One of the best

I oughta post about this before I forget. Oh who am I kidding? Who could ever forget a day like last Saturday?  I went through the Temple and received my Endowments! It was a beautiful day.

Before I went through I kept having hot flashes, I was about to have a heart attack, and kept freaking out. I did all of that for nothing. People kept telling me that I would feel uncomfortable, that it is strange. Uh you are all wrong. It was perfect. I felt so much peace in there. Right when I walked back, the instant love of God was near. He gave me this opportunity. That's love.

After I talked to the Matron, I went and waited for the session to start. Can I just say that I probably have the best support system! So many people came. It was a reminder that where I am in life is right where I need to be. When I saw all my friends in the Celestial Room, I got so excited. Knowing that if I keep upon His path, I will lead others and myself back to Him. The Temple is so peaceful and so gorgeous.

I cannot wait to go back.

One of the best days of my life.

If you have questions, go here. Pray and ponder about it. You will get your answers.

Now here are some pictures:

Emily and Annie were there for me throughout High School.
Emily was a good friend that I could always go to for advice. Annie
was actually a teacher (my adviser) and gave me my first Book of Mormon.

Ron Lowe. He was the one who baptized me. He has seen me very nervous
yet he just helps me through everything and makes it easy and fun.

Marilee Lowe. I love her soo much. She was there for me when
I went through some hard trials in life. 

Alyssa, Ron, and Lori. Lori and I go far back. I've known her since the fifth grade.
I'm so please with my decision of having her be my escort. She is so wise
and always knows what to say. I am so grateful for her in my life.  

 Well there you go. I'm now endowed and I'm loving it. It was a perfect day and I cannot wait to go back. I want everyone to enjoy this experience and can't wait to share the Gospel to those who are ready for this wonderful gift.

On Sunday I went to St George and had a BBQ with my family. I haven't seen my nieces and nephew since Thanksgiving. I was in Heaven with all of them. I love them so much.

She has gotten so big since Thanksgiving. I love Sophia!

Hope everyone has a superb day!

The Adversary

First off, the title to this post is a little depressing, I know. However, I have learned so much in the last week it blows my mind. 

I have had some family issues that have been a constant reminder to never take anything for granted. Throughout my life, I have never really had a relationship with my mom. The last few weeks, I have been missing her so much. I just want to hug her, tell her how much I love her. I have done things in my past that probably hurt my mom more than anything. I'm not saying I regret what I did, but I want to apologize to her. 

This week I have cried every night. I'm not exaggerating one bit either. Every night. Family issues, friends, money, self issues where I feel as if I'm not good enough. Then on Wednesday, I realized that it's because I'm going through the Temple this Saturday and Satan is trying everything in his power to make me back out. I have been told bizarre things about the Temple that freak me out and it makes me think, am I ready for this?

Wednesday night, I went and got a Coke with my escort. She asked me, "Do you think a mission is the right thing?" Of course it is! That was my answer. I am good enough, and no matter how much Satan is there to put people in my life to drag me in the dirt, I will stand strong. I'm a daughter of a King. Our Savior died for us. He felt this exact pain and these feelings as I am right now so we can experience joy and happiness while returning to our Father. 

Then today... it was a beautiful day. I went all day without breaking down. Until about an hour ago. Had another crying episode. I realized that I love people too much. Is that possible? I don't think so. I don't won't give up on these people in my life. It breaks my heart to see them sad, lonely, etc,. So I'm giving myself a challenge-- I'm going to fast for those people. Starting this Saturday when I go through the Temple. It isn't anything extreme. My heart is just breaking for them. Like I said, I care too much. Satan knows how much I care for people-- therefore, he uses the people I love the most to try and have me back out of things I know are right.

Through all of this I have learned that Satan is just as aware of me as our Heavenly Father. That sounds weird, doesn't it? Well, as weird as it may sound, it's true. I'm grateful for the knowledge of knowing he is doing this to me. It helps me realize that nothing will stop me from going through the Temple. He puts these ideas in my mind that the Temple is crazy and why would I ever do that? Well, he lost. I cannot wait to get out there on my mission and share the Gospel with those I run into. I can't wait to meet those people and grow friendships through the love of God. 

Remember; God thinks you're wonderful.

With much love.

I love this arrangement. 

Newest addition

It's been a little over a month since my nephew has been born but I'm finally getting around to blogging about this little cutie. He seriously is so perfect. It is so hard for me to share him when I go visit-- even with Jennifer. I can't even explain how much I love him. Here are some very cute pictures of the handsome boy. A few of many.

Look at the smile! How can you not love him?

Tummy Time! He is very strong.

Every time I see him, he's getting bigger and bigger. Yes, those are
socks on his little hands. 

I can't get over how perfect he is. I went to a baby shower with Jennifer today and she brought him along. I wanted to hog him the entire time.

