's, her and I were watching dramatized stories from the Old Testament. When learning about Moses and all of the events that went into that story, it got me thinking that if God can cause all of those plagues to come and then leave, then he can for sure help me learn to play the violin. He endowed them with his power so why not me? With that in mind, here are my goals for this new year. Some are a little cliche, but they are good and that's why they are so repeated.

Physically:
1. For the entire year I will lose 52 pounds. Now for all you genius math people, yes...that's one pound a week. I'm aware that it might not exactly work out that way, but I'm sure some weeks will be a zero week, and others will be a 2 or 3 pound week. One pound/week will just be the goal that I'm shooting for. Going along with that, I'm going on a cruise in May and I'd really like to be down 20 pounds by cruise time. -sigh- just writing this out sounds a little overwhelming. But, with my new shoes, bra, pants, shirt, and ipod, I'm all set.
2. I will learn more about skincare products and neat new makeup tricks.

Spiritually:
1. I will read the scriptures daily. After my shower when I'm awake and can actually think about what I'm reading. I will think for myself and improve my critical thinking skills.
2. I will study a specific gospel topic per month. So for January, besides my regular reading, I'm going to study the Law of Concecration. I haven't picked the other topics yet, but they are bound to be brilliant.
3. I will write in my journal once a week. I'd like to work my way up to once a day, but that's not realistic, I know me and how faithful I am at journaling. Once a week on Sunday is definately doable, so that's the goal.
4. I will be a good missionary and bring one friend with me to church this year. I will continue teaching and helping the missionaries, but like the leaders of the church have said, they are the full-time teachers and I'm the full-time finder.

Mentally:
1. I WILL GRADUATE UTAH STATE!!!!
2. I will finish my last CIL test before finals week of the spring test.
3. I will get no C's on my report card this semester
4. I will read 3 books other than the Book of Mormon.

Socially:
1. I will make 12 new friends this year. Yes that's easy to do for me because I'm so wonderful and everyone wants to get to know me, but this goal is meant for quality friends, not necisarrily just aquantinces.
2. I will Blog daily. I know this might be a silly goal, but I feel that it will help with my weekly journal writing. Unless it is physically impossible, I will blog daily.
3. I will Get Health Insurance. I'm not sure how this fits into any of my other category, but I figured that If I got health insurance I'd be more willing to go play with my friends and be more socially active because I wouldn't have the lingering fear that if I got hurt I'd basically have to die because I couldn't affort to get fixed. That's why I put it in the social section.
4. I will get out of debt. I owe my parental units money and they will be paid off this year. This will be quite the task and I will have to switch some things around in my budget, but it's completely possible. (This is another one that just got shoved into the social category. I'm sure it will somehow help me socially.)
5. I will write Morgan weekly. I know how much I loved getting mail and he was soooo good at writing me, so I will write him every week.
6. I will have one solid relationship this year. Not an emotionally constipated one like the relationship of 2009, but a normal, healthy, good relationship.

Those are the goals I want to acomplish for the year, but there are a few others on my "bucket list" that will take me a bit longer to acomplish. A few of these would be:
1. Learn the guitar again,
2. Learn the violin or cello, hopefully both
3. Dance in the conference center. I want to be a dancer in one of the plays they put on there.
4. Ride a horse in another state.
5. Travel to all 50 states and some other country.
Those are just a few of the things I'd like to acomplish within my life.

One last scripture to top it all off would be verse 32, still in Moroni 10. It says, "Yea, come unto Christ and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ; ye can in nowise deny the power of God." Isn't that good? As I set goals and make plans to come unto Christ I will be blessed and endowed with power from on high. I have do this with real intent but that's ok becuase it's complelely possible.
Enough said...GO TEAM!