Oh and his name is Judah! He was born on January 30th. Again, he's perfect.

I have a list of things to blog about so I'm going to try and keep up on this more than I have been. 

Serving the Lord

I felt like the wait was so much longer than a week and a half to get my mission call. I updated my status on Facebook so everyone could cast their votes on where I was going-- I got so many Canada and South America votes (no one guessed where I'm going fyi). So, of course, I started thinking of places I would love to go. However, I think I jinxed every place.

Stake Conference came around and the Bishop told me to make sure to check the mail on Wednesday or Thursday (you typically get it on Wednesday's) because I will be getting my call. First of all, I was super nervous that day because I was saying the opening prayer in front of tons of people. Then he tells me this? Nervous wreck. I could not sleep until I got my call. I ended up having to take a trip to Wal-Mart to get Melatonin to be able to sleep.Wednesday came and I could not pay attention in school until I knew I had it. Turns out I didn't get. Heavier the envelope is and the price of the postage sometimes determines where you're going. I was almost positive I was going abroad. The next day I get a call from Coralee saying it was in the mail. I freaked out! I made sure everyone was at my house by 6:30 p.m for the opening.

I was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eugene, Oregon. Right when everyone was gone, I made sure to look up Eugene. It's gorgeous. Funny side note, before everyone got there, I was telling my roommate how it would be fun to serve in Oregon. Well, I got it! I report to the MTC on June 6th (wednesday). I'm so excited. I wish it would just come now! My former Bishops son actually served in the same mission so I went over for Sunday Dinner and we sat down for a good couple hours and just talked about it. First things first, I better not go to any city in the "valley of sickness." If you get allergies- which I do- you will pretty much be miserable. Let's pray that it's not as bad as I've heard.

Here are some pictures I found on Google Images:

This is Crater Lake. It was originally a Volcano. It's also the
deepest lake in the United States.

This is the coast in Oregon. Breath taking, right?

This is downtown Eugene. I can't wait to see all the green and
the big trees. 

I'll be coming home and die hard Duck fan, I'm sure.

I am seriously stoked to meet the people. There are going to be a lot of tree huggers, liberals, hippies, etc. They sure are going to be interesting! Can't wait.

My mission is the read area. I was telling everybody that I
better not be sent to Montana, Nevada or Idaho. I think it's funny how it
covers a tiny part of Nevada. It sweeps down in the most beautiful
area of California, too! 

Although everyone probably already knows where I'm going, this isn't news to you. If you're this far in the post, I guess you care!

Much love 

Whatever's on my mind.

I haven't been so good with this whole blogging thing. This semesters is already so crazy. I really do enjoy my classes though which is such great news. I love my major (previously stated a million +1 times). I usually go about my day keeping an open mind to what I can blog about. Clearly I have failed to do so. I can't think of anything.

How 'bout I talk about what comes to mind? 

This semester, I have signed up for two institute classes. Scripture Study and The Principles To A Productive Life. So far, I love them. I'm famous for signing up for a class and go strong for the first half of the semester, then stop going "because school gets too busy." Pft. Enough of the nonsense. This semester I will finish both of them. School can come second. I keep up with the reading and assignments as I would with secular schooling. Have you signed up for a class? If not, you should. Blessings will come your way. 

I miss my nieces and nephew in St. George so much. I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving. That is way too long. I have been down to St. George since then but never have the time to just stop by and say hi. Sad day. On a happier note, my twin sister is going to have baby Judah any day now. Can you believe that? I can't. My twin sister is having a baby boy. She's having contractions 3 minutes apart so it's close! The hospital keeps sending her back home though because the contractions apparently aren't strong enough. I have a friend who told me her sister had contractions for 4 days... straight. I hope Jennifer doesn't have to go a day longer. 

I was looking through my journal tonight and on every page, there's a doodle I drew in Church with one of my roommates, pictures of what I did that day, or something random. I came across a picture my roommate drew me in Church and it makes me laugh every time I see it. 

Yes, those are the qualities a man has to
have in order for me to marry him ;)

It's really small so hopefully you can read it. It's in my wall photos if you want to go see on Facebook. 

I love the Temple. My roommates and I are going to try and go every Tuesday. Good thing about that day is that it's such a spiritual day-- institute for an hour then the Temple. Oh what a glorious day. 

Mission papers are one step away. The Dr's office is sending my medical papers to my bishop which might take a few days and then I'll make an appointment with him and we'll send them off. I will possibly go at the end of February to the Temple. Eek. I'm so excited. 

Well, I took some nyquil to get rid of this awful cold of mine. I am tired. I will try and keep my mind open to blogging ideas throughout the day so I can blog more. 

Mucho Amor.                                                  

Fun with friends

I have a lot of pictures on my camera but I haven't had the time... eh who am I kidding? I'm too lazy to add them. Plus, they're not going on Facebook. Embarrassment. So if you have been in any activity involving me and my camera, let me know and I will e-mail them to you.

How was everyone's New Year's Eve night and first day of the year? Mine was pretty great if I do say so myself. On New Year's Eve, I hung out with family; had dinner and just hung around. After dinner, Jenn, John, and I went to Aubrie's house where she was having a party. We played a couple rounds of Nertz. Best game by the way. Jennifer and John went back home afterwards. At ten, the crowd started pouring in. That sounds like a lot of people were there huh? People came and went but there was about ten of us. It was still a lot of fun though. We played games, danced, got drunk (joke) off of Sparkling Cider.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR OF 2012!

Me, Kenz, Megan with our cute tiaras.

New Years Eve!

 We stayed up playing Taboo until about 4. We were exhausted. I did make it to 11 o'clock Church though. Woke up at 9:45ish. How in the world I did that is beyond me. We just went to Sacrament then came home and watched a movie. I took a three hour nap. Oops. After that, we went back to Aubrie's for yet another game night. Great fun.

What did you guys do for the occasions?

The New Year gives an excuse to do better, start new goals. I read a blog and she made a good point; we can start new- make a change- whenever we want. It made me really about how much I actually have used the New Year as an excuse.

However, I already have made resolutions in mind for this upcoming year.

1. Be a better person; a happy, positive person. Easy.
2. Be healthier. I did really well in 2011 except this last semester. I was so close. I can do it.
3. Read the BOM (Book of Mormon) at least 2 times. Done.

Those are pretty reasonable.

If any, what are you resolution/goals?

Life in 2011

When I do these questionnaires I feel like I'm in the old days of Myspace.


I like them though so I'm going to do this one along with the Christmas one I did. I got it from my friend Cheri's blog. 

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? 
Moved away from home to Orem, UT.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I wanted to work out more. I did way good in the Spring and Summer and lost about 25 pounds but then in the fall, I failed. I hope to start it up again and lay off the soda (I don't think I can completely stop though).

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My friend Makenna did :) Kyler is a beautiful girl.

What countries did you visit?
I stayed in the wonderful USA!

What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn’t have in 2011?

A love life. Sounds stupid but I'm being for real. Go on dates. Hopefully my mission plans don't stop guys from asking me.

What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
Moving to Orem. It was the most exciting moment of my life. That failed. I'm back in Cedar City. I'm glad though. Moving away made me realize how much I love my family and showed me things about myself I didn't know.  

What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Choosing to serve a full-time mission!

What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping up on working out. Jessica and I did so good. Jillian Michael's kicked my butt.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Sure didn't. 

What was the best thing you bought?
I'm not sure about this question. I didn't really buy anything extravagant.

Where did most of your money go?
Good ole school. It will all pay off though-- can't wait to have that degree in my hands. 

Did you meet anyone new this year who had an impact on your life? 
I've met a lot of people and I feel like each person has impacted my life one way or another.
What did you get really excited about?
My twin sister is pregnant and I can't wait to meet little Judah.

And I started planning Spring Break for 2012 and I cannot wait. 
What song will always remind you of 2011?
Super Bass. For some reason I'm in love with this song. I can't keep up with the original version (although I love it so so much) so I listen to Tyler Ward's version of it. A lot. 

Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier. Sadder isn't a choice. 
b) I lost weight but gained a little of it back. So both? 
c) Poorer. Typical college student. 

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Have more of a social life. I had one, don't get me wrong, but it would have been good to have gotten to know more people. 

What do you wish you’d done less of? 
Stress. Life is hard but I stress too much.
How did you spend Christmas?
With family. 

Did you fall in love in 2011?
Nope. I got out of the rut I was in with someone I fell in love with. So I fell out of love and couldn't be happier with that choice. 

What was your favorite TV program?
Will always be Grey's Anatomy

What was the best book you read?
I just read the Hunger Games. It was pretty great.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
I'm obsessed with "YouTubers." Tyler Ward, Boyce Avenue, Alex Goot, etc

What did you want and get?
A new camera. 

What did you want and not get?
A dadgum car

What was your favorite film of 2011?
Crazy Stupid Love

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I woke up and went to breakfast with my twin sister at Denny's (build your own grand slam is free on your birthday), went to the lake for the afternoon, and my roommates threw me a birthday party that night. I turned 21.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Staying in shape

How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
Safe. I wish I would have been more fun though. I'm always following the safe trends but I want to try and find my own style this coming up year. 

What kept you sane? 
Prayer. Lots and lots of prayer. And friends and family.

Who did you miss?
My sisters in St. George. I wish I could see them more. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. 
"Life is hard. But it's harder when you're stupid." Amen.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Mistakes of the past don't define you, they refine you."

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! I know that I am